Robert Reffkin: What we have now is a ‘connection issue’

The CEO stressed to agents during a keynote address at Compass RETREAT on Tuesday that getting back to basics and forging sincere connections with clients would be the key to surviving and thriving in the current market. Continue reading

What to expect at Compass’ annual RETREAT in San Diego this week

Throughout the week, RETREAT attendees will learn how to develop new business tactics, wield technology more efficiently and stay afloat as guidance around commissions changes in 2024. Continue reading

New SDAR CEO taking embezzlement suit ‘seriously’

Cory Shepard took the reins at the San Diego Association of Realtors last week after now-former CEO Michael Mercurio was accused of stealing over $1M in association funds, the complaint reads. Four former executives filed the case against SDAR last week. Continue reading

San Diego Realtors sack CEO after $1M embezzlement lawsuit

The suit accuses now ex-CEO Mike Mercurio of using association credit cards for personal purchases, inflating his vacation time and selling items that the association paid for on eBay. Continue reading

Zillow rolls out AI-powered ‘super listing’ tool

Listing Showcase is part of Zillow’s new ShowingTime+ brand and is currently available to a select group of agents that partner with the portal giant, according to the company. Continue reading

Side restructures, wants staffers based in the markets they serve

The company, which supports real estate professionals who want their own brand, plans to have its staff members work in the markets where its partners are based. Continue reading

San Diego Homes & Estates pivots into 200-agent mega-team at eXp

Founded in 2004 and averaging $1.5 billion in sales, the former Windermere Homes & Estates franchisee is hanging a shingle with eXp Realty, broker-owner Rich Johnson announced on Monday. Continue reading

Inventory struggle is real, leaders declare in exclusive Inman survey

Leaders and agents who took Inman’s first Intel leadership survey said inventory is among their biggest challenges right now — but growing in 2023 isn’t out of the question. Continue reading

The Agency launches new market in La Jolla, San Diego

Located in La Jolla, the office marks the company’s 63rd location overall and 21st office in the state of California. Continue reading

Luxury home sales plunge to 10-year low, surpassing COVID levels

Luxury home sales in the U.S. dove by 28.1 percent year over year during the three months ending Aug. 31, 2022 — eclipsing the 23.2 percent drop in luxury sales at the height of the pandemic — Redfin data shows. Continue reading