Bought a home in recent years? You could be entitled to a payment from a $28.5 million settlement involving real estate giants Keller Williams and RE/MAX. Eligible homebuyers who purchased a home listed on a multiple listing service could qualify, but claims must be filed by Aug. 25, 2026.
The case alleges major real estate companies helped keep buyer-agent commissions artificially high, increasing costs for homebuyers and limiting competition among agents. Keller Williams and RE/MAX deny violating any laws and agreed to settle to avoid prolonged litigation. Eligible claimants who submit valid claims could receive a share of the settlement fund, with payments based on factors including the home’s purchase price, commission paid and the number of claims filed.
Here’s what to know.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
According to the settlement website, you may qualify if:
- You purchased residential real estate in the United States during your state’s eligible time period, ending April 14, 2026.
- The home was listed on a multiple listing service (MLS).
The start date for eligibility varies by state. In Texas, for example, eligible purchases date back to Jan. 25, 2019.
Homebuyers who purchased more than one eligible property must submit a separate claim for each home.
What Is the Lawsuit About?
Plaintiffs allege the National Association of REALTORS, Keller Williams, RE/MAX and other defendants worked together to reduce competition among buyer agents, allowing commissions to remain higher than they otherwise would have been in a competitive market.
The lawsuit further alleges the practices steered buyers away from homes offering lower commissions, ultimately increasing costs for some homebuyers.
Keller Williams and RE/MAX deny the allegations and any wrongdoing. Both companies say they agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.
Under the settlements, Keller Williams will contribute $20 million and RE/MAX will contribute $8.5 million to the settlement fund while cooperating in the ongoing litigation against remaining defendants.
The court has not determined whether any defendant violated the law, and the case continues against other companies.
How Much Money Could I Receive?
Settlement administrators have not announced individual payment amounts.
If approved, payments to eligible claimants will depend on factors including:
- The number of valid claims submitted.
- The purchase price of the home.
- The buyer-agent commission paid during the transaction.
How Do I File a Claim?
Eligible homebuyers can submit a claim online or mail a completed claim form to the claims administrator.
Online claims must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Aug. 25, 2026. Mailed claim forms must be postmarked by Aug. 25, 2026.
More information about eligibility requirements, claim forms and the settlement is available on the settlement website.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on X @athompsonUSAT.
Reporting by Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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