this Week in Real Estate

Did Zillow really offer Compass up to $1.6 BILLION a year if they'd let Zillow help "double-end" pre-marketed listings? In Episode 343 of tWiRE, we break down Robert Reffkin's viral post, what that alleged offer actually was, and what it says about portals, power, and who really controls the consumer relationship in today's real estate market. Then we zoom out to everything shaking the 2025 housing market this week: Zillow quietly scrubbing climate-risk scores from listings, new pushes for referral-fee transparency, and fresh affordability data showing just how hard it is to rent or buy on a normal income. In this episode, we cover: Compass vs. Zillow Reffkin's claim that Zillow dangled a $1.3–$1.6B "revenue uplift" if Compass let the portal route every buyer to a Compass buyer's agent on pre-marketed listings. Why Compass says it walked away, what this means for double-ending deals, and how real estate agents should talk about this with their own buyers and sellers. Zillow pulls climate data Why climate-risk scores vanished from listings. MLS complaints about accuracy versus buyers' right to know about flood, fire, and heat risk. What this change means for consumer trust, disclosure, and liability going forward. Referral fees and fine print  How the California Association of Realtors is rewriting forms to spotlight referral fees after NAR's failed vote. Why big brokerages are rolling out their own enhanced referral-fee disclosures anyway, and what smart agents should be doing now. Affordability crisis check-in New numbers showing the typical retail worker earns tens of thousands less than they need to afford the typical apartment. A construction labor crunch that is driving up costs, slowing new-home delivery, and deepening the housing affordability crisis. How labor, regulation, and rent burdens are colliding to keep housing out of reach for many renters and first-time buyers. Prices, new construction, and buyer regret Zillow data showing record-level price cuts and what that really means for sellers who still want "spring 2022 money." New-construction's price premium dropping to a record-low 10.2% and why builders are suddenly some of the most motivated sellers in the market. Buyer's remorse falling sharply as days on market stretch, contingencies come back, and buyers get more time to think. Contracts, cancellations, and mortgage rates About 15% of October home-purchase contracts falling through and where cancellations are clustering. Mortgage rates finally ticking lower, why demand barely moved, and what to watch as markets react to the next round of economic news. Whether you're an agent, buyer, seller, or real estate investor, this episode is all about power and pressure in today's market: who controls the listings, who controls the fees, and who is getting squeezed on the ground. 

This might look like a regular tWiRE episode… but it's not. Today you're listening to the show get built in real time while we're live. Headlines, research, prompts, scripts, thumbnails, even the AI work in the background — you get the chaos, the process, and a full weekly real estate news breakdown all at once. Here's what we're hitting while we build it in front of you: • Zillow vs Everybody: RICO Charges & Portal Power Plays Zillow Flex is now facing RICO allegations, with claims it steers buyers toward Zillow Home Loans and squeezes extra profit from financing. At the same time, Zillow's listing-access ban just went through a four-day showdown in court. We'll talk portals vs MLS power, what this means for lead gen, and how visible your listings really are online. • Referral Fees & "Consumer Choice": eXp Makes a Move eXp rolled out new referral fee disclosures and a consumer-choice-style framework. We'll connect it to the bigger transparency fight: who gets paid, when, and how clearly that's explained to buyers and sellers. • Sellers Are Ghosting the Market Delistings are jumping at the fastest pace in nearly a decade as sellers pull homes instead of cutting prices. We'll look at where this is happening, how it shows up in your MLS, and what to tell the "I'll just wait for spring" crowd. • Prices Up, Inventory Down, Luxury Pulling Away Existing home sales ticked up, but supply is slipping again. Luxury home prices are up about 5.5% year over year — roughly triple the pace of non-luxury — even with soft demand. We'll dig into why high-end buyers are still moving and what that gap means for everyone else. • Rural America's Affordability Squeeze New data shows the affordability crisis is now accelerating fastest in rural markets. "Move to the country, it's cheaper" is not a guaranteed strategy anymore. We'll talk about what that means for builders, buyers, and small-town markets. • Bigger Conforming Loan Limits in 2026 Fannie and Freddie are cleared to back loans up to $832,750 next year in many areas (more in high-cost markets). We'll hit what that does for move-up buyers, jumbo vs conforming strategy, and how agents should be framing this for clients. • Young Adults Moving Back Home (Again) More 18–34 year olds are back under their parents' roof. We'll connect the dots between rent, home prices, debt, and multigenerational living — and what that signals for future demand. All of that happens while we show you the full behind-the-scenes workflow for tWiRE: live research, note-taking, story selection, headline framing, how AI helps, and how it all becomes a finished show for agents, buyers, and investors. If you're a real estate pro, a serious buyer or seller, or just a housing-market nerd, this is your episode. ✅ Join live on YouTube and hit chat with questions, hot takes, and what you're seeing in your market ✅ Subscribe so you don't miss future episodes and deep dives ✅ Replay crew – drop your market and your biggest takeaway in the comments so we can feature you next week

