Are You Covered by the NAR Settlement?

Since the announcement of the $418 million settlement proposed by the National Association of REALTORS® in the Sitzer-Burnett anti-trust lawsuit, individual real estate agents have been wondering whether they are covered by the settlement and protected from similar litigation. The good news is that if you are an NAR member in good standing as of August 17, 2024, you are covered.

“Seattle King County REALTORS® is pleased the National Association of REALTORS® has entered into a settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit concerning representation and compensation,” 2024 SKCR President Michael Orbino wrote in a statement following NAR’s announcement. “The settlement is yet to be finalized, but it demonstrates a potential resolution that will allow us to move forward while serving both real estate professionals and consumers.”

The NAR settlement in the Sitzer-Burnett anti-trust lawsuit releases every independent contractor who is an “active” member of NAR from liability in similar legal claims. This means REALTORS® in good standing cannot be named in a lawsuit based on facts similar to the Sitzer-Burnett case.

Specifically, you are released from liability under the NAR settlement if:

1. Your license is affiliated with a REALTOR® office. If you do not know whether your office is a REALTOR® office, you can talk to your designated broker or visit our Member Office Directory.
2. Your membership is active as of August 17, 2024. If you have let your membership lapse, you must renew your membership by that date to be released from liability. If you don’t know the status of your membership, create a Member Portal account to check your status and review invoices or contact our office at 425-974-1011.

Washington REALTORS® recently released a video featuring Legal Hotline Lawyer Annie Fitzsimmons and WR CEO Nathan Gorton explaining the release of liability under the settlement.

Seattle King County REALTORS® stands ready to assist Designated Brokers, Managers, and Owners to educate their brokers on best practices locally to ensure the REALTOR® brand continues to be the most trusted in real estate by consumers.