Zillow releases 24 state-compliant short-term touring agreements
Four months after releasing a first-of-its-kind short-term touring agreement, Zillow has released 24 state-compliant versions of the agreement exclusively for Premier Agent partners
by Marian McPherson Aug 1
Consumer watchdog holds up new eXp seller contract as model
A new draft seller contract that eXp Realty is distributing to its brokers and agents is largely consistent with a newly issued set of criteria from the Consumer Federation of America
by Daniel Houston Jul 31
Oh, what a feeling: 4 experts share how to create a brand that lasts
At Inman Connect Las Vegas, branding experts Kevin Knight, Sydney Miller, Griff O'Brien and Elias Astuto said strong values, authenticity and substance are key to creating unforgettable brands
by Marian McPherson Jul 30
Housing inventory growth doesn't guarantee greater affordability
In June, 5 of the top US markets showed improvement in housing affordability and supply, according to First American, while other markets with more inventory still saw rising costs
by Richelle Hammiel Jul 30
Forced to move? Not quite. The real reasons buyers are shopping now
A surprising share of homebuyers are seeking to 'move up' in home. And the next wave of clients may have different priorities in mind, according to the Inman-Dig Insights consumer survey
by Daniel Houston Jul 29
Homebuyers dig the NAR deal until they learn the details: Intel survey
Even if the settlement brings down commissions overall, buyers grow warier the more they learn about what the policy means for them, according to the latest Inman-Dig Insights consumer poll
by Daniel Houston Jul 22
Ed Zorn to the real estate industry: Get rid of commission-sharing now
The attorney and broker dives into the nuances of seller concessions, steering, buyer agents' jobs, and avoiding future antitrust trouble ahead of his appearances at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Andrea V. Brambila Jul 18
5 easy ways to stay in your lane during a transaction
Stop trying to be all things to your clients, broker Joseph Santini writes. Focus on the things that fall within your purview and direct traffic as needed on your transactions
by Joseph Santini Jul 10
Here's why specialization matters for buyer's agents
Developing areas of specialization enhances service, efficiency, and effectiveness and results in greater professional success for both teams and individual agents, coach Verl Workman writes
by Verl Workman Jul 10
Lamacchia Realty buys Berkshire Dream Home in Massachusetts
The deal marks the 7th purchase in 12 months for Massachusetts-based Lamacchia Realty as it signals acquisitions across New England in 2025. ‘I want to triple that in the next 12,' CEO says
by Taylor Anderson Jul 9
Can you hear me now? Why your clients miss 50% of what you say
Less talk, and more listening. Inman contributing writer Rachael Hite shares the real reason your transactions turn topsy turvy — and why it has everything to do with what's lost in translation
by Rachael Hite Jul 8
Zoom in closer: 4 regional housing insights from the Inman Intel Index
Times are tough for nearly every real estate business. But different parts of the country report unique challenges and approaches, as illustrated by Intel’s monthly gauge of industry sentiment
by Daniel Houston Jul 8
12 potential pivot points for buyers planning to represent themselves
Bi-coastal luxury agent Cara Ameer says these thoughtful points can pivot DIY buyer prospects into loyal lifelong clients
by Cara Ameer Jul 2
An ABR instructor's guide to buyer agreements and commissions
Not sure what to say to buyers and sellers about the way compensation works today? Bernice Ross offers insights from Accredited Buyer Representative instructor Rhonda Hamilton
by Bernice Ross Jun 25
National Homeownership Month is a good time to celebrate service
Whether you're working with first-time homebuyers or helping seniors stay in their homes, the way that you support homeownership matters, writes broker-owner Teresa Boardman
by Teresa Boardman Jun 25
Intel Broker’s Guide: How to pry recruits from indies, franchises
It's tough to recruit from franchises, but that's where opportunity may lie, according to an analysis of Intel responses from 610 agents. Intel helps craft the right pitch to draw agents mulling a pivot
by Daniel Houston Jun 24
Realtor.com releases next chapter of buyer agency campaign
Two months after launching its buyers agency ads, Realtor.com has unveiled the next chapter — focused on buyers' agents as key to bolstering homeownership in underrepresented communities
by Marian McPherson Jun 18
5 coaches on how to show your value to get the commission
There are several ways in which agents can prove just how much they're worth. Read on for examples from 5 different coaches
by Lillian Dickerson Jun 11
Agents have complicated feelings about NAR, new Intel survey finds
Agents who rely on NAR primarily to protect their public image are less certain the trade group — which still enjoys broad approval — is a net positive for the industry, according to Intel poll results
