The US Department of Justice has cast doubt on a recent legal settlement that introduced new rules for real estate brokers, causing confusion and uncertainty within the industry. The settlement, totaling $418 million, aimed to address concerns that previous practices led to inflated commissions for home sellers.
One of the key changes in the settlement was the requirement for buyers' agents to have a written agreement with potential homebuyers before touring properties together. However, the Justice Department raised antitrust concerns about this provision, suggesting that it could lead to future legal challenges.