Sellers appeal Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX settlements
The homesellers object that the deals' payout is 'far too low' for the 'massive' number of injured parties and that franchisees should be required to implement practice changes
Seller who balked at inadequate payout appeals commission deal
Pennsylvania homeseller Spring Way Center is seeking to overturn the court approval of deals reached with Anywhere, Keller Williams and RE/MAX to resolve antitrust commission suits
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 11
Ben Bray & Associates joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Ben Bray & Associates, a 27-year-old Tennessee brokerage, is the sixth to join Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in 2024. The Lafayette-based brokerage boasts 28 agents across 2 offices
by Marian McPherson Jun 7
NAR says settlement 'eliminates' steering. Plaintiffs issue warning
Plaintiffs' lawyer Michael Ketchmark vowed legal action to enforce deal: 'Anyone who thinks they can send a few emails or bury their head in the sand and avoid the application of the law is wrong'
Buyer appeals Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX settlements
The franchisors are not required to implement the business practice changes they agreed to until after the appeals process
Sitzer judge indicates his support for proposed NAR settlement
Judge Stephen R. Bough said payouts and practice changes in NAR's deal, added to those in the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements, represent 'substantial benefits' for sellers
by Andrea V. Brambila May 14
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
Here's who sank and who soared in Q1 2024 earnings
Real estate’s Q1 earnings are in. From CoStar’s revenue surge to Opendoor’s slump, we have all of the highs and lows
by Jessi Healey May 9
Buyers seek surprise injunction to halt commission suit settlements
The plaintiffs in a suit known as Batton 1 have filed for a temporary restraining order preventing the final approval of the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements
More agents plan to switch brokerages in the coming year
Thirty-nine percent of agents plan to switch brokerages in 2024, according to Coldwell Banker Real Estate's latest survey, citing favorable commission structures and strong lead gen systems
by Marian McPherson May 1
Coldwell Banker icon Ralph Burnet receives final farewell
Coldwell Banker icon Ralph Burnet died on March 19, after a lengthy battle against kidney disease. Longtime friend and colleague Matt Baker reflects on his legacy
by Marian McPherson Apr 30
Anywhere's revenue holds steady in Q1 amid 'tough' housing market
Generated revenue remained flat at $1.1B from the same period a year ago while the franchisor improved net losses by 27% year over year to a loss of $101M, according to a Thursday earnings call
by Lillian Dickerson Apr 25
BHGRE's 2nd largest franchise signs 10-year contract renewal
Atlanta-based Metro Brokers has signed an agreement to stay with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate until 2034. The company was one of the first affiliates to join BHGRE in 2009
by Marian McPherson Apr 22
Pulte objects to Sitzer | Burnett settlements: What's in it for me?
US homebuilder PulteGroup said it should have been provided with a plan to distribute claims so that it can estimate its recovery amount. But that document doesn't appear to exist
by Andrea V. Brambila Apr 17
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
Judges decline to 'centralize' commission lawsuits for now
A panel of judges considering whether to consolidate real estate commission lawsuits into one cited the recent NAR settlement as a reason to deny the request
by Taylor Anderson Apr 12
Recruiting War '24: Agents field new offers constantly, Intel finds
A slower market and a crowded brokerage landscape have shifted efforts from quantity to quality, new reporting and Intel survey results reveal. For agents, it's now an unavoidable aspect of the job
by Jim Dalrymple II Apr 8
HomeServices tells court it's too early for $4.7B Sitzer ruling
The Berkshire Hathaway affiliate says final judgment in the case shouldn't come before settlements are finalized, a process the franchisor does not expect to be 'uncontroversial'
Moehrl trial shifts to early 2025 as HomeServices keeps skin in game
The plaintiffs and defendants in the antitrust commission case indicated they would be available for a 3- to 4-week trial beginning Jan. 21, 2025, according to court filings earlier this week
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 28
Who's out: The brokerages not covered in the NAR settlement
More than 90 brokerages would not be covered under the $418M deal, though most have the option of buying in
