Real Estate Commission Lawsuit, Millions of Homeowners Just Discovered They Were Overcharged—Here’s How to Claim Your Money Before December 30
Sarah Martinez thought she’d done everything right when she sold her Chicago home in 2022. She hired a reputable agent, listed on the MLS, and paid the standard 6% commission—$36,000 on her $600,000 sale. What she didn’t know was that she was part of what federal courts would later call an illegal conspiracy that forced millions of homeowners to overpay billions in inflated commissions.
Today, Sarah and an estimated 50 million other American homeowners could be entitled to compensation from nearly $1 billion in settlements that are rewriting the rules of real estate forever.
The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
In 2019, Joshua Sitzer and thousands of Missouri homeowners filed what would become one of the most significant antitrust cases in real estate history. Their accusation was explosive: the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major real estate brokerages had conspired for decades to artificially inflate commission fees through anticompetitive practices that violated federal antitrust laws.
The heart of the allegation was simple but devastating. For years, sellers were required to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as a condition of listing their home. Sellers had no choice—pay both agents’ commissions, or don’t sell your home through the MLS, the industry’s primary marketplace.
“Imagine going to a car dealership and being told you must pay the salesperson working for the person buying your trade-in,” explains Michael Ryan, founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com. “That’s essentially what was happening in real estate.”
In October 2023, a Missouri jury sided with the homeowners, delivering a stunning $1.78 billion verdict against NAR and major brokerages. The verdict sent shockwaves through an industry that had operated under the same commission structure for generations.
What Real Estate Commission Lawsuits Are About
Multiple class-action lawsuits alleged that NAR, along with major real estate companies including Keller Williams, Anywhere Real Estate (formerly Realogy), RE/MAX, HomeServices of America, Redfin, and dozens of others, violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by:
Creating mandatory commission rules: Requiring sellers to offer a preset commission to buyer’s agents as a condition of MLS listing
Inflating commission rates: Maintaining artificially high commission rates (typically 5-6% of home sale price) through anticompetitive agreements
Restricting market competition: Preventing sellers from negotiating commission rates or choosing whether to compensate buyer’s agents
Steering buyers: Incentivizing buyer’s agents to steer clients toward homes offering higher commissions rather than homes that best fit buyers’ needs
The lawsuits claimed these practices cost American homeowners billions of dollars in excessive fees over decades.
The Reality Behind the Allegations: A System Rigged Against Sellers
For Maria Thompson, a Seattle homeowner who sold in 2021, the reality hit hard. “I paid $42,000 in commissions on my $700,000 home. My agent told me it was ‘standard industry practice’ and non-negotiable. I had no idea I was being forced into this system.”
Court documents revealed that NAR’s Cooperative Compensation Rule effectively mandated that sellers pay buyer broker commissions. The rule prohibited MLS listings unless sellers agreed upfront to compensate the buyer’s agent. This eliminated sellers’ ability to negotiate these fees or opt out entirely.
Legal experts testified that this arrangement had no parallel in other industries. Buyers in virtually every other transaction—from cars to legal services—negotiate and pay their own representatives. Real estate was the outlier, and homeowners paid the price.
Evidence presented at trial showed that commission rates in the United States remained stubbornly high at 5-6%, while commission rates in other countries with more competitive markets averaged 1-3%. The difference cost American homeowners an estimated $30 billion annually in excess fees.
Which Parties Are Affected?
Plaintiffs/Settlement Class Members:
Homeowners who sold residential property between October 2017 and October 2025 (dates vary by location) who:
- Listed their home on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- Paid commission fees to real estate brokerages
- Were subject to mandatory buyer broker commission requirements
An estimated 50 million American homeowners fall into the settlement class.
