An ABR instructor's guide to buyer agreements and commissions
Not sure what to say to buyers and sellers about the way compensation works today? Bernice Ross offers insights from Accredited Buyer Representative instructor Rhonda Hamilton
by Bernice Ross Jun 25
Intel Broker’s Guide: How to pry recruits from indies, franchises
It's tough to recruit from franchises, but that's where opportunity may lie, according to an analysis of Intel responses from 610 agents. Intel helps craft the right pitch to draw agents mulling a pivot
by Daniel Houston Jun 24
9 easy social media content ideas to get you out of a summer slump
Want some fast, simple ideas for powering your marketing through a summer slowdown and pumping up the volume on your pipeline? Agent Johnathon Pressman has you covered
by Jonathan Pressman Jun 24
My neighbor's house won't sell. Virtual staging would help
On the market well past the median time frame, virtual staging could do a lot to help my neighbor's listing agent land a commission before the agreement ends
by Craig C. Rowe Jun 22
24 innovative video content ideas for 2024 (with real-world examples)
Video is the best way to build a brand, connect with your ideal clients and generate quality leads, writes Jimmy Burgess. Get inspired by these proven, real-life examples from agents in the field
by Jimmy Burgess Jun 21
My No. 1 secret for effective listing conversations without rote scripts
If scripts feel inauthentic and too 'salesy' for your communication style, coach Darryl Davis offers a shortcut to connection and understanding that you can put into practice today
by Darryl Davis Jun 17
Agents have complicated feelings about NAR, new Intel survey finds
Agents who rely on NAR primarily to protect their public image are less certain the trade group — which still enjoys broad approval — is a net positive for the industry, according to Intel poll results
by Daniel Houston Jun 10
Microsoft's mysterious real estate portal sparks data safety concerns
Industry watchers are sounding the alarm about Microsoft's Bing Real Estate, a site that for months has been reposting listings from Zillow, Realtor.com and Redfin without explanation
by Marian McPherson Jun 4
7 things top listing agents know before every listing appointment
Are you really prepared for that listing appointment? Jimmy Burgess shares the things you need to know before you knock on the door
by Jimmy Burgess Jun 2
'It's an arms race': How portals are adapting to the commission crunch
The upending of NAR's cooperative compensation rule is a double-edged sword for Zillow and its rivals, experts told Inman. These are the tools and tactics they're adopting to suit the moment
by Marian McPherson May 28
Share your expertise: Take the Inman Intel Index survey for May
Opinion
The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to real estate's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Daniel Houston May 20
Inside the lock-in effect: Cheap mortgages weigh on US consumers
Homeowners with at least a 5% mortgage rate are 3 times as likely to enter the market soon as those with a sub-3.5% rate, according to results from Inman-Dig Insights' latest consumer poll
by Daniel Houston May 20
7 reasons great real estate agents will always be needed
Now is the time to expand your skill set, broaden your knowledge and provide value at a higher level than you’ve ever provided, Jimmy Burgess writes, so that you won't just survive, you'll thrive
by Jimmy Burgess May 17
What agents and brokers really want to tell each other: Intel survey
Agents and brokers talk. A lot. But what's left unsaid may be nearly as important. Intel analyzed survey responses of hundreds of real estate professionals for insights into an unbreakable bond
by Daniel Houston May 13
The freshest business trends agents need to recognize in 2024
The business of real estate is evolving at an ever-escalating pace. Identify and act on emerging trends, Jimmy Burgess writes, and separate yourself from your competition like never before
by Jimmy Burgess May 10
$60M non-waterfront Palm Beach estate one of the priciest ever sold
The mansion on Banyan Road was gut-renovated by homeowner and interior designer Victoria Hagan before being sold off-market to an unknown buyer
Realtor.com CEO delivers full-throated speech in support of NAR
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales took to the podium on Monday at the MLS Forum of the Realtors Legislative Meetings to refute rival CoStar's earlier claims about Homes.com's growing traffic
Intel Broker’s Guide: When a seller won't foot the buyer's agent bill
