In October 2023, a federal jury found the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and several major brokerages liable for conspiring to inflate real estate commissions, violating antitrust laws. The verdict stemmed from the case Burnett v. National Association of Realtors, where plaintiffs argued that NAR's policies led to higher costs for home sellers.
“This settlement marks a significant shift towards transparency and fairness in the real estate industry,” said Ron Mazier, Chief Economist.
For sellers, the removal of mandatory commission offers on MLS platforms could reduce selling costs. Buyers, on the other hand, gain greater clarity and control over the services they receive and the fees they pay, fostering a more competitive environment among buyer agents.
While the NAR settlement addresses major concerns, other lawsuits continue to challenge real estate commission structures. Notably, HomeServices of America and its affiliates were not included in the NAR settlement and are still facing legal scrutiny.
View the full settlement details at the National Association of REALTORS®