Defendants Who Have Settled:
The following real estate companies have agreed to settlements totaling over $1 billion:
- National Association of Realtors: $418 million
- Anywhere Real Estate/Realogy: $83.5 million
- RE/MAX: $55 million
- Keller Williams: $70 million
- HomeServices of America: $250 million
- eXp World Holdings: $34 million
- Compass Inc.: Settlement amount undisclosed
- Redfin: Settlement amount undisclosed
- Engel & Völkers: Settlement amount undisclosed
- Douglas Elliman: Settlement amount undisclosed
- William Raveis Real Estate: Part of $42.7 million settlement
- Howard Hanna: Part of $42.7 million settlement
- EXIT Realty: Part of $42.7 million settlement
- Windermere Real Estate: Part of $42.7 million settlement
- And 20+ additional brokerage firms
What the Lawsuits Specifically Allege
The consolidated class-action complaints allege violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act, claiming defendants:
Engaged in horizontal price-fixing: Competing brokerages agreed to maintain inflated commission rates rather than competing on price
Created tying arrangements: Sellers couldn’t access MLS listings without agreeing to pay buyer broker commissions
Facilitated illegal boycotts: Agents boycotted or avoided showing homes that offered lower buyer broker commissions
Restrained trade: The mandatory commission system prevented free market competition and price discovery
Plaintiffs argued this conspiracy inflated buyer broker commissions by thousands of dollars per transaction, directly harming home sellers who bore these costs.
Defendants’ Response to the Lawsuits
Official Position:
All settling defendants have denied any wrongdoing. Their settlement agreements contain standard language stating they “do not admit liability” and are settling “to avoid the uncertainty and expense of further litigation.”
NAR’s Defense:
Before settling, NAR argued its rules promoted efficiency and transparency in real estate transactions. The organization claimed its Cooperative Compensation Rule helped buyers who couldn’t afford to pay their agents directly, particularly first-time homebuyers.
NAR spokesperson Mantill Williams stated: “NAR has worked for decades to make homeownership accessible and affordable. We believe our rules serve consumers’ best interests.”
Brokerage Responses:
Major brokerages similarly defended their practices while agreeing to settle. Anywhere Real Estate stated it was settling “in the best interests of our affiliated agents and consumers.” Keller Williams emphasized it had “always operated with integrity and in compliance with applicable laws.”
Which Courts Are Handling These Lawsuits
Primary Cases:
Burnett et al. v. National Association of Realtors et al.
Case No. 19-CV-003322-SRB
United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
Judge Stephen R. Bough presiding
Moehrl et al. v. National Association of Realtors et al.
Case No. 1:19-cv-01610
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge Andrea R. Wood presiding
Gibson et al. v. National Association of Realtors et al.
Case No. 23-CV-788-SRB
United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
Nosalek v. MLS Property Information Network, Inc., et al.
Case No. 1:20-cv-12244-PBS
United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
These cases have been coordinated for settlement purposes, with consistent claim procedures across all cases.
Current Status of the Cases
Settlement Timeline:
October 2023: Missouri jury delivers $1.78 billion verdict against NAR in Sitzer/Burnett trial
March 15, 2024: NAR announces $418 million settlement agreement with sweeping practice changes
May 8, 2024: Federal court grants final approval to Anywhere, RE/MAX, and Keller Williams settlements totaling $208.5 million
August 17, 2024: New NAR commission rules take effect nationwide, eliminating mandatory buyer broker commission offers on MLS listings
November 26, 2024: Federal court grants final approval to $418 million NAR settlement
June 24, 2025: Additional settlements with smaller brokerages receive final approval
October-December 2025: Latest wave of settlements awaiting final approval, with claim deadlines approaching
Current Status as of December 27, 2025:
- Multiple settlements have received final court approval
- Claims are being processed by settlement administrator JND Legal Administration
- Some settlements still have open claim periods with upcoming deadlines
- New industry rules are in effect, fundamentally changing how commissions work
- Additional defendants continue to negotiate settlements
Evidence Supporting the Allegations
Trial Evidence:
The October 2023 trial in Missouri presented compelling evidence supporting plaintiffs’ claims:
Internal communications: Emails and documents showing NAR officials discussing how rules maintained high commission rates
Economic expert testimony: Econometricians testified that commission rates in markets with NAR’s rules were significantly higher than rates in markets without such rules
Comparative market data: Evidence showing U.S. commission rates (5-6%) far exceeded rates in comparable international markets (1-3%)
Agent testimony: Real estate agents testified they avoided showing homes with lower buyer broker commissions, confirming “steering” behavior
Statistical analysis: Data showing commission rates remained artificially stable despite normal market forces that should have driven rates lower
MLS rule documentation: Written MLS rules requiring seller-paid buyer broker commissions as a listing condition
Court Findings:
Judge Stephen Bough, in approving settlements, noted the evidence presented “raised serious questions about the legality of certain industry practices” and that plaintiffs had “demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their antitrust claims.”
