Now that a federal appeals court just upheld the $418 million NAR settlement, can I still file a claim if I sold my McKinney home years ago?

Now that a federal appeals court just upheld the $418 million NAR settlement, can I still file a claim if I sold my McKinney home years ago? Yes, in most cases you likely can, as long as your McKinney sale falls within the settlement's eligible date range and you file before the deadline.

If you sold a home anywhere in Collin County over the past several years and paid a buyer's agent commission as part of that transaction, this news probably caught your attention. The National Association of Realtors settlement, originally approved in 2024, set aside $418 million to compensate home sellers who may have overpaid in commissions under the old industry practices. A recent federal appeals court ruling rejected objections to that settlement and confirmed it can move forward as written, which means the claims process sellers have been hearing about is not going away or getting reworked. For anyone who sold a home in McKinney, Prosper, Frisco, or elsewhere in Collin County during the eligible window, that's good news: the door to file is still open. But there are real deadlines and documentation requirements attached, and plenty of sellers are unsure whether their specific sale even qualifies. Below, we'll walk through who's eligible, what you'll need to pull together, and where to actually go to file. This isn't legal advice, and if your situation is complicated, you may want to talk to an attorney. But if you're simply trying to figure out whether this applies to you and what to do next, here's a straightforward breakdown.

What the Appeals Court Ruling Actually Changed

The appeals court didn't create a new settlement or expand who qualifies. What it did was reject challenges from objectors who wanted the terms thrown out or renegotiated. In practical terms, this confirms the settlement timeline, the eligibility window, and the claims process that was already in motion. If you'd been holding off on filing because you weren't sure the settlement would survive legal challenges, that uncertainty is now resolved.

Who's Eligible to File a Claim

Generally, you may be eligible if you sold a home that was listed on a Multiple Listing Service and you paid a commission to a buyer's broker as part of that sale, during the covered time period set out in the settlement (which stretches back several years). This applies broadly across the country, including sellers here in McKinney and throughout Collin County.

• You sold a home listed on an MLS during the eligible window
• A buyer's agent commission was paid out of your sale proceeds
• You haven't already opted out of the settlement class

It doesn't matter whether your home was in Stonebridge Ranch, Craig Ranch, Eldorado, or a smaller subdivision off Highway 5 - the settlement isn't neighborhood-specific. What matters is the timing of your sale and whether a commission was paid.

What You'll Need to File

The claims process asks for basic information about your sale: the property address, approximate sale date, and details about the commission paid. If you still have your old closing disclosure or settlement statement from the transaction, keep it handy, since it will make filling out the claim form much faster. If you don't have those documents anymore, many sellers can still file using the address and approximate details, since the claims administrator can often cross-reference public records.

Where to File

Claims are filed through the official settlement administrator's website, not through individual brokerages or agents. If you search for the official NAR settlement claims site, you'll find the current deadline and the online form. Be cautious of any third party reaching out and asking for payment to "help" you file - the official process doesn't require that.

Why This Matters for McKinney Sellers Specifically

Collin County has seen a huge volume of home sales over the past several years, from new construction in Trinity Falls and Painted Tree to resales in older McKinney neighborhoods near downtown. That means a large number of local sellers potentially fall within the eligible window. If you sold during that stretch, it's worth five minutes to check your eligibility rather than assume it doesn't apply to you.

It's also worth understanding how this settlement has already reshaped how commissions work going forward. Buyers and sellers now negotiate commissions more directly and transparently than before, which is part of why sellers are asking sharper questions about value, pricing strategy, and what they're actually getting for the commission they pay today.

A Quick Reality Check on Deadlines

Settlement claims processes almost always have a filing deadline, and once it passes, it passes. If you've sold a McKinney home anytime in the last several years and haven't looked into this yet, don't let it sit on your to-do list indefinitely. The appeals court ruling settles the legal uncertainty, so now it's really just a matter of paperwork and timing.

For the most current deadline and official filing details, the official NAR settlement claims administrator site is the best source, rather than relying on secondhand summaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file a claim?

No. The claims process is designed for sellers to file on their own through the official settlement website. Most people won't need legal representation unless their situation is unusually complex.

What if I don't remember the exact commission I paid?

You can often still file using approximate details, and the claims administrator may be able to verify figures through public transaction records. Having your old closing paperwork simply makes the process faster.

Does it matter which part of Collin County my home was in?

No. Eligibility is based on when you sold and whether a buyer's agent commission was paid, not on the specific city or neighborhood within Collin County.

What This Means If You're Thinking About Selling Again

Plenty of former sellers are realizing that commission structures, negotiation norms, and listing strategy have shifted since they last sold. If you sold a McKinney home years ago and are considering listing another property today, it's worth understanding how the market and the process have changed before you jump back in.

Sold a McKinney home in the last decade? Ask us whether you qualify, and let's talk about what commission looks like if you list again today. Reach out to Jane Clark with Keller Williams McKinney for straightforward answers about your past sale and your next move in McKinney and across Collin County.