Upstate Lawsuit Exposes Real Estate Commission Inflation and Pushes for Seller’s Fair Share

Greenville, South Carolina – A lawsuit challenging real estate commission rules was presented in federal court in Charleston on Thursday. The lawsuit claims that one of the major real estate firms inflated commissions, and argues that home sellers should not be required to pay the full commission. The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation will determine whether the case will be tried in South Carolina or joined with other buyer/broker cases nationwide to be heard by one federal judge. It should be noted that this case is separate from the recent settlement reached by the … Read more

National Association of Realtors Settles Lawsuits, Sparks Major Changes in Real Estate Commission Policies

Jacksonville, Florida – The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is making significant changes to its real estate policies following a series of lawsuits relating to the setting of agent commissions. The NAR recently agreed to pay $418 million in order to assist home sellers. One of the key changes involves the responsibility for paying the buyer’s agent. Under the new policy, the buyer will be required to pay their own agent unless the seller agrees to do so. Another notable rule modification is the prohibition on disclosing the amount of money agents receive for selling … Read more

Former Wood County Sheriff’s Deputy Wins Sanctions in Lawsuit Against County Commission and Sheriff’s Department

PARKERSBURG, West Virginia – A former Wood County Sheriff’s deputy has won a motion for sanctions against the County Commission and Sheriff’s Department for failing to provide requested materials for review in her lawsuit. Pleasants County Circuit Judge Timothy L. Sweeney, who is presiding over the case, also ruled that an adverse jury instruction will be allowed regarding lost or destroyed materials. The legal battle between former Wood County Sheriff’s Sgt. Della Matheny and the commission, department, and former Sheriff Steve Stephens began in November. Matheny alleges that Stephens harassed female employees, created a hostile … Read more

Judge Robert Adrian Dismissed from Bench for Blatant Violations: Illinois Courts Commission Takes Action

QUINCY, IL – An Illinois judge has been dismissed from the bench following a ruling by the Illinois Courts Commission on allegations of judicial misconduct. Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge Robert Adrian faced a hearing regarding his potential misconduct, and after nearly three months of deliberation, the commission decided to remove him from his position. This latest development raises concerns about the integrity of the judicial system and the impact of such violations on the administration of justice. The commission’s ruling document, spanning over thirty pages, outlines the various criteria used to determine appropriate sanctions for … Read more