NAR Chief Legal Officer Katie Johnson is 'stepping down'
After a decade leading the trade group's legal team — including through sexual harassment scandals and numerous anti-trust commission lawsuits — Johnson is leaving
NAR faces a standoff over Clear Cooperation, Inman survey reveals
Nearly a hundred real estate professionals shared their thoughts on NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy with Inman, revealing a schism between supporters and opponents of the controversial rule
by Taylor Anderson Oct 1
REcolorado sold to private buyer, cutting ties with Realtor orgs
MAZL, LLC bought the nation’s 16th-largest MLS on Friday, buying shares from Denver Metro Association of Realtors and South Metro Denver Realtors Association
by Taylor Anderson Sep 27
Industry heavy-hitters launch app that documents agents' workflow
Rayse, which the company has positioned as a way of 'pushing back against the settlements,' is backed by Realtor associations, MLSs, brokerages and leaders, including co-CEO James Dwiggins
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 26
NAR rival AREA launches petition to end Clear Cooperation Policy
The American Real Estate Association's call to end NAR's pocket rule has drawn nearly 3,000 signatures since Friday, when the petition was first uploaded to the Change.org platform
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 23
Buyer commission suit against Hanna adds new, familiar plaintiffs
There are now more than 2 dozen named plaintiffs in an antitrust case against the parent company of Howard Hanna, several of them also plaintiffs in other buyer commission suits
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 18
A piece of chocolate cake being removed from the whole
Law professor estimates the plaintiffs' law firms are asking for only 3% of the total value of the deals when 'historic' business practice changes are taken into account
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 17
Big Brother’s little brothers are watching you
Opinion
Feeling like your listings are under scrutiny? They are. Bernice Ross lets you know more about the tools and techniques MLSs are using to ensure compliance with new commission rules
by Bernice Ross Sep 4
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
Watch out for these 3 pitfalls to avoid pricey fines in your future
Steep fines can stack up and swiftly put you in a sticky situation. What's worse is when it's your competition turning you in. Trainer Rachael Hite tells you how to stay on the right side of the rules
by Rachael Hite Aug 19
Michigan Realtors are mad as hell, and they're suing: The Download
NAR buckles up for a new legal brouhaha as Michigan agents and brokers head to court over 'compulsory' membership to access the MLS after removing 'guaranteed broker commission'
by Christy Murdock Aug 17
CRMLS warns of 'serious fines' as it rolls out commission changes early
The nation's largest MLS removed compensation fields from its platforms on Aug. 13, after offering detailed guidance to agents on the terms of NAR's proposed settlement
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 14
Michigan agents and brokers sue NAR due to antitrust settlement
The plaintiffs protest 'compulsory' Realtor membership to access the MLS after the removal of 'the guaranteed broker commission' from the MLS
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 12
NAR: Settlement mandates 'benefit' buyers and sellers
Consumer guides from the trade group offer a contrast to previous messaging, but also continue to promote pre-emptive offers of compensation to buyer agents
Hanna fights back against homebuyer commission suit
Parent company of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services argues plaintiff agreed to a mediation clause and, as a buyer, doesn't have standing to sue under federal and state antitrust laws
A piece of chocolate cake being removed from the whole
The Consumer Federation of America also tells consumers not to agree to pay an agent just to see a home, but to sign a touring agreement with no financial obligation instead
10 top takeaways from Inman Connect Las Vegas
These Inman Connect Las Vegas panels highlighted the immense value of community and collaboration in driving our industry forward, Inside Real Estate's Stacey Soleil writes
by Stacey Soleil Aug 6
Zillow finalizes lawsuit settlement with ARMLS, Metro MLS
Residential portal behemoth Zillow has settled its antitrust suit against Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service, Multiple Listing Service, Inc., over discontinuing integration with ShowingTime+
by Marian McPherson Aug 2
Courted, Inspectify, LPT Realty take top Inman Innovators honors
Inman honored 12 individuals and companies at its 26th annual Innovator Awards on Thursday, including awards for company, brokerage and innovator of the year. See the full list of winners
by Marian McPherson Aug 1
Consumer watchdog holds up new eXp seller contract as model
A new draft seller contract that eXp Realty is distributing to its brokers and agents is largely consistent with a newly issued set of criteria from the Consumer Federation of America
by Daniel Houston Jul 31
Rival portal execs team up against a common foe: MLS red tape
Redfin and Zillow execs made the case at Inman Broker Connect that consumers would benefit from more universal standards of data sharing by MLSs but said the path to such a future is rocky
by Daniel Houston Jul 31
CRMLS removes seller concession fields due to CAR forms change