What Laws Apply to These Cases
Primary Legal Framework:
Sherman Antitrust Act, Section 1 (15 U.S.C. § 1):
Prohibits “every contract, combination…or conspiracy, in restraint of trade or commerce.” This is the core statute under which plaintiffs brought their claims.
Key Legal Standards:
Rule of Reason Analysis: Courts evaluate whether the challenged practice unreasonably restrains trade by examining:
- The nature and purpose of the restraint
- The restraint’s actual effects on competition
- Whether the restraint is reasonably necessary to achieve legitimate objectives
Per Se Violations: Certain practices (like price-fixing among competitors) are automatically illegal without need for detailed analysis
Horizontal Agreements: Agreements among competitors (like multiple brokerages) receive heightened antitrust scrutiny
Applicable Precedents:
United States v. Realty Multi-List, Inc., 629 F.2d 1351 (5th Cir. 1980): Court found certain MLS commission disclosure rules violated antitrust laws
FTC v. Indiana Federation of Dentists, 476 U.S. 447 (1986): Supreme Court decision on trade restraints relevant to commission rule analysis
Freeman v. San Diego Ass’n of Realtors, 322 F.3d 1133 (9th Cir. 2003): Circuit court decision addressing real estate commission practices and antitrust law
Additional Laws:
State antitrust statutes: Many states have antitrust laws parallel to federal Sherman Act
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA): Federal law governing real estate transactions and disclosures
State real estate licensing laws: Govern agent conduct and commission arrangements
Legal Experts’ Views on the Claims
Supporting Plaintiffs:
Norman Eisen (Democracy Forward): “These cases represent a textbook example of anticompetitive behavior. The mandatory commission structure eliminated price competition and cost consumers billions.”
Benjamin Brown (Cohen Milstein, Co-Lead Counsel): “The evidence shows a clear conspiracy to maintain inflated commission rates. The jury verdict and subsequent settlements vindicate our clients’ claims.”
Georgetown Law Professor David Super: “The commission rules created a system where sellers had no meaningful ability to negotiate. That’s precisely the kind of restraint antitrust law prohibits.”
Industry Perspective:
Real estate attorney Brad Korb: “While I understand the antitrust concerns, the old system served buyers who couldn’t afford agent fees. We need to watch how the new rules affect market access.”
NAR Legal Counsel Katie Johnson: “NAR’s rules were designed to promote efficiency and protect consumers. The settlements allow us to move forward while continuing to serve the industry.”
Consumer Advocacy:
Consumer Federation of America’s Stephen Brobeck: “For decades, American homeowners paid far more in commissions than necessary. These settlements and rule changes are long overdue corrections to a broken system.”
Economic Analysis:
Northwestern University economist Dr. Panle Jia Barwick: Research shows commission rates remained “suspiciously stable” despite technological changes that should have reduced costs, supporting claims of anticompetitive behavior.