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 20
How commission chaos divided the real estate industry into 4 factions
The verdict in the monumental Sitzer | Burnett commission case in Missouri — plus oversight by federal regulators — has splintered the industry as it scrambles to figure out how to move forward
by Taylor Anderson Mar 20
Take the Inman Intel Index survey for March
Opinion
The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to the industry's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Chris LeBarton Mar 20
Court weighs $4.7B Sitzer ruling against last holdout HomeServices
Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs asked the court to order the Berkshire Hathaway affiliate to pay most of the nearly $5.4B damages award after NAR, Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settle
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 19
WATCH: Ed Zorn, NextHome CEO on the $418M NAR settlement
James Dwiggins, Strategic Officer Keith Robinson and Ed Zorn, the California Regional MLS general counsel, tackled NAR's settlement in an exclusive livestream Friday. Watch it on demand
by Inman Mar 15
Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs' attorneys ask for a third of settlement payout
After 5 years and nearly 100K hours of work, the law firms are asking a federal court for $82M of the proposed settlements to be paid by Anywhere, Keller Williams and RE/MAX
Elephant in the room: What execs revealed about commissions in Q4
In the wake of legal settlements in 2 of the largest commission lawsuits, RE/MAX and Anywhere illuminated their paths forward to investors in Q4 earnings calls. Intel reads the tea leaves
by Daniel Houston Mar 6
Berkshire Hathaway Energy added to growing Gibson commission suit
Amended complaint alleges Warren Buffett's company abused the trust inspired by his name to encourage homesellers to use HomeServices and further alleged price-fixing conspiracy
C21's Mike Miedler speaks on the power of a 'to-don't' list
Ahead of his brokerage's annual One 21 Experience, Century 21 President and CEO Mike Miedler shares his spring homebuying predictions and why the key to success is found in doing less
by Marian McPherson Mar 4
Mark Willis takes aim at Anywhere in 'State of the Company' remarks
In his first Family Reunion address since returning as CEO of Keller Williams last year, Mark Willis called on agents to rise up and topple Anywhere, the world's largest real estate franchisor
by Marian McPherson Feb 27
NAR: Commission suit insurance coverage ran out 'some time ago'
There are no funds under NAR's policy available to pay for the cost of defending the Realtor associations nor their multiple listing services which have been sued, according to the trade group
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 21
HomeServices dropped from long-running buyer commission lawsuit
The court dismissed a federal antitrust claim in the case known as Batton 1, but allowed state-law claims to proceed, partially due to the argument that commissions are baked into home prices
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 21
Alex Vidal is moving ERA Real Estate out of the shadows
Ahead of his first Fuel conference as president, Alex Vidal shares what makes ERA special, the inspiration behind his coaching sessions and how the brand plans to be 'louder' in 2024
by Marian McPherson Feb 20
WATCH: Anywhere's sitting pretty after Sitzer | Burnett settlement
Find out why CEO Ryan Schneider sees the decision to settle as offering a 'competitive advantage' for his company's agents and brokers
by Christy Murdock Feb 16
Anywhere posts declining revenue, losses in 'incredibly tough housing market'
The real estate brokerage and franchisor posted $5.6B in revenue during a grueling 2023 while losses improved to $97M, according to a full-year earnings call on Thursday morning
by Ben Verde Feb 15
'The vibe is pretty good' as first earnings season of 2024 kicks off
Ahead of Q4 earnings this week and next, analysts are narrowing in on the future — and pleased by lower rates and a healthier economy as it rebounds from the final months of 2023
by Jim Dalrymple II Feb 14
Anywhere Real Estate appoints new chief technology officer
Former Capital One executive Rudy Wolfs is Anywhere's new chief technology officer. Wolfs will lead the franchisor's tech and product strategy
by Marian McPherson Feb 13
Utah homeseller files commission lawsuit against NAR, 13 others
The complaint — one of nearly two dozen targeting real estate's commission-sharing structure — alleges 'most' buyer agents will steer clients away from listings that offer lower commission
by Taylor Anderson Feb 12
