ShowingTime returns to two large MLSs after settlement 

Members of multiple listing services in Arizona and Wisconsin will have a choice of using either ShowingTime or Aligned Showings after a lawsuit was dismissed in U.S. District Court in Arizona.

Joint statement: Zillow, MLS Aligned, the Arizona Regional MLS and Metro MLS announced today that they are "committed to enhancing the showing experience for their members." That means members of ARMLS and Metro MLS will have access to both products.

Court case background: Zillow filed a lawsuit in December when the two MLSs decided to remove ShowingTime and only offer Aligned Showings, a product that was developed by MLS Aligned. After some back-and-forth that included motions to dismiss the case, a settlement was reached on June 13 but wasn't finalized until Aug. 2.

Competing arguments: While the case was dismissed, it did bring up interesting questions about competition and monopoly. Zillow alleged that rather than competing on the merits of the products, MLS Aligned conspired to remove ShowingTime even though Zillow said it offered the product for free in those two markets.

Attorneys for the two MLSs countered that Aligned Showings actually increases competition in the marketplace.

"The notion that ShowingTime's loss of two integration contracts in a national market of hundreds of MLSs should give rise to antitrust liability is unserious," the attorneys said in a February court filing.

Real Estate News has reached out to Zillow, ARMLS and Metro MLS for further comment.