California Regional MLS will continue to allow agents to indicate whether sellers will consider concessions but will no longer have the option to specify a dollar amount or percentage
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 29
More than 10M homesellers targeted in class-action media blitz
JND Legal Administration, the company tapped by lawyers to oversee administrative tasks around the Gibson settlement, sent mail out to millions of potential class members earlier this year
by Taylor Anderson Jul 26
New would-be buyer steps in with offer for REColorado
Ohio-based software company MRI Software is making a bid for the MLS just days before it could be sold to another buyer
by Jim Dalrymple II Jul 25
Expect more guidance from NAR — but fewer rules: CMLS CEO Evans
CMLS CEO Denee Evans revealed why she believes NAR will choose not to create new MLS rules over the next six to 12 months ahead of her appearance next week at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 25
Court revives antitrust claims against NAR in pocket listing suit
Judge says Top Agent Network 'adequately alleged' NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy is a 'group boycott.' Meanwhile, NAR signals it may be open to repealing the rule
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 24
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
Sidekick, OneKey MLS agree to new tech partnership
Spun out of a tech-forward indy brokerage, Sidekick is making inroads via MLS to spread the power of artificial intelligence as a daily work tool
by Craig C. Rowe Jul 22
Homebuyers dig the NAR deal until they learn the details: Intel survey
Even if the settlement brings down commissions overall, buyers grow warier the more they learn about what the policy means for them, according to the latest Inman-Dig Insights consumer poll
by Daniel Houston Jul 22
These 12 real estate startups will vie for $15K at NAR's 'Pitch Battle'
The contestants, several of which are powered by AI, offer 3D-printed homes, a tool to identify at-risk homes and mortgage loan readiness assistance, among other products
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 19
Ed Zorn to the real estate industry: Get rid of commission-sharing now
The attorney and broker dives into the nuances of seller concessions, steering, buyer agents' jobs, and avoiding future antitrust trouble ahead of his appearances at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 18
Ed Zorn: Why mandatory buyer contracts are a 'big consumer win'
California Regional MLS's general counsel talks offers of compensation, seller concessions, steering and buyer agency agreements ahead of his appearance at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 17
What Microsoft's Bing portal controversy says about MLS value
Opinion
Real estate data is incredibly important to a variety of industries, and there's a cost to produce it, Sam DeBord writes. Those who do so should be properly compensated
by Sam DeBord Jul 16
North Carolina MLS subscribers soar by 6K with Georgia expansion
North Carolina Regional MLS's subscriber count is now more than 19K after adding Savannah MLS, Classic MLS and Realtors of Greater Augusta as owners, executives told Inman
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 16
A piece of chocolate cake being removed from the whole
The California Association of Realtors says even though offers of compensation among brokers remain legal, members and their clients should not rely on 'historically common practices'
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 12
DirectOffer to provide 10-language audio search for Staten Island MLS
DirectOffer provides the industry with a valuable and long-neglected resource by which to empower visually- and hearing-impaired homebuyers
by Craig C. Rowe Jul 10
No HomeServices deal yet, months after settlement announcement
The franchisor and plaintiffs offered different reasons for why HomeServices has yet to finalize its commission settlement agreement after announcing it had reached one for $250M in April
Local MLSs are doomed. The case for data consolidation in real estate
The thing holding many local MLSs in place is a desire for power and control rather than seeking the best for real estate agents and brokers, writes Mainframe Real Estate founder Sean Frank
by Sean Frank Jul 9
More homebuyers sue to upend how real estate agents get paid
Howard Hanna is the latest brokerage to be hit with a buyer commission suit seeking class-action status
REcolorado buyer unveiled as questions and legal fights persist
The owners of the 16th largest MLS in the country plan to sell to a title company executive. Now, an agent and local leader has received a cease and desist letter over her criticisms of the deal
by Jim Dalrymple II Jul 8
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
REColorado unveils interim CEO amid rocky ownership change
The MLS is separating from ties with Realtor organizations by selling to a newly formed private company. Broker Larry D. McGee will serve as interim CEO during the transition
by Taylor Anderson Jul 2
Listing agreement slammed as CFA resumes California Realtors probe
The second report by the Consumer Federation of America to focus on the California Association of Realtors in as many weeks examines the association's 7,000-word homeseller listing agreement
Get ready for the dawning of a golden age of MLSs
Opinion
Is it time to abandon ship or time to double-down on what's great about MLSs? MLS tech expert Bill Fowler writes that the answer lies in your vision and ability to act proactively and decisively
