Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX have agreed to pay a combined $28.5 million to settle claims that they conspired to keep real estate broker commissions high, according to a court notice posted at HomeBuyerLitigation.com.
The settlement covers people and entities that bought U.S. residential real estate listed on a multiple listing service during a state specific period and closed on or before April 14, 2026. A real estate agent or broker also must have received a commission on the sale, according to the settlement notice and FAQ posted by the settlement administrator.
California buyers are included if they purchased residential real estate listed on an MLS on or after Jan. 25, 2017, and closed on or before April 14, 2026. All 50 states and Puerto Rico are included, but the class period varies by state. Buyers do not need to have used a Keller Williams or RE/MAX agent to qualify.
Buyers also do not need to prove they personally paid the commission check. The notice is based on whether the home was listed on an MLS during the state period and whether a broker or agent received a commission on the sale. For additional information on when your state eligibility begins, the notice lists the start date by jurisdiction Settlement Notice PDF.
Keller Williams will pay $20 million and RE/MAX will pay $8.5 million into the fund, which will be reduced by notice and administration costs, attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses and service awards, the settlement notice said. Any remaining money will be distributed to eligible claimants on a pro rata basis based on valid claims filed, the number of properties purchased and the commissions paid.
Claimants must file a separate form for each home purchased and provide the home address, purchase date, purchase price, total commission paid, and the amount paid to the buyer side broker, according to the claim instructions. Proof of payment documents may include closing statements, settlement statements and HUD statements.
The deadline to opt out is June 23, 2026. The fairness hearing is set for July 28, 2026. The deadline to file a claim is Aug. 25, 2026, the notice said.
Claim forms may be filed online or mailed.
The underlying lawsuit alleges that Keller Williams, RE/MAX and other defendants conspired to raise, fix, maintain or stabilize residential real estate broker commissions, which plaintiffs say inflated home prices and reduced the quality of buyer broker services. The companies deny wrongdoing.
