Compass Market Speculation is Irresponsible

Compass market speculation article said to be one of the most irresponsible articles read by REAL Trends President

Recently, Patrick Kearns, a staff writer for Inman, wrote an article entitled, “Compass’ New Direction: Which Brokerages Will it Buy Next?” In the article, the author speculated about the markets that Compass will enter. The problem is he took it one step further to name brokerage companies that Compass should consider buying.

I suppose it’s safe to say that I have read more irresponsible articles in my 31 years with REAL Trends, but for the life of me, I can’t remember one—ever.  Writing an article speculating on markets that Compass will enter is not hard.  They’ve communicated that to the industry for the most part.

But to name brokerage companies that Compass should consider buying just put a target on every one of the principals’ heads. The article even stooped to provide photos of those principals. Now, every one of those principals will have to spend time (that they don’t have) to let their people know that they aren’t for sale.

One wonders whether the writer is being paid by someone to further disrupt these markets and these superb firms. I can’t imagine how this would be considered worthwhile journalism.