Real estate agents love independence—and for good reason. Flexible schedules, running your own business and getting paid based on results are all part of the appeal. But for brokers, keeping that independent-contractor relationship on solid ground takes more than simply putting “independent contractor” on a contract. In 2026, it’s worth taking a fresh look at …
Tag: News
Sep 17
Referral Marketing: Helpful or Too Close for Comfort?
Real estate referrals can be a win-win. A homeowner gets connected with a trusted professional in another market, and an agent gets to grow their business. But there’s a fine line between making a legitimate referral and using another agent’s client information to drum up business. That line starts with Article 16 of the REALTOR® …
Sep 15
Sitzer-Burnett: The Real Estate Shake-Up Buyers and Sellers Should Know About in 2026
Real estate has always come with plenty of paperwork, negotiations and questions. But in recent years, one lawsuit has added a whole new chapter to the conversation: Sitzer-Burnett. So, what does this legal saga have to do with your next home purchase or sale? Quite a bit. The lawsuit challenged long-standing practices surrounding real estate …
Sep 14
Floor Plans and Copyright: What Real Estate Pros Need to Know in 2026
Floor plans have become a valuable marketing tool for real estate professionals and buyers alike. They help shoppers understand how a home flows before they ever walk through the front door. But for years, questions about copyright made using them a legal gray area. That picture is much clearer in 2026. The U.S. Supreme Court …
Sep 11
The NAR Settlement: What Home Buyers and Sellers Really Need to Know in 2026
Heard that the real estate rules changed? You heard right. But don’t panic—buying or selling a home in 2026 isn’t as complicated as the headlines may make it sound. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement changed some of the traditional ways real estate agents and consumers work together. By now, these changes have become …
Sep 09
That Phone Call Could Cost You: Telemarketing Rules Every Realtor® Should Know in 2026
You see a homeowner’s number. You think, “I should call them.” Five minutes later, you’re wondering why nobody answered. Fast-forward a few months—and suddenly that unanswered call is attached to a lawsuit. Welcome to the not-so-fun side of real estate marketing. Cold calling and texting are still valuable tools in 2026. But the days of …
Sep 08
SCOTUS Sides With Landowners in Takings Clause Case
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 …
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 …