Timeline of Real Estate Commission Lawsuit Developments
Pre-2019: The Old System
- Real estate commissions standardized at 5-6% nationally
- NAR’s Cooperative Compensation Rule requires sellers to offer buyer broker commissions through MLS
- Critics raise concerns but system remains entrenched
2019: Lawsuits Begin
- April: Moehrl case filed in Illinois federal court
- September: Burnett case filed in Missouri federal court
- November: Additional cases filed in Massachusetts and other jurisdictions
2020-2022: Discovery and Litigation
- Plaintiffs gather evidence through extensive discovery process
- Class certification motions filed and granted
- Defendant settlement discussions begin but stall
2023: The Verdict
- October 31: Missouri jury delivers $1.78 billion verdict against NAR and defendants
- Real estate industry reels from decision
- Settlement negotiations intensify
2024: Major Settlements Reached
- March 15: NAR announces $418 million settlement with practice changes
- Spring: Anywhere, RE/MAX, Keller Williams reach settlements
- May-August: Courts grant preliminary and final approvals
- August 17: New NAR rules take effect nationwide
- Fall: Additional brokerages reach settlements
2025: Implementation and Ongoing Settlements
- January-May: Claim filing period for major settlements
- May 9: Deadline passes for initial wave of settlements
- June: Additional settlements receive final approval
- August-December: New rounds of settlements with additional defendants
- December 30, 2025: Latest claim deadline for William Raveis, Howard Hanna, and other defendants
- February 5, 2026: Final approval hearing scheduled for most recent settlements
Ongoing:
- Claims being processed and payments distributed
- New commission rules reshaping industry practices
- Additional defendants continue settlement negotiations
What Should Affected Parties Know?
For Home Sellers Who May Be Eligible
CRITICAL SETTLEMENT INFORMATION:
⚠️ URGENT DEADLINE: December 30, 2025 for latest settlements!
Who Can Claim Money?
You may be eligible if you:
- ✅ Sold a home that was listed on a Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- ✅ Paid a commission to a real estate brokerage
- ✅ Sold during the eligible date ranges (varies by location and settlement)
Important: You do NOT need to have used one of the defendant companies as your agent. ANY home sale meeting the criteria may qualify.
Settlement Website: www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com
Eligibility Date Ranges:
The dates vary depending on where your home was located and which settlement applies:
For the latest settlements (William Raveis, Howard Hanna, EXIT, Windermere, Lyon, Charles Rutenberg, My Home, Tierra Antigua, West USA):
- Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming: October 31, 2017 – October 14, 2025
- Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri: October 31, 2018 – October 14, 2025
- All other U.S. states: October 31, 2019 – October 14, 2025
For prior settlements:
- Most locations: October 31, 2019 – February 1, 2024 (or July-August 2024 depending on settlement)
- Specific MLS regions in Missouri/Kansas: As early as April 29, 2014
How Much Money Can You Get?
Payment amounts vary based on:
- Total settlement fund size
- Number of valid claims filed
- Commission amount you paid
- Attorney fees and administrative costs
Realistic expectations: Initial estimates suggested payments could range from as low as $13 to several thousand dollars per claim, depending on commissions paid and total claims filed. Higher commission amounts generally result in proportionally larger payments.
How to File a Claim:
Option 1: File Online (Recommended)
- Visit www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com
- Complete the online claim form
- Upload required documents (see below)
- Submit electronically
Option 2: File by Mail
- Download claim form from settlement website
- Complete all required fields
- Attach required documents
- Mail to:
Real Estate Commission Litigation Settlements
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91479
Seattle, WA 98111
Option 3: File by Email Email completed form and documents to: [email protected]
Required Documents:
You must provide proof of your home sale and commissions paid. Acceptable documents include:
✅ Closing Disclosure (HUD-1 or Closing Statement) – This is your best option, showing sale date and all fees ✅ Settlement Statement showing commissions paid ✅ Escrow/title company documents detailing the transaction ✅ Other transaction documents showing the sale date, MLS listing, and agent/broker fees
Where to get documents if you don’t have them:
- Contact the title company or escrow company that handled your closing
- Request copies from your real estate agent
- Check your email for digital copies sent at closing
- Access your mortgage lender’s records
IMPORTANT DEADLINE INFORMATION:
⏰ December 30, 2025 – Claim deadline for latest settlements (William Raveis, Howard Hanna, EXIT, Windermere, and others)
⏰ February 5, 2026 – Final approval hearing for these settlements
✅ Already filed for prior settlements? You do NOT need to file again! Your claim covers all settlements automatically.
❌ Missed May 9, 2025 deadline for earlier settlements? You can still file for the December 2025 settlements if eligible.