by Daniel Houston Jun 10
Nova Scotia MLS adds new fields to serve buyers with mobility needs
Realtors can now add information to help potential buyers search for homes that might meet their mobility needs. The new fields were added to the Nova Scotia MLS on Wednesday
by Taylor Anderson Jun 6
NAR says settlement 'eliminates' steering. Plaintiffs issue warning
Plaintiffs' lawyer Michael Ketchmark vowed legal action to enforce deal: 'Anyone who thinks they can send a few emails or bury their head in the sand and avoid the application of the law is wrong'
5 key reasons buyer agents should consider teaming up by Aug. 17
While teams are not for everyone, team leader Carl Medford believes teams and their agents stand a good chance of coming out ahead as market changes are enacted on Aug. 17, 2024
by Carl Medford Jun 3
Where are the buyers? Introducing Intel's Client Pipeline Tracker
Buyer pipelines have been shrinking, agents told Inman in the latest Intel Index poll. A new metric unveiled today by Intel sheds light on the trend and aims to answer when it might turn around
by Daniel Houston Jun 3
'It's an arms race': How portals are adapting to the commission crunch
The upending of NAR's cooperative compensation rule is a double-edged sword for Zillow and its rivals, experts told Inman. These are the tools and tactics they're adopting to suit the moment
by Marian McPherson May 28
At long last — down payment assistance is finally cool
By making homeownership more affordable, Bernice Ross writes, DPA enhances the value agents bring to the table and plays a vital role in making homeownership more accessible
by Bernice Ross May 28
Hot themes for Vegas: Buyer representation and commissions
Don't-miss sessions at Inman Connect Las Vegas this summer include those built around value propositions, commission negotiations and the evolution of buyer agency
by Alex Sacay May 21
Share your expertise: Take the Inman Intel Index survey for May
Opinion
The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to real estate's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Daniel Houston May 20
Inside the lock-in effect: Cheap mortgages weigh on US consumers
Homeowners with at least a 5% mortgage rate are 3 times as likely to enter the market soon as those with a sub-3.5% rate, according to results from Inman-Dig Insights' latest consumer poll
by Daniel Houston May 20
7 reasons great real estate agents will always be needed
Now is the time to expand your skill set, broaden your knowledge and provide value at a higher level than you’ve ever provided, Jimmy Burgess writes, so that you won't just survive, you'll thrive
by Jimmy Burgess May 17
What agents and brokers really want to tell each other: Intel survey
Agents and brokers talk. A lot. But what's left unsaid may be nearly as important. Intel analyzed survey responses of hundreds of real estate professionals for insights into an unbreakable bond
by Daniel Houston May 13
Realtor.com CEO delivers full-throated speech in support of NAR
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales took to the podium on Monday at the MLS Forum of the Realtors Legislative Meetings to refute rival CoStar's earlier claims about Homes.com's growing traffic
Intel Broker’s Guide: When a seller won't foot the buyer's agent bill
Powered by the latest polling results from the Inman Intel Index, this wide-ranging guide explores how brokerages are steeling themselves for a new type of client: the buyer's-fee-evading seller
by Daniel Houston May 6
Growth in residential, rental and mortgage segments lift Zillow in Q1
Zillow tallied growing revenue while stabilizing losses in the first quarter of the year as the reigning search portal narrowed in on its post-commission settlement strategy on Wednesday
by Marian McPherson May 1
More agents plan to switch brokerages in the coming year
Thirty-nine percent of agents plan to switch brokerages in 2024, according to Coldwell Banker Real Estate's latest survey, citing favorable commission structures and strong lead gen systems
by Marian McPherson May 1
Agents say their brokerage has their back amid commission mess
The NAR settlement shook the industry, but agents overwhelmingly told the Inman Intel Index they believe their brokerage has been an effective ally. It's a big win for brokerage training efforts
by Daniel Houston May 1
12 factors that convince a buyer to pay a full-service commission
Expressing your value to clients begins with knowing yourself, writes mega-team leader Carl Medford. You cannot articulate what you have never taken the time to determine on your own
by Carl Medford Apr 30
Is NAR a net-positive? It depends if you ask an agent or a broker: Intel
An increasing uncertainty among real estate agents in March runs in opposition to brokers, who were more likely to tell Intel they still view the National Association of Realtors positively
by Taylor Anderson Apr 29
Once bright buyer hopes plummet as agents process NAR changes
