Homie: NAR created a ‘weapon’ that it used to block competition

In the latest filing in its quest for damages, Utah-based discount brokerage Homie asserted NAR, KW, RE/MAX and others created and enforced rules that amounted to an illegal conspiracy. Continue reading

Michael Valdes leaves eXp to lead LPT Realty global division

After four years at eXp Realty, Michael Valdes is moving to LPT Realty. After surpassing 10,000 agents in the U.S., the Florida-based brokerage is ready to expand internationally, executives told Inman. Continue reading

From Sitzer to Moehrl, 2023 was the year of commission confusion

Sitzer | Burnett and its verdict cast a long shadow that will extend into 2024 and potentially shake up the real estate industry. But it wasn’t the only lawsuit with commissions in the crosshairs. Continue reading

NAR argues against setting trial date in Moehrl commission suit

The trade group’s attorney says NAR is “still analyzing” the consequences of the Sitzer | Burnett verdict. Judge Andrea R. Wood says Moehrl is a “different case” that will likely go to trial in Q4 2024. Continue reading

Jury finds in favor of homeseller plaintiffs in Sitzer | Burnett trial

Jurors on Tuesday shocked the real estate industry, awarding damages adding up to $5.36 billion to homesellers after deliberating for 2 hours and 28 minutes. Continue reading

Full court press: What to know as the commission battle starts today

The allegations, the high-profile witnesses slated to testify and all the evidence the jury will and won’t see — it’s all here as the long-awaited Sitzer | Burnett commission trial unfolds this week. Continue reading

DOJ’s ‘concerns’ may jeopardize an MLS commission settlement

The antitrust enforcer suggests the rule changes in the proposed deal don’t go far enough. Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the agency has failed to articulate its specific concerns. Continue reading

RE/MAX settles bombshell commission lawsuits for $55M

The deal resolves claims in both the Sitzer and Moehrl antitrust cases. The franchisor agreed to change its business practices, including “no longer forcing homesellers to pay buyer’s agents.” Continue reading

MLS PIN settlement approved after overcoming judge’s qualms

Judge Patti Saris, of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, preliminarily approved the deal after the settlement fund was restructured. 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