A Louisiana federal judge dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors. This marks another setback for challengers of industry membership rules.

The Big Picture The DeYoung lawsuit, filed in January 2025 by Louisiana brokers and agents, alleged NAR's three-way membership agreement violated multiple federal laws. Plaintiffs argued that access to multiple listing services (MLS) was improperly tied to local association membership.

Judge Shelly Dick adopted Magistrate Judge Erin Wilder-Doomes' recommendations, which noted plaintiffs failed to explain how forced membership harms consumers. The magistrate also found allegations of disparate impact against minority communities lacked specific factual support.

“"There is not a single fact in the Amended Complaint that shows how any of Defendants' policies specifically limit minority consumers and communities."”

Why It Matters This ruling adds to similar dismissals in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Federal judges are establishing a clear pattern: legal challenges to NAR's membership rules need stronger consumer harm arguments.

The lawsuit was filed by 4 real estate professionals and named multiple defendants including NAR, Louisiana local associations, and ROAM MLS. Judge Dick permanently dismissed federal claims against most defendants but gave plaintiffs 3 weeks to file an amended complaint against one individual executive.

State law claims were deferred to a later date. This suggests while federal arguments failed, there might be room for challenges under specific state laws.

The Bottom Line Watch pending cases in Michigan and Maryland. If they follow Louisiana's pattern, NAR maintains its legal advantage. But real estate remains under scrutiny, and each court decision redefines what constitutes fair competition in housing markets.