DOJ: NAR commission and pocket listing investigation should resume

The U.S. Department of Justice wants “to resume its consequential investigation of conduct that affects over $100 billion in broker fees paid by Americans annually,” according to an appeal. Continue reading

DOJ appeals NAR win in probe of commission, pocket listing rules

The antitrust enforcer wants a higher court to overturn a ruling that limits its investigation into the Realtor trade group’s Participation Rule and Clear Cooperation Policy. Continue reading

DOJ: Tossing pocket listing suit prevents competition with MLSs

In an amicus brief filed Monday the antitrust enforcer argues that a lower court incorrectly tossed a case filed by Top Agent Network over the National Association of Realtors’ pocket listing policy. Continue reading

Office-exclusive listings are the same as pocket listings. Why doesn’t NAR think so?

Under the Clear Cooperation Policy, a listing can be “withheld” from the MLS and become an “office-exclusive” listing. Broker Teresa Boardman questions the wisdom of this exception. Continue reading

DOJ asks to interfere in TAN pocket listing case against NAR

Top Agent Network’s appeal alleges the Clear Cooperation Policy’s goal is to safeguard NAR’s business model, which relies on dues revenue from nearly 1.6 million agents and brokers. Continue reading

US Supreme Court denies NAR petition in pocket listing case

The nation’s highest court will not be weighing in on whether the real estate trade group’s Clear Cooperation Policy violates antitrust laws. The case proceeds in a lower court. Continue reading

‘Don’t wait until the plane crashes’: Lawyers offer grim antitrust update

Chris Osborn, Mitch Skinner and Claude Szyfer offered an update on multiple industry antitrust lawsuits at the Council of Multiple Listing Services’ annual conference. Continue reading

NAR asks US Supreme Court to overturn pocket listing ruling

An appeals court allowed The PLS’s case against the Clear Cooperation Policy to proceed in April, but NAR hopes a review from the nation’s highest court will change that. Continue reading

NAR heads into midyear gathering while under siege on multiple fronts

The National Association of Realtors, which boasts 1.5 million members, will tackle real estate’s hottest topics a week after suffering a series of legal setbacks in court. Here’s a breakdown of the agenda. Continue reading

Appeals court deals blow to NAR, allows pocket listing suit to continue

Three-judge panel concludes trade group must face allegations that the Clear Cooperation Policy was part of a group boycott to prevent The PLS from competing with MLSs, leaving agents with fewer choices, inflated prices and lower-quality products. Continue reading