by Bill Fowler Jul 2
REColorado owners oust board amid plans to sell MLS
Owners of the 16th largest MLS in the country plan to sell to a newly formed private company called MAZL that is run by a person identified only as J. Burks
by Jim Dalrymple II Jun 28
MLS PIN forges ahead with rule changes over DOJ objections
Effective immediately, listing brokers and agents can submit for-sale listings to the MLS without offering any cooperating compensation to the buyer broker
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 27
'NAR swat team' strikes Arizona home in wild new marketing video
The Instagram video shows agents with 'NAR' along the back of swat team jackets bursting into a home before tackling, tasing and hogtying a Realtor who failed to remove an offer from the MLS
by Lillian Dickerson Jun 26
Proposed sale of REcolorado MLS a response to commission litigation
Denver Metro Association of Realtors and South Metro Denver Realtors Association say sale to private equity firm would offer protection during a time of intense litigation in real estate
by Taylor Anderson Jun 26
Watchdog group takes aim at California buyer rep agreements
New report shines light on buyer representation agreements as brokerages and Realtor organizations move to update forms and comply with legal settlements this summer
by Taylor Anderson Jun 25
RentSpree inks latest of 6 Texas MLS deals with San Antonio MLS
'Our integration will streamline the rental process, making it faster and more efficient for everyone involved' — RentSpree CEO
by Craig C. Rowe Jun 25
Proposed sale of REcolorado to private equity firm raises alarms
The multiple listing service is one of the largest in the US. One board member who was part of a team trying to buy the MLS described being blindsided by the private equity deal
by Jim Dalrymple II Jun 25
Judge denies stay order after plaintiffs argue against NAR deal
Attorneys for the plaintiffs in a case now known as Moratis stress that NAR's proposed settlement won't stop 'a key element of the antitrust conspiracy' and might take years to go into effect
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 24
DOJ urges court to overturn judgment in REX v. Zillow
'The judge's decision created a loophole that could allow associations to sidestep antitrust scrutiny by cloaking restrictive rules as optional,' the DOJ's filing states
by Lillian Dickerson Jun 24
Broker-owned MLSs have forked over millions under NAR opt-in deal
The vast majority of more than 600 multiple listing services nationwide have chosen to opt in to the National Association of Realtors' commission settlement, according to a new Inman analysis
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 24
Former NAR employee seeks $1M in new lawsuit alleging retaliation
Roshani Sheth, a former product manager for the Realtors Information Network, filed suit after an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission probe into her racial and sexual harassment claims
by Taylor Anderson Jun 20
MLSs and Realtor associations can do more to add value
According to eXp’s Troy Palmquist, these professional organizations have a greater role to play in providing services to support agents
by Troy Palmquist Jun 20
'Not warranted': DOJ pushes back against NAR rehearing request
The US Department of Justice on Monday argued NAR 'does not identify any errors of law or fact meriting panel rehearing' over whether the antitrust enforcer can reopen its probe into NAR rules
Mark your calendars: DOJ set to weigh in on multiple antitrust cases
The antitrust enforcer has until June 20 and 21 to give its take on three real estate-related cases and potentially influence upcoming commission changes
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 18
opendoor
Agents with My State MLS membership will be able to receive cash offer estimates on properties that qualify within minutes
by Ben Verde Jun 14
Proposed DOJ ban on commission offers against the law, MLS says
MLS PIN on Monday urged a district court to reject the Department of Justice's arguments against a settlement with homeseller plaintiffs in the Nosalek antitrust commission case
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 12
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
Agents have complicated feelings about NAR, new Intel survey finds
Agents who rely on NAR primarily to protect their public image are less certain the trade group — which still enjoys broad approval — is a net positive for the industry, according to Intel poll results
by Daniel Houston Jun 10
Nova Scotia MLS adds new fields to serve buyers with mobility needs
Realtors can now add information to help potential buyers search for homes that might meet their mobility needs. The new fields were added to the Nova Scotia MLS on Wednesday
by Taylor Anderson Jun 6
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'
Bright MLS will allow sellers to offer concessions upon listing
In response to NAR's proposed settlement, the nation's 2nd largest MLS will add data fields on June 11 allowing sellers to signal they're willing to offer buyer concessions when they list a home
by Andrea V. Brambila May 30
NWMLS opts out of NAR deal in bid to continue commission offers
Northwest MLS says banning compensation in the MLS restricts consumer choice and transparency. Plaintiffs' attorney Michael Ketchmark says 'the fox is guarding the chicken house'
by Andrea V. Brambila May 30
