Commissions, objections, spring: Inman's Top 5 stories of the week
Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers
by Dani Vanderboegh Feb 23
RE/MAX CEO Nick Bailey exits as company revenue falls again in Q4
RE/MAX announced it was making changes to its executive team after revenue fell for a sixth consecutive quarter to end 2023. Amy Lessinger will succeed Bailey as president
by Taylor Anderson Feb 22
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
Inman's 2024 Global Real Estate Influencers revealed
Broker and reality television star Ryan Serhant headlines an all-star roster of the industry's most compelling voices for the second-annual Inman Global Real Estate Influencers program
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 15
CoStar, Zillow, RE/MAX among 118 firms sued by law enforcement
Atlas Data Privacy Corp. alleges the companies disclosed home addresses and unpublished home phone numbers for judges, police officers, prosecutors and their families
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 14
RE/MAX's Motto Mortgage makes Entrepreneur's 'Franchise 500' list
'Mortgage brokerage in a box' offering makes Entrepreneur's list of top franchise opportunities for a 5th consecutive year, despite challenging conditions for mortgage lenders
by Matt Carter Feb 12
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
Realty ONE Group, RE/MAX, Keller Williams rank on Franchise500 list
8 brokerages were honored on 'Entrepreneur' magazine's Franchise500 list. The 45-year-old list ranks the best franchises across several industries, including finance, technology and retail
by Marian McPherson Feb 7
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
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
We’re on the cusp of something big: Zillow's Samuelson on AI
Although who's responsible for the absence of a true end-to-end remains up for debate, 4 real estate and proptech executives found common ground on the fact that AI is 'what's next' for the industry
by Craig C. Rowe Jan 25
RE/MAX CEO examines alternative paths to homeownership
RE/MAX CEO Nick Bailey says it's time to change the narrative on homeownership through education and solutions-oriented service
by Nick Bailey Jan 10
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
Seattle-based Coldwell Banker franchise ditches NAR
The company is the latest of several to step away from the National Association of Realtors, which has suffered both a scandal and legal defeats in recent months
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 1
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
Signs of a buyer's market emerge as homeseller concessions return
More than a third of all home sales featured a concession in the past 3 months, according to new data and agents who told Inman that they're beginning to see signs of a buyer's market unfold
by Ben Verde Nov 27
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
RE/MAX parent appoints former DISH Network exec as CEO
Erik Carlson comes to RE/MAX Holdings in the wake of Adam Contos' departure. He also joins the company at a tumultuous time for the real estate industry
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 13
Commission lawsuits are piling up. Keep track of them all right here
In the wake of the Sitzer | Burnett verdict, the number of bombshell lawsuits has rapidly multiplied — putting more pressure than ever on real estate's status quo. Here's a rundown of all the cases
by Jim Dalrymple II 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
RE/MAX sees revenue decline for 5th consecutive quarter
Amidst difficult market conditions, the real estate franchisor's total revenue was down 8.7% YOY to $81.2M, coming shy of analysts' expectations. The company also suffered a net loss of $59.5M
Will Q3 earnings keep real estate mired in a 'Groundhog Day' loop?
Real estate companies have been trapped in a repeating cycle of bad financial quarters. Will this latest round of earnings break the loop, or is the industry doomed to relive it?
by Jim Dalrymple II Nov 1
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
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
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
RE/MAX becomes 3rd major firm to distance itself from NAR
In announcing details of its settlement in the bombshell commission suits, the franchisor said agents and brokerages 'have the freedom to set and/or negotiate commissions as they see fit'
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
CrossCountry Mortgage CEO nails profit on $30M Fort Lauderdale pad
Ronald Leonhardt Jr. purchased the Harbor Beach home for $23M in 2021. It includes 120 feet of water frontage, a lap pool, a full summer kitchen and docking capabilities for a megayacht
by Lillian Dickerson Sep 22
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
SoCal's RE/MAX Proper acquires 120-agent indie All Nations
Bustling Long Beach franchise RE/MAX Proper has acquired longtime indie brokerage All Nations Realty and Investments. The deal brought more than 100 new staffers and agents to the brand
by Marian McPherson Sep 11
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'
Man charged with threatening his agent over failed home transaction
Richard E. Kellogg's text messages to a RE/MAX agent led to the evacuation of the agent's office. The Indiana suspect now faces intimidation charges in addition to fraud charges leveled in July
by Lillian Dickerson Aug 30
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
RE/MAX Holdings to lay off 7% of staff by end of September
The layoffs are part of a reorganization plan that will streamline operations and bring cost savings in the long term, the real estate franchisor said in Securities and Exchange Commission filings
by Lillian Dickerson Aug 23
Take Inman's first-ever bombshell commission lawsuit survey here
A pair of explosive lawsuits could upend how brokers do business. As those suits come closer to trial, tell us how you feel about those cases and how prepared the industry is for the repercussions
by Jim Dalrymple II Aug 21
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
CubiCasa digital floor plans now available to 50,000 RE/MAX agents
The partnership will allow RE/MAX real estate agents full access to digital floor plans created by CubiCasa now that the company is an 'Approved Supplier' on the brokerage's online Marketplace
by Craig C. Rowe Aug 16
