Agent training, objection scripts on trial as Sitzer | Burnett ends Day 3

On Day 2 of witness testimony Wednesday, attorney Michael Ketchmark narrowed in on training materials and presentation slides he alleged violated antitrust policies held by the defendants. Continue reading

NAR to shed 1M members if shared commission banned, analysts say

A report released Oct. 4 by the investment banking firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods forecasts commissions to decline by at least 30 percent as a result of ongoing threats to the real estate industry. Continue reading

RE/MAX becomes 3rd major firm to distance itself from NAR

In announcing the details of its settlement in the bombshell commission suits, the franchisor said that agents and brokerages would “have the freedom to set and/or negotiate commissions as they see fit.” Continue reading

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

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

Brokers fear losing commissions, agents if lawsuits succeed: Survey

Real estate professionals are preparing for painful changes and the upending of the status quo if courts rule in favor of plaintiffs in two key lawsuits, a survey on commissions conducted by Intel shows. Continue reading

NAR seeks to suppress DOJ probe from jury as commission trial nears

The National Association of Realtors filed four requests in the US District Court in Western Missouri on Thursday involving commission rule changes, government investigations and discrimination. Continue reading

The commission suits are headed to court. What happens after that?

At Inman CEO Connect, Russ Cofano, James Dwiggins and Greg Robertson debated the changes that agents and brokers may see as a result of homeseller lawsuits and government interference. Continue reading

Judges deny HomeServices appeal, clearing way for October Sitzer trial

The ruling against HomeServices of America in federal court on Wednesday sets the stage for a likely Oct. 16 start for the first of two highly anticipated bombshell commission trials later this year. Continue reading

Keller Williams says ruling could hurt its defense in commission trial

The Sitzer/Burnett antitrust case is set to begin Oct. 16 but could be moved to February. The court denied the franchisor’s request to change the date because it conflicts with KW’s Family Reunion. Continue reading