The court dismissed a federal antitrust claim in the case known as Batton 1, but allowed state-law claims to proceed, partially due to the argument that commissions are baked into home prices. Continue reading
The Department of Justice said a proposed settlement in the major antitrust lawsuit might itself violate federal law and said buyers should negotiate their broker’s commission directly. Continue reading
In remarks made in Boston that were later posted online, new NAR President Kevin Sears declared business will change for Realtors — whether they embrace it or have it “forced down our throats.” Continue reading
The franchisor filed a petition to the Supreme Court on Friday requesting the review of an earlier appeals court ruling barring it from enforcing arbitration agreements signed by seller clients. Continue reading
Under the proposed deal, Keller Williams must inform franchisees that offers of compensation are not required. It also agreed to revise training materials and end rules requiring agents to join NAR. Continue reading
In a video that abruptly vanished from NAR’s website Wednesday before resurfacing, Wright said the group does not set commissions — a practice it isn’t currently being accused of — and welcomed competition from AREA. Continue reading
NAR was dismissed without paying any money or making any rule changes, but The PLS says it can reopen the case if they don’t come to a deal. Continue reading
At Inman Connect, Ed Zorn proposed mandating buyer representation agreements, killing the MLS compensation field, adding a concession field, and creating a fund to pay out settlements. Continue reading
CRMLS, Bright MLS and MRED told the U.S. District Court of the Central District of California’s Western Division they had reached a deal “in principle” with ThePLS.com. Continue reading
Federal Judge Thomas S. Zilly declined REX’s motion for a retrial on Thursday. The company had been a years-long battle with Zillow over alleged antitrust activity regarding its IDX policies. Continue reading