Jury sides with home sellers in commissions trial
After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury ruled for the plaintiffs in the landmark Sitzer/Burnett trial, awarding nearly $1.8 billion.
Updated October 25, 2024
Austin Alonzo
Austin is a freelance reporter based in Kansas City, Missouri. As a journalist and editor, he has covered stories across a variety of industries including business, government and agriculture.
- The ‘day of accountability has arrived,’ say plaintiffsThe plaintiffs’ attorney presented a dramatic closing argument, while the defense took a more methodical approach, saying the conspiracy claims did not hold up.Updated October 31, 2023
- Gary Keller says there’s no such thing as a standard commissionTestimony from the KW co-founder as well as President Marc King closed out week 2 of Sitzer/Burnett, with both leaders denying a conspiracy.October 27, 2023
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- A reprimand, but no mistrial despite objections from the defenseDefense attorneys argued that an “ambush video” introduced Tuesday in the Sitzer/Burnett trial was grounds for a mistrial, but the judge disagreed.October 25, 2023
- A day of heated cross-examinations in Sitzer/BurnettDuring a grinding morning of testimony, CEO Bob Goldberg repeatedly said NAR doesn't weigh in on commissions, while emotions ran high in the afternoon.October 24, 2023
- Plaintiffs zero in on antitrust violations as they wrap their caseA former NAR committee member called traditional compensation practices “the ultimate form of restraint of trade,” claiming that NAR looked the other way.Updated October 23, 2023
- A world of difference in commissions outside US, jurors toldOn 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.October 20, 2023
- Attorneys spar over evidence of collusion in commissions trialOn 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.October 19, 2023
- Training on trial as plaintiffs challenge commission strategiesMaterials painted 6% commissions as the goal, plaintiffs’ attorneys argued, while industry witnesses defended it as just a number, and negotiable.October 18, 2023
- Industry leaders take the stage (via video) at Sitzer/BurnettPre-recorded depositions from Bob Goldberg, Gino Blefari and Gary Keller included tense exchanges about buyer-broker commissions.October 17, 2023
- 'Conspiracy' front and center as commissions trial kicks offOn day two of the Sitzer/Burnett trial, the plaintiffs presented opening arguments, while the defense said conspiracy claims are "conjecture."October 17, 2023
- Jury selected for landmark Sitzer/Burnett trialLawyers jostled for position and weeded out ineligible jurors, including many who are members of the plaintiff class (Missouri home sellers).October 16, 2023
- 3 ways the pandemic shaped the housing marketGovernment policies and the rise of remote work contributed to declining affordability, but real estate agents have an opportunity to show their value.October 10, 2023
