Judge grants final approval to 9 commission lawsuit settlements
Judge Stephen Bough granted approval for settlements involving Compass, Douglas Elliman, @properties and other companies. Collectively, the companies will pay $110M to resolve litigation
by Jim Dalrymple II Oct 31
Lamacchia: Knock off the threats to hardworking real estate agents
Opinion
Anthony Lamacchia said threats of severe penalties for commission violations leveled by plaintiffs lawyer Michael Ketchmark and Consumer Advocates in American Real Estate are 'unnecessary'
Attorneys, consumer groups have got eyes on agents: The Download
Everyone — from Michael Ketchmark to the consumer advocates behind Moehrl — is letting agents know that they're under scrutiny as they implement the new rules
by Christy Murdock Aug 24
When is a buyer contract required? At showings — but not open houses
The National Association of Realtors' proposed settlement agreement requires brokers and agents to sign contracts with buyers they're 'working with.' But what exactly does that mean?
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 20
Michael Ketchmark: Every move you make, we'll be watching you
In a phone interview, lead plaintiffs' counsel Michael Ketchmark weighed in on the consequences of violating the NAR settlement, Zillow's business model, and the 'monster case' that remains
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 19
A brave new world awaits the real estate industry. Are you prepared?
Beginning Saturday, new rules around commissions take effect, paving the way for the biggest shift in real estate in at least a generation. It's a brave new world, and it begins this weekend
Dwiggins’ warning on commission workarounds: Prepare to be sued
NextHome CEO James Dwiggins shares his thoughts on agents who use websites designed to advertise offers of compensation from listings after the NAR settlement takes effect next month
by Taylor Anderson Jul 23
Judge approves Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX settlements
The ruling by Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday resolves antitrust claims in the Sitzer | Burnett, Moehrl and Nosalek commission cases. However, it won't quash other existing suits from buyers
Judge rejects homebuyer motion to block commission settlements
Plaintiffs in the commission suit known as Batton 1 had requested a temporary restraining order Wednesday to prevent final approval of the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements
NAR clarifies when a buyer contract will be required under settlement
In an email, the 1.5M member trade group specified when agents would have to have signed written agreements with buyers, but stressed NAR would not dictate the agreements' terms
Federal courts hand HomeServices a win (and a loss) in Sitzer | Burnett
The US Supreme Court denied the real estate franchisor's request for consideration on Monday, but the plaintiffs won't be able to lay $4.7B in damages at HomeServices' feet — at least not yet
by Andrea V. Brambila Apr 15
HomeServices wants US Supreme Court to weigh Sitzer | Burnett case
The franchisor filed a petition to the Supreme Court requesting the review of an earlier appeals court ruling barring it from enforcing arbitration agreements signed by seller clients
Keller Williams settles Sitzer, Moehrl commission suits for $70M
Under the proposed deal, Keller Williams must inform franchisees that offers of compensation are not required. It also agreed to revise training materials and end rules requiring agents to join NAR
It’s past time for proptechs to shift focus from agents to the consumer
Opinion
In the wake of potentially massive lawsuits and a maelstrom of mismanagement at the top of NAR, real estate's tech innovators have an opportunity to win back consumers on behalf of agents
by Craig C. Rowe Jan 3
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
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 28