NAR is ripping up parts of the rulebook and claiming a win in court, Zillow says 53% of homes lost value, and Redfin is calling this the strongest buyer's market in more than a decade. So… is the housing market finally shifting, or are we just stuck in a weird standstill? In this live episode of tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate), we're breaking down: • NAR's "dawn of a new era" – their new 3-year strategic plan to rebuild trust, modernize tools and data, and tighten ethical standards after two brutal years of controversy. • A key NAR win in a buyer commission case – why the judge striking down the proposed class (because it overlaps with Sitzer | Burnett) matters for future commission lawsuits and industry risk. • MLS access goes local – NAR repeals the national rule tying MLS access to Realtor membership and hands the decision to local MLSs after a major risk review and a slate of policy changes.  • Referral fee transparency fight – the board voted for wider disclosure, the delegate body shot it down. We'll talk about what that says about "pro-consumer" messaging vs. how money really moves in real estate.   Then we zoom out to the market: • "53% of homes lost value" – what that headline actually means (and doesn't), how most homeowners are really positioned, and how to talk nervous sellers off the ledge without sugarcoating reality. • Strongest buyer's market in over a decade – sellers outnumber buyers by a wide margin, especially in key metros, but it only feels like a buyer's market if you can afford to play. • A housing market that's basically stuck – sales, new listings, and prices are barely moving; yet national home prices still inched up in October even as activity plateaus. • Rates and demand – mortgage rates just hit their highest level in a month, loan demand is down about 5%, and pending home sales are slipping as buyers wait for lower rates and economic clarity. • If you're an agent, buyer, seller, or investor trying to figure out what to do next in this "buyer's market that doesn't really feel like one," this episode is for you.

Zillow just kicked in ChatGPT's front door, NAR's CEO says a full reset is coming, and AI is rewriting how listings look and how consumers search. Sellers are testing the market, buyers are still cautious, the Senate just advanced major housing legislation, and a surprising trend puts vinyl back on top over stucco. Welcome to tWiRE—real talk for agents, buyers, and investors who want the truth without the drama. Join us LIVE and jump into the chat: • Zillow x ChatGPT: Search wars, IDX/compliance questions, and what portal AI means for your lead flow, conversion, and brand positioning. • NAR's next chapter: What a real transparency-and-culture reboot could change for everyday business. • AI vs. Trust: Consumers are turning to AI for housing info, but they still trust great agents. How to be the pro they believe—while using AI as a force multiplier. • Agent adoption gap: Nearly half of agents say they aren't using AI. Is that your edge… or your blind spot? • AI listing “glow-ups”: Virtual enhancements, staging ethics, clear disclosures, and how to keep credibility with buyers and appraisers. • Market standoff: More new listings, but rate-fatigued buyers are picky. Pricing, concessions, and prep that actually move the needle. • Policy watch: Senate-passed housing measures—what they target (supply, affordability, resilience) and what to watch next in the House. • Build/design shift: Vinyl vs. stucco—cost, regional preferences, maintenance, curb appeal, and resale impact. Subscribe & set reminder so you don't miss it. Weekly housing intel, zero fluff—just strategies, signals, and straight talk.