Powered by the latest polling results from the Inman Intel Index, this wide-ranging guide explores how brokerages are steeling themselves for a new type of client: the buyer's-fee-evading seller
by Daniel Houston May 6
Growth in residential, rental and mortgage segments lift Zillow in Q1
Zillow tallied growing revenue while stabilizing losses in the first quarter of the year as the reigning search portal narrowed in on its post-commission settlement strategy on Wednesday
by Marian McPherson May 1
More agents plan to switch brokerages in the coming year
Thirty-nine percent of agents plan to switch brokerages in 2024, according to Coldwell Banker Real Estate's latest survey, citing favorable commission structures and strong lead gen systems
by Marian McPherson May 1
Is NAR a net-positive? It depends if you ask an agent or a broker: Intel
An increasing uncertainty among real estate agents in March runs in opposition to brokers, who were more likely to tell Intel they still view the National Association of Realtors positively
by Taylor Anderson Apr 29
LA home sells $705K over asking: The moves behind this agent's deal
A remodel, strategic pricing, choice photos, an offer deadline and strong agent relationships helped the O'Connor sisters sell a property that previously sat on the market for nearly 1 year
by Lillian Dickerson Apr 26
Once bright buyer hopes plummet as agents process NAR changes
Agent optimism over future buyer pipelines fell from 44% before the deal to 27% afterward — one of the starkest monthly shifts in sentiment that Intel has recorded in the last year
by Daniel Houston Apr 24
Here are your thoughts on the changing role of listing agents
You shared your back-in-the-saddle, boots-on-the-ground perspectives now that NAR's settlement has received preliminary approval
by Inman Apr 24
CoStar Group tallies Q1 revenue growth on success of Homes.com
CoStar Group's revenue grew 12% year over year to $656M in Q1, according to earnings released Tuesday. CEO Andy Florance credited the change to Homes.com's traffic, subscription growth
by Marian McPherson Apr 23
Homebuyers emboldened in wake of $418M NAR settlement: Intel poll
Clients believe their agents bring value, and they're willing to pay for it, according to a survey of 3,000 employed US residents conducted by Intel and Dig Insights. But many consumers embrace the idea of negotiating a lower commission — and perhaps exploring new models
by Daniel Houston Apr 17
Agents feel the pain as BoomTown outage extends into another week
Since April 10, brokerage websites across the country have been dark as BoomTown scrambles to resolve service disruptions. The outage has already impacted the bottom line, agents told Inman
by Taylor Anderson Apr 15
Real Brokerage agrees to pay $9.25M to settle commission suits
The Real Brokerage agreed to change business operations as part of its proposed settlement agreement in Umpa v. NAR
by Taylor Anderson Apr 8
10 reasons to embrace the shift to a seller-focused business
Opinion
If agents want to beat out their local competition, writes trainer and leadership expert Jeff Glover, they need to start focusing on owning the listing inventory in their markets
by Jeff Glover Apr 4
The 'Chick-fil-A on Sunday' ChatGPT listing presentation plan
This step-by-step listing presentation blueprint from Jimmy Burgess and your listing appointments will be like Chick-fil-A on a Sunday — closed
by Jimmy Burgess Mar 29
Amid commission chaos, talk turns to ongoing gripe: clueless agents
Leaders at many brokerages say a lack of serious agents with a full-time commitment is a drag on the industry. Intel asks whether this might change in the wake of the latest settlements
by Daniel Houston Mar 25
$3M deal goes up in flames after agent open house mishap
A Sydney listing agent accidentally burned down her client's $3M home. Five years after the accident, her broker has been ordered to pay $850K in damages
by Marian McPherson Mar 21
How commission chaos divided the real estate industry into 4 factions
The verdict in the monumental Sitzer | Burnett commission case in Missouri — plus oversight by federal regulators — has splintered the industry as it scrambles to figure out how to move forward
by Taylor Anderson Mar 20
Over 60% of agents have been recruited so far this year: Intel
Most agents say they've heard from competitor brokerages in recent weeks. Intel examines what's on their mind as they decide whether to stay — or bolt
by Chris LeBarton Mar 18
Berkshire Hathaway Energy added to growing Gibson commission suit
