The National Association of Realtors $138.5M Settlement for Antitrust Claims

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to pay $138,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged anticompetitive agreements that resulted in home sellers paying inflated commissions to real estate brokers or agents in violation of antitrust law. This settlement benefits individuals who sold a home, listed it on a multiple listing service (MLS), and paid a commission to a real estate brokerage. Eligible class members can receive a portion of the settlement funds.

Who Benefits?: Individuals who sold a home, listed it on an MLS, and paid a commission to a real estate brokerage during the eligible date range.

How much can I get?: A portion of the $138,500,000 settlement fund, depending on the number of claims submitted and the total commissions paid to real estate brokerages during the relevant period.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: May 9, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: May 9, 2025

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for a settlement award, you must meet specific criteria. You qualify if you sold a home during the eligible date range, listed the home on an MLS anywhere in the United States, and paid a commission to a real estate brokerage in connection with the sale. The eligible date ranges vary depending on the MLS where your home was listed.

• For homes listed on Heartland MLS, MARIS MLS, Columbia Board of Realtors MLS, or Southern Missouri Regional MLS, the eligible date range is from April 29, 2014, through February 1, 2024.
• For homes listed on Bright MLS, Carolina/Canopy MLS, Triangle MLS, Stellar MLS, Miami MLS, Florida Gulf Coast, Metro MLS, Yes MLS/MLS Now, Columbus Realtors MLS, Northstar MLS, Wasatch Front/Utah Real Estate, REcolorado/Metrolist, Pikes Peak MLS, GLVAR MLS, SABOR, ACTRIS/ABOR, HAR MLS, NTREIS, ARMLS, and Realcomp II, the eligible date range is from March 6, 2015, through February 1, 2024.
• For homes listed on MLS PIN, the eligible date range is from December 17, 2016, through February 1, 2024.
• For any other MLS in the United States, the eligible date range is from February 1, 2020, through February 1, 2024.

What Can I Get?

If you are a member of the settlement class, you are eligible to receive a portion of the $138,500,000 settlement fund. The funds will be distributed to qualifying settlement class members who submit an approved claim form. The exact amount each claimant will receive depends on the number of claims submitted and the total commissions paid to real estate brokerages during the relevant period. Class Counsel will propose a plan of allocation to the Court, which will be posted on the settlement website and emailed to all individuals who submit a claim. The plan will consider the amount of commissions paid by each class member during the relevant statute of limitations periods for the MLS in which the sale was made. If the total value of claims exceeds the settlement fund, each claimant's share may be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants must submit a claim form with information and/or evidence of their home sale and the commissions paid to the Notice and Claims Administrator. The claim form must be fully and truthfully completed with all requested information and signed by the claimant. Claims that cannot be confirmed by the Settlement Administrator may be subject to challenge, nonpayment, or a reduced share of the available funds.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must submit a claim form with the necessary information and evidence. You can submit your claim form online at . Alternatively, you can print the claim form from the settlement website and mail it to the Settlement Administrator at Burnett et al. v. The National Association of Realtors et al., c/o JND Legal Administration, PO Box 91479, Seattle, WA 98111, or email it to info@RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com. Make sure to submit your claim form by May 9, 2025.

$138,500,000 Settlement Fund

The settlement amount is $138,500,000, which will be distributed to eligible class members who submit approved claims. This amount was agreed upon by the parties involved to resolve the claims without further litigation. The settlement fund will cover the payments to class members, attorneys' fees, expenses, settlement administration costs, and service awards. Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys' fees not to exceed one-third (33.3%) of the settlement fund, plus out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the case.

Why Is There a Class Action Settlement?

The class action settlement resolves claims that The National Association of Realtors engaged in anticompetitive agreements that led to inflated commissions paid by home sellers to real estate brokers or agents. The plaintiffs alleged that these practices violated antitrust laws, specifically the Sherman Act. By settling, the defendants do not admit any liability or wrongdoing. The settlement allows both parties to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of further litigation.