Robert Reffkin

Contributor

Robert Reffkin is the Chairman and CEO of Compass International Holdings (CIH), a global real estate services company with a network of 340,000 real estate professionals and affiliate broker-owners and a presence in every major U.S. city and approximately 120 countries and territories. CIH’s portfolio includes some of the most respected brands in real estate, which together were responsible for nearly one trillion dollars in sales volume in 2024. CIH is also known for its best-in-class client services, including Cartus, mortgage, title, insurance, escrow, commercial real estate, and other integrated services. Robert founded Compass in 2012, drawing inspiration from his mother, Ruth, a longtime real estate agent. Under his leadership, Compass ascended to become a leading real estate brokerage in the United States, achieving over one trillion dollars in real estate sales. Robert holds both a B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University, and his professional background includes roles at McKinsey and Goldman Sachs, along with a tenure as a White House Fellow. Beyond his business endeavors, he has run 50 marathons in 50 states, raising $1 million for charities – including the nonprofit America Needs You, which he founded to empower young people from underprivileged backgrounds, assisting them in becoming the first in their families to attend college. He is also donating all of his proceeds from his book, No One Succeeds Alone, to nonprofits that help young people realize their dreams.

Opinion

Reffkin: Law vs. rule — MLS mandates cannot supersede fiduciary duty

Chairman and CEO of Compass International Holdings weighs in on law versus industry practice

Mar 25

Opinion

Robert Reffkin: My commitments to Anywhere’s brands

In an Inman Exclusive, Robert Reffkin answers frequently asked questions about the Compass acquisition of Anywhere and how it will impact agents

Oct 28

Opinion

Robert Reffkin: This is real estate's college sports moment

Just like the NCAA took advantage of athletes, Compass CEO Reffkin writes, Zillow, NAR and MLSs are just ‘monopolies that profit from work they don’t create’

Sep 16

Opinion

Why client disclosures, not MLS mandates, serve homeowners best

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin cites research on pre-marketing outcomes to argue for an end to Clear Cooperation Policy mandates

Feb 27

Opinion

Robert Reffkin nods to Gary Keller in latest Clear Cooperation critique

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin lays out 10 questions his agents are asking in the wake of NAR's commission settlement in his latest argument in favor of consumer choice and against CCP

Feb 7

Reffkin: Restrictive NAR and MLS rules eliminate seller choice

Compass founder and CEO Robert Reffkin writes that Clear Cooperation undermines seller choice, putting them at risk of the consequences of a mass exposure of property details

Oct 8

Opinion

Reffkin: NAR's Clear Cooperation breaks ethics code, state laws

In challenging the National Association of Realtors' Clear Cooperation Policy, Robert Reffkin writes, Realtors are upholding their highest moral, ethical and legal duties to serve clients

Sep 20

Opinion

5 lessons I learned from running 50 marathons: Robert Reffkin

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin, in a letter to all employees, shares what he learned throughout an impressive physical achievement

Sep 21

Opinion

Home has never been more important

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin shares his thoughts on why the concept of 'home' matters so much right now

Apr 7