How the top RE/MAX agent in the world nails his listing presentations
The Los Angeles agent told the crowd at Inman Connect Las Vegas on Thursday that he owes his success to mastering the listing interview. 'There's no second choice to this,' Jordan Cohen said
by Ben Verde 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
The 2 main paths to brokerage growth in a down market
Every broker wants to recruit top agents. But what works when transactions are scarce? Two real estate professionals shared their thoughts Wednesday at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Daniel Houston 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
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
RE/MAX revenue, US agent count continue decline in second quarter
While the brokerage's overall head count rose modestly to 144,510 agents in the second quarter, its agent count declined in the US by 6.3%, to 56,987, according to a Q2 earnings call Wednesday
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
'Get creative': As inventory drops, agents dust off trusted techniques
With sales down and inventory low, agents are combing social media, calling expireds and seeking out people with major life milestones. In other words, they're meeting the moment with creativity
by Ben Verde Jul 24
Bright MLS breaks with NAR policy on commissions
Starting Aug. 9, the nation's 2nd-largest MLS will allow listing brokers to offer buyer brokers nothing in compensation, according to an announcement from Bright
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 20
Here are the finalists for the 2023 Inman Innovator Awards
The 2023 Inman Innovator Awards finalists range from true upstarts to established players, with each offering a new vision for real estate. Winners will be announced live in Las Vegas, Aug. 8-10
by Inman Jul 20
Gary Keller at Keller Williams KW Family Reunion 2019
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
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 11
The stories and trends that defined a whirlwind first half of 2023
Intel takes a look back at the market trends, brokerage strategies, Wall Street happenings and legal controversies that shook the past 6 months and could well define the remainder of 2023
by Marian McPherson Jul 5
MLS turns back on franchisors after settling commission case for $3M
Homesellers plan to use funds from MLS PIN, the largest multiple listing service in New England, to continue antitrust litigation against Anywhere, Keller Williams, RE/MAX and HomeServices
NAR pushes back on harassment claim amid growing agent backlash
The National Association of Realtors tapped an independent law firm to investigate sexual and racial harassment allegations, ultimately choosing to 'reject' claims made by a former employee
Keller Williams, eXp Realty, others sued over alleged discrimination
The new lawsuit claims that a host of big-name real estate companies, as well as various landlords, refused to accept Section 8 vouchers for lower-income renters
by Jim Dalrymple II Jun 1
Judge narrows in on trial date for bombshell commission lawsuit
If the parties don't settle, expect a lengthy trial for the Moehrl homesellers' case against NAR, Anywhere, Keller Williams, RE/MAX and HomeServices of America
by Andrea V. Brambila May 30
Bombshell commission suit 1 step closer to trial after appeal rejected
A federal appeals court on Wednesday denied a request from NAR, Anywhere, Keller Williams, RE/MAX and HomeServices of America to overturn class certification in the Moehrl lawsuit
by Andrea V. Brambila May 25
Who's winning (and losing) the agent count race? Mike DelPrete
Find out how agent migration patterns can offer significant insight into the future of real estate brokerage growth
by Mike DelPrete May 22
5 key charts that illuminate real estate's Q1 earnings season
Most publicly traded real estate companies continued to bleed money in the first chunk of 2023. These metrics help explain why investors aren't panicking
by Daniel Houston May 17
'A no-brainer:' RE/MAX aligns with 70-agent SoCal brokerage
Long Beach-based Proper Real Estate has affiliated with the global franchisor, bringing along 70 agents and rebranding to RE/MAX Proper
by Ben Verde May 5
RE/MAX revenue, US agent count, continue to drop in Q1
Total revenue dropped 6.2% year over year and US agent count fell 5.4%, according to earnings data released Thursday as the real estate brokerage continues to wrestle with a shifting market
Eyes on inventory as Q1 earnings ramp up following a chilling 2022
Jay McCanless, a senior vice president of equity research at Wedbush Securities, reveals what he'll be watching as publicly traded real estate companies post Q1 earnings this week and next
by Jim Dalrymple II May 3
Meet the boomerang agents returning to their old brokerages
As the battle for agent count stalls amid a slow market, firms such as Compass are seeing former agents, lured away by promises of better tech and more opportunities, come back into the fold
by Jim Dalrymple II Apr 25
75% of agents say they won't switch brokerages over next 2 years
From 2019 to 2023, the number of agents who left a brokerage due to a weak culture doubled to 30%, according to a recent Coldwell Banker survey
by Marian McPherson Apr 5
Cash to burn: Do real estate's big players have enough in the bank?
Real estate businesses burned through billions in cash last year. Intel breaks down the biggest companies with the least wiggle room as economic uncertainty stretches into 2023
by Daniel Houston Apr 5
'Stop arguing and start adjusting': Agents react to class-action ruling
From 'NAR is toast' to 'don't make any rash decisions,' real estate agents, executives and thought-leaders offered their thoughts on the explosive Moehrl class certification ruling Wednesday
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 31
Bombshell multibillion-dollar commission suit now a class action
A judge on Wednesday granted class certification in a federal commission suit that could rock the real estate industry and impact how agents are compensated nationwide
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 29
Gen Zers see 'green homes' in their searches, says RE/MAX study
Amid a wavering economy, homebuyers and sellers continue to want expert advice from agents while looking to prepare for the future, and for Gen Z that means finding 'green homes'
by Lillian Dickerson Mar 29