New court ruling is both victory and defeat for NAR and REX

Discount brokerage’s antitrust claims survive after judge concludes REX “plausibly alleges that Zillow changed its websites because of NAR’s rules.” Continue reading

Buyer commissions in — lockboxes out — when NAR votes next month

The trade group will weigh whether to require multiple listing services to allow agents and brokers to display buyer agent compensation, but it won’t consider change to lockbox policy. Continue reading

REX: ‘Outmoded’ real estate rules ‘struck a vein’ with DOJ

Brokerage backed by Chris Christie and Jeb Bush says agent steering by commission should “shock the conscience” of anyone interested in equity in housing. Continue reading

Why REX pays buyer agents and uses MLSs — sometimes

REX’s general counsel Michael Toth says the discount brokerage pays buyer agents in at least 40 percent of its list-side transactions. Continue reading

REX CEO calls on NAR to repeal ‘anti-consumer’ rules at conference

In an open letter, Ryan alleges the National Association of Realtors’ rules prevent hundreds of thousands of Americans from attaining homeownership. He called on NAR to repeal the rules at its Realtors Conference and Expo in San Diego in November. Continue reading

NAR is fighting a losing battle against the feds

Now is the time to unwind the messy set of industry practices at the crux of this fight and bring transparency, fairness and clarity to real estate transactions. Continue reading

Federal judge denies NAR, Zillow’s motion to end REX lawsuit

Federal Judge Thomas Zilly said REX Real Estate’s antitrust allegations against NAR and Zillow are “plausible,” in an order on Thursday. NAR said it will continue to defend itself against REX’s claims. Continue reading

NAR to federal court in REX case: Ignore the DOJ

REX calls out NAR for alleged “false assertions” while NAR alleges REX is blaming others for its “business shortcomings” and that “consumers are not interested” in REX’s services Continue reading

DOJ intervenes in REX antitrust suit against NAR and Zillow

The federal agency says NAR can’t use a 2008 consent decree to shield itself from investigation of its rules. Continue reading

Dueling NAR and REX op-eds hint that DOJ will target commissions

National Association of Realtors: “The Administration has publicly signaled a lack of understanding about the MLS system and the associated commission structure.” Continue reading