Contact Information:
Phone: 888-995-0207 (toll-free)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com
Mail: Real Estate Commission Litigation Settlements, c/o JND Legal Administration, PO Box 91479, Seattle, WA 98111
Common Questions Answered:
Q: I used Zillow/Redfin to sell. Am I eligible?
A: If your home was listed on an MLS and you paid a commission, you likely qualify regardless of which company you used.
Q: I don’t remember how much commission I paid.**
A: Your Closing Disclosure shows all fees. Get a copy from your title/escrow company.
Q: Do I need a lawyer?
A: No. You can file claims yourself at no cost.
Q: I sold multiple homes. Do I file multiple claims?
A: Yes, file one claim per home sale.
Q: What if the real estate company won’t give me documents?
A: Contact the title/escrow company that handled your closing. They are required to maintain records and can provide copies.
Q: Will this affect my taxes?
A: Consult a tax professional, but settlement payments may be taxable income.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: You forfeit your right to compensation from these settlements. File before December 30, 2025!
For Current Home Sellers
New Rules as of August 17, 2024:
✅ No more mandatory buyer broker commission offers on MLS listings
You now have three options:
Option 1: Offer to pay buyer broker commission (traditional approach)
Option 2: Do not offer buyer broker commission (buyer pays their agent)
Option 3: Negotiate a compromise or contingent arrangement
✅ Written buyer-broker agreements required
Buyers must sign written agreements specifying agent compensation BEFORE home tours
✅ Commission disclosure
Agents must clearly explain commission arrangements and who pays what
What This Means:
- You can negotiate commission rates more freely
- You might save $5,000-$15,000+ on a typical sale
- Expect more direct commission negotiations
- Buyers may ask for closing cost assistance to cover their agent fees
For Home Buyers
What Changed:
Before August 2024: Sellers paid your agent’s commission automatically through MLS listing
After August 2024: You might need to pay your own agent or negotiate seller concessions
What You Need to Do:
- Sign written agreement with your buyer’s agent before viewing homes
- Understand your agent’s compensation clearly – negotiate if rates seem high
- Budget for potential agent fees (typically 2.5-3% of purchase price)
- Consider seller concessions – you can ask sellers to cover your agent fees as part of negotiations
- Shop around – commission rates are now more competitive
Potential Savings: With increased competition, average buyer agent commissions may decrease from 2.5-3% to potentially 1.5-2.5%.
For Real Estate Agents
Compliance Requirements:
✅ Written buyer-broker agreements mandatory before showing properties
✅ Clear compensation disclosure required upfront
✅ Cannot steer buyers based on commission rates
✅ Must explain new rules to clients clearly
✅ Adjust to competitive pricing – justify your commission through demonstrated value
Business Impact:
- Expect more commission negotiations
- Focus on demonstrating value to clients
- Adapt marketing to competitive commission environment
- Potentially lower average commissions but opportunity for high-performers to maintain premium rates
For Real Estate Brokerages
Compliance Obligations:
- Update agent training on new rules
- Revise standard forms and agreements
- Implement systems to ensure written buyer-broker agreements
- Monitor agent conduct for steering or other violations
- Consider whether additional settlements may be appropriate
Business Strategy:
- Differentiate through service quality rather than commission protection
- Prepare for potentially lower average commission rates
- Invest in technology and efficiency to maintain margins
- Focus agent recruitment on high-performers who can justify premium fees
Broader Implications: How Real Estate Changed Forever
For the Real Estate Industry:
The settlements and new rules represent the most significant disruption to residential real estate in 70+ years. Key changes include:
Increased Competition: Agents must now compete on price and value, not just relationships and MLS access
Unbundled Services: Expect more limited-service and discount brokerage models
Technology Disruption: Online platforms and AI tools will play bigger roles as commission pressure increases
Industry Consolidation: Smaller brokerages may struggle; large firms with efficiency advantages may gain market share
For Consumers:
Potential Savings: Studies estimate average commission rates could decline from 5-6% to 4-5%, saving sellers thousands per transaction
Increased Transparency: Clearer understanding of what each party pays and receives
More Negotiation: Freedom to negotiate commission rates and structures