Nation’s largest MLS now allows listings to show seller concessions
The change allows listings in the California Regional Multiple Listing Service to display whether a homeseller is willing to offer concessions in price — including to cover broker fees
by Taylor Anderson May 29
DOJ sends signal to industry in first commission comment since March
Statements made by a DOJ attorney during a May 21 status hearing in the Nosalek commission case offer new insights into the Justice Department's impression of the proposed NAR settlement
by Taylor Anderson May 22
Sidekick's AI to assist Miami agents in latest MLS deal
'Equipping agents with tools to enhance their productivity helps to push the industry forward into the future while creating value for agents at all levels': Sidekick co-founder Michael Martin
by Craig C. Rowe May 20
Share your expertise: Take the Inman Intel Index survey for May
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 real estate's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Daniel Houston May 20
At NAR midyear, 'the media' was cast as the villain — repeatedly
NAR's legal team, president and chief economist defended the group's cooperative compensation rule and used journalists as a scapegoat repeatedly during midyear panels earlier this month
by Andrea V. Brambila May 20
What should I tell clients? Question leads to free-for-all at NAR midyear
May 6 remarks from Anthony Lamacchia spurred at least 1 NAR midyear attendee to leave the MLS Forum in protest, others to hurl steering accusations, and NAR's senior counsel to intervene
by Andrea V. Brambila May 16
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
What agents and brokers really want to tell each other: Intel survey
Agents and brokers talk. A lot. But what's left unsaid may be nearly as important. Intel analyzed survey responses of hundreds of real estate professionals for insights into an unbreakable bond
by Daniel Houston May 13
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
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
'Godspeed': Enforcement of NAR settlement changes shifts to MLSs
At the Realtors Legislative Meetings earlier this week, MLS executives were told they would be responsible for making sure real estate agents and brokers follow the new commission rules
Realtor.com CEO delivers full-throated speech in support of NAR
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales took to the podium on Monday at the MLS Forum of the Realtors Legislative Meetings to refute rival CoStar's earlier claims about Homes.com's growing traffic
NAR President fields questions at midyear: 'Everything's on the table'
At the Realtors Legislative Meetings on Sunday, National Association of Realtors President Kevin Sears spontaneously fielded questions about the trade group's proposed antitrust settlement
Start your engines for NAR's new rules of the road: The Download
This week we got our first glimpse into some of the practical, procedural changes that we'll see in the aftermath of NAR's commission lawsuit settlement
by Christy Murdock May 3
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
Douglas Elliman settles commission suits for up to $17.75M
The proposed deal would resolve antitrust claims brought by homesellers but not homebuyers
by Andrea V. Brambila Apr 29
Is NAR a net-positive? It depends if you ask an agent or a broker: Intel
An increasing uncertainty among real estate agents in March runs in opposition to brokers, who were more likely to tell Intel they still view the National Association of Realtors positively
by Taylor Anderson Apr 29
60-day clock begins for brokerages seeking to opt into $418M NAR deal
Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs on Friday asked the court to preliminarily approve the proposed deal. Brokerages and MLSs that were left out initially will have to take action by June 18 to be covered
by Andrea V. Brambila 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
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'
Ohio multiple listing service MLS Now appoints new CEO
Garry Marsoubian previously held a leadership position at Bright MLS and has experience working with multiple listing services' data and technology
by Jim Dalrymple II Apr 4
New commission lawsuit in New York may draw FTC attention
The antitrust case from homebuyer and homeseller Hao Zhe Wang alleges MLS and broker services are illegally tied
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
Moehrl attorney: Market shift after NAR settlement 'will take time'
Robby Braun, partner at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, addresses 'misconceptions' about the NAR deal's impact and says Realtors who try to ignore the changes 'will get left behind'
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 25
MLS PIN, Nosalek plaintiffs seek to delay DOJ response after NAR deal
They asked the court for more time to analyze the impact on their proposed settlement of NAR's proposed rule change banning the MLS display of commissions offered to buyer brokers
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 21
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
After the NAR settlement, 5 keys to buyer relationship marketing
Agents who see the changes coming and adapt to the new reality by cementing their relationships will be in a position to seize the day as market winds shift, mega-team leader Carl Medford writes
by Carl Medford Mar 20
NAR's $418M settlement throws a wrench at the MLS. So now what?
