Commission study paid for by HomeServices comes under fire

The study argues that decoupling commissions would harm first-time, low-income, and minority buyers, but critics like the Consumer Federation of America say it’s based on a faulty premise. Continue reading

Watchdog calls for ban on sellers offering buyer agent commissions

In a new report alleging the majority of commissions are nearly identical in 35 U.S. cities, the Consumer Federation of America said offers to buyer agents should be legally prohibited. Continue reading

From hate speech to antitrust: The year in MLSs and associations

2021 came with Realtor misbehavior, rising legal and regulatory scrutiny and MLSs becoming tech investors after Zillow’s acquisition of ShowingTime. Continue reading

Court tosses REX antitrust suit against Oregon anti-rebate law

Judge said discount brokerage had made ‘compelling arguments’ that law hurts consumers and artificially inflates home prices, but that states are immune from federal antitrust laws. Continue reading

‘Highly uniform’ commissions designed to thwart competition: study

The Consumer Federation of America pushes for an end to the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers to spur price competition. Continue reading

Consumer watchdog: The real estate industry regulates itself

A report from the Consumer Federation of America found that the vast majority of seats on state real estate commissions are held by industry members, and not one is held by a consumer or housing advocate. Continue reading

NAR ‘cut a deal’ with Trump DOJ to undermine commission suits: CFA

The National Association of Realtors countered that the Consumer Federation of America’s assertions are “wrong and misleading” and “commissions are very much negotiable.” Continue reading

With new FTC chair, expect greater scrutiny on the real estate industry

Lina Khan’s appointment at the Federal Trade Commission last week appears to indicate the Biden administration plans to take an aggressive approach to antitrust regulation. Continue reading

‘Double-dipping agents’ overcharge consumers billions in commissions

Consumer watchdog says dual agency should be banned, but double-ending should not be so long as agents discount their commission and act as facilitators. Continue reading