Crash or Crack? Zillow's Legal Storm, CoStar Feud & Housing Market Mayhem FTC slaps Zillow & Redfin with an antitrust lawsuit The FTC accuses Zillow of paying Redfin $100 million to exit the rental advertising space, shutting down competition for nearly a decade. Redfin allegedly gave up ad partnerships, helped Zillow poach employees, and agreed to syndicate only Zillow's listings. What's at stake: advertising pricing power, renters' choice, and whether Big Tech in real estate just got too big. CoStar strikes back: Zillow accused of rampant photo theft CoStar claims Zillow unlawfully used more than 46,000 of its copyrighted photos — even with watermarks — across Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com syndication networks. Zillow has already started removing images at the center of the case. This could become one of the largest copyright battles the real estate industry has ever seen. Real estate data digest — warning signs everywhere • Pending home sales posted their first meaningful monthly decline in months, despite mortgage rates easing slightly. • Luxury home prices jumped 4% to a median of $1.25M, even as overall sales hit the lowest August level in more than a decade. • Starter-home sales are up, as buyers look for affordability in a shifting market.  • The share of mortgages with rates above 6% is at a 10-year high. • Refinance demand plunged 21% as rates hit a 3-week high.  • Even homeowners with sub-4% mortgages are on the move, often turning to new builds to lock in incentives. What this means for agents, buyers & markets going forward We break down the legal risks, competitive threats, and strategic pivots needed to survive in a volatile real estate tech era — plus some bold predictions for what comes next.

The real estate world is on fire this week: billion-dollar deals, lawsuits shaking the industry, and a housing market at a crossroads. Here's what we're breaking down:  ⚖️ Zillow in Court — A new class-action lawsuit takes direct aim at Flex and Premier Agent. If it sticks, Zillow's lead-gen empire could be in serious jeopardy.

This week on tWiRE Podcast (Episode 332) we're covering the biggest headlines shaking up the housing market, mortgage trends, and real estate industry power moves. From Zillow's copyright war with CoStar to Dave Ramsey calling out “morons” in the influencer world, this episode dives deep into what agents, buyers, and investors need to know right now.

The housing market just dropped a week of headlines too big to ignore: NAR vs. Mauricio Umansky: A new legal filing takes aim at the PLS platform. Glenn Kelman: Why Redfin's CEO is still betting on W-2 agents despite layoffs. Mortgage Rates: Down to 6.52% after Powell's Jackson Hole speech, the lowest in 10 months. Market Trends: Pending sales tick up, but cancellations hit record highs. Buyers are retreating — and now sellers are too. Regional Shifts: Vacation towns stall, Las Vegas inventory spikes 31%, and San Francisco becomes the only major metro where housing costs have “returned to normal.” Affordability Crisis: Millennials and Gen Z slash restaurant spending, even skip meals, just to pay rent. Industry Buzz: Is it finally time to retire the old “Date the Rate, Marry the House” slogan?

Today on this Week in Real Estate we've got a LOT of economic news!

Mortgage rates just hit their lowest level in 10 months, but is it enough to spark a rebound in a market Goldman Sachs says will fall another 8%? This week on tWiRE, we're digging into the headlines that are reshaping real estate:

This week on tWiRE, dive into real estate's hottest stories and critical market shifts! Controversy erupts as a Chicago homeowner claims his $200K listing appeared without consent—who's accountable? Zillow fires back at Compass, labeling their innovative 3-phase listing strategy a "hidden scheme." NAR launches a powerful new market stats dashboard exclusively for members, tracking affordability and trends in real-time. Meanwhile, a Redfin journalist shares painful lessons learned after losing $25K on his home sale, and Opendoor finds itself in the spotlight again—but it's not about selling homes. Plus, reality star Tyler Cameron jumps into real estate with SERHANT—who else from TV is switching careers? In market news, June home sales slump as prices hit another all-time high, and home prices dip slightly across major metros, notably Washington, Austin, and San Diego. Mortgage demand stalls with rates at a 4-week high, while new home listings drop to their lowest in nearly two years. Finally, some relief: sellers are adjusting prices downward, easing monthly mortgage burdens, and institutional landlords face surprising new competition. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe and turn on notifications for weekly insights!

Sign up for the book club! https://bit.ly/RASCall Are Buyers Back?! & eXp Fires Back at Compass | Mortgage Rates Drop, Inventory Slips, & Listing Drama Explodes

Zillow's listing ban is officially live—and the industry isn't taking it quietly. This week, we break down the chaos as Compass challenges Zillow's new private listing rules and ThePLS.com sues NAR. The battle for listing control is heating up. Meanwhile, Congress just passed what's being dubbed a "Big, Beautiful Bill"—and for once, real estate professionals are celebrating. We'll walk through what's inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and how it aims to fuel economic growth, ease housing development, and open the door for broader financial innovation—including crypto mortgage considerations via Fannie and Freddie. In the market? It's still choppy: Pending sales are bouncing around New listings are starting to stall  Condos are seeing steep price cuts  Buyers just gained $16,000 in purchasing power thanks to a dip in mortgage rates  And yes, homeowner's insurance premiums continue to climb in nearly every state Also this week: Bitcoin is entering the home loan risk chat, with new rules forcing Fannie and Freddie to factor crypto assets into lending decisions. Is this the start of a crypto-friendly housing market?

