Federal Appeals Court Formally Closes Seven Challenges to NAR Settlement

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-10-11

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed the remaining legal appeals against the Sitzer | Burnett real estate commission agreement.

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday formally concluded seven separate appeals challenging the landmark Sitzer | Burnett residential real estate settlement. The court's actions resolve the remaining appellate objections filed against the historic antitrust agreement involving the National Association of Realtors and several major brokerages.

The federal appellate panel issued procedural orders dismissing the legal challenges brought by class member objectors who sought to overturn or modify the approved terms of the class-action accord. The decision leaves the original settlement structure intact and finalizes the federal appeals phase of the nationwide litigation.

The underlying litigation, originally filed by home sellers in federal court, alleged that rules enforced by the industry trade association artificially inflated real estate commission rates paid by sellers. To resolve the claims, the national real estate organization agreed to pay $418 million in damages and implement sweeping policy changes governing how real estate agents are compensated.

Among the key operational shifts mandated by the agreement was the removal of offers of buyer broker compensation from multiple listing services nationwide. Additionally, the settlement required real estate professionals working with buyers to enter into written representation agreements prior to touring any residential properties.

The resolution of these seven appeals removes the primary outstanding legal uncertainties surrounding the settlement's final approval. With the appellate court mandate officially closing the dockets, the real estate industry continues to operate under the revised practice guidelines established by the agreement.