Brooklee Han on two big developments in the commission lawsuits
Feb 7, 2024
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Reporter Brooklee Han discusses the settlement agreement reached by Keller Williams in the Sitzer Burnett lawsuit and the potential impact on other pending cases. They also explore the ongoing commission lawsuits in the real estate industry and the implications of AI technology for fraudulent activities.
Keller Williams settles the Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit for $70 million, with changes such as not requiring agents to be members of the National Association of Realtors or follow their Code of Ethics.
Home Service America seeks a review of the Eighth Circuit's decision regarding its motion to compel arbitration in the Sitzer Burnett lawsuit, potentially impacting the overall jury verdict in the case.
Deep dives
Keller Williams settles Commission lawsuit for $70 million
Keller Williams, one of the defendants in the Sitzer Burnett lawsuit, has reached a settlement agreement for $70 million with the plaintiffs. This settlement includes the Sitzer Burnett and moral lawsuits, as well as the no select suit. The terms of the settlement are similar to those of remax and anywhere, with changes such as not requiring agents to be members of the National Association of Realtors or follow their Code of Ethics. Keller Williams also encourages agents to make clients aware that commissions are negotiable.
Home Services America requests Supreme Court intervention in Sitzer Burnett suit
Home Service America has filed a writ of certiary to the Supreme Court, requesting a review of the Eighth Circuit's decision regarding its motion to compel arbitration in the Sitzer Burnett lawsuit. The lower court ruled against the motion, stating that under Missouri state law, Home Service America would need to be listed as a third party beneficiary on the contract to compel arbitration. Home Services seeks a reversal of this decision and believes it could impact the overall jury verdict in the case.
Certified survey reveals home buyers and sellers targeted by wire fraud
A survey conducted by Certified found that nearly 25% of US home buyers and sellers were targeted with suspicious or potentially fraudulent activities during their real estate transactions. 10% of respondents were targeted for real estate fraud and 5% suffered financial losses. The survey also highlighted that consumers felt inadequate education regarding wire fraud risks, with 60% reporting that their real estate agents provided little to no information on the topic. Meanwhile, ALTA surveys found that 85% of title professionals included warnings about wire fraud in their emails, indicating efforts within the title industry to educate consumers.
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Reporter Brooklee Han about two big developments in the commission lawsuits. The two also discuss an increase in wire fraud.
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