Agent optimism over future buyer pipelines fell from 44% before the deal to 27% afterward — one of the starkest monthly shifts in sentiment that Intel has recorded in the last year
by Daniel Houston Apr 24
CoStar Group tallies Q1 revenue growth on success of Homes.com
CoStar Group's revenue grew 12% year over year to $656M in Q1, according to earnings released Tuesday. CEO Andy Florance credited the change to Homes.com's traffic, subscription growth
by Marian McPherson Apr 23
Homebuyers emboldened in wake of $418M NAR settlement: Intel poll
Clients believe their agents bring value, and they're willing to pay for it, according to a survey of 3,000 employed US residents conducted by Intel and Dig Insights. But many consumers embrace the idea of negotiating a lower commission — and perhaps exploring new models
by Daniel Houston Apr 17
NAR President Kevin Sears sells brokerage to Anthony Lamacchia
Lamacchia had been in talks with the Sears family for years as he continued his expansion path across New England. The deal was announced this week
by Taylor Anderson Apr 11
How NAR's settlement threatens Black Realtors and homebuyers
This is a moment in history when NAREB and our leaders must stand up for justice and equality, writes Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers
Brokers brace for NAR settlement to drive commissions south: Intel
A $418M settlement in March by NAR caught agents and leaders by surprise. In a mixed bag of responses to the latest Intel Index poll, they shared their early reactions and existential fears
by Daniel Houston Apr 10
Here are the commission questions your clients are asking now: Pulse
We asked you to share with us the commission questions your clients have and how you're explaining the lawsuit fallout
by Inman Apr 10
Will uncertainty drive agents out? Maybe — but don’t let it be you
Opinion
After the National Association of Realtors' proposed settlement, Coldwell Banker Realty president and CEO Kamini Lane offers 3 tips for agents amid commission compression chaos
by Kamini Lane Mar 29
Amid commission chaos, talk turns to ongoing gripe: clueless agents
Leaders at many brokerages say a lack of serious agents with a full-time commitment is a drag on the industry. Intel asks whether this might change in the wake of the latest settlements
by Daniel Houston Mar 25
Online course aims to prep buyer agents for real estate wild west
Kaplan’s new Buyer Agency Professional course aims to help buyer agents negotiate the ways they are compensated
by Ben Verde Mar 21
How commission chaos divided the real estate industry into 4 factions
The verdict in the monumental Sitzer | Burnett commission case in Missouri — plus oversight by federal regulators — has splintered the industry as it scrambles to figure out how to move forward
by Taylor Anderson Mar 20
Over 60% of agents have been recruited so far this year: Intel
Most agents say they've heard from competitor brokerages in recent weeks. Intel examines what's on their mind as they decide whether to stay — or bolt
by Chris LeBarton Mar 18
Berkshire Hathaway Energy added to growing Gibson commission suit
Amended complaint alleges Warren Buffett's company abused the trust inspired by his name to encourage homesellers to use HomeServices and further alleged price-fixing conspiracy
C21's Mike Miedler speaks on the power of a 'to-don't' list
Ahead of his brokerage's annual One 21 Experience, Century 21 President and CEO Mike Miedler shares his spring homebuying predictions and why the key to success is found in doing less
by Marian McPherson Mar 4
How far would you go to protect your buyer clients? The Download
The Consumer Federation of America, an industry watchdog, says that the buyer agreements you're depending on are woefully inadequate to properly protect homebuyers
by Christy Murdock Mar 1
Buyer agency contracts riddled with 'unfair' terms, CFA declares
The Consumer Federation of America, a watchdog group, examined 43 contracts from 37 states, most from state or local Realtor associations, and found practices it believes worthy of scrutiny
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 28
Brokerages, lenders anticipate big recruitment push in 2024: Triple-I
Approximately 28% of brokerage leaders believe 'recruiting and retaining talent' will be their most challenging responsibility 1 year from now, according to results from the Inman Intel Index survey
by Chris LeBarton Feb 26
'Do less, more': Mark Willis shares KW's bare-bones growth strategy
Ahead of his first Family Reunion since returning to Keller Williams as CEO, Mark Willis shared his excitement with Inman — and his call for a return to the basics amid a housing market in flux
by Marian McPherson Feb 26
Tomorrow’s problem? Not for these Sitzer-spooked brokerages: Triple-I
More than 1 in 4 agents say their brokerage has changed its policy on buyer agency agreements, and fallout from commission suits has already taken a toll, according to Inman Intel Index results
by Daniel Houston Feb 21
Buyer agents are already cutting commissions: The Download
In the post-Sitzer world we now live in, agents and brokers are already dealing with the new reality by cutting buyer commissions to the bone