Market Complexity: Buyers may face new payment obligations; transaction structures become more varied
For the Legal System:
Antitrust Enforcement: The cases demonstrate courts’ willingness to challenge long-standing industry practices
Class Action Power: Successful use of class actions to reform entire industries
Settlement Leverage: Massive verdicts encouraged widespread settlements and industry reform
For Housing Market:
Transaction Costs: Lower commissions could make buying/selling more affordable
Market Liquidity: Reduced costs might encourage more transactions
First-Time Buyers: Potential burden if buyers must pay their agents; seller concessions may offset
Home Prices: Long-term effects unclear – savings might be reflected in home prices or retained by sellers
Practical Implications for Different Audiences
For Legal Professionals
Litigation Opportunities:
- Additional defendants may face suits
- State-level antitrust claims possible
- Individual agent/broker liability claims
- Related consumer protection claims
Compliance Counseling:
- Brokerages need guidance on new rule compliance
- Agents require training on legal requirements
- Industry associations face continued scrutiny
Settlement Administration:
- Complex multi-settlement claim processing
- Potential challenges to settlement distributions
- Appeals and objections to final approvals
For Consumer Advocates
Continued Vigilance:
The Department of Justice has indicated these settlements don’t end antitrust scrutiny. Consumer groups should monitor:
- Whether commission rates actually decline
- Agent steering or other anti-competitive behavior
- MLS access and transparency
- Emergence of new anticompetitive practices
For Economists and Researchers
Natural Experiment:
The rule changes create a natural experiment to study:
- How commission rates respond to competitive pressure
- Effects on market liquidity and transaction volumes
- Impact on buyer and seller welfare
- Role of information and negotiation power in real estate
For Policymakers
Regulatory Questions:
- Should additional real estate regulations be implemented?
- Are there consumer protection gaps to address?
- How to ensure equitable access to real estate services?
- Whether additional antitrust enforcement is needed
What to Expect Next
Short Term (2025-2026):
Settlement Distributions Begin:
Approved claimants will start receiving payment checks in 2026 after final approvals and appeals are resolved.
Final Settlements Approved:
Courts will grant final approval to remaining pending settlements in early 2026.
Industry Adjustment:
Real estate professionals continue adapting to new commission structures and competitive environment.
Additional Lawsuits:
Watch for potential new cases against non-settling defendants or related claims.
Medium Term (2026-2028):
Commission Rate Data:
Market data will reveal whether average commission rates decline as expected.
Business Model Innovation:
New brokerage models emerge, including subscription services, flat-fee arrangements, and technology-driven solutions.
Market Consolidation:
Some brokerages exit the market while others adapt and grow.
Regulatory Response:
State legislatures may pass laws codifying new practices or providing additional consumer protections.
Long Term (2028+):
Permanent Industry Transformation:
The real estate commission structure evolves permanently toward more competitive, transparent market.
Technology Integration:
AI and online platforms play increasingly central roles in home buying/selling.
International Alignment:
U.S. commission structures may more closely resemble international markets with lower average rates.
Legal Precedent:
These cases become landmark antitrust precedents cited in other industry challenges.
Your Next Steps: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
If you sold a home between 2017-2025, you could be entitled to settlement money. Here’s what to do right now:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (5 minutes)
- Visit www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com
- Enter your home sale information
- See if you qualify
Step 2: Gather Your Documents (10-30 minutes)
- Find your Closing Disclosure or Settlement Statement
- Or contact your title company for copies
- Locate your sale date and commission amounts
Step 3: File Your Claim (15 minutes)
- Complete online form at www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com
- Upload your documents
- Submit before December 30, 2025 deadline
Step 4: Save Confirmation
- Keep your confirmation email
- Note your claim number
- Check status periodically on settlement website
Don’t Wait: The December 30, 2025 deadline is approaching. Thousands of homeowners have already filed claims. Make sure you don’t miss out on compensation you’re entitled to receive.
FAQ: Real Estate Commission Lawsuits
Q: How much money will I get from the settlement?
