Commissions lawsuits

Cases filed in Arizona and Illinois target At World, Realty One, HomeSmart, Realty Executives and several local firms and Realtor associations.

The defendants seek to overturn the nearly $1.8 billion verdict, arguing in motions filed Jan. 8 that the evidence doesn’t meet the bar for antitrust damages.

The two firms — the only major brokerage companies yet to settle in the commissions cases — are on track to finalize their agreements this May.

The Sitzer/Burnett trial put a spotlight on compensation, but it’s far from “case closed” as questions — and lawsuits — about how agents get paid multiply.

Attorneys for NAR have requested a stay in the Gibson case with a filing that seems to signal a shift in strategy.

Lawyers in Missouri are making a case for copycat consolidation, asking that their new lawsuit be pulled together with similar suits from around the country.

Lending changes, outside-the-box compensation options and some amount of agent attrition are likely outcomes, say T3 Sixty executives.

This is the second lawsuit challenging buyer agent compensation to be filed in the state in just over a month and includes many of the same players.

Another buyer-broker commissions lawsuit, filed Dec. 8, names NAR, San Francisco-area associations, BAREIS MLS and five national brokerages.

West Penn MLS and multiple brokerage companies are defendants in the latest buyer-broker commission suit filed Monday by home sellers in Western Pennsylvania.

Trying to keep up with all of the recent lawsuits challenging the way agents get paid? Here’s a cheat sheet.

The case takes aim at NAR and local as well as national brokerages, while calling out the current system as a way to protect ineffective agents.

The agreements, which cover multiple buyer-broker commissions lawsuits, were deemed “fair, reasonable and adequate” by the judge.

Although the jury reached a verdict in the Sitzer/Burnett lawsuit on Oct. 31, post-trial motions will keep any judgment on hold until spring.

Cases in South Carolina, New York and Chicago pit consumers against NAR, REBNY, Keller Williams and other top real estate companies.

With more trials over commission practices — and potentially hefty damage awards — looming, the settlement agreements could be a selling point.

After the jury unanimously found for the plaintiffs in the Missouri case, the lead attorney announced he was filing a nationwide suit naming NAR, 7 brokerages.

After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury ruled for the plaintiffs in the landmark Sitzer/Burnett trial, awarding nearly $1.8 billion.

The plaintiffs’ attorney presented a dramatic closing argument, while the defense took a more methodical approach, saying the conspiracy claims did not hold up.

During a grinding morning of testimony, CEO Bob Goldberg repeatedly said NAR doesn't weigh in on commissions, while emotions ran high in the afternoon.