by Christy Murdock Feb 17
Luxury brokerage faces court battle to get its buyer agent paid
Beverly Hills Estates, led by Branden and Rayni Williams, in fight for agent Michelle Graci's right to agreed-upon 50% of the deal's broker commission after seller Ronen Nahum alleged misconduct
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 14
$14.75M sale marks DC region's biggest of the new year
The 17.5-acre equestrian estate was listed for $17.995M in May. The sales price also represents a new record for the town of Great Falls. Daniel Heider of TTR Sotheby's represented the sale
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 13
How to justify your commission with a Buyer Bill of Rights
As the real estate landscape changes thanks to commission-related lawsuits, Carl Medford writes, pressure is being levied on buyer agents to demonstrate their value to potential clients
by Carl Medford Feb 13
Chad Roffers dishes on a Sotheby's Concierge Auction record
The Sotheby's Concierge Auctions founder and CEO shared more about how the recent auction of 'La Dune' went down, as well as key reasons why luxury agents turn to the brand to get a deal done
Redfin offers refund in exchange for buyer agency agreement
The new 'Sign and Save' program promises homebuyers a refund of 0.25% to 0.5% for signing a buyer agency agreement
by Ben Verde Feb 2
Are US home-sale revenues finally bottoming out? Intel examines
The steepest part of the home-transaction downturn appears to be over. Is this where business turns around? Intel dives into the data
by Daniel Houston Jan 29
Attorney lays out how real estate can survive the commission suits
At Inman Connect, Ed Zorn proposed mandating buyer representation agreements, killing the MLS compensation field, adding a concession field, and creating a fund to pay out settlements
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 26
Commercial deals offer a new post-Sitzer compensation model
Want to get paid? Start studying up on how US commercial commissions are negotiated. That's where the residential side of real estate is headed, 4 experts argued at Inman Connect New York
by Daniel Houston Jan 25
Realtor.com CEO 'loves' heated competition with Homes.com
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales addressed the traffic rivalry with Homes.com and why competition is good for agents and consumers
by Marian McPherson Jan 25
Tracking the housing recovery? These 12 dates offer crucial clues
Intel is highlighting the most important data releases and events slated for each month of 2024 in an effort to help industry observers follow the arc of residential real estate's rebound this year
by Chris LeBarton Jan 24
Ready to share your wisdom with the industry? The Triple-I survey is open
The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to the industry's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Chris LeBarton Jan 22
Why NAR may be primed for record membership fall in 2024: Triple-I
The National Association of Realtors may be on the verge of a bigger membership decline than it's ever seen before — including during the 2008 housing crisis. Intel explores why that is
by Chris LeBarton Jan 15
More agents than ever earn business from networking and SOI
From cold calling and radio shows to painting classes, agent efforts to grow sphere of influence aren't one-size-fits-all
by Chris LeBarton Dec 29
The 31 biggest residential deals of 2023 commanded $50M or more
New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, shouldered the greatest number of high-end luxury transactions in 2023. Marred by its loathed new mansion tax, Los Angeles failed to make the cut
by Lillian Dickerson Dec 29
From Sitzer to Moehrl, 2023 was the year of commission confusion
Sitzer | Burnett and its verdict cast a long shadow that will extend into 2024 and potentially shake up the real estate industry. But it wasn't the only lawsuit with commissions in the crosshairs
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 28
5 continuing education courses tailor-made for 2024
Keller Williams Head of Inclusion and Belonging Julia Lashay Israel shares her top picks for certifications, designations and resources that are perfect for the new year
NAR President: Commission changes will 'marginalize' buyers
NAR President Tracy Kasper appeared on CNBC's 'The Exchange' Thursday to discuss mortgage rates, affordability and the potential harm of changes to the current commission structure
by Marian McPherson Dec 15
Signs of a buyer's market emerge as homeseller concessions return
More than a third of all home sales featured a concession in the past 3 months, according to new data and agents who told Inman that they're beginning to see signs of a buyer's market unfold
by Ben Verde Nov 27
Mortgage rates overtake inventory as biggest worry for agents: Triple-I
After exceeding 8% in October, rising mortgage rates overtook 'lack of housing inventory' as the top concern for real estate agents, according to the latest monthly Inman Intel Index results.
