What is the best advice for avoiding an antitrust lawsuit?

The best advice for avoiding an antitrust lawsuit is to never discuss setting fixed commission rates with your competitor offices. Engaging in discussions about fixed commission rates or any type of price-fixing among competitors can lead to serious legal repercussions under antitrust laws. These laws are designed to promote fair competition and prevent agreements between businesses that could harm competition, such as collusion on pricing.

Discussing fixed commission rates can create an impression of collusion and can be interpreted as an attempt to manipulate the market, which is a violation of antitrust regulations. Each real estate professional is expected to determine their own commission structure independently to foster a competitive environment.

While avoiding dual agency situations, keeping records complete and updated, and managing trust funds appropriately are all important practices within real estate, they do not directly relate to antitrust concerns. Focusing specifically on commission discussions and pricing strategies is crucial for compliance and avoiding legal issues.