$730M Real Estate Commission Settlement in 2025: Check How to Claim!

In 2025, a historic decision has been made in the US real estate sector, which is being called the largest antitrust settlement ever. This $1 billion settlement aims to compensate home sellers who paid excessive commission on the sale of their homes between 2014 and 2024. In this case, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and some well-known real estate brokerage companies were accused of conspiring together to increase commission rates, causing huge losses to home sellers.

A $730 million portion of this settlement has been specifically set aside for those who sold a home between 2014 and 2024 and paid brokerage commission for it. This is not only a financial relief but also a big step towards transparency and fairness in the real estate industry.

Key points of the settlement

Under this settlement, NAR decided to pay $418 million, while HomeServices of America contributed $250 million. This amount will be given to those homeowners who paid brokerage commission in the past years and who are eligible for this settlement. Along with this decision, some important changes are also being made in the rules of the real estate industry so that such situations do not arise again in the future.

Reasons behind the settlement

For the past several years, many homeowners and consumer organizations have alleged that the commission structure in the US real estate industry is unnecessarily expensive. In the traditional system, the person selling the house used to pay commission to his agent as well as the buyer’s agent. This increased the overall commission amount and the home seller had to pay more. Through the settlement, an attempt has been made to break this old structure and bring more transparency.

$715 Social Security SSI Direct Deposits Soon: Check Eligibility and Payment Schedule

Are you eligible?

If you sold a residential property in the U.S. between April 29, 2014 and August 17, 2024, and it was listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—and you paid a commission to a real estate brokerage—you may be eligible for a settlement claim. Full eligibility details are provided on the official settlement website and in the agreement.

How to make a claim?

If you are eligible for a claim, you must complete and submit your claim form by May 9, 2025. There are two ways to do this:

1. Online claim form:

Go to the settlement’s official website.
Fill out the claim form that includes your property details and commission information.
Submit it online.

2. By mail:

Download the claim form from the website.
Fill out the form and send it to the address below:
- Burnett v. National Association of Realtors c/o JND Legal Administration PO Box 91479 Seattle, WA 98111
Note that your claim form must be postmarked before May 9, 2025.

Required Documents

The following documents will be required when making a claim:

Proof of sale: Documentary proof of the property sale, such as closing documents or a sales settlement statement.
Commission receipt: Document showing the commission amount you paid.

These documents will make your claim process faster and easier.

Common problems faced during claims

Many people may face some common problems in this process, such as missing documents, incomplete information, or not understanding which documents are required. If you have sold multiple properties or there is any confusion, it is best to contact the Settlement Administration Team. They will assist you and clarify the process.

Some important dates

Step	Date
Claim Form Deadline	May 9, 2025
Opt-Out Deadline	October 28, 2024 (This date has passed)
Final Settlement Approval Hearing	November 26, 2024 (This date has passed)

Changes in the real estate industry

The impact of this settlement is not limited to compensation only. After this, many important changes have also taken place in the real estate industry:

End of commission offers in MLS: Now home sellers cannot offer commission to the buyer’s agent in MLS listings. This will lead to direct negotiation between the buyer and the agent and increase transparency of fees.
Buyer Representation Agreement mandatory: Now a written agreement will be required between the buyer and their agent, which will clearly mention the amount of commission and the services.

$1,200+ Direct Deposits from IRS This April – Are You on the List for Recovery Rebate Credit?

What changed for homebuyers?

These changes can also benefit homebuyers:

Direct negotiation on agent fees: Now buyers can directly negotiate their agent’s fees, which can help them reduce costs.
Clarity of expenses: Due to the written agreement, it will be clear to the buyers how much they are paying for which service.

Conclusion

This $730 million real estate settlement is not just a legal matter but a big step towards justice and transparency for home sellers. If you sold a home between 2014 and 2024, do not miss this opportunity. Check your eligibility, gather the necessary documents and fill out the claim form on time. Also, learn from this change and make real estate transactions more sensibly in the future.

If you need any help in this process, do not forget to contact the settlement website and the administration office. This opportunity can prove to be financially beneficial for you.

FAQs

Q. Who is eligible for the settlement?

A. Homeowners who sold a residential property between April 29, 2014, and August 17, 2024, and paid a real estate commission.

Q. What is the deadline to file a claim?

A. The deadline to submit a claim is May 9, 2025.

Q. How do I submit my claim?

A. You can file online through the official settlement website or by mailing the completed form to the address provided.

Q. What documents are required?

A. You’ll need proof of the home sale and documents showing commission payments to a real estate brokerage.

Q. Can I still receive payment if I opted out?

A. No, individuals who opted out of the settlement by October 28, 2024, are not eligible for compensation.