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hearing on final approval of the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) settlement is scheduled for November 26 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The court will consider arguments from both the NAR legal team and plaintiffs advocating for final approval.

    Ahead of the hearing, class members had the opportunity to opt out or file objections to the settlement agreement by October 28. In the coming days, plaintiffs will submit a motion supporting final approval, addressing objections and presenting their case in favor of settlement approval. The NAR will also respond to filed objections and present its own arguments for final approval.

    The Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to file a "Statement of Interest" on the settlement agreement at any time before November 26. If they do, the court will consider their perspective alongside other arguments made by objectors and make an independent decision on final approval.

    NAR President Kevin Sears notes that if the DOJ submits a Statement of Interest, it is likely to reflect their known position on cooperative compensation. NAR worked to preserve offers of compensation as part of the settlement because they believe these offers are pro-consumer and beneficial for both buyers and sellers.

    The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the settlement is approved, which would secure a release of liability for over 1.4 million NAR members and other parties involved. If final approval is granted, objectors have the right to appeal.