Anywhere expands board with investment firm leader Joseph Lenz
Joseph Lenz is a managing director and co-head of research at TPG Angelo Gordon. He becomes the 13th member of Anywhere's board this week after the franchising giant added a seat
by Jim Dalrymple II Feb 9
ERA Real Estate expands presence in NOLA with veteran-owned firm
Slidell-based firm Top Agent Realty is now part of ERA Real Estate. Military veteran Stephen Molero purchased the firm in 2013
by Marian McPherson Feb 8
NAR president: The DOJ is a 'bigger problem' than $1.8B Sitzer verdict
In remarks made in Boston that were later posted online, new NAR President Kevin Sears declared business will change for Realtors — whether they embrace it or have it 'forced down our throats'
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
Corcoran hires Scott Mitchelson as SVP of global development
Mitchelson will work with the Corcoran Affiliate Network's sales team to lead strategic growth through the addition of new Corcoran affiliates
by Ben Verde Jan 29
Attorney lays out how real estate can survive the commission suits
At Inman Connect, Ed Zorn proposed mandating buyer representation agreements, killing the MLS compensation field, adding a concession field, and creating a fund to pay out settlements
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 26
Anywhere CEO touts 'protection' from commission suit chaos
Ryan Schneider celebrated his company's settlements in several high-profile commission cases while on stage at inman Connect New York
by Lillian Dickerson Jan 24
Robert Reffkin relinquishes stock unit awards for $7M cash bonus
An SEC filing showed the Compass CEO is letting go of $25M in performance-based restricted stock unit awards in exchange for something a bit more tangible. His salary will become $900K
What the biggest names in real estate really thought of 2023
As real estate dives into the new year, 14 of the industry's top leaders looked back on mortgage rates, slow sales, antitrust suits, NAR drama and other headline-making stories from 2023
by Marian McPherson Jan 2
How well do you remember 2023's biggest real estate stories?
Scandals, lawsuits, technology and more dominated the headlines in what turned out to be one of real estate's most eventful years in recent memory
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 29
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
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
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 29
Georgia homesellers file yet another antitrust commission suit
The Georgia suit accuses NAR and major real estate companies of conspiring to keep commissions high. It's also the latest in a string of new cases following the Sitzer | Burnett verdict
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 28
Century 21 CEO Mike Miedler on his 'relentless' pursuit of NYC in 2024
The Century 21 president and CEO spoke to Intel about his 25th anniversary with the brokerage, deploying AI to recruit agents and his plan to grow marketshare across New York City in 2024
by Marian McPherson Nov 22
Anywhere, RE/MAX commission lawsuit settlements move forward
A judge has granted preliminary approval of the franchisers' multimillion dollar settlements in Sitzer | Burnett, Moehrl and Nosalek. Final approval may happen next year
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 20
Sitzer | Burnett defendants bulk up lawyer bench to prep for appeal
The National Association of Realtors and Keller Williams have hired former US solicitors general to help them beat back the multibillion-dollar verdict
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 17
New bombshell lawsuit targets Texas Realtor orgs, local teams
A homebuilder and holding company filed the case Monday. But unlike other suits against NAR, this one lists the Texas Association of Realtors and other local organizations as defendants
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 14
Mother of all commission suits filed in Illinois, this time by homebuyers
'Batton 2,' exponentially larger in scope than Sitzer | Burnett and the Moehrl commission suits, was filed last week in Illinois and takes aim at many of the defendants in another suit called Gibson
RealScout tracks down enterprise deal with Anywhere
Agents and teams at Century 21, Sotheby’s International Realty and Coldwell Banker, among others, will have access to the software as part of an enterprise-level agreement
by Craig C. Rowe Nov 6
Jury awards $5B to homesellers in landmark Sitzer | Burnett verdict
Jurors in the 2-week commission trial shocked the real estate industry Tuesday, awarding an astonishing $5.36B in damages to homesellers after deliberating for 2 hours and 28 minutes
