NAR Approves $418 Million Settlement; Judge Bough Addresses Antitrust Concerns

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has received final approval for a $418 million settlement related to commission rules for real estate agents. This settlement concludes a protracted legal battle with home sellers, as noted by Judge Bough in his order on November 27, where he acknowledged that while class members may not recover all the fees paid to agents, such outcomes are typical in settlements. The settlement also raises concerns from the Department of Justice regarding potential limitations it may impose on competition among agents, as it introduces a requirement for buyer agreements. Moreover, the settlement does not shield NAR or real estate companies from future antitrust enforcement actions.