On January 25, a district court issued an order granting NAR's petition to end the DOJ investigation of NAR, including their investigation of the MLS Participation Rule and Clear Cooperation Policy. As you may recall, we settled with the DOJ in 2020, which they tried to back out of in 2021. The court concluded: "The government, like any party, must be held to the terms of its settlement agreements."

 This does not preclude the DOJ from investigating NAR in the future, and the DOJ has the option to appeal this decision if desired. But this is a clear victory. NAR is delighted the DOJ is now bound to honor its agreement. A copy of the court's order is attached.

 As part of our commitment to act in the best interests of home buyers and sellers across this country, NAR remains dedicated to advancing independent, local real estate marketplaces that provide for greater economic opportunity and equity for small businesses and consumers of all backgrounds and financial means.

 We will keep you posted on any updates. In the meantime, please feel free to contact Lesley Muchow (lmuchow@nar.realtor) if you have any questions about this terrific outcome. Click here to view the case file. 

Katie Johnson, NAR General Counsel