Zillow faces a lawsuit. Opendoor flips its model. And U.S. home prices just hit a new all-time high. In this week's episode of This Week in Real Estate (tWiRE), we break down what's really happening in the housing market—from slowing price growth to rising inventory—and what it all means if you're thinking about buying, selling, or working in the industry.

This week on This Week in Real Estate (tWiRE), we're unpacking a whirlwind of industry headlines that could reshape how agents, brokers, and buyers navigate the market.

This week on This Week in Real Estate (tWiRE) — we follow the money.

Zillow Speaks Out, Fed Drops a Bomb, and Bigfoot Sells Land?! This week on This Week in Real Estate (tWiRE), we're breaking down Zillow's long-awaited clarification on private listings — and when agents should brace for enforcement. But that's just the start. The Fed just quietly revealed a massive shift that could upend how commissions work across the country. We also cover: •A new lawsuit hitting eXp Realty over workplace misconduct •The war of words between reality TV agents and seasoned pros •Home prices drop for the first time since 2022  •Inventory climbs to a 5-year high, but buyers still face brutal affordability •The wildest staging tactic we've seen yet: Bigfoot?!  •Starter homes now cost $1M in 28 states—seriously •Why mortgage demand is slipping even as buyers want in Is the spring market stumbling or resetting? What does the data really say about buyer behavior? And is reality TV doing more harm than good to the industry's image?

This week on tWiRE:

0:24 - So, it's 2025. I know. I have NO idea why my brain said 2023 and I said it. None. ¯_(ツ)_/¯   This week on tWiRE: This Week in Real Estate, lawsuits, legislation, and market turbulence take center stage. Compass has launched a legal missile at the Northwest MLS, dragging Windermere into the crossfire—claiming the cost of “waging war” is weighing them down. Meanwhile, a Texas Senate bill is aiming to dismantle NAR's controversial hate speech policy, igniting a fresh political battle in the real estate world. Vrbo gets slammed over a misleading Super Bowl ad after a complaint by Airbnb, proving that in the short-term rental wars, no move goes unchecked. On the market side, homebuyer mortgage demand continues to dip amid mounting economic uncertainty, even as mortgage rates ease slightly. Sellers still want $39,000 more than buyers are willing to pay, and home prices are now falling in 11 of the 50 largest U.S. metros—especially in parts of Florida, Texas, and the Bay Area. But it's not all doom and gloom: pending home sales spiked 6.1% in March, hinting at a potential wave of pent-up demand. And in Houston, the legendary “Darth Vader House” finally sold for $3.4 million—set for a villain-to-visionary rebrand.

This week on tWiRE – This Week in Real Estate, we're diving into a storm of high-stakes decisions and shifting market dynamics:

Zillow Just Dropped a Bombshell on Private Listings

Private listings, broker lawsuits, and mortgage mayhem — Episode 312 is packed with the headlines shaping the future of real estate. This week on tWiRE (This Week in Real Estate), we're diving headfirst into the chaos, clarity, and controversy rocking the housing industry.

This Week in Real Estate (tWiRE) Episode 311 unpacks a wild week of housing headlines—from legal showdowns to market shakeups. We're covering everything agents, buyers, and investors need to know:

This Week in Real Estate, where the headlines hit harder than your March Madness bracket! This week's top stories reveal shifting power dynamics in real estate, rising insurance crises, and a wild MLS tech fire sale.

The housing market is slowing, with homes taking nearly two months to sell—the slowest pace in five years. Meanwhile, a shift in commissions is unfolding, with rates rising slightly for affordable homes and dipping for high-end properties since the NAR settlement took effect. As affordability improves, experts predict 2025 will be a renter's market, creating new opportunities for those looking to lease rather than buy. Compass is making a major tech play with the launch of “Compass One,” a client portal designed to streamline transactions, while NAR continues its media push with the fifth season of First-Time Buyer. The MLS landscape may be on the verge of transformation, with talks of a national network gaining traction. In other headlines, climate change is reshaping real estate, putting $1.5 trillion in property value at risk, and homebuilders are anxiously awaiting tariff details from Canada and Mexico that could impact costs. Plus, new homes are shrinking—are buyers really looking for less space? And in a wild twist, two wealthy Florida real estate moguls have been denied bail as a judge exposes their fraudulent empire. Tune in for expert insights, bold takes, and everything you need to know about the real estate world this week!

