By: Jae Smith | Licensed Real Estate Broker | Plush Properties
The Lawsuit That Won’t Go Away
Just when it seemed like the commission lawsuits rocking the real estate industry were settling down, a new class-action lawsuit filed on June 28 in Missouri has pulled previously settled brokerages back into legal trouble. Companies like Realty ONE Group, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and Anywhere Real Estate are once again under fire—even though many of them had already agreed to earlier settlements related to the same commission practices.
This new legal action claims that these brokerages, despite settling earlier lawsuits, are still responsible for damages because they never admitted wrongdoing and allegedly continue to engage in the same unfair practices. The suit draws directly from the historic Sitzer/Burnett verdict, where a Missouri jury awarded $1.8 billion to home sellers, asserting that sellers were forced to offer inflated buyer-agent commissions through MLS policies.
What’s at Stake for Home Sellers
For sellers, this lawsuit shines a spotlight on how commissions are structured and who pays them. Traditionally, listing agents would offer compensation to the buyer’s agent, creating a system where sellers are covering not only their own agent's commission but also that of the agent bringing the buyer.
The new lawsuit alleges that this system leads to reduced competition, price fixing, and an inability for sellers to negotiate lower commission rates—ultimately costing them thousands more at the closing table. If the legal system finds these practices to be unlawful, commission structures as we know them could dramatically change, giving sellers more flexibility and power in their transactions.
What Buyers Need to Know
While the lawsuit centers on sellers, buyers will also feel the effects. If sellers no longer offer commission to buyer agents, buyers may need to pay their agents directly—an entirely different financial structure than what many are used to. This shift means buyers need to become more informed about agency agreements, service value, and how to budget for agent fees as part of the homebuying process.
Plush Properties is already preparing our buyers for this possibility, educating them on negotiation strategies, fee transparency, and customized buyer representation agreements that work within the changing legal framework.
A Pivotal Moment for Real Estate Agents
Perhaps no group is more impacted by this lawsuit than real estate agents themselves. Agents who are aligned with brokerages caught up in ongoing litigation may find themselves in limbo—especially if their leadership is slow to adapt to new industry standards.
At Plush Properties, we are fully engaged with the latest legal developments and have already begun updating our training, documentation, and compensation strategies to reflect a more flexible, transparent, and consumer-first model. Agents with us are empowered—not held back—by what's happening in the courts.
We support our team with tools, legal education, and marketing systems to help them stay competitive, compliant, and client-centered, no matter how the legal landscape shifts.
Why Brokerage Matters Now More Than Ever
As these lawsuits continue to unfold, one thing becomes increasingly clear: your brokerage matters. Buyers and sellers need representation that understands how to operate legally, ethically, and competitively in a time of major industry reform. And agents need a company that gives them the freedom, support, and structure to grow—not one mired in lawsuits or clinging to outdated practices.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a buyer who wants transparency, a seller looking to protect your investment, or a real estate agent searching for a brokerage that leads through change—Plush Properties is here to move you forward.
Contact Jae Smith today and work with a team that’s informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. At Plush Properties, we don’t just react to change—we prepare for it, adapt to it, and help you succeed through it.
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Jae Smith is a dedicated real estate broker with over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Known for his expertise in serving buyers, sellers, and investors across both commercial and residential markets. His extensive background includes a specialization in short sales, foreclosures, and REO properties, allowing him to navigate complex transactions with skill and confidence… Read full bio |
