Do the Rich Need Buyer Agents?

Last week, I saw something that is not an uncommon sight here in Las Vegas. This was parked outside my office building. That is a 2021 Lamborghini Urus (it had paper plates still on it). This is a car which starts at $222K but with options and such, it’s normally for sale around $300K. I … Read more

Okay Atlantic, Let’s Talk About the Real Culprits

Early yesterday, a friend sent me an article from The Atlantic, the left-leaning magazine for urban intellectuals, and it’s stayed on my mind. While I kind of agreed with the author’s main point, there was something that just stuck in my mental craw. I fear I won’t be able to sleep unless I get to … Read more

Step Up, YPN

A reader sent me an article I had missed from the New York Times, titled “Realtors Want to Sell You a Home. Their Trade Group Backs Evicting Others.” It was… well, it’s New York Times, which used to be a great newspaper. The article was posted in the Money section, and I kept looking for … Read more

NY Senate Final Investigative Report, Part 1: The Findings

Sparked by some Grade A investigative reporting by the NYC daily periodical, Newsday, the New York State Senate (“NYS Senate”) launched an investigation last year into unfair housing practices and held hearings that culminated last week with the release of its “Final Investigative Report.” If you haven’t read the Newsday report, you can do that … Read more

Money Supply, Asset Bubble & iBuyers, Part 1: Lessons from the North

After my last VIP post about money supply and possible asset bubble (?) in housing, I got a couple of emails from people asking what if any impact there might be on iBuyers as a result. I hadn’t thought hard about that, but it’s an interesting question. With some research, I’m leaning towards the idea … Read more

The Big Test for REALTOR Associations and New Speech Code: The Jenna Ryan Situation

A reader who asks for anonymity sent along some information on what’s going down right now in the Republic of Texas. I wasn’t aware of it because, well, I have a life outside of politics… and frankly, you can find far better places on the web if you want to get into politics. However, this … Read more

Disparate Impact and the NAR Code of Ethics

In my previous post on the topic of the new NAR speech code regulations, I pointed out something I thought was problematic: In addition, the Committee recommends changing the definition of “Public Trust” with these changes: The Committee recommends that the definition of “public trust” be expanded to include all discrimination against the protected classes … Read more

REX and the DOJ: Implications for the Future

[Quick disclosure: While I admire and respect Jack Ryan, CEO of REX, and count him as one of my friends, I have no business relationship with REX, apart from using them for a home purchase. I have spoken to REX prior to writing this post to make sure that I do not violate any confidentiality … Read more

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for REALTORS in the New York Senate

I keep having to write posts like this, about NAR, about REALTORs, and the state of the industry. Some of you think I’m picking on NAR, but some of you who have known me longer, have worked with me on a variety of projects, know that I do this out of love. I genuinely believe … Read more