The real estate industry is facing a major shakeup—71% of agents didn't close a single deal last year, and legal battles over commissions could change how homes are bought and sold forever. This week on tWiRE, we break down the fallout from antitrust lawsuits against agent commissions and how real estate leaders see opportunity in the chaos. Meanwhile, pending home sales took the sharpest dive since 2022, thanks to a spike in mortgage rates, while home prices are rising in every major metro for the first time in nearly two years. Are we heading for a market slowdown, or is relief on the way for buyers? Plus, we analyze Trump's plan to tackle housing affordability and what it would take to actually lower costs. And in breaking news, we discuss the latest Federal Reserve decision and how it could impact mortgage rates moving forward. Finally, in the wake of devastating wildfires, Los Angeles homeowners are facing an uphill battle to rebuild—what does the recovery process look like, and how could it affect the broader market? Don't miss this packed episode as we dive into the biggest real estate headlines and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and agents.

This week on the tWiRE Podcast, we dive into the biggest stories shaping the real estate market. The Supreme Court has denied the National Association of Realtors' appeal in a high-stakes legal battle with the Department of Justice, leaving the industry facing increased scrutiny. Meanwhile, California wildfires are wreaking havoc on housing markets, leading to rising evictions, heightened property speculation, and executive orders aimed at addressing the crisis. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are emerging as a vital solution in Los Angeles, even as wildfires test the resilience of local housing stock. Across the country, starter homes remain frustratingly out of reach for buyers, and soaring mortgage rates—now at their highest since May—are dampening demand, despite a modest rise in home tours to start the year. In Atlanta, a federal lawsuit accuses landlords of orchestrating a rent price-fixing scheme that could be costing renters millions, raising questions about fairness in the rental market. With these headlines and more, we're breaking down the week's biggest challenges and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and investors navigating today's market.

But wait... I thought real estate was about to get better?! This week's tWiRE Podcast dives deep into the biggest real estate headlines shaping 2025. We start with NAR's latest shake-up as industry legend Sherry Chris takes on a key advisory role. The Supreme Court looms large with a potential decision on the NAR vs. DOJ case, a battle that could reshape industry regulations. Meanwhile, mortgage demand has plunged, rates have surged to their highest since July, and homebuyers are hitting pause—waiting for better conditions. On the flip side, housing affordability didn't worsen for the first time in four years, and new listings have jumped 8%, offering fresh opportunities for buyers. But with supply hitting a four-year high, many homes are sitting unsold. Will homeowners' reluctance to sell continue to lock up inventory? We'll also explore Amazon's $47K luxury tiny home (yes, it has a rooftop deck!) and check in on Europe's real estate recovery heading into 2025. Tune in for sharp insights, bold takes, and everything you need to know to stay ahead in real estate this week.

It's our biggest show of the year—our Prediction Special! We're taking a look back at last year's bold predictions to see how accurate (or hilariously wrong) they were. From NAR's optimistic forecasts of home sales surges to Goldman Sachs' predictions for price growth, we'll compare the major market forecasts to the realities of 2024. Then, we'll dive into the latest housing market predictions for 2025 from the industry's top analysts, including Zillow, CoreLogic, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and more. What's the consensus on home prices, sales, and mortgage rates? Will the market crash? Is this the end of affordable housing? We'll discuss the key trends that could shape the year ahead, including: NAR's 2025 forecast of a 9% sales increase. Goldman Sachs' expectation of 4%+ home price growth. CoreLogic's take on regional price surges. Zillow's design trend predictions and market outlook. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's mortgage rate forecasts. Realtor.com's affordability concerns. BAM's challenges for agents in 2025. Finally, we'll make our own bold predictions for 2025, tackling questions like:   Will housing become even more unaffordable? Are we headed for a market correction or crash? Which regions will thrive, and which will struggle? Join us live at 10 PST / 1 EST for sharp analysis, lively discussion, and a fun look at what the future holds for real estate. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and don't miss this year-end event!