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 31
Sitzer | Burnett closing arguments wrap as judgment day approaches
In a final push on Monday, attorneys for real estate franchisors and the National Association of Realtors argued that homesellers in the case failed to prove a conspiracy to inflate commissions
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 31
Gary Keller takes stand in person as Sitzer | Burnett verdict nears
Keller Williams co-founder Gary Keller provided lengthy testimony Friday as the defense wrapped up a case to be decided by a Kansas City jury later this week
Offerpad to partner with Anywhere agents outside of market area
Sellers located outside of Offerpad markets who contact the iBuyer for services will be connected with eligible agents in the Anywhere Leads Network
by Lillian Dickerson Oct 26
Anywhere, RE/MAX agree to settle Nosalek commission lawsuit
New legal filings propose that MLS PIN class members from the Nosalek lawsuit be included in the 'substantive terms' of the Sitzer/Burnett and Moehrl settlements with Anywhere and RE/MAX
by Lillian Dickerson Oct 25
Sitzer | Burnett judge refuses defendants' request for mistrial
HomeServices of America attorneys filed a motion Wednesday requesting a mistrial in the Sitzer | Burnett trial, saying a video submitted a day earlier jeopardizes its chances for a fair trial
Anywhere tallies another profitable Q3 despite revenue decline
Anywhere Real Estate reported revenue of $1.6B and a profit of $129M for Q3, ending with $151M in cash and cash equivalents
by Ben Verde Oct 24
What to expect at Coldwell Banker's Gen Blue 2023 Atlanta
This year's event, which will focus on the theme of storytelling, will highlight how agents can leverage AI, storytelling, best recruitment practices and more to grow their businesses
by Lillian Dickerson Oct 16
Sitzer | Burnett: Live updates from the buyer-agent commission trial
The long-awaited Sitzer|Burnett commission trial is underway in Kansas City, Missouri, and Inman is covering it all live as it unfolds. Check back early and often for news, views, schedules and more
by Inman Oct 16
Full court press: What to know as the Sitzer | Burnett trial unfolds
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
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 16
Glennda Baker and her 'Diamond Squad' head to Coldwell Banker
The Atlanta-based broker is leaving Ansley Real Estate with Christie’s International and taking her team, known as 'The Diamond Squad,' along with her to Coldwell Banker Realty, Inman has learned
by Marian McPherson Oct 12
Coldwell Banker names Jason Waugh president of affiliates
Waugh was previously president and CEO of BHHS Northwest Real Estate and BHHS Real Estate Professionals. His new role will focus on brand strategy, affiliate operations and franchise sales
by Lillian Dickerson Oct 10
Anywhere reveals the details of its bombshell commission settlement
Among the proposed changes, Anywhere said its company-owned brokerages, franchisees and affiliated agents will no longer be required to belong to the National Association of Realtors
by Taylor Anderson Oct 6
MLS commission settlement in jeopardy amid new DOJ 'concerns'
The Department of Justice's antitrust division on Thursday requested a 2-month deadline extension to review a proposed deal between homesellers and MLS PIN, a broker-owned multiple listing service
Top-producing LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance members earned $8.53B
The 3rd annual Top Producers list honors 388 agents and team leaders who raked in $8.53B in 2023 alone, reflecting the growing influence of LGBTQ+ agents in the industry, the Alliance says
by Marian McPherson Sep 20
Alex Vidal shares his journey from secretary to ERA brand president
Newly minted ERA Brand President Alex Vidal shares insight into his first 100 days at the helm, what ERA's 'magic' is, and how his first job as a secretary prepared him to lead a brokerage
by Marian McPherson Sep 20
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'
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 18
MLS PIN settlement approved after overcoming judge's qualms
Judge Patti Saris preliminarily approved the deal after settlement fund restructuring. The case could provide a sneak peek at broader changes pending bombshell commission suit outcomes
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 14
Anywhere settled. Now RE/MAX. Here's what you see next
Now that Anywhere and RE/MAX have tapped the first dominoes, here's what you think will happen with the bombshell commission lawsuits
by Inman Sep 13
Is Anywhere's settlement the first domino to fall? The Download
This week: Anywhere has settled its portion of the bombshell commission lawsuit, so who's next?
