The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in DeVillier v. Texas remains an important ruling for private property rights and the constitutional protection against government takings. The case involved Texas landowners whose property repeatedly flooded after the state modified a nearby highway. The landowners sought compensation under the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause, which provides that private …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Sep 04
The NAR Settlement: The Rules Changed—Now What?
Remember when talking about real estate commissions was about as exciting as watching paint dry? Yeah…those days are over. The National Association of REALTORS® settlement has changed the way real estate professionals talk about compensation, work with buyers, and use the MLS. And in 2026, these changes aren’t exactly breaking news—they’re the new normal. The …
Sep 02
Lockbox, Listings & Common Sense: 7 Things to Remember When Showing Property
Showing property can look easy from the outside: unlock the door, let the buyers wander around, answer questions, and hope someone falls in love with the kitchen. But experienced REALTORS® know there’s more to a successful showing than finding the right key. In 2026, professionalism means knowing the rules, respecting the seller’s instructions, and using …
Sep 01
When a Home Becomes Part of an Estate: Probate Real Estate in 2026
Real estate isn’t always about champagne, moving trucks, and handing over the keys. Sometimes, an agent gets a call because a homeowner has passed away—and now the family has a house to deal with. It’s not exactly the easiest real estate conversation. There may be grief, paperwork, family opinions, legal deadlines, and a property that …
Aug 31
Florida’s Foreign Property Rules Raise New Fair Housing Questions
Florida’s restrictions on foreign property ownership are drawing continued attention from real estate professionals and fair housing advocates. The state has rules that limit certain people and companies connected to specific foreign countries from purchasing property in Florida. The law focuses on countries the state considers a security concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, …
Aug 28
Scammers, Squatters & Trespassers: The Real Estate Headaches Nobody Wants in 2026
Real estate is all about trust. Buyers trust their agents. Sellers trust their brokers. And everyone hopes the person on the other side of the transaction is actually who they say they are. Unfortunately, in 2026, that last part is getting trickier. Scammers are becoming more convincing, vacant properties are attractive targets, and even a …
Aug 26
Real Estate in 2027: Know Your Lane, Protect Your Clients
Let’s face it—real estate agents wear a lot of hats. We’re part marketer, negotiator, problem-solver, therapist, and sometimes even part-time detective. But there’s one hat we should leave hanging on the wall: attorney. As we head into 2027, transactions continue to get more complicated, and clients will naturally have questions. “What does this clause mean?” …
Aug 25
Real Estate Compensation in 2026: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
Real estate has changed—and if you’ve heard the phrase “compensation is negotiable” about 47 times lately, there’s a reason! Here’s the quick version of what you need to know in 2026. 🚫 Compensation Is No Longer on the MLS Since August 2024, REALTORS® and MLS Participants cannot use the MLS to communicate an offer of …
Aug 24
They Chose Another REALTOR®—Now What?
Let’s be honest—losing a listing to another REALTOR® doesn’t feel great. You prepared. You put together your market analysis. You explained your marketing plan. Maybe you even spent hours getting everything ready for the appointment. Then you find out the seller chose someone else. Ouch. Your first thought might be: “Wait… why didn’t they pick …
Aug 21
Consistency Matters: Fair and Transparent Compensation Conversations in Real Estate
The way real estate professionals discuss services and compensation has changed significantly since the industry’s practice changes took effect in August 2024. By 2026, written buyer agreements and more transparent conversations about compensation are an established part of many real estate transactions. With greater flexibility comes greater responsibility. REALTORS® and their brokerages need clear, consistent …
Aug 19
When REALTORS® Have a Personal Stake in a Transaction
Transparency is one of the foundations of a trustworthy real estate transaction. When a REALTOR® has a personal or financial connection to a property, buyers, sellers, landlords, and other parties deserve to know about that interest before they commit to an agreement. Under Article 4 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, REALTORS® must disclose in …
Aug 18
Your Vendor List Is Part of Your Risk Management Strategy
In real estate, a referral can carry more weight than you think. A client asks for a roofer, electrician, plumber, landscaper or contractor. You have a name you’ve used before—or someone you’ve heard good things about—and you pass it along. Simple, right? Not necessarily. A 2022 New Mexico appellate case offers a reminder that recommending …
