The article discusses the potential acquisition of RE/MAX by the tech-focused firm REAL and compares it to a previous acquisition involving Compass. The author highlights how reactions vary among industry participants, emphasizing that franchisees remain unaffected in terms of business operations. Ultimately, the focus should remain on the quality of individual agents rather than corporate changes.
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The Truth Behind the Private Exclusive Listing Shell Game
The article critiques the practices of some real estate agents, particularly regarding the “private exclusive listings,” promoted by Compass. It argues that these listings create an illusion of consumer choice, often driven by agents’ interests rather than consumer demand. Many sellers feel misled, with substantial financial consequences resulting.
How Mr. Refkin Got it Wrong About Clear Cooperation
Robert Refkin inaccurately criticizes the Clear Cooperation Rule as violating the National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics and state laws. Despite his objections, the rule is pro-consumer, fostering competition and better market exposure. The arguments against it are flawed and often disregard the broader benefits to both buyers and sellers.
Are Buyer Agents Too Expensive?
Critics argue real estate agents are overpaid due to generous commissions. However, agents earn through success-based fees, providing extensive unpaid services if transactions fail. Unlike other professionals, agents only earn upon successful deals. Switching to fee-based models could increase costs and risks for consumers without providing the safeguards licensed agents offer, ultimately being costlier.
Four Things to Understand About the NAR Settlement
The NAR settlement has sparked debate over the real estate industry’s future without affecting cooperative compensation or making commissions negotiable, as they have always been. Concerns about increased cash needed for buyers are raised, but home values remain driven by market forces, not agent fees. Nonetheless, realtors remain dedicated to serving clients ethically and professionally in achieving homeownership.
Ten Predictions for the 2018 Real Estate Market That Are Almost Guaranteed!
There’s something about the arbitrary end of the year that makes us both regret the past and wonder about the future. Resolutions for both our business and personal lives abound. Savants tell us how to do what we already know…
The NAR Code of Ethics is NOT Illegal (Definitely)
Did you ever have a friend that you really like and respect who sometimes drives you crazy? Rob Hahn fills that slot for me. I love talking to Rob, conjecturing about the future of the business and having those long…
Why Telling Google Who the Author is Shouldn’t Be Difficult for the MLS
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. – Confucious Two days ago, I wrote a blog post about the MLS using Author and Canonical tags to increase the SEO of their member’s sites with Google.The concept is simple,…
Houses Don’t Sell Themselves – Ever!
Ever hear the phrase “the house sold itself”? I think its nonsense – salespeople sell houses, they don’t sell themselves. Ever. And buyers are far better off because they do.
Are You Prepared for the Absence of Search?
Zillow announced a new initiative providing WordPress based IDX websites for real estate agents at only $10 per month, or free for their premium customers. The announcement immediately provoked a number of conversations on Facebook, which had poor Jay Thompson running from group…
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