Judge Patti B. Saris, who is overseeing the Nosalek Commission proceedings, decided to put the case on hold pending Judge Stephen R. Bough’s decision on the Nosalek Commission’s national commission proceedings The settlement agreement was adjudicated. national association of realtors (NAR) March.
Pursuant to Saris’ order, the plaintiffs have 30 days after Bough’s ruling to file an application for supplemental preliminary approval of the settlement. also, Ministry of Justice Under the Class Action Fairness Act, there will be 90 days to review the settlement agreement.
By staying the proceedings, Sarris delayed ruling against the defendants MLS real estate information network Settlement Agreement. Saris gave preliminary approval to the first settlement agreement proposed by MLS PIN in September 2023. Since then, the courts, DOJ, plaintiffs and MLS PIN have been working to reach a settlement acceptable to the DOJ.
In addition to MLS PIN, the four other defendants in the lawsuit— anywhere, weight/maximum, Keller Williams and american family services –Settlements in seller commission lawsuits have been reached across the country.
The settlement agreement between RE/MAX, Anywhere and Keller Williams has received final approval from Bough. But American HomeServices’ settlement agreement was filed late and has not yet received final approval.
In making the decision to put the Nosalek lawsuit on hold, Sarris took the opposite tack from Judge William Stickman, who was overseeing the Moratis Commission proceedings. Stickman Denies West Penn MLS Motion to maintain the lawsuit. West Penn MLS seeks a stay as it opts for NAR settlement.
MLS PIN would not comment on this development. RE/MAX, Anywhere and Keller Williams did not respond to requests for comment.
Chris Kelly, executive vice president of American HomeServices, wrote in an email house line The industry is currently working to adapt to changes in business practices outlined in the NAR Settlement Agreement.
“What is most important now is a clear and timely resolution of the ongoing legal issues, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders,” Kelly said. “This clarity will allow the industry to effectively guide consumers as they navigate the changing landscape of the home. Buying and Selling Landscape – Our brokerages and agents are proactively embracing this process.
“We hope to avoid taking a start-and-end approach, or suddenly switching to a completely different set of practices based on future rulings, as such disruptions could have a significant impact on the consumers we aim to serve.”