If the proposed settlement is approved, multiple listing services will be forced to nix the buyer commission field by July. Now is the time to prepare, writes author and trainer Bernice Ross
by Bernice Ross Mar 19
Thanks to NAR settlement, real estate is in its Wild West era
Opinion
Bi-coastal broker Cara Ameer outlines the problems, concerns and frustrations inherent in the terms of NAR's commission lawsuit settlement as agents learn to navigate a new reality
by Cara Ameer Mar 18
An anticipated settlement still shocks the real estate industry
Proposed settlement represents 'nothing short of a sea change' for Realtors as NAR agrees to pay $418M and make sweeping changes
NAR agrees to sweeping changes in $418M commission settlement
NAR would agree not to create rules that allow listing agents to set compensation for buyer brokers as part of the settlement. HomeServices of America not included in the deal
by Taylor Anderson Mar 15
Zenlist to power mobile search for Midwest Real Estate Data
The agreement will allow Zenlist access to MRED’s vast property database, enabling agents to market and find homes, interact with clients and display a more modern, consumer-first approach
by Craig C. Rowe Mar 13
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
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
Defendant, plaintiffs in Nosalek commission case unite against DOJ
Defendant MLS PIN and plaintiffs Jennifer Nosalek, Randy Hirschorn and Tracey Hirschorn asked a district court judge for permission to respond to a statement of interest the DOJ filed in the case
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 28
Redfin in crosshairs as new lawsuit targets buyer-broker commissions
California resident Andrea Freedlund is suing on behalf of homesellers who paid a buyer agent in the 4 years before Redfin announced it was leaving NAR, according to a suit filed in federal court
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 27
NAR breaks silence on DOJ call to decouple commissions
Consumer watchdog CFA hails federal agency's proposal to ban sellers from making compensation offers as a 'major watershed' in promoting more competition in real estate
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 23
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
MLSs push to dismiss antitrust charges from Zillow, ShowingTime
Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) and Metro MLS filed a motion to dismiss Zillow's antitrust lawsuit against them
by Ben Verde 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
DOJ to Nosalek judge: Broker commissions should be decoupled
The Department of Justice said a proposed settlement in the major antitrust lawsuit might itself violate federal law and said buyers should negotiate their broker's commission directly
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
Chad Roffers dishes on a Sotheby's Concierge Auction record
The Sotheby's Concierge Auctions founder and CEO shared more about how the recent auction of 'La Dune' went down, as well as key reasons why luxury agents turn to the brand to get a deal done
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
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
NAR CEO Nykia Wright appears — and disappears — in 'odd' new video
In a video that abruptly vanished from NAR's website Wednesday before resurfacing, Wright said the group does not set commissions — a practice it isn't currently being accused of — and welcomed competition from AREA
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
Mega MLSs, but not NAR, settle pocket listing suit
CRMLS, Bright MLS and MRED told the US District Court of the Central District of California's Western Division they had reached a deal 'in principle' with ThePLS.com
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 25
Local Logic's 'NeighborhoodIntel' platform rolls out for 85K agents
The platform will be rolled out to more than 85,000 agents in the coming weeks through an integration with BeachesMLS, MLSListings and REcolorado, it was announced on Monday
by Lillian Dickerson Jan 25
California commission lawsuit filed against NAR and 35 other entities
Homesellers allege 36 Realtor association, brokerage, and multiple listing service defendants conspired to inflate buyer broker commissions in violation of state and federal antitrust laws
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 19
Court says $200B commission suit against NAR must go forward
A federal court judge denied a request from the defendants to suspend the case pending the outcome of post-trial motions after the Sitzer | Burnett verdict
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 18
Homeseller sues Nevada Realtors, NAR after $40K commission bill
Las Vegas resident Nathaniel Whaley alleges the National Association of Realtors, the Northern Nevada Regional MLS and state and local Realtor groups conspired to inflate broker commissions
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 17
Illinois' 3rd commission suit names @properties, champions buyers
A Chicago homeowner is the latest to allege NAR policies amounted to a conspiracy to keep commissions high for buyers, resulting in overpayment on the home purchase
by Taylor Anderson Jan 12
Latest homeseller suits in Arizona, New York target commission rules
Class-action complaints filed by Joseph Masiello and Robert Friedman join chorus of litigation nationwide objecting to trade group rules requiring sellers to offer compensation to buyer brokers
