A federal jury awarded home sellers approximately $1.785 billion in damages in the 2023 Sitzer/Burnett antitrust case—but that verdict is not the amount sellers ultimately received. The case later moved into settlements, and in August 2026 the Eighth Circuit affirmed approval of the Burnett settlement. NAR says its settlement provides for $418 million over four years, a separate figure from the jury’s award.
What happened in the Sitzer-Burnett lawsuit?
Burnett v. National Association of Realtors, often called Sitzer/Burnett, was a federal antitrust class action brought on behalf of home sellers. The plaintiffs challenged NAR-related rules and practices requiring listing brokers to make offers of compensation to buyer brokers through a multiple listing service (MLS).
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On October 31, 2023, a jury found that the defendants had conspired to follow and enforce NAR’s Cooperative Compensation Rule, with the purpose or effect of raising, inflating, or stabilizing broker commission rates paid by home sellers. The Osceola County Association of REALTORS® summarized the verdict as $1.8 billion in damages. HomeServices of America later reported approximately $1.785 billion before trebling in an SEC filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
Did the realtors have to pay $1.8 billion?
The $1.8 billion figure describes the jury’s damages award, not a final payment to sellers. The more precise reported award was approximately $1.785 billion before any trebling under federal antitrust law. The case subsequently proceeded through settlement arrangements, so the verdict amount should not be described as having been collected or paid to the class in that form.
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NAR reports that its settlement provides for $418 million over four years. That is NAR’s reported payment, not the jury award and not a total for every defendant’s separate settlement arrangements. The verdict and settlement figures refer to different events and should not be added together or treated as interchangeable.
What changed after the verdict?
The case moved from trial into settlement and appellate review. In August 2026, the Eighth Circuit affirmed approval of the Burnett settlement. NAR says the settlement includes a release of liability for covered parties; the scope and conditions depend on the settlement documents and court orders.
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The Eighth Circuit described the broader impact of the rules in a related appeal, writing: “In short, conspiratorial rules adopted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) led to inflated home costs and harmed home buyers and home sellers.” This is the court’s characterization in that opinion, not a statement by an individual party.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does this mean for home sellers?
The verdict and settlement do not establish that every seller automatically receives a fixed payment. Eligibility, claims procedures, and any distribution depend on the applicable settlement terms and case administration. Sellers seeking to determine whether they are covered should consult the Western District of Missouri case docket and the official settlement documents and administration materials linked through the court or settlement administrator.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteFor a current procedural record, use the Eighth Circuit opinions page and locate the August 2026 Burnett settlement opinion. The NAR account of its payment terms is available in its settlement report; because it is NAR’s own description, consult the court-approved settlement documents for controlling terms.
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