This week, the real estate industry faces intense scrutiny and significant changes. Oren and Tal Alexander were arrested alongside their brother in Miami following sexual assault allegations, casting a shadow on their careers as prominent real estate stars. Meanwhile, Realty One Group makes headlines by allowing Phoenix-area agents to leave NAR, signaling a shift in industry affiliation. In legal news, Move's ‘fake leads' lawsuit has been transferred to federal court, while the embattled sale-leaseback platform EasyKnock has shut its doors, leaving investors and clients in the lurch. And in a surprising twist, Jason Oppenheim has been identified as the mystery broker at the center of a kickback plot. On the market front, mortgage refinance demand has surged 27% as rates dropped for the third consecutive week, and buyers are becoming more active, with house tours and mortgage applications picking up as we head into the year's final stretch. However, the Florida market is facing a looming ‘condo cliff' crisis, as fallout from the 2021 Surfside collapse prompts stricter regulations. Additionally, we'll explore what you need to know about the new Federal Flood Risk Management System, how 2024 local election results highlight voters' willingness to spend big on affordable housing, and the truth about traffic—what's driving clicks, leads, and sales in real estate marketing. Join us today at 10 PST / 1 EST for sharp analysis and unfiltered discussion. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join us live on Clubhouse to weigh in on these critical topics.

This week, we're breaking down the latest headlines shaping the housing market. Compass is making waves with its acquisition of @properties Christie's International Real Estate, signaling a bold expansion strategy. Meanwhile, a judge has approved the NAR settlement in the Sitzer/Burnett case, a decision that could reshape commission practices across the industry. Despite high mortgage rates, early-stage homebuying demand has surged to its highest level in 15 months, with contract signings and pending home sales jumping thanks to a post-election boost in home tours. Mortgage rates dipped to their lowest level in over a month, spurring a 6% increase in homebuyer mortgage demand—is the market finding its momentum? We'll also discuss how investor home purchases are leveling off after the pandemic's wild market ride, and dive into the story of a tiny home with a garage selling out on Amazon after Black Friday buzz, highlighting the growing interest in alternative housing solutions. Join us today at 10 PST / 1 EST as we break down these key trends and their implications for buyers, sellers, and agents. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join the live conversation on Clubhouse!

This week, we uncover the hottest stories shaping real estate trends across the country. Inside the National Realtors Group, reports of chauffeured cars and Broadway tickets are raising eyebrows—what does this mean for the industry's reputation? Despite higher interest rates, weekly mortgage demand ticked up, signaling renewed buyer activity. Could this be a sign of recovery? We'll also explore the growing influence of safety, climate, and affordability concerns on the housing market. 18% of home hunters are moving due to safety or crime concerns, while 14% cite climate risks. Meanwhile, for the first time in a decade, homes in areas with low natural disaster risk are rising in value faster than those in high-risk zones. In Florida, home sales are sinking amid hurricane recovery and soaring HOA and insurance costs, while U.S. home prices rose 0.5% in October, marking a full year of consistent growth. At the same time, affordability remains a crisis—nearly 25% of people earning under $50,000 have skipped meals to make housing payments. On a brighter note, existing home sales posted their biggest increase in nearly three years, and home tours and mortgage locks are bouncing back post-election. Could this be the market's turning point? We'll also take a way-too-early look at what Trump's re-election could mean for housing and why 22% of Americans are more likely to move now that the election is over, with many considering a different country or state. Finally, we dive into the phenomenon of 1 in 3 young adults still living with their parents—what does this mean for the housing market's future? Join us today at 10 PST / 1 EST for sharp insights and candid conversation. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join the live discussion on Clubhouse!

 [Audio improves at 3:02] This week's episode dives deep into the major developments shaping the housing market and the real estate industry. Compass CEO Robert Reffkin has made a bold statement, claiming Zillow could become the national MLS—is this the future of real estate? Meanwhile, Q3 earnings reports are illuminating the early impact of NAR's commission rule changes, raising questions about how these shifts will reshape agent income. Legal challenges remain front and center, as a law professor warns that an 'unconstitutional' court order could derail NAR's settlement deals on appeal. Plus, Anthony Hitt is stepping down as CEO of Engel & Völkers Americas—what's next for this luxury real estate giant? In market news, mortgage demand has stalled, and pending home sales held steady leading up to the election, despite mortgage rates hovering near 7%. Experts predict rates will remain elevated and volatile as financial markets digest the Trump presidency and its implications for the economy. Speaking of politics, we'll explore how Trump's mass deportation plan could impact immigrant workers and the housing market, and why America's toughest housing markets are trending red. On the rental side, national rents remained flat in October, but East Coast and Midwest metros are seeing sharp increases. Finally, we'll look ahead as Zillow predicts which design trends will dominate in 2025. Join us today at 10 PST / 1 EST as we break down these critical topics and their implications for buyers, sellers, and agents. Don't forget to subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join the live conversation on Clubhouse!

