NAR-DOJ Settlement: In-Depth

An Overview of the DOJ Lawsuit

2005 Summary
This 2005 summary titled, "What REALTORS® Need to Know about the DOJ Lawsuit Against NAR" provides a clear explanation of the challenge that REALTORS® faced, and what was at stake.
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May 27, 2008 Settlement Documents
Proposed Final Order (PDF 28K)
Exhibit A - Revised VOW policy (PDF 38K)
Exhibit B - Definition of a participant (PDF 32K)

May 27, 2008 NAR Special INS Report:
NAR, DOJ Agree on MLS Policy
NAR has reached a favorable settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, resolving the litigation between them over the display of listings from the MLS on brokers' virtual office Web (VOW) sites.
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What is an MLS?

An MLS is a private offer of cooperation and compensation by listing brokers to other real estate brokers. This summary provides a brief history and more detail.
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NAR's MLS Policy and Procedures

About Real Estate Competition

Statistics and facts
This data shows that the real estate industry is dynamic, entrepreneurial, and fiercely competitive, with minimal barriers to entry.
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Cendant Corp.'s Letter to The Wall Street Journal
The letter, which was shared with NAR by Smith, was published by the Journal with the headline "REALTORS®: Totally Open and Totally Competitive" on Sept. 29, 2005.
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Analysis: Realty Times: Listings are Key to Antitrust

"It's a fair bet that, to most people, the Department of Justice (DOJ) anti-trust suit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a yawner of a topic, maybe on a par with a review of postal regulations. Perhaps, though, readers of this column will find the matter of more than passing interest. For those in the business, its outcome could have a significant impact on their livelihood."
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