by Chris LeBarton Nov 21
Inman Intel Index: Anxiety among rank and file up in wake of Sitzer
For weeks, the eyes of real estate's agents and leadership were on the Sitzer | Burnett trial. They shared their thoughts and fears as part of Intel's monthly real estate sentiment survey
by Daniel Houston Nov 15
Confused about your commission? Your client will be too: LeBarton
The industry is still unpacking the Sitzer | Burnett verdict and its impact on commissions, Inman Director of Research Chris LeBarton told Intel. After that, expect even more queries from clients
by Daniel Houston Nov 15
Mother of all commission suits filed in Illinois, this time by homebuyers
'Batton 2,' exponentially larger in scope than Sitzer | Burnett and the Moehrl commission suits, was filed last week in Illinois and takes aim at many of the defendants in another suit called Gibson
Implement a listing-centered strategy with this 2-pronged plan
A group of prominent real estate voices laid out several actionable steps for building through a slow market at Inman Connect
by Daniel Houston Nov 1
Young homebuyers could lead the recovery. So what do they want?
First-time buyers are less likely than homeowners to be holding out for lower mortgage rates. But they hold a host of other priorities and concerns, according to an Intel analysis of buyer behavior
by Daniel Houston Oct 25
Buyers continue downward spiral, but new listings may be steadying
Homebuyers are backing away from the market as mortgage rates continue to climb. But new listings aren't declining as quickly, Redfin reports
by Daniel Houston Oct 19
Inman Intel Index: Real estate leaders brace for dizzying change
The inaugural Triple-I survey went out to the Inman community last month, and the results are here. Dig into 126 pages of deep, exclusive findings, only for Intel subscribers
by Daniel Houston Oct 18
Full court press: What to know as the Sitzer | Burnett trial unfolds
The allegations, the high-profile witnesses slated to testify and all the evidence the jury will and won't see — it's all here as the long-awaited Sitzer | Burnett commission trial unfolds this week
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 16
Why US consumers are souring — and what that means for housing
Maegan Sherlock, senior research analyst for John Burns, spoke with Intel about the results of the firm's latest household sentiment survey: 'I was hoping to see a new magic mortgage rate'
by Daniel Houston Oct 11
Hollywood's top 35 luxury real estate agents, revealed
It takes a highly qualified real estate agent to perform at the level that many celebrities demand. Here are the top ones serving Hollywood today, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter'
by Lillian Dickerson Sep 29
Tom Ford nabs Jackie O's former Hamptons summer home at $52M
The deal is just the latest of Ford's big-ticket transactions, following a couple multimillion-dollar home purchases in Palm Beach over the last several months
by Lillian Dickerson Aug 15
5 ways to encourage buyers in the current market
If you come from a place of doing good for your buyer clients and being highly aware of the market context, the results will unfold
by Mauricio Umansky Aug 11
When handling buyer objections, preparation is key, brokers say
Buyers with doubts need to know they're being heard. A well-oiled process for responding to their objections can help, Bianca D'Alessio and Aaron West said Thursday at Inman Connect Las Vegas
by Daniel Houston Aug 11
The commission suits are headed to trial. What happens after that?
At Inman CEO Connect, Russ Cofano, James Dwiggins and Greg Robertson debated the changes that agents and brokers may see as a result of homeseller lawsuits and government interference
Stand out: Master social media and be 'super f*ing authentic'
At Inman Connect, star brokers Josh Peters and Nile Lundgren shared the power of authenticity and dedicating yourself to a niche during a challenging real estate market
by Marian McPherson Aug 8
The ultimate guide to Inman Connect Las Vegas 2023
So you've decided to join us at Inman Connect Las Vegas. Bravo! Here's a day-by-day breakdown of the conference along with some tidbits to get the most out of your week in Sin City
by Marian McPherson Aug 8