Real Estate Agency News

Why Does It Still Feel Like a Seller’s Market?

RE usually sees cycles between buyer’s and seller’s markets, but this time it’s a bit different. Supply vs. demand hasn’t changed because both sides pulled back. SEATTLE – New listings fell 21.8% year-to-year during the four weeks ending April 2, one of the biggest drops since the start of the pandemic, according to a Redfin … Read more

Why am I in Violation if Everybody Does It?

Dear Shannon: A listing broker allowed a buyer to tour a vacant property they listed for the seller who was out of town. It’s a common practice, everybody does it, and the potential buyer did no harm. Why is this a violation?   ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m a listing broker who took a … Read more

Fake Property Insurer Stole Homeowners’ Money

U.S. Attorney’s Office: A Pensacola man created a fake insurance company, sold policies, kept premiums, and led homeowners to falsely believe they had coverage. PENSACOLA, Fla. – An insurance company is permanently shut down after dozens of clients paid over $4.8 million for policies that were fake, federal officials said. Instead of buying insurance for … Read more

LinkedIn Launches AI to Expand Agent Content

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As a business social media site, LinkedIn encourages online networking. To push that effort, it’s adding AI-written content that incites conversations. NEW YORK – The worldwide artificial intelligence (AI) market, valued at $136 billion, is impacting various sectors, including real estate. LinkedIn intends to merge AI technologies into its platform to better serve users. The … Read more

Google Local-Ad Expansion Can Help RE Agents

70 types of service businesses, including real estate agents, can more easily target ads to consumers whose search terms seem to match a Realtor’s services. NEW YORK – Google expanded its Local Services Ads by introducing a wider and more versatile toolset. This service now allows agents to incorporate advertising products and services whenever someone … Read more

Scam: Deepfake Phone Calls from Trusted Cohorts

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ChatGPT fake writing can now be used with software that imitates voices. That means a seemingly personal call from a client, title agent or friend could be a scam. NEW YORK – You have just returned home after a long day at work and are about to sit down for dinner when suddenly your phone … Read more

N.Y. Coldwell Banker Settles Discrimination Allegation

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A Newsday report on Long Island, N.Y., housing discrimination led the state’s attorney general to investigate. This week she announced a settlement with Coldwell Banker. NEW YORK – Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday a settlement with Coldwell Banker, putting an end to the real estate brokerage’s alleged discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic, and … Read more

Study: Almost 50% of Sellers Making Concessions

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Nationally, it’s 45.5%, though slightly less in the two Fla. metros noted: 41.7% in Miami (up from 31.8%) and 41.3% in Orlando (up from 33.3%). SEATTLE – Home sellers gave concessions to buyers in 45.5% of home sales recorded by Redfin agents during the three months ending Feb. 28, 2023, in a year-to-year comparison, according … Read more

Scam Alert: List an Airbnb, Rent It for ‘Showings’

A scam converts Airbnb listings into discounted “Home for sale” ads targeting first-time buyers. If a buyer asks to tour the home, the scammer rents it for a day to do so. PORTLAND, Ore. – Airbnb hosts in Oregon are warning of a new scam, saying that some guests could be using local Airbnb properties … Read more

Top Claim Against Agents: Failure to Disclose

Not revealing known property defects to a buyer – a common problem in real estate, studies show – can land you in court. Follow these best practices to avoid liability. CHICAGO – When a homebuyer discovers a property defect that wasn’t disclosed by the seller or listing agent, the buyer may sue, claiming the home … Read more