A: Payment amounts depend on multiple factors: the total settlement fund, number of claims filed, the commission you paid, and deductions for attorney fees and costs. Early estimates suggested payments could range from $13 to several thousand dollars per claim. Homeowners who paid higher commissions will generally receive proportionally larger payments.
Q: Do I need to have used one of the defendant companies to qualify?
A: No! This is a common misconception. You qualify if you sold a home on an MLS and paid a commission during the eligible dates, regardless of which company you used. The settlements cover ALL eligible home sellers, not just those who used defendant brokerages.
Q: I sold my home in 2015. Am I eligible?
A: Possibly, depending on location. Some Missouri/Kansas MLS regions have eligibility windows going back to April 2014. Check the settlement website for your specific location’s date range. Most other locations require sales after October 2019.
Q: I already filed a claim in May 2025. Do I need to file again?
A: No! If you already submitted a claim for earlier settlements, you’re automatically included in all current and future settlements. You do NOT need to file multiple times.
Q: What if I can’t find my closing documents?
A: Contact the title company or escrow company that handled your sale closing. They maintain records and can provide copies. You can also try your real estate agent, mortgage lender, or check your email for digital documents sent at closing.
Q: Will this affect the sale of my home if it’s currently in progress?
A: No. The new rules are already in effect as of August 17, 2024. Your current transaction proceeds under the new rules, which give you more flexibility to negotiate commissions.
Q: Are the settlements taxable?
A: Settlement payments may be considered taxable income. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation. The settlement administrator will provide tax forms as needed.
Q: What if I miss the December 30, 2025 deadline?
A: You will forfeit your right to receive money from these settlements. However, check if future settlements with additional defendants might have later deadlines.
Q: Do I need to hire a lawyer to file a claim?
A: No. The claim process is designed for homeowners to file directly at no cost. Do not pay anyone to file a claim for you—it’s free!
Q: I sold two homes during the eligible period. What do I do?
A: File one separate claim for each home sale. Each transaction is eligible for compensation independently.
Q: How long until I receive payment?
A: Payments will be distributed after courts grant final approval and any appeals are resolved. For settlements with December 2025 deadlines, final approval hearings are scheduled for February 2026, with payments likely in mid-to-late 2026.
Q: Can I opt out of the settlement and sue separately?
A: That deadline has passed for most settlements. You’re automatically included unless you previously opted out. If you’re included in the class, you cannot sue the settling defendants separately.
Q: What if the real estate company won’t provide my documents?
A: Real estate companies cannot withhold your transaction documents. If an agent won’t help, contact the title company directly—they handled your closing and have all records. As a last resort, you may have copies in your mortgage documents or email records.
Q: I used a discount broker who charged 1%. Am I still eligible?
A: Yes! Eligibility is based on whether you sold a home on an MLS and paid ANY commission to a brokerage, regardless of the rate.
Q: Will filing a claim affect my credit or taxes?
A: Filing a claim does not affect your credit score. Settlement payments may need to be reported as income on your taxes—consult a tax professional.
Q: I’m buying a home now. How do the new rules affect me?
A: You must sign a written agreement with your buyer’s agent before touring homes. This agreement will specify your agent’s compensation. You may need to pay your agent directly, or you can negotiate for the seller to pay via seller concessions in your purchase offer.
Q: How do I know this is legitimate and not a scam?
A: The official settlement website is www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com, administered by JND Legal Administration, a court-appointed settlement administrator. Never respond to unsolicited emails or calls asking for money to file claims—filing is always free. When in doubt, call the official settlement phone number: 888-995-0207.
Q: What’s the difference between all these settlements?
A: Multiple separate settlements with different defendants have been consolidated for claim purposes. Filing one claim covers you for all applicable settlements. Don’t worry about which specific defendants you’re claiming against—the settlement administrator will determine your eligibility across all settlements.
Q: I’m a real estate agent. Can I claim for my own home sale?
A: Yes! Real estate professionals who sold their own personal residences during eligible periods can file claims like any other homeowner.
This article is based on court documents, official settlement information, legal filings, expert analysis, and news reporting current as of December 27, 2025. Legal proceedings are ongoing. For official settlement information
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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