In November 2024, the courts approved the settlement of a class action alleging the existence of an anticompetitive agreement that resulted in home sellers paying inflated commissions to real estate brokers or agents in violation of antitrust law. The case was brought against a number of specific reality brokerage houses as well as the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The value of all settlements with the NAR and other defendants totaled over $980 million.
To be eligible to receive the benefits of the settlement, one must have:
1. Sold a home during the eligible date range,
2. Listed the home that was sold on a multiple listing service anywhere in the US, and
3. Paid a commission to any real estate brokerage in connection with the sale of the home.
In general, individuals that sold a home between April 2014 and August 2024 may be eligible for settlement benefits. However, the eligible date range depends on which MLS you listed your home for sale on. This means, the eligible date range for sellers located in different cities and/or states could be different. To determine a seller’s eligible date range, one must review the Long Form Notice specific to the defendant.
To learn more about the lawsuit, obtain long form notices, and to file a claim, visit https://www.realestatecommissionlitigation.com/.
The deadline to submit a claim is May 9, 2025. After this date, the claim validation process will commence and sellers will be contacted if additional information or documentation is needed.
Feel free to contact WFA if you have any questions.