Douglas Elliman dragged back to court over wrongful termination allegations

A former employee of Portfolio Escrow — a firm Douglas Elliman acquired in 2020 — says she was fired after raising concerns. But the company accused the former employee of embezzlement Continue reading

A decade after Obergefell, Realtors must step up as LGBTQ+ housing discrimination surges

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of same-sex marriage, Mary Mancera writes, though society is seemingly supportive of the community, discrimination against LGBTQ+ people remains visible. Continue reading

NAR speech policy change could shift disciplinary burden to brokers

Real estate affinity groups and inclusion leaders told Inman that by shifting potential liability away from local and state Realtor groups, brokerages will now be expected to rule on certain ethics complaints. Continue reading

‘Alliance members won’t back down’ before anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric

No one in the real estate industry has the right to discriminate against or disparage a group of people, LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance President Justin “JZ” Ziegler writes. Continue reading

NAR downplays former employee’s amended retaliation complaint

Former National Association of Realtors project manager Roshani Sheth updated her complaint with more details, but the trade organization insists her additional allegations “doom” her claims. Continue reading

Realtors must uphold professional ethics. Discrimination harms us all 

The real estate industry prides itself on professionalism and ethical conduct. When it comes to LGBTQ+ clients and colleagues, broker Justin Ziegler writes, it’s time to put words into action. Continue reading

Appraisal Institute rocked by NYT exposé, lawsuits by former execs

Professional association is fighting accusations that it knowingly reported inaccurate exam scores to state agencies and ignored a top executive’s alleged sexual harassment of multiple employees. Continue reading

Ex-CEO accused of embezzlement sues association ahead of trial

Michael Mercurio, the former CEO of the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors and San Diego MLS, alleges wrongful termination as a separate suit against him is set to go to trial in October. Continue reading

Court dismisses NAR accuser’s retaliation claims — except one

Former NAR project manager Roshani Sheth can amend claims that NAR retaliated against her for reporting sexual harassment, a judge ruled Tuesday, while a breach of contract claim can advance. Continue reading

Fair housing is not a checkbox. It’s the heart of our industry

Fair housing is not just about reacting to injustice anymore, LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo writes. It’s about proactively building a better future. Continue reading