Amended complaint alleges Warren Buffett's company abused the trust inspired by his name to encourage homesellers to use HomeServices and further alleged price-fixing conspiracy
C21's Mike Miedler speaks on the power of a 'to-don't' list
Ahead of his brokerage's annual One 21 Experience, Century 21 President and CEO Mike Miedler shares his spring homebuying predictions and why the key to success is found in doing less
by Marian McPherson Mar 4
Buyer agency contracts riddled with 'unfair' terms, CFA declares
The Consumer Federation of America, a watchdog group, examined 43 contracts from 37 states, most from state or local Realtor associations, and found practices it believes worthy of scrutiny
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 28
Brokerages, lenders anticipate big recruitment push in 2024: Triple-I
Approximately 28% of brokerage leaders believe 'recruiting and retaining talent' will be their most challenging responsibility 1 year from now, according to results from the Inman Intel Index survey
by Chris LeBarton Feb 26
'Do less, more': Mark Willis shares KW's bare-bones growth strategy
Ahead of his first Family Reunion since returning to Keller Williams as CEO, Mark Willis shared his excitement with Inman — and his call for a return to the basics amid a housing market in flux
by Marian McPherson Feb 26
NAR: Commission suit insurance coverage ran out 'some time ago'
There are no funds under NAR's policy available to pay for the cost of defending the Realtor associations nor their multiple listing services which have been sued, according to the trade group
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 21
Here's how to avoid the most-dreaded new agent question
How long have you been an agent? Follow these simple steps on listing appointments to answer the question and turn seller leads into signed listings, writes author and trainer Bernice Ross
by Bernice Ross Feb 21
Rick and Kathy Hilton are saying goodbye to Southampton home
The family has owned the shingle-style property since 1999, spending many vacations and holidays there, and is now selling it for $14.95M
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 16
'The joy of painting' lives on in former Bob Ross artist retreat
The Mediterranean-style home in Florida was once owned by Bob Ross Inc. and hosted art retreats for Bob Ross-certified instructors and their students. Now it's for sale for $1.999M
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 15
$14.75M sale marks DC region's biggest of the new year
The 17.5-acre equestrian estate was listed for $17.995M in May. The sales price also represents a new record for the town of Great Falls. Daniel Heider of TTR Sotheby's represented the sale
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 13
Chad Roffers dishes on a Sotheby's Concierge Auction record
The Sotheby's Concierge Auctions founder and CEO shared more about how the recent auction of 'La Dune' went down, as well as key reasons why luxury agents turn to the brand to get a deal done
Forget what you think you know about holiday listings
To achieve extraordinary results, The Agency's Deedee Howard writes, sometimes it pays to ignore conventional wisdom and pursue a more strategic marketing plan
by Deedee Howard Feb 8
Agents have real concerns — but commission rates aren't at the top
Despite ongoing commission lawsuits, agents are more concerned about the health of the real estate pie than the size of their own slice, results of the latest Inman Intel Index survey show
by Chris LeBarton Feb 7
Buy this pretty, pretty pretty good home once owned by Larry David
Coincidentally timed as Curb Your Enthusiasm launches into its final season this weekend, the architecturally significant home was built in Montecito in 1929 by George Washington Smith
by Lillian Dickerson Jan 31
Are US home-sale revenues finally bottoming out? Intel examines
The steepest part of the home-transaction downturn appears to be over. Is this where business turns around? Intel dives into the data
by Daniel Houston Jan 29
Attorney lays out how real estate can survive the commission suits
At Inman Connect, Ed Zorn proposed mandating buyer representation agreements, killing the MLS compensation field, adding a concession field, and creating a fund to pay out settlements
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 26
Realtor.com CEO 'loves' heated competition with Homes.com
Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales addressed the traffic rivalry with Homes.com and why competition is good for agents and consumers
by Marian McPherson Jan 25
