Watchdog: Agents earn too little. Consumers pay too much

In an Inman op-ed, Stephen Brobeck, senior fellow at the Consumer Policy Center, responds to Cara Ameer’s recent critique of the CPC’s report on post-settlement changes impacting homebuyers. Continue reading

How this agent’s marathon mindset made him one of luxury real estate’s top earners

Santiago Arana realizes that real estate is all about playing the long game. And even if it seems like no clients are transacting, it is important to stay visible and top-of-mind. Continue reading

Why more brokerages should fight for their buyer agent commissions

The Echo Fine Properties arbitration offers proof that real estate pros can turn the tide and ensure that they’re compensated for their time, Spencer Krull writes. Continue reading

Morning meetings show managers are here to help, not hinder

“Accountability is love,” team leader Mahala Landin says. Find out how Carolina Collective Realty keeps it at the core of every meeting, training and celebration with coach Verl Workman. Continue reading

70% of digital transformations fail. The other 30% will redefine us

Mergers and acquisitions are big business in real estate, and technology plays a critical role, writes contributor Lauren Henss. The real game changer? Whether the organization can handle the merger swiftly. Continue reading

Binsr Inspect proves AI can improve transactions: Tech Review

The application uses sharp user interface design and AI to shrink data input and offer inspectors a number of ways to complete reports in less time, tech expert Craig Rowe writes. Continue reading

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are quietly stockpiling mortgages

Monthly purchases of $13 billion in mortgages and MBS may be taking pressure off mortgage rates — and setting the stage for a more attractive public offering. Continue reading

Here’s the real secret to increasing your lead conversion rates

If you want better lead conversion rates in your real estate business, stop chasing volume, and start delivering real relevance, Josh Ries writes. Continue reading

Analyst: Portals like Zillow face ‘long-term risk’ from Google real estate experiment

Google is displaying real estate listings as search results in some markets — prompting questions about IDX violations and analyst speculation about risks to the portals. Continue reading

Zillow stalemate with Chicago’s MLS looks like it’s coming to a head

In a weekend email to its members, Chicago’s MRED MLS warned that Zillow had been contacting subscribers to say there may be “disruptions” starting in the new year. Continue reading