Random Thoughts from the Road

I’ve been traveling a lot of late due to business.  Who knew being an unemployed bum was such hard work?  In September, I spent 14 of 30 days on the road; I’m looking at roughly 18 of 31 days in October being on the road. So I’m becoming familiar once again with the airline and … Read more

Is There a Financial Benefit to Using a Realtor?

It’s a very personal, a very important thing. Hell, it’s a family motto. Are you ready, Jerry?  I wanna make sure you’re ready, brother. Here it is: Show me the money. – Rod Tidwell, Jerry Maguire I was recently researching a somewhat different topic (deflation, inflation, and price sensitivity in real estate) when I came … Read more

Clients, Consumers, Information: Dialogue on My Inman Column

As expected, my latest Inman column brought out only wide agreement and headnodding.  Positively sleepy comments section there.  NOT.  Go read it fast, or better yet, go be a subscriber so Inman can continue to pay me for my ramblings.  (LOOK! A COMMERCIAL PITCH!) First of all, I owe a word of thanks to everyone … Read more

Brokerage Models: A Mathematical Analysis, Part 3

I had promised in Part 2 of this series that I would tackle the so-called “K-Dub” model in this part.  Well, I’ve decided against it.  Looking at the numbers, it seems to me that from a model perspective, there’s nothing particularly novel about the K-Dub (based on Keller Williams) model.  Its appeal and power lie … Read more

Brokerage Models: A Mathematical Analysis, Part 2

In Part 1, we explored the traditional brokerage model by the numbers and found that there are significant issues with the current model as constructed.  It may be, of course, that my hypothetical numbers are just way off, and therefore, the entire analysis ought to be trashed.  I get the feeling, however, that in the … Read more

Brokerage Models – A Mathematical Analysis, Part 1

One of the more insightful posts on the industry came earlier this week from one of the more insightful people in the industry: Nicolai Kolding, COO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, and former head of M&A for Realogy. This is a man who knows what he’s talking about. He gave a presentation (PDF) … Read more

Moral Motivations: A Test Soon to Come to a Supermarket Near You

Reuters reports that a major study by scientists from the London School of Hygiene & Topical Medicine at the University of London shows organic foods have no nutritional benefit over conventional foods: A systematic review of 162 scientific papers published in the scientific literature over the last 50 years, however, found there was no significant … Read more