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 11
CoreLogic fights MLS cyberthreats with Clareity Assure
Adaptive authentication is at the heart of the system, which applies at random one of many factors to verify the request for access, such as location, device status and recent online behavior
by Craig C. Rowe Jan 10
Realtors fear damage to NAR brand beyond repair following Kasper exit
Members already reeling from a series of accusations and leadership changes told Inman Tracy Kasper's resignation as president after less than 5 months doesn't bode well for NAR's reputation
by Taylor Anderson Jan 10
Azibo, Fello, Cloze among Inman's best-reviewed proptech of 2023
Opinion
AI fueled the biggest trends in proptech this year, but so did efforts to put the consumer first, tech critic Craig Rowe writes. Check out the dozens of products that received his highest praise in 2023
by Craig C. Rowe Dec 28
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
MLS Reinvented: A manifesto for the industry
Opinion
Join the conversation about the future of the MLS at Inman Connect New York in January, where we’ll be discussing this manifesto, and much more
by Brad Inman Dec 18
New York's largest MLS grows to nearly 50K agents with acquisition
OneKey MLS's purchase of broker-owned Mid-Hudson MLS is expected to close in January. OneKey says it will provide more data and reach to agents while saving time and money
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 13
California homeseller who paid $50K in commissions files lawsuit
Christina Grace, a California resident who sold her home in Marin County, filed suit Friday against NAR, Compass and Keller Williams, among others, claiming she paid $50K in commissions
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 12
Commission suits hit Realtors, brokerages in Florida, Pennsylvania
In separate lawsuits, homesellers allege the defendants — including Florida Realtors and West Penn MLS — conspired to enforce rules that inflated commissions on the sale of their homes
Facade Flags Justice Department Building Washington DC
A 3-judge panel for the Washington DC circuit seemed inclined to let the agency resume its probe into the National Association of Realtors' cooperative compensation and pocket listing rules
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
NAR directors confront power shift as executive committee steps up
At a Friday board meeting, a member of NAR's board of directors predicted 'less authority' in 2024 as the embattled trade group's growing Executive Committee shoulders more responsibility
by Andrea V. Brambila 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
NAR won't use lobbying chops for 'legislative fix' to commission suits
At a forum for reps of 50 large brokerage firms, The Realty Alliance CEO Craig Cheatham asked why the nearly 1.6M-member trade group can't use its political influence for an 'existential threat'
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 16
NAR: 'We have many grounds' to appeal the Sitzer | Burnett verdict
The National Association of Realtors laid out its arguments to overturn the ruling Tuesday. The plaintiffs' attorney said if the trade group doesn't change, it risks an injunction and DOJ wrath
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 15
NAR will argue for 'complete reversal' of Sitzer | Burnett verdict
The National Association of Realtors' legal team on Monday blamed the ruling on the judge. The plaintiffs' attorney, meanwhile, said NAR hadn't 'learned anything' from its 'resounding defeat'
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 14
Collabra appoints former Bright MLS exec to board of directors
David Charron joins Collabra's board as the real estate technology and analytics company makes a bid to partner with more multiple listing services
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 13
South Carolina homesellers latest in line to sue NAR, Keller Williams
A new commission lawsuit filed Monday seeking class-action status alleges sellers encountered 'illogical, harmful, irrational and anticompetitive effects' of NAR's cooperative compensation rule
by Andrea V. Brambila Nov 10
New commission lawsuit targets REBNY and 26 companies in NYC
Homeseller Monty March filed suit in the Southern District of New York Wednesday, alleging REBNY rules in Manhattan kept commissions high and violated state and federal antitrust laws
by Taylor Anderson Nov 10
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
Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs' attorneys in talks with Department of Justice
Disrupting the National Association of Realtors' use of multiple listing services as a 'vehicle for higher commissions' is at the center of talks, lawyer Michael Ketchmark told Inman exclusively
REcolorado, Lundy partner to create new vision of home search
The Centennial State’s largest MLS has entered into a relationship with Lundy, a company that translates property databases into voice search-capable applications for the vision-impaired
by Craig C. Rowe 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
A reverse arrow on a street
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
Andy Florance: Bombshell lawsuits will upend Zillow's business model
CoStar CEO Andy Florance dished with Intel about the commission lawsuits, Zillow and NAR as Homes.com nabbed 100M unique visitors for the first time ever in September