Alec Baldwin's latest starring role? His own Hamptons listing video
Amidst a fresh indictment for involuntary manslaughter while filming on the set of 'Rust,' the actor is starring in a listing video for a property he's selling, now listed at a $10M discount
by Lillian Dickerson Jan 22
Ready to share your wisdom with the industry? The Triple-I survey is open
The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to the industry's most ambitious monthly survey today
by Chris LeBarton Jan 22
California commission lawsuit filed against NAR and 35 other entities
Homesellers allege 36 Realtor association, brokerage, and multiple listing service defendants conspired to inflate buyer broker commissions in violation of state and federal antitrust laws
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 19
Riding a Golden Globes high, Emma Stone lists LA house for $3.995M
The actor, who recently won a Golden Globe for her performance in Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Poor Things,' is selling a gated, Spanish-style home in LA's Comstock Hills neighborhood
by Lillian Dickerson Jan 16
Superman's apartment is real, and it's available for $5.9M
The 5th floor unit at the Standish in Brooklyn Heights was often mentioned in the 'Superman' comic books as Clark Kent's abode. Now the real-life 2,400-square-foot condo is for sale
More agents than ever earn business from networking and SOI
From cold calling and radio shows to painting classes, agent efforts to grow sphere of influence aren't one-size-fits-all
by Chris LeBarton Dec 29
The 31 biggest residential deals of 2023 commanded $50M or more
New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, shouldered the greatest number of high-end luxury transactions in 2023. Marred by its loathed new mansion tax, Los Angeles failed to make the cut
by Lillian Dickerson Dec 29
From Sitzer to Moehrl, 2023 was the year of commission confusion
Sitzer | Burnett and its verdict cast a long shadow that will extend into 2024 and potentially shake up the real estate industry. But it wasn't the only lawsuit with commissions in the crosshairs
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 28
5 continuing education courses tailor-made for 2024
Keller Williams Head of Inclusion and Belonging Julia Lashay Israel shares her top picks for certifications, designations and resources that are perfect for the new year
Sellers say Compass agent flooded their home, then ghosted them
Aaron Schwid and Youngkey Chung trusted Compass agent Matt Isbell, in part because he had appeared on 'Million Dollar Listing.' But his home showing resulted in a major disaster
by Lillian Dickerson Dec 18
NAR President: Commission changes will 'marginalize' buyers
NAR President Tracy Kasper appeared on CNBC's 'The Exchange' Thursday to discuss mortgage rates, affordability and the potential harm of changes to the current commission structure
by Marian McPherson Dec 15
Inman Intel Index: Anxiety among rank and file up in wake of Sitzer
For weeks, the eyes of real estate's agents and leadership were on the Sitzer | Burnett trial. They shared their thoughts and fears as part of Intel's monthly real estate sentiment survey
by Daniel Houston Nov 15
Confused about your commission? Your client will be too: LeBarton
The industry is still unpacking the Sitzer | Burnett verdict and its impact on commissions, Inman Director of Research Chris LeBarton told Intel. After that, expect even more queries from clients
by Daniel Houston Nov 15
New commission lawsuit targets REBNY and 26 companies in NYC
Homeseller Monty March filed suit in the Southern District of New York Wednesday, alleging REBNY rules in Manhattan kept commissions high and violated state and federal antitrust laws
by Taylor Anderson Nov 10
Mother of all commission suits filed in Illinois, this time by homebuyers
'Batton 2,' exponentially larger in scope than Sitzer | Burnett and the Moehrl commission suits, was filed last week in Illinois and takes aim at many of the defendants in another suit called Gibson
Inman Influencers want agents to get ahead in 2024. Here's the plan
Members of the inaugural class of Inman Influencers told agents during a roundtable discussion to wield video, defy the market, get a coach and shed fears of rejection to succeed in the new year
Implement a listing-centered strategy with this 2-pronged plan
A group of prominent real estate voices laid out several actionable steps for building through a slow market at Inman Connect
by Daniel Houston Nov 1
Young homebuyers could lead the recovery. So what do they want?