by Christy Murdock Sep 8
Anywhere settles bombshell Sitzer and Moehrl commission lawsuits
The company agreed to resolve the claims against it for $83.5M. 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'
Sue Yannaccone: Time to get the house in order
Opinion
President and CEO of Anywhere Brands Sue Yannaccone writes that this is the time for leaders to find and use their voices so that the industry reflects the values it promotes
by Sue Yannaccone Sep 4
NAR seeks to suppress DOJ probe from jury as commission trial nears
The National Association of Realtors filed 4 requests in the US District Court in Western Missouri on Thursday involving commission rule changes, government investigations and discrimination
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 25
Anywhere's chief product officer: 'Hallucinations' are holding back AI
Should agents, brokers and clients put their faith in artificial intelligence right now? Until accuracy is improved, the answer is a resounding 'no,' Anywhere Chief Product Officer Tony Kueh told Intel
by Daniel Houston Aug 23
In crucial Q2, real estate separated wheat from the chaff: Intel analysis
The biggest publicly traded brokerages and tech companies significantly slashed losses in the second quarter, restoring investor confidence, according to an Intel analysis of Q2 earnings data
by Daniel Houston Aug 16
AI can supercharge agents' brands. 3 marketing experts share pro tips
Marketing dynamos from Anywhere, The Agency and Collabra Technology shared how companies can wield artificial intelligence and market data to help agents stand out in a competitive market
by Marian McPherson Aug 10
Judge balks at 'unusual' MLS settlement in commission case
Judge Patti Saris, of the US District Court in Massachusetts, said she 'loved' the commission rule changes the deal includes, but didn't think the litigation fund was fair for plaintiffs
'Run for the fire': Liz Gehringer shares advice for a downturn
'This is not a time to stabilize. If you stabilize in a market like now you're going to fall behind. You have to grow,' Redfin's Jason Aleem said at Inman Connect Las Vegas Wednesday
by Taylor Anderson Aug 9
The commission suits are headed to trial. 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
Drum up inventory through direct mailers, social media and more
The low-inventory problem has consumed many agents' minds for years. Top agents shared at Inman Connect how they stay ahead of the game by drilling down into some of these strategies
4 ways to improve real estate as bombshell commission suits sizzle
At Inman Connect Las Vegas, real estate broker and attorney Kendall Bonner urged the industry to be proactive instead of waiting to be legally 'bullied' into change
Real estate is having its Blockbuster vs. Netflix moment
At Inman Connect Las Vegas, real estate strategist Mike DelPrete explained the 'unfair advantage' of the low-fee business models and how agents are the ultimate solution
by Marian McPherson Aug 8
The ultimate guide to Inman Connect Las Vegas 2023
So you've decided to join us at Inman Connect Las Vegas. Bravo! Here's a day-by-day breakdown of the conference along with some tidbits to get the most out of your week in Sin City
by Marian McPherson Aug 8
To win this summer, homebuyers in California are turning every stone
With some of the highest home prices in the nation, California buyers and sellers are having an abnormally difficult time managing higher mortgage rates, agents in the Golden State told Inman
by Marian McPherson Aug 4
HomeServices appeal dismissed as court eyes October for 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 2 highly anticipated bombshell commission trials later this year
Ginger Wilcox isn't interested in stepping into Sherry Chris' shoes
With 30 years of experience at some of the world's most recognizable brands, the newly-minted Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate president spoke to Inman about settling into her new role
by Marian McPherson Jul 27