AJ LaTrace

Director, News Reporting

AJ has covered real estate for the last decade as a reporter and editor for publications including Vox Media's Curbed, Chicago magazine and Business Insider. At Business Insider, AJ led the brand's coverage of how everyday people invest in real estate as a means of gaining financial independence, and he reported on big-picture trends and pain points in the broader U.S. real estate market. AJ is based in Chicago, where he also moonlights as a small-time landlord.

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Agents optimistic about the market, concerned about buy-side pay
A new survey from Real Brokerage offers insight into agent sentiment and how they really feel about the industry changes set to go into effect this summer.
April 16, 2024
Commissions, steering and the MLS: Myths and realities
During a livestream presentation, Bright MLS’s chief economist highlighted some of the most misunderstood topics or mistaken beliefs about real estate.
April 16, 2024
What agents and brokers can — and can’t — do under new MLS rules
Bright MLS legal counsel Brian Schneider explained the ins and outs of the NAR settlement rule changes. Here’s what real estate professionals need to know.
April 13, 2024
How are agents paid? Don’t ask buyers
More than a quarter of consumers surveyed by Redfin don’t know how much their agent was paid, while nearly 20% weren’t sure who provided the compensation.
April 11, 2024
Agents should use this ‘old school’ prospecting strategy
During a webinar hosted by T3 Sixty, consultants and guests discussed how tried-and-true tactics like geo-farming can help agents get more deals.
April 11, 2024
Investors feeling optimistic, buying record share of homes
A pair of new reports look at the role investors played in the housing market last year and offer insights into their current outlook and pain points.
April 9, 2024
Consumer group predicts 20-30% drop in commissions
The NAR settlement will lead to better service and lower costs for homebuyers, new research from the Consumer Federation of America suggests.
April 8, 2024
Beverly Hills agent and TV veteran remembered as ‘a force’
Jennifer Berman most recently served as COO of Direct Offer and was a cast member on the CNBC series “Listing Impossible.”
April 5, 2024
eXp Realty promotes Leo Pareja to CEO
The brokerage giant announced that its chief strategy officer will assume the CEO role, taking over from founder and eXp World Holdings CEO Glenn Sanford.
April 5, 2024
Understanding online lead generation in the age of AI
A new study from T3 Sixty and PrimeStreet surveyed brokerages on their lead-gen practices and use of online and AI tools. The latter has produced mixed results.
April 4, 2024
Compass acquires longtime New Orleans independent Latter & Blum
The acquisition of the century-old firm and its 3,100 agents could give Compass an edge in the NOLA and greater Gulf Coast market.
April 3, 2024
Northeast and Midwest markets are still sizzling hot
The regions continue to see significant price growth and elevated buyer activity, but national price growth is expected to slow this year as supply increases.
April 2, 2024
Buyer agreements work, sellers still willing to pay: Baird & Warner
Laura Ellis, chief strategy officer at the Chicago firm, says part-timers may not make it in the post-settlement world, but serious agents will excel.
April 2, 2024
Opendoor: We’re ‘built for’ post-settlement world
In a blog post, CEO Carrie Wheeler said the NAR deal and rule changes would be a boon for the company: “We’ve never been so optimistic about the future.”
March 29, 2024
Pacaso adds third-party listings, DIY co-ownership option
The fractional ownership platform, co-founded by former Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, said its latest move “opens up thousands of new listings nationwide.”
March 28, 2024
Industry seeking clarity — and change — in FHA and VA lending
NAR this week sent letters asking government lending agencies to allow buyers to finance agent compensation. Thursday, it started getting answers.
March 28, 2024
It's cheaper to rent than buy in nearly every big city
A new report from Realtor.com looks at the cost gap between renting and owning and finds that many markets are now significantly more favorable to renters.
March 26, 2024
NAR settlement could ‘force innovation,’ and other reactions
NAR's president and other industry leaders continue to share thoughts, concerns and encouragement in the wake of the association's landmark settlement.
March 22, 2024
Compass agrees to $57.5 million settlement in commissions suits
The first of 90-plus brokerages not included in the NAR settlement reaches a deal that includes changes to its business practices as well as a monetary payout.
March 22, 2024
Emerging agent association sees opportunity following NAR deal
NAR’s settlement — and the emotions surrounding it — could lead more agents to consider trading in their membership for something new.
March 22, 2024