This week, we dive into the headlines dominating real estate and what they mean for agents, clients, and the market as a whole. Election anxiety is running high, and both agents and clients are feeling the tension as loose talk about housing policies impacts decision-making. A recent survey reveals that 38% of early voters say housing affordability influenced their presidential pick—what does this say about the intersection of housing and politics? In legal news, objections are piling up against NAR and HomeServices settlement deals, while a judge has granted final approval to nine commission lawsuit settlements, potentially reshaping the industry. Meanwhile, real estate commissions have surprisingly held steady, even after new rules were implemented. Plus, Ryan Serhant scored a win in court against KW Black Label in a recruitment dispute. On the market side, mortgage rates remain a hot topic. Despite a weak jobs report, they're expected to fall slightly, but buyers are still reeling—mortgage demand has dropped 11% this week, and buyers have lost $33,000 in purchasing power in just six weeks. With the average age of first-time homebuyers hitting an all-time high of 38, what does this shift mean for the market? We'll also discuss the growth of renter households, now expanding three times faster than homeowners, and why more people are turning to cash-out refinances amid financial uncertainty. Plus, with 28% of houses for sale being newly built, the lowest share in three years, how will this affect inventory challenges? Finally, we tackle the big question: What would a Trump presidency mean for housing? With policies likely to differ dramatically from the current administration, we explore the potential impacts on affordability, rates, and homeownership. Join us today at 10 PST / 1 EST for sharp analysis and candid conversation. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join us live on Clubhouse!

This week, we dive into some of the biggest stories reshaping the real estate landscape. The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) is making waves, urging NAR to maintain the controversial Clear Cooperation policy in a new letter, claiming that weakening it could harm the integrity of the housing market. However, some local associations are still pushing back, challenging the policy as unnecessary and restrictive. We'll also cover Pacific Sotheby's International Realty's recent partnership with Rechat, a move that brings cutting-edge tech to streamline agent workflows. Meanwhile, Real Brokerage's RISE announcements signal strategic growth—what will this mean for agents and clients? Despite mortgage rates rising again, pending home sales jumped 2.5% in September, marking the biggest monthly increase in over a year and a half. However, first-time buyers are still facing significant challenges with 30 renters for every home for sale in today's supply-constrained market. Home prices grew by 0.5% in September, the fastest pace since April, reflecting continued demand despite affordability pressures. As we look to 2025, new surveys highlight buyer and seller expectations and reveal that nearly a quarter of first-time buyers are delaying their purchases until after the election. Will political uncertainty drive even more market hesitation? Join us today as we break down these key developments!

This week, we explore the major shifts and controversies shaping the real estate industry. We kick things off with NAR's Clear Cooperation policy under attack—some agents claim it's giving big brokerages a competitive edge, while others say dismantling it could harm both agents and consumers. One local association is outright rejecting the policy, intensifying the debate. Meanwhile, a survey reveals that 55% of agents now see MLS value declining post-NAR settlement, raising concerns about the future of cooperation in the market. We also dive into Side's legal battle with the Alexander brothers over alleged contract breaches. On the market front, mortgage demand dropped 17% this week as rates hit their highest point since August, leaving buyers on edge. Interestingly, nearly 25% of first-time homebuyers plan to delay purchases until after the election, adding more uncertainty to an already tense market. We'll also look at a new survey showing that 42% of homeowners favor Trump for maintaining home values, while 35% believe Kamala Harris would do better. Meanwhile, renters are almost twice as likely as homeowners to say housing affordability will affect their vote—what will this mean for the upcoming election? Despite warmer-than-expected inflation, mortgage rates are unlikely to drop significantly. Yet, there's good news: Pending home sales posted their biggest jump since 2021, signaling renewed buyer activity. Join us today. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join the conversation live on Clubhouse!