All of the fees associated with buying and selling a home can make the process not only complicated, but expensive. Until last year, sellers were forced to pay a percentage of the commission that went to the buyer’s agent. But a lawsuit has changed that for future home sales so sellers can retain more of their profit. And for those who have already sold their house in recent years, there’s some financial relief available. Keep reading to learn more about the real estate class action lawsuit and how to claim your portion of the settlement payout.
What is the real estate class action lawsuit?
Four real estate companies—Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, eXp World Holdings, Higher Tech Realty and Weichert of North America—are under fire for making Americans pay high fees when selling their homes: A new lawsuit alleges that the companies conspired with The National Association of Realtors to tweak rules that resulted in a high commission for the realtors.
The deceptive practice required home sellers to pay commissions to the broker or agent who was representing the buyer. This extra fee meant that home sellers were essentially paying inflated commissions.
The lawsuit states that the enforcement of these rules was anticompetitive and unlawful. It also violated antitrust laws such as the Sherman Act, which prohibits price fixing, monopolization and other shady practices.
Though the companies have denied any wrongdoing, they have collectively agreed to a $44.05 million class action settlement. Here’s the breakdown per company:
- eXp World Holdings: $34 million
- Weichert of North America: $8.5 million
- Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage: $800,000
- Higher Tech Realty: $750,000
Who is eligible for the real estate settlement payout?
In order to receive payout from the settlement, you must be someone who was impacted by the unlawful practices alleged in the lawsuit.
First, you need to have sold a home between October 31, 2019, and July 22, 2025. The home also had to be on a multiple listing service (MLS) during that time.
An important note: Though many of the defendant companies are regional, your home did not have to have been sold in those areas for you to qualify. The settlement is open to any residential properties sold in the U.S. that meet the criteria.
Finally, eligibility dictates that as part of the sale of your home, you paid a commission to a real estate brokerage.
As of now, no information has been provided about how many people may qualify for the settlement.
How much money could you receive from the settlement?
While many payouts are based on the number of class action members, this particular settlement focuses on the real estate fees that were paid.
You will receive a cash payment based on the amount you paid in commissions during the sale of your home or homes. Payments for all class members will vary as a result, with those who paid higher commissions naturally expected to receive more.
How to file a claim for the real estate class action settlement
If you meet all of the criteria for the settlement, you must submit a claim form online to receive your portion of the payout. Proof of your home sale and the commissions you paid must also be provided with that form.
This must be done by September 20, 2025, or you will not receive payment. Anyone who chooses to object or opt out must also do so by this deadline.
The final hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for October 28, 2025. If a judge approves the proposed settlements, payments will be sent out after that time.
Even if you aren’t a class member of the settlement, you can benefit in the long run if you sell your home. As part of the lawsuit, the defendants have agreed to implement new rules that will comply with antitrust laws.
For example, MLS rules that require sellers to pay for the buyer’s broker fees will be nixed. Another change: The MLS will no longer be able to insist that seller-paid commissions are based on a certain percentage of the sales price of the home.
This will put more money back into the pockets of those who sell their home.
