New York homebuyers who purchased residential properties in recent years could qualify for a share of a $28.5 million settlement involving real estate firms Keller Williams and RE/MAX. According to court documents and settlement details, claims must be filed by Tuesday, Aug. 25, for eligible transactions listed on a multiple listing service. The legal action centers on allegations that major real estate companies kept buyer-agent commissions artificially high, driving up costs and restricting market competition.
Eligible claimants may receive an individual payout based on factors like the home’s purchase price, the commission paid, and the total volume of valid claims submitted. According to the settlement website, buyers qualify if they purchased residential real estate in the United States through April 14, 2026, on a multiple listing service. In New York, the eligibility window extends back to Jan. 25, 2015. Buyers with multiple properties must file a separate claim for each address.
Did You Know? Under the terms of the settlement, Keller Williams is contributing $20 million and RE/MAX is contributing $8.5 million to the compensation fund while both companies continue cooperating with ongoing litigation against other defendants.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that the National Association of Realtors, Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and other co-defendants conspired to curb competition among buyer agents. The complaint alleged that these practices kept commissions above competitive market rates and steered buyers away from properties offering lower commissions. Both Keller Williams and RE/MAX have denied all wrongdoing, agreeing to settle primarily to avoid the financial expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.
While the court has not determined that any defendant violated the law and litigation against other companies proceeds, these funds provide a concrete mechanism for recovering a portion of past transaction costs for eligible buyers who act before the deadline.
Looking ahead, the legal battle is far from over. The court has not determined that any defendant violated the law, and active litigation continues against other companies involved in the dispute. Claimants who successfully file by the deadline will await the processing of the fund, while ongoing court proceedings involving remaining defendants could introduce further developments for the real estate industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a settlement payment?
According to the settlement website, you may qualify if you purchased residential real estate in the United States through April 14, 2026, and the home was listed on a multiple listing service. In New York, eligible purchases date back to Jan. 25, 2015.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
Claims must be filed by Tuesday, Aug. 25. Homebuyers who purchased more than one eligible property must submit a separate claim for each property.
Why are Keller Williams and RE/MAX paying if they deny wrongdoing?
Both companies deny the allegations and any wrongdoing, but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.
Did you purchase a home through a multiple listing service during the eligible window in New York?