NAR’s motion for dismissal denied; third buyer-side lawsuit to move forward

In a hearing Oct. 5 in U.S. District Court, a judge denied motions brought by the National Association of Realtors asking to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to end the practice of sellers paying buyers’ broker commissions.

This is the third such lawsuit filed against NAR about buy-side commissions, although this one zeroed in on NAR’s buyer broker commission rule requiring “all brokers to make a blanket, non-negotiable offer of buyer broker compensation” in order to list the property on the Multiple Listing Service.

The plaintiffs in the class-action suit are two Connecticut homeowners who say NAR’s policies force sellers to pay buyer commissions at an inflated amount.

The lawsuit, which alleges racketeering and conspiracy, also names four brokerages: Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices of America, RE/MAX Holdings and Realogy Holdings.

Responding to NAR’s motion to dismiss the suit, Judge Andrea Wood agreed with the plaintiffs’ contention that they were forced to pay higher commissions because of the rule.

“The Court finds that plaintiffs have sufficiently pleaded that they suffered an antitrust injury from defendants’ conspiracy,” Wood wrote. “Each plaintiff was a home seller required to pay a commission to the buyer-broker for the person who purchased their home. But-for defendants’ conspiracy, each plaintiff would have paid substantially lower commissions.”

Although disappointed in the ruling, a NAR spokesperson told Chicago Agent magazine that as the case moves forward, they intend to demonstrate how the MLS system creates competitive, efficient markets that benefit homebuyers and sellers as well as small business brokerages.

“The MLS fosters cooperation between brokers providing the best and greatest number of options for buyers and sellers,” NAR said. “The broker commission structure also ensures greater access for first-time, low-income and many other home buyers who otherwise couldn’t afford a home purchase. We are confident that when the case is ultimately decided, we will prevail.”

AgentEDU Releases Comprehensive Training Courses Designed to Train Assistants in the Business of Real Estate

CHICAGO — March 16, 2018 — AgentEDU.com, a division of Agent Publishing, today announced the release of their latest course specifically designed to train assistants for the unique demands of the real estate industry.

A well trained real estate assistant can be invaluable when it comes to marketing, branding and time management, but an agent’s schedule may prevent them from being able to invest the time needed to properly train one. AgentEDU’s exclusive eight-course Assistants track was created to provide agents with an effective training platform that educates assistants on the regulations of the real estate industry as well as the day-to-day responsibilities when working with a real estate agent.

“With more than 20 years experience as a real estate agent I know how valuable a well trained assistant can be to growing your business. I also know how difficult it is to find the time and resources to properly train an assistant,”said Marci Sepulveda, AgentEDU’s managing partner. “We created the Assistants track to provide agents nationwide with easily accessible, but in-depth courses that will produce productive assistants and valuable additions to any real estate team.”


AgentEDU® is a platform where agents at every level can come to watch 10-minute video courses for the many situations that successful agents must master. From essential to advanced level and everything in between, AgentEDU® courses help agents become top producers with increased earnings and a plan for continued growth.

AgentEDU® is an Agent Publishing brand. For nearly two decades, Agent Publishing has been committed to providing residential real estate professionals with the information and training required to build successful and meaningful careers in their local markets. Agent Publishing’s influence extends to every career stage and reaches agents across print, digital, events and online learning.