COMMISSION COLLUSION

Will Missouri’s ruling reshape real estate?

WELCOME

Between 7%+ interest rates and historically high home prices, the real estate industry is experiencing “a real whack on the side of the head,” as Federal Housing Administration former commissioner Dave Stevens bluntly put it. But that doesn’t mean your career is in for a cold winter.

Every week, we share real-time and relevant industry tips, business-growth advice, expert interviews, free masterclasses, and incredible home tours across our feeds. 

Whether you’re an agent breaking into the luxury space, an investor on the hunt for new opportunities, or an enthusiast keeping up with housing trends, subscribe, follow, and connect with us on your favorite platform. While you’re at it, say hi and tell us what you want to see next week—we read every message. 

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Keep reading for:

  • The decision is in. The latest on the Sitzer/Burnett buyer broker lawsuit.

  • Pre-close masterclass. How to navigate escrow like the pros.

  • Buying trends. Home searchers are flocking to these 10 cities.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

 🔊Today’s Top Podcast Rec:

In the latest episode of Glennda’s Guru, seasoned Beverly Hills agent Christophe Choo shares his best advice for turning your social circle into a winning business model. Learn where Christophe finds high-end clients, how to be in the right place at the right time, and why he still visits every open house he can—whether he has a buyer or not.

TRACK THE TRENDS

MARKETS

The verdict is in

Earlier this week, a Kansas City jury ruled that the National Association of Realtors (NAR), HomeServices of America, and Keller Williams colluded to keep commission rates high—and ordered them to pay $1.78 billion in damages. 

The argument hinged on one controversial rule: The NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy. According to this policy, if a seller’s agent wants to list a property on the MLS, they must offer the buyer’s agent a commission on the sale. The rule was intended to promote cooperation between MLS participants and to give buyers a sort of one-stop shop for all local listings. But according to the judge and jury, the policy violates antitrust statutes and drives up the cost of already-pricy real estate. 

So, what’s next?

  • Judge Stephen Bough has to issue a final ruling on the case, finalizing the verdict. With that decision, he could triple damages to over $5 billion and force major changes to the policy. 

  • Missouri’s suit is likely to trigger copycat suits in other states. Nationwide, this pressure has the potential to reshape the real estate commission model. 

  • All three defendants have suggested they will consider appealing the decision, which could accelerate industry changes.

FEATURED LUXURY LISTING

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Mastering negotiations

An unexpected inspection report can derail even the best real estate deals just days before closing. That’s why luxury agent Josh Flagg recommends his sellers provide every potential buyer with a complete inspection report before they put in an offer—limiting contingencies and reducing expensive repair requests. 

Want more expert agent strategies like this? Watch Josh’s latest masterclass, and make your offer-to-closing process your strongest competitive advantage. 

MORE FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Our full lineup of real estate reads:

The Glennda Gazette. Real estate, real life, in real time. 

Zillowtastrophes. Unique, weird, and wild real estate.

WAS the Newsletter. Your weekly dose of design advice and inspiration. 

Estate Elegance. Your daily dive into luxury real estate. 

REC ROUNDUP

The Friday Five

📖 Fall affordability. The top 10 markets buyers are eyeing this season.

👀 Bel Air beauty. Stop and stare at these stairs. 

👀 Looking at London. The London Neighbourhood Guide tours Canary Wharf.

💡Market mindset. Why there’s opportunity in every season. 

💡Get social. 50 AI-generated real estate social media prompts you can use now. 

Before we go…

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