Industry News

The Sitzer/Burnett trial may be over, but a final judgment — which could impact both monetary damages and commissions rules — is yet to come.

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.

Testimony from the KW co-founder as well as President Marc King closed out week 2 of Sitzer/Burnett, with both leaders denying a conspiracy.

The defense in Sitzer/Burnett called on three experts to discuss the consequences of decoupling commissions, with one facing aggressive cross-examination.

Defense attorneys argued that an “ambush video” introduced Tuesday in the Sitzer/Burnett trial was grounds for a mistrial, but the judge disagreed.

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.

The company reported $625M in Q3 revenue and touted the growth of its residential portal, which it says is well-positioned should commission practices change.

There’s been no shortage of news — and challenges — in the past 12 months. But real estate pros keep finding ways to win, and we’re proud to tell their stories.

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

Defendants presented opening arguments during week one of the Sitzer/Burnett trial. An industry lawyer sees two additional ways they might prevail in court.

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.