In latest Gibson ruling, judge offers clues on fate of NAR settlement

Judge Stephen R. Bough, who ruled on Sitzer | Burnett, said Gibson deals “provide a significant financial recovery to the Settlement Class in light of the strengths and weaknesses of the case.” Continue reading

HomeServices commission settlement gets prelim approval

HomeServices previously agreed to pay $250 million to settle various commission suits. A final approval hearing is set for November. Continue reading

Buyer appeals Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX settlements

The franchisors are not required to implement the business practice changes they agreed to until after the appeals process. Continue reading

Sitzer judge indicates his support for proposed NAR settlement

Judge Stephen R. Bough said payouts and practice changes in NAR’s deal, added to those in the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements, represent “substantial benefits” for sellers. Continue reading

Judge rejects homebuyer motion to block commission settlements

Plaintiffs in the commission suit known as Batton 1 had requested a temporary restraining order Wednesday to prevent final approval of the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements. Continue reading

Sitzer judge grants preliminary approval for NAR settlement

Judge Stephen R. Bough ruled that the sweeping changes NAR agreed to were “fair, reasonable and adequate” and set a final approval hearing for November. Continue reading

How commission chaos divided the real estate industry into 4 factions

The verdict in the monumental Sitzer | Burnett commission case in Missouri — plus oversight by federal regulators — has splintered the industry as it scrambles to figure out how to move forward. Continue reading

NAR breaks silence on DOJ call to decouple commissions

Consumer watchdog CFA hails federal agency’s proposal to ban sellers from making compensation offers as a “major watershed” in promoting more competition in real estate. Continue reading

Sitzer | Burnett defendants bulk up lawyer bench to prep for appeal

The National Association of Realtors and Keller Williams have hired former U.S. solicitors general to help them beat back the multibillion-dollar verdict. Continue reading

NAR: ‘We have many grounds’ to appeal the Sitzer | Burnett verdict

The National Association of Realtors laid out its arguments to overturn the ruling Tuesday. The plaintiffs’ attorney said if the trade group doesn’t change, it risks an injunction and DOJ wrath. Continue reading