NAR: ‘The MLS is under attack’

Lawsuits alleging that NAR rules regarding multiple listing services prop up commissions that inflate buyer and seller costs keep proliferating. Continue reading

5 big challenges for REX Real Estate in 2021

The well-connected discount brokerage is trying to raise more funding and grow its business as it takes on industry behemoths NAR and Zillow. Continue reading

NAR-DOJ rule changes won’t come for months

Rules regarding public display of buyer broker commissions and lockbox access for non-Realtors were originally slated to take effect by the end of March. Continue reading

Compass, Sotheby’s roped into latest suit alleging ‘inflated’ commissions

The new antitrust lawsuit, filed Friday in California, also names the National Association of Realtors, Realogy, Keller Williams, RE/MAX and several other companies as defendants. Continue reading

NAR claps back on commission attacks

The trade group’s president accuses commission detractors of duplicity “for a payout” under the guise of protecting consumers. Continue reading

Consumer groups support REX suit against anti-rebate law

The Consumer Federation of America and the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group argue that prohibiting rebates to buyers and sellers stifles commission competition and harms consumers. Continue reading

Study commissioned by REX claims commissions are deeply inflated

Real estate commissions are inflated by as much as $50 billion per year due to the lack of price competition created by having listing brokers set co-op fees for buyer brokers, according to the report in the Berkeley Business Law Journal. Continue reading

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac subpoenaed in commission lawsuit

Plaintiffs in an antitrust lawsuit that could shake up the real estate industry have subpoenaed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, sharpening scrutiny of real estate commissions nationwide. The subpoenas were issued by the smaller of two bombs… Continue reading

T3 Sixty ‘Danger’ report emerges as latest hitch in NAR lawsuit

NAR commissioned the report for the trade group’s Strategic Thinking Advisory Committee. Among the top 10 dangers noted were “Commissions spiral downward.” Continue reading

DOJ filing indicates wider probe into buyer’s broker commissions

In a new filing Monday, DOJ claims the National Association of Realtors is ‘inaccurately portraying’ a 2008 consent decree in its defense in buy-side commission lawsuit. Continue reading