HomeServices dropped from long-running buyer commission lawsuit

The court dismissed a federal antitrust claim in the case known as Batton 1, but allowed state-law claims to proceed, partially due to the argument that commissions are baked into home prices. Continue reading

NAR halts ‘presidential initiatives’ for next 2 years amid turmoil

The trade group will not take on pet projects for the duration of NAR President Kevin Sears’ tenure, which is slated to last until November 2025, he told NAR’s Board of Directors Wednesday morning. Continue reading

CoStar, Zillow, RE/MAX among 118 firms sued by law enforcement

Atlas Data Privacy Corp. alleges the companies disclosed home addresses and unpublished home phone numbers for judges, police officers, prosecutors and their families. Continue reading

NAR president: The DOJ is a ‘bigger problem’ than $1.8B Sitzer verdict

In remarks made in Boston that were later posted online, new NAR President Kevin Sears declared business will change for Realtors — whether they embrace it or have it “forced down our throats.” Continue reading

HomeServices wants US Supreme Court to weigh Sitzer | Burnett case

The franchisor filed a petition to the Supreme Court on Friday requesting the review of an earlier appeals court ruling barring it from enforcing arbitration agreements signed by seller clients. 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

NAR CEO Nykia Wright appears — and disappears — in ‘odd’ new video

In a video that abruptly vanished from NAR’s website Wednesday before resurfacing, Wright said the group does not set commissions — a practice it isn’t currently being accused of — and welcomed competition from AREA. Continue reading

Pocket listing suit against NAR ‘paused’ for settlement talks

NAR was dismissed without paying any money or making any rule changes, but The PLS says it can reopen the case if they don’t come to a deal. Continue reading

Attorney lays out how real estate can survive the commission suits

At Inman Connect, Ed Zorn proposed mandating buyer representation agreements, killing the MLS compensation field, adding a concession field, and creating a fund to pay out settlements. Continue reading

Zillow President Susan Daimler defends long-gestating ‘super app’

The portal executive also declared that she didn’t think the “Your Listing, Your Lead” approach of Homes.com serves either agents or consumers well. Continue reading