07/07/26 · 5 min read
Bought a home since 2006? The buyer-side commission settlement pays without transaction documents
By ClaimBridge Team
You've probably heard of the NAR commission settlements that paid home *sellers*. This is the buyer side: Batton v. National Association of Realtors alleges the same MLS commission rules inflated purchase prices for buyers — and the first $28.5 million, from Keller Williams and RE/MAX, is open for claims until August 25, 2026. A base claim requires no transaction documents.
Who qualifies
Anyone who purchased residential real estate in the United States that was listed on a multiple listing service (MLS), within their state's class period. Class start dates vary by state — the earliest go back to January 25, 2006 (Texas, for example, starts January 25, 2019) — and all run through April 14, 2026. You must have been the buyer of record; sellers were covered by the separate NAR settlements.
Why this one is worth filing even though the first check is small
This is the first tranche, not the last. Claims against the remaining defendants continue, which means future settlement tranches may follow for the same class — and members who filed once are positioned for the follow-on funds. ClaimBridge flags each follow-on tranche for members as it opens, with the claim prepared and ready to file.
How to file
A claim form is required, but no closing documents or HUD statements are needed for a base claim — the form takes minutes. ClaimBridge prepares it, watches the docket, and readies each subsequent tranche for you to file, and you keep 100% of the payout. The official settlement site is homebuyerlitigation.com. Deadline for this fund: August 25, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my closing documents to file?
No — a base claim requires the claim form but no transaction documents. The purchase does need to fall within your state's class period.
I sold a home — is this settlement for me?
No. This is the buyer-side case; home sellers were covered by the separate NAR commission settlements, most of which have closed.
Will there be more money after this $28.5M?
Possibly — litigation continues against the remaining defendants, and later settlements would create new claim opportunities for the same buyer class. Filing now keeps you positioned for them.