Real Estate Agency News

Code of Ethics and Arbitration 2025 Changes

The Code of Ethics has evolved with the industry for 100+ years. Here’s what’s new for 2025. Dear Shannon: I’m our board’s Professional Standards Administrator.  I know the Code of Ethics has been around for over 100 years, the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Manual) changes along with the industry and, if there are … Read more

Minimum Wage Doesn’t Cover Rent in Any U.S. City

WASHINGTON — None of the country’s 50 largest housing markets offer affordable rent for workers who earn the federal minimum wage, says a new Clever Real Estate study. Buffalo, N.Y., has the most reasonable rent, although it takes 39% of a renter’s monthly income, far more than the commonly used 30% affordability threshold. Full-time workers … Read more

New NAR Guides Clarify Agency Roles, Appraisals

Two new guides – Agency and Non-Agency Relationships and The Appraisal Process – help customers make informed decisions and highlight a Realtor’s value. ORLANDO, Fla. — The latest Consumer Guides by the National Association of Realtors® clarifies the difference between agency and non-agency relationships between buyers, sellers and real estate professionals and outlines the appraisal … Read more

Condo Owners: Can We Sell Our Fla. Condo Remotely?

Real estate Q&A: Yes, but it requires more planning and take precautions. Someone you trust could act on your behalf, or there are remote online notarization options. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: We want to sell our condo in Florida, but traveling is getting more difficult because of our age. Is it possible to do this … Read more

Avoiding Pitfalls After Practice Changes

Real estate pros should vet advice, avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and adapt to changes in industry practices, says Barb Betts at NAR NXT. CHICAGO – Real estate professionals need to be cautious about the business advice they receive —especially from so-called “experts” on social media — because solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, particularly in the age of industry … Read more

Survey: AI Adoption Reshaping Real Estate

AI has become one of real estate’s fastest-adopted technology tools, embraced by brokerages and agents at a breakneck speed despite anxiety over safeguards.      CANTON, Ohio – The popularity and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate has become nearly ubiquitous among America’s leading real estate brokerages, with 75% already using the technology and … Read more

Redfin: Big Jump in Existing Home Sales

October existing home sales rose 1.6% month over month and are on track to finish this year higher than last year. SEATTLE — Existing home sales rose 1.6% month over month in October — the biggest gain since January 2022 — to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4,179,346, according to a new report from … Read more

Home Sale Contracts Pick Up by 3.5%

Lower rates have encouraged buyers from the sidelines. In Florida, builders are offering incentives that include lot premium waivers and price reductions. WASHINGTON —The latest report from Realtor.com found that the number of homes under contract last month rose 3.5% year over year, which is a large gain compared to the 0.3% increase in August. … Read more

Rising Rates Haven’t Slowed Pending Sales

Pending home sales posted their biggest increase since 2021 recently, but some house hunters are starting to pull back, Redfin said. SEATTLE – Pending U.S. home sales rose 3.2% year over year during the four weeks ending October 13, the biggest increase in three years, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage … Read more

NAR Consumer Guide: Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Consumer Guide doesn’t constitute any change in NAR policy. It covers the Realtor’s role in promoting housing equity as well as other matters. WASHINGTON – The newest National Association of Realtors®’ Consumer Guide covers fair housing: Why it’s important, how the laws apply to buyers and sellers and why Realtors® are integral … Read more