#USA #Seattle #Real Estate #Settlements #Home Seller

$42 Million Settlement for Home Sellers

In a significant legal development, homeowners who have sold properties through real estate agents may be eligible for payouts from a monumental settlement totaling over $42 million. This settlement arises from two lawsuits: Gibson v. National Association of Realtors and Keel v. Charles Ruttenberg Realty, Inc., which accused several large real estate agencies of colluding to inflate commission fees, thereby violating antitrust laws.

Background of the Lawsuits

The lawsuits aimed to challenge the alleged anti-competitive practices that resulted in home sellers paying excessive commissions for real estate services. The defendants in these cases included prominent real estate firms such as William Raveis, Howard Hanna, EXIT Realty, Windermere, and Lyon. Many of these companies have already agreed to contribute a portion to the settlement fund, which is designed to compensate affected homeowners.

Who is Eligible?

To be categorized as a Settlement Class Member, homeowners must have:

• - Sold a residence during the eligible time period,
• - Listed the property on any Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the United States,
• - Paid a commission to a real estate brokerage for the sale of the home.

Options for Affected Homeowners

Settlement Class Members have several choices regarding their claim:
1. File a Claim by December 30, 2025 to receive compensation from the settlement fund. It's important to note that those who have previously submitted a claim do not need to file again for this settlement.
2. Opt-Out: Homeowners can choose to exclude themselves from the settlement by the same deadline, allowing them to retain the right to sue the settling defendants separately.
3. Object to the Settlement: If any individual disagrees with the terms of the settlement but still wants to remain a class member, they can formally object to it by December 30, 2025.
4. Do Nothing: Those who prefer not to claim compensation can simply refrain from action, which would forfeit their right to any settlement payments in exchange for the right to file future lawsuits concerning commission price disputes.

Upcoming Court Hearing

The final approval of the settlements will be deliberated in a court hearing set for February 5, 2026. During this session, the court will assess the proposed settlements and the requested attorney fees, with Class Counsel seeking to secure a maximum of 33.3% of the settlement fund for their representation. Several law firms, including Ketchmark and McCreight P.C. and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, have been appointed as Class Counsel, ensuring that the settlement class is well-represented in court.

How to Learn More

For detailed information on eligibility, filing claims, or other related inquiries, individuals can visit www.RealEstateCommissionLitigation.com or contact JND Legal Administration via email at [email protected]. The deadline for submitting claims or opting out is crucial, and homeowners are advised to act promptly to secure their potential compensation from this landmark settlement.

This settlement marks a pivotal moment for real estate practices in the United States, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in commission structures. Home sellers who believe they may be affected should take advantage of this opportunity, ensuring they are not left out of the compensation process established to rectify these alleged unfair practices.