When is a buyer contract required? At showings — but not open houses

The National Association of Realtors’ proposed settlement agreement requires brokers and agents to sign contracts with buyers they’re “working with.” But what exactly does that mean? Continue reading

Change is here: Take the Inman Intel Index survey for August

The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the industry’s most engaged community. Add your voice to real estate’s most ambitious monthly survey today. Continue reading

In lawns and on key chains, stealth commission offers raise red flags

Images that conceal commission offers, like a “3%” mowed into freshly cut grass, have become a phenomenon on message boards and online residential listings, according to an Inman analysis. Continue reading

‘Business as usual’: Hiccups but few calamities as NAR rules roll out

New National Association of Realtors rules kicked in Saturday. By Monday, agents said they were fielding questions from clients, among other hurdles, but not seeing widespread chaos. Continue reading

Got commission questions? This compliance expert has answers

Compliance expert Summer Goralik has the answers to some of Cara Ameer’s questions from “13 more questions agents should ask about commission settlements” as we head into the post-settlement transition phase as an industry. Continue reading

The unmatched value of buyer agents in today’s market

Continue to raise the bar on client service, writes Huntington & Ellis CEO Craig Tann, and show clients why having a buyer’s agent isn’t just a good idea — it’s a necessity. Continue reading

5 ways to gather client feedback to drive improvement and innovation

We all want to grow and improve our services, The Agency’s Rainy Hake Austin writes, and getting feedback is the first step in doing that. Continue reading

Shay unveils ‘self-representation platform for homebuyers’

The changes to how real estate commissions are advertised and sourced as a result of the National Association of Realtors’ proposed settlement has led to the creation of Shay, an application to help homebuyers avoid the traditional sales model. Continue reading

In historic first, Nykia Wright named first female CEO of NAR

Wright has served as NAR’s interim CEO since November after she replaced Bob Goldberg. She was instantly thrust into leading an organization in turmoil. Continue reading

A 9-step ‘listening’ consultation to help you talk to sellers post-Aug. 17

Be prepared for a listing appointment at a moment’s notice. Have the tools at your fingertips, take notes, build connections, and stay focused on what’s best for the seller, Bernice Ross writes this week. Continue reading