Homebuyer Antitrust Class Action Settlement

If you bought a U.S. home listed on an MLS and a broker commission was paid, you may qualify for cash benefits from the nationwide Homebuyer Antitrust Class Action Settlement. Real-estate firms can also opt-in for liability protection. Check Your Eligibility

Quick Overview

Who’s eligible? Anyone who purchased a home through an MLS in the U.S. during the applicable class periods and paid a broker commission.
What’s alleged? A conspiracy among brokers, franchisors and the National Association of REALTORS® to keep commissions artificially high, violating antitrust laws.
Current status: Preliminary approval granted October 16, 2025; 180-day opt-in window for non-party real-estate firms ends April 13, 2026.
Potential benefits: Monetary payments to class members and complete release for companies that opt-in and contribute to the settlement fund.

Key Dates

Opt-In Deadline for Real-Estate Firms: April 13, 2026
Plaintiffs’ Motion to Approve Opt-Ins: 35 days after opt-in period ends
Class Notice & Claim Process Motion: 45 days after all opt-ins receive preliminary approval

Who Is in the Settlement Class?

The class covers homebuyers who purchased an MLS-listed property within these timeframes:

Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming: Dec 8 2017 – date of class notice
Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri: Dec 8 2018 – date of class notice
All other states and D.C.: Dec 8 2019 – date of class notice

Exclusions apply to anyone who timely opts out, released claims in specific seller settlements, court personnel, and counsel.

Settling Defendants

Eleven real-estate companies have already agreed to settle:

At World Properties, LLC
Baird & Warner, Inc.
Real Estate One, Inc.
Silvercreek Realty Group LLC
Equity Realtors, LLC d/b/a Equity Real Estate
NextHome, Inc.
Realty Executives Intl. Svcs. LLC
Shorewest Realtors, Inc.
Side, Inc.
Engel & Volkers Americas, Inc.
Engel & Volkers GmbH

Opt-In Options for Non-Party Firms

Real-estate brokerages, franchisors, and other firms may secure a full release by:

Private or mediated agreement with plaintiffs (fees split with Class Counsel).
Paying 25% of any Burnett/Gibson/Keel settlement amount into the Global Settlement Fund.
Paying 0.0005 × average four-year transaction volume into the fund.

All negotiations can be overseen by Special Master Judge James F. Holderman (Ret.).

Next Steps for Homebuyers

Visit the official site and sign up for updates.
After class notice is issued, file a claim form before the yet-to-be-announced deadline.
Watch for final approval and payment distribution details.

Important Document

Download the Preliminary Approval Order (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Homebuyer Antitrust Class Action Settlement about?

The lawsuit accuses brokers, franchisors, and the National Association of REALTORS® of conspiring to inflate buyer-side commissions, violating federal and state antitrust laws. The settlement seeks monetary relief for affected homebuyers nationwide.

Am I automatically included in the Homebuyer Antitrust Class Action Settlement?

You’re included if you purchased an MLS-listed home in the U.S. during the stated class periods and a commission was paid. You may exclude yourself later when class notice is issued.

How much money will class members receive?

The exact payout depends on the total settlement fund and the number of valid claims. Dollar amounts will be detailed in future court filings after opt-ins and final approval.

How can my brokerage opt-in to the Homebuyer Antitrust Class Action Settlement?

Contact Settlement Class Counsel well before April 13 2026 to negotiate via one of the three payment options or through mediation with Judge Holderman.

Does this settlement affect the existing home seller settlements?

No. The home seller settlements covered only sellers. Homebuyers retained their claims, which are now addressed by this separate settlement.