HomeServices tells court it’s too early for $4.7B Sitzer ruling

The Berkshire Hathaway affiliate says final judgment in the case shouldn’t come before settlements are finalized, a process the franchisor does not expect to be “uncontroversial.” Continue reading

Who’s out: The brokerages not covered in the NAR settlement

More than 90 brokerages would not be covered under the $418 million deal, though most have the option of buying in. Continue reading

Berkshire Hathaway Energy added to growing Gibson commission suit

Amended complaint alleges Warren Buffett’s company abused the trust inspired by his name to encourage homesellers to use HomeServices and further alleged price-fixing conspiracy. Continue reading

Keller Williams settles Sitzer, Moehrl commission suits for $70M

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

Court says $200B commission suit against NAR must go forward

A federal court judge denied a request from the defendants to suspend the case pending the outcome of post-trial motions after the Sitzer | Burnett verdict. Continue reading

NAR, KW and HomeServices seek new trial in Sitzer | Burnett suit

The defendants point to “legal errors at trial” they say justify setting aside the jury’s historic, multi-billion-dollar verdict and giving the defendants another chance to make their case in court. Continue reading

From Sitzer to Moehrl, 2023 was the year of commission confusion

Sitzer | Burnett and its verdict cast a long shadow that will extend into 2024 and potentially shake up the real estate industry. But it wasn’t the only lawsuit with commissions in the crosshairs. Continue reading

Mother of all commission suits filed in Illinois, this time by homebuyers

“Batton 2,” exponentially larger in scope than Sitzer | Burnett and the Moehrl commission suits, was filed last week in Illinois and takes aim at many of the defendants in another new suit called Gibson. Continue reading

Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs’ attorneys in talks with Department of Justice

Disrupting the National Association of Realtors’ use of multiple listing services as a “vehicle for higher commissions” is at the center of talks, lawyer Michael Ketchmark told Inman exclusively. Continue reading