If you thought the big real estate practice changes were “old news,” think again. By 2026, buyer agreements, compensation conversations, MLS rules, and seller marketing options are simply part of doing business. The agents who thrive aren’t the ones who memorize every rule—they’re the ones who build good habits around them. Here are a few …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Aug 14
Property Rights in 2026: Why Homeowners Still Need a Strong Voice
Property rights remain a major issue in the American housing market as 2026 unfolds. Homeowners are facing a complicated mix of affordability pressures, insurance costs, property taxes, housing shortages, and changing regulations. Protecting the ability to own, maintain, and build wealth through real estate has therefore become more important than ever. The conversation has also …
Aug 12
Social Media in Real Estate: 4 Ways to Protect Your Business in 2026
Social media has become one of the most valuable marketing tools for real estate professionals. Agents can use Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other platforms to build their brands, showcase properties, educate consumers, and stay connected with their communities. But there is an important reminder for 2026: what you post online can create real-world …
Aug 11
Buying a Home in an HOA in 2026? Here’s What You Should Know
Buying a home in an HOA community can be a great choice, especially at the Jersey Shore. HOAs can help maintain common areas, protect property values, and take care of things like landscaping, exterior maintenance, and shared amenities. But there’s more to an HOA than the monthly fee. Before you buy, it’s important to understand …
Aug 10
Independent Contractor or Employee? What Real Estate Agents Need to Know in 2026
If you’re a real estate agent, you probably enjoy the freedom that comes with being an independent contractor. You make your own schedule. You build your own business. You decide how you market yourself, where you spend your time, and how you work with your clients. That independence is a big part of what makes …
Aug 07
Fair Housing in 2026: Leading with Equity, Trust, and Opportunity
The real estate profession has always been about helping people find a place to build their lives. In 2026, that responsibility extends beyond buying and selling homes—it includes creating an environment where every client has an equal opportunity to achieve their housing goals. Fair housing is more than a legal requirement. It is a professional …
Aug 05
The Biggest Risk in Real Estate? It’s Probably Not What You Think.
Most brokers spend plenty of time preparing for the risks they can see coming—a slowing market, changing mortgage rates, deals that fall apart, or difficult clients. But the biggest threats to your business usually don’t arrive with a warning. They show up as a cyberattack, an overlooked policy, a marketing mistake, or a simple conversation …
Aug 04
NAR’s 2026 Code of Ethics: What REALTORS® and Consumers Should Know
The real estate industry continues to evolve, and so does the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics. As of 2026, recent updates provide greater clarity on how ethical standards are applied while reinforcing the profession’s longstanding commitment to fair housing, professionalism, and equal treatment for every consumer. For buyers, sellers, and REALTORS® alike, …
Aug 03
Federal Appeals Court Keeps Landlords’ Compensation Claims Alive Following CDC Eviction Moratorium
A federal appeals court has reinforced an important constitutional principle for rental housing providers by allowing claims for compensation stemming from the federal COVID-19 eviction moratorium to move forward. The decision centers on Darby v. United States, one of the most closely watched property rights cases arising from the pandemic. By declining to reconsider its …
Jul 31
NAR’s Legal Position Strengthened as Courts Continue to Scrutinize Antitrust Challenges
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) continues to build momentum in defending itself against a series of antitrust lawsuits that have challenged longstanding industry practices. Among the most closely watched cases has been the lawsuit brought by Utah-based real estate company Homie, which alleged that NAR and several national brokerage firms engaged in anticompetitive conduct …
Jul 29
NAR’s Winning Streak in Court Continues
When it comes to defending its membership model, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has built impressive momentum in the courtroom. Over the past two years, a series of federal rulings has reinforced the organization’s position that REALTOR® membership and local MLS participation requirements comply with existing antitrust law. One of the key victories came …
Jul 28
Why Protecting the REALTOR® Brand Matters More Than Ever in 2026
In today’s digital world, your reputation travels faster than ever. Between AI-generated content, social media, online advertising, and countless real estate websites, the REALTOR® brand is constantly being seen—and sometimes misused. That’s why the National Association of REALTORS® continues to strengthen its efforts to protect one of the profession’s most valuable assets: the REALTOR® trademark. …
