Settlement Reached for Consumers Impacted by Real Estate Listing Changes on MLS Property Information Network

Understanding the MLS Property Information Network Settlement

In a significant move, a proposed settlement has emerged from the lawsuit titled Nosalek v. MLS Property Information Network. This case has piqued the interest of many homeowners, especially those who sold residential real estate listed with MLS PIN. If you've engaged a real estate agent and paid commissions through this network since December 2016, you may be eligible for compensation.

What Caused the Lawsuit?

The lawsuit contends that MLS Property Information Network, alongside some other related parties, partook in activities that unfairly inflated commissions required from home sellers to buyer brokers. This practice allegedly runs counter to the Sherman Act, particularly Section 1, which is designed to prevent anti-competitive behavior.

The core of the complaint sprouts from the listing rules of MLS PIN, suggesting that home sellers must provide commissions to buyer brokers. Although MLS PIN refutes these claims and insists it has acted without wrongdoing, this proposed settlement aims to resolve the allegations leveled against them.

Who is Affected by This Settlement?

If you are classified as a Settlement Class Member, you fall within a specific definition set by the terms of the agreement. Essentially, if you've listed your home on MLS PIN's Pinergy service through a Seller Broker and have paid, or still are paying, a Buyer Broker Commission, you might have a claim. Specifically, those transactions must have occurred between December 17, 2016, and the present.

What Benefits Will Be Provided?

The settlement proposes a fund of $3.95 million that will be allocated among the qualifying Settlement Class Members. To receive your share, it is crucial to submit a claim form by the deadline of December 15, 2025. Benefits from this fund will be prorated based on the sale price recorded in MLS PIN’s databases, with deductions made for attorney fees, administrative costs, and other related expenses.

Moreover, MLS PIN has promised to reevaluate and revise its operational rules to eliminate any constraints cited in the complaint. This means that if the settlement garners approval, sellers in the MLS PIN service area will be liberated from these prior commission demands.

Understanding Your Rights

Once the court ratifies the settlement, you will automatically become a part of this agreement. However, simply being part of the settlement does not guarantee benefits; you must actively submit a claim for the compensation. If you wish to contest either the settlement itself or any aspects such as attorney fees, you can file an objection by September 2, 2025. Detailed instructions for filing the claim or objection are accessible at www.MLSPINSettlement.com.

The Final Approval Hearing is slated for September 29, 2025, at the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. During this hearing, the court will examine whether the settlement is equitable and determine the fees and expenses related to the claims.

It is worth noting that while the settlement pertains to MLS PIN, other defendants involved in this case may still face separate resolutions.

Conclusion

This proposed settlement marks a critical evolution in how commissions for residential real estate transactions are handled, raising awareness around potentially anticompetitive practices. Home sellers within the defined period are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and the possibility for financial restitution as a result of this case. For detailed insights and updates, refer to the official website or contact relevant legal counsel.

For more details regarding this lawsuit and the proposed settlement, please visit www.MLSPINSettlement.com or call Kroll Settlement Administration at (833) 933-6273.