First-time buyers are less likely than homeowners to be holding out for lower mortgage rates. But they hold a host of other priorities and concerns, according to an Intel analysis of buyer behavior
by Daniel Houston Oct 25
Buyers continue downward spiral, but new listings may be steadying
Homebuyers are backing away from the market as mortgage rates continue to climb. But new listings aren't declining as quickly, Redfin reports
by Daniel Houston Oct 19
Inman Intel Index: Real estate leaders brace for dizzying change
The inaugural Triple-I survey went out to the Inman community last month, and the results are here. Dig into 126 pages of deep, exclusive findings, only for Intel subscribers
by Daniel Houston Oct 18
Full court press: What to know as the Sitzer | Burnett trial unfolds
The allegations, the high-profile witnesses slated to testify and all the evidence the jury will and won't see — it's all here as the long-awaited Sitzer | Burnett commission trial unfolds this week
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 16
Why US consumers are souring — and what that means for housing
Maegan Sherlock, senior research analyst for John Burns, spoke with Intel about the results of the firm's latest household sentiment survey: 'I was hoping to see a new magic mortgage rate'
by Daniel Houston Oct 11
It's the most perilous time of year to overprice a home: Opendoor
Nearly 1 in 4 homes that were overpriced at listing will end up being delisted in the slower fall months, according to a new report
by Daniel Houston Oct 5
CoStar's Homes.com beats Redfin, Realtor.com to become No. 2 portal
In a sign of the listing portal's growing influence, Homes.com hit more than 100M unique visitors in September, sparking a 1,290% annual increase in traffic. Now the portal is second only to Zillow
Hollywood's top 35 luxury real estate agents, revealed
It takes a highly qualified real estate agent to perform at the level that many celebrities demand. Here are the top ones serving Hollywood today, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter'
by Lillian Dickerson Sep 29
8 reasons sellers aren't selling (and how to get them off the fence)
Interest rates, insurance premiums, tax concerns and more are keeping sellers from putting their homes on the market and forcing them to defer their dreams
by Carl Medford Sep 20
Revive's AI-upgrade improves post-remodel valuations
Computer vision can scan photos of an entire market and use what it learns to create quality and condition benchmarks according to a specific submarket and price range
by Craig C. Rowe Sep 6
Share of first-time homebuyers hits highest level since 2010: Zillow
Unburdened by rate lock, the share of first-time homebuyers rose to 50% this year, according to a new report from Zillow. That's the highest share since 2010
by Taylor Anderson Aug 23
Facebook referral groups are a joke. Here's how to improve them
Opinion
Those beloved referral groups on Facebook may not be the answer to your professional prayers, writes Inman contributor Sue Benson. But fear not! There's a better way for agents to collaborate
by Sue Benson Aug 23
Future so bright: Make tomorrow's business your best ever in 5 steps
The winners in today’s market will take steps to increase sales now, while setting the stage for more future business. Here's where to start
by Jimmy Burgess Aug 18
Better 1 step closer to long-delayed IPO with approval of SPAC merger
Shareholders on Friday overwhelmingly approved a plan to merge mortgage lender Better HoldCo with the Aurora Acquisition Corporation. The deal is expected to close before the end of August
by Taylor Anderson Aug 14
Stand out: Master social media and be 'super f*ing authentic'
At Inman Connect, star brokers Josh Peters and Nile Lundgren shared the power of authenticity and dedicating yourself to a niche during a challenging real estate market
by Marian McPherson Aug 8
Locked in, or misinformed? How seller's agents can allay client fears
Homeowners feel locked in and for good reason. But sellers should know the other side of the coin too, agents argued at Inman Connect
by Daniel Houston Aug 8
How luxury agents earn long-term business? By shooting straight
In a down market, clients might not like what agents have to say. But they need to hear it anyway, Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman and Rachel King of SERHANT. agreed at Inman Luxury Connect
by Taylor Anderson Aug 7
To win this summer, homebuyers in California are turning every stone
With some of the highest home prices in the nation, California buyers and sellers are having an abnormally difficult time managing higher mortgage rates, agents in the Golden State told Inman
by Marian McPherson Aug 4
Redfin adds new tool that shows home's risk of damaging winds
Nearly half the people who moved within the US in the past year believe they’ll be impacted by climate change in the next decade, according to a survey the company conducted in the spring
by Taylor Anderson Jul 31
Don't fret, iPhone photographers, SnapSnapSnap will prove 'em wrong: Tech Review
The app's maker, BoxBrownie, claims that in blind testing, people couldn't tell the difference between a professional photograper's work and an photo taken with its app
by Craig C. Rowe Jul 28
Home prices jumped at biggest rate since November: Report
A drop in supply was enough to offset the drop in demand, sending prices up 2.6% in July. That's the biggest jump since November, according to Redfin
by Taylor Anderson Jul 27
Carrie McCormick: Every home has a story. As agents, we need to tell it
Ahead of her stage appearance at Luxury Connect, @properties' McCormick — Chicago's No 1 luxury broker — shares what buyers truly care about, the key to storytelling and other advice
by Marian McPherson Jul 24
Cash is still king as Florida agents navigate 'wonkiest market' in years
As the summer housing market in Florida heats up, homebuyers and sellers are discovering a tale of 2 markets that offers opportunities for luxury buyers — and next to nothing for everyone else
by Marian McPherson Jul 14
3 years after lockdown, foreclosed homes remain rare but on the rise
Foreclosures are still affecting a tiny slice of the nation's home inventory. Here are the markets where you're most likely to find one, according to a new report from Attom
by Daniel Houston Jul 12