Supreme Court denies NAR’s appeal request in DOJ case

The Supreme Court didn’t explain its reasoning for the decision, which will now allow the Department of Justice to reopen its investigation into the association’s cooperative compensation rule. Continue reading

RE/MAX President Amy Lessinger announces resignation

Lessinger’s departure comes less than a year after she assumed the role of president. It also comes after RE/MAX has struggled with financial results in recent quarters. Continue reading

Louisiana agents latest to file suit over divisive NAR 3-way agreement

Industry members argue in the new lawsuit that NAR and other defendants have engaged in anticompetitive practices. They want restitution — and an end to rules they don’t support. Continue reading

EXp World Holdings sells Virbela, the firm that made its virtual world

The sale, to Virbela’s cofounders Alex Howland and Erik Hill, closed at the end of November. It comes at a time when virtual worlds and the metaverse have waned as a topic of excitement. Continue reading

DOJ’s data sharing statement has implications for MLSs, associations

The DOJ’s recent statement, made in relation to a lawsuit against pork producers, notes that the sharing of information among competitors could violate antitrust law “even without proof of an agreement to fix prices.” Continue reading

HomeServices hit by buyer commission lawsuit in Florida

The class action lawsuit filed by plaintiff James Lutz alleges that HomeServices and other members of the National Association of Realtors fixed commissions, which misled buyers and resulted in buyers paying inflated home prices. Continue reading

KW CEO predicts downfall of indie model amid NAR settlement

Keller Williams president and CEO Mark Willis sat with Real Estate News to talk about his return to the Texas franchiser and how commission lawsuits could spark a new wave of brokerage and agent consolidation. Continue reading

NYC real estate news site Brick Underground to close unless sold

The site started as an objective resource for renters and buyers moving to or living in New York City. Staff holds out hope for a sale this month. Continue reading

Fed sending US into a ‘category 5 hurricane,’ Barry Sternlicht says

Starwood Capital Group Chairman and billionaire real estate investor Barry Sternlicht claims Fed inaction has all but ensured a recession is on the way. “Nobody wants to sell anything today,” he said. Continue reading