Commissions lawsuits

A former NAR committee member called traditional compensation practices “the ultimate form of restraint of trade,” claiming that NAR looked the other way.

On Day 5 of the Sitzer/Burnett trial, plaintiffs focused on steering, high fees in the U.S., and how buyer agent pay is handled differently in other countries.

On Day 4 of the Sitzer/Burnett trial, an expert witness for the plaintiffs said the current commissions system is a "clear case" of collusion and price fixing.

Materials painted 6% commissions as the goal, plaintiffs’ attorneys argued, while industry witnesses defended it as just a number, and negotiable.

Pre-recorded depositions from Bob Goldberg, Gino Blefari and Gary Keller included tense exchanges about buyer-broker commissions.

On day two of the Sitzer/Burnett trial, the plaintiffs presented opening arguments, while the defense said conspiracy claims are "conjecture."

Lawyers jostled for position and weeded out ineligible jurors, including many who are members of the plaintiff class (Missouri home sellers).

Starting Oct. 16, NAR and other defendants will present their case to a jury that could decide how agent commissions are paid.

After a major real estate company reached a settlement in the Moehrl and Sitzer/Burnett cases, NAR said its commitment to defend itself remains unchanged.