In ‘sudden’ reversal, NAR says listing brokers can offer 0%

An attorney for the Sitzer/Burnett homeseller plaintiffs calls the change a “stunning admission of guilt” on the eve of a class-action trial set to start Oct. 16. Continue reading

Anywhere settles bombshell Sitzer and Moehrl commission lawsuits

Exact terms will be revealed when the plaintiffs ask the court to approve the deal, but an attorney for the plaintiffs says the franchisor is the first of the defendants to agree to “change its practices.” Continue reading

‘It’s well past time’: DOJ urges court to overturn NAR commission ruling

In a Friday brief, the Department of Justice argued the National Association of Realtors’ pocket listing and commission rules need “to be assessed on their merits” on whether they cost American homebuyers billions of dollars a year. Continue reading

Chamber of Commerce goes to bat for NAR in face of ‘unfair’ DOJ probe

In a “friend of the court” brief, the Chamber said the government should have to keep its promise to not investigate the National Association of Realtors’ commission and pocket listing policies. Continue reading

‘Alarming’: NAR slams DOJ effort to resume commission investigation

In a new brief, NAR claims the DOJ’s argument for resuming its probe would “destabilize the law.” The agency has sought to overturn an earlier ruling that quashed a request for more information. Continue reading

DOJ: NAR commission and pocket listing investigation should resume

The U.S. Department of Justice wants “to resume its consequential investigation of conduct that affects over $100 billion in broker fees paid by Americans annually,” according to an appeal. Continue reading

DOJ appeals NAR win in probe of commission, pocket listing rules

The antitrust enforcer wants a higher court to overturn a ruling that limits its investigation into the Realtor trade group’s Participation Rule and Clear Cooperation Policy. Continue reading

NAR relies on the dictionary in its latest volley against the DOJ

The National Association of Realtors’ latest volley in its case against the U.S. Department of Justice includes images from Merriam-Webster’s dictionary that define the words “close” and “open” — a stark example of how far apart the two sides are as th… Continue reading

DOJ to NAR: Increased competition could save consumers billions

In court filings, regulator says rules “restrict how real estate agents can market properties, dictate how real estate commissions are set, and impede commission negotiations.” Continue reading

NAR vs. DOJ: A timeline of the battle as it stretches into 4th year

An analysis of the association’s petition offers a step-by-step timeline of the events leading up to the DOJ’s launch of a new probe into NAR rules. Continue reading