Stephanie Reid-Simons

Senior Vice President

Stephanie followed her grandpa's path into journalism, reporting and editing her way into leadership roles with news teams covering everything from courts and crime to entertainment, sports and business. At Amazon and Zillow, she used her strategic storytelling skills to earn the attention of millions of people, establish a content marketing practice and help build a creative agency. She enjoys spending time with her family and tackling overly ambitious home-improvement projects.

NAR hits Phoenix Realtors with cease-and-desist over MLS Choice
The option lets brokers access the MLS outside the “traditional three-tier membership system.” NAR says it is “maintaining standards for the Realtor brand.”
Updated December 19, 2024
REBNY sues over new commission rules for NYC brokers
The Real Estate Board of New York told a federal court that rules limiting how agents are paid will make it harder for renters to find apartments.
December 18, 2024
DOJ to Supreme Court: Ending NAR probes forever a ‘nonstarter’
The National Association of Realtors and Department of Justice reached a deal in 2020, and since then have fiercely debated whether the case can be reopened.
December 12, 2024
Alexander brothers arrested, face sex trafficking charges
The celebrity real estate brokers are accused of using their “wealth and prominent position in real estate” to drug and sexually assault women.
December 11, 2024
DOJ ends antitrust probe into rental pricing, RealPage says
The property management software company, which still faces civil suits, says it will “continue to aggressively defend itself” against “baseless allegations.”
December 9, 2024
New NAR guide explains types of agency to consumers
A real estate professional can help homebuyers and sellers in a number of ways. Not all of them are legal everywhere, but all require disclosure and agreement.
December 7, 2024
The Ten 2024: New rules, old battles and seeking ‘peace’
Leaders stepped up as the NAR settlement changed the game, Clear Cooperation fueled division and the Department of Justice stoked fears in this surprising year.
December 5, 2024
Judge defends ‘fair’ settlements with NAR, HomeServices
While class members “may not recover every dollar they paid to real estate agents, that is the nature of settlements,” Judge Bough wrote in his Nov. 27 order.
November 27, 2024
Judge approves $700 million in deals with NAR, HomeServices
A last-minute filing by the DOJ and a handful of objections failed to derail the settlements, which cap more than five years of litigation in Sitzer/Burnett.
Updated November 26, 2024
Reffkin ‘mischaracterizes’ new Clear Cooperation data, report author says
The Compass CEO said more than a third of consumers prefer private listings and called out "false narratives" from MLSs. Does that tell the whole story?
November 25, 2024
What Realtors should know about ‘golden ticket’ for homebuyers
HUD leader explains the benefits of housing counseling and the “critical role” of agents, says the agency has no “official position” on the NAR settlement.
November 21, 2024
Why NAHREP is speaking out in favor of Clear Cooperation
The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals says the much-debated policy “helps ensure all buyers have equal access to available properties.”
November 19, 2024
Compass unveils luxury-focused vacation home business
Agents with Compass Resorts go beyond white-glove treatment and become "more like wealth managers" to support clients in this space, its founders say.
November 13, 2024
NAR seeking outside help to get ahead of antitrust issues
CEO Nykia Wright said she is also engaging a chief human resources officer, as well as a special advisor to help re-establish broker relationships.
November 11, 2024
What’s next for Opendoor after layoffs and $78 million loss?
Top iBuyer highlights new products and shifts in agent pay as it joins Offerpad, Elliman and Fathom in finding bright spots after tough third-quarter results.
November 10, 2024
The future of MLS? It's Zillow, says Compass CEO
Robert Reffkin said “it’s only a matter of time” before Zillow becomes a national MLS. Zillow, meanwhile, advocated for a strong MLS and equal access to data.
November 9, 2024
NAR president works to rally ‘the boots on the ground’
Kevin Sears kicked off NAR NXT with an acknowledgement of real estate industry challenges and a message of unity. His go-to message: “We protect consumers.”
November 8, 2024
Real continues its rise, focused ‘on what we can control’
The company says its innovative AI and financial products give it an edge as it increases revenue and agent count despite a difficult housing market.
November 7, 2024
Howard Hanna expands its presence in Ohio, South Carolina
The major independent firm announced a pair of deals this week that support its strategy of steady growth across the eastern U.S.
October 31, 2024
eXp rolling out rev share changes
The company is responding to “a critical time for agents,” said founder Glenn Sanford. New incentives will take effect Nov. 1.
October 29, 2024
NAR board punts decision on Clear Cooperation
The Leadership Team will now take up the issue, with "no specific date" for resolution. Meanwhile, CMLS calls a hasty repeal of CCP "reckless and unnecessary."
October 28, 2024
Clear Cooperation moves closer to its future
An MLS advisory board within the National Association of Realtors is continuing its “robust” discussion of the divisive policy. Here’s what could come next.
October 24, 2024
Why teams emerged as a top ‘danger’ to the old status quo
The DANGER Report spelled out risks for agents and brokers a decade ago. Many of its projections have come to pass — but they haven’t all been negative.
October 19, 2024
NAR breaks down listing agreements, how agent pay ties in
The latest consumer guide covers different types of contracts between sellers and their agents, and the “fully negotiable” nature of agent compensation.
October 18, 2024
DOJ weighs in on ‘super hot’ topic of data sharing
A new statement from the agency suggests that when information is shared only among competitors — like trade group members — it sets off antitrust alarm bells.
October 15, 2024
3D-printed houses are selling on Earth; next stop, the moon?
“People are buying” — and living in — these futuristic homes, with dozens sold at a community in Texas, and more widespread adoption expected in five years.
October 15, 2024
A new CEO for REcolorado; C-level execs join MoxiWorks, Opendoor
Dana Bennett brings brokerage as well as MLS experience to REcolorado; MoxiWorks hires its first CMO as it eyes expansion to mid-market and agent customers.
October 3, 2024
Side announces mentorship-focused rev share program
The brokerage platform also asked a judge to dismiss a copycat commissions lawsuit, saying it fails to prove Side conspired with anyone over agent compensation.
September 24, 2024
Make NAR membership optional, state association says
Alabama Realtors wants members to have “greater flexibility” with their dues dollars. Without it, NAR faces legal risk and could “lose these members forever.”
September 19, 2024
Clear Cooperation: A lawsuit looms as the conversation continues
Mauricio Umansky pledges a court fight against NAR, while Compass and Redfin CEOs take opposite sides on the policy.
September 17, 2024
NextHome settles commissions copycat case
Terms of the deal — which still requires a judge’s OK — were not revealed. Meanwhile, the settlement fund for Sitzer, Moehrl and Gibson is nearing $1 billion.
September 11, 2024
The story behind the ‘hard line’ of MLS fines
“We have to protect our brokers and agents” from the risks of violating the NAR deal to settle commissions lawsuits, said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS.
August 21, 2024
Go (Mid)West — and East — for the hottest housing markets
A suburb of Columbus, OH, once again tops Realtor.com’s ranking of the most wanted ZIP codes. Massachusetts, meanwhile, has three spots in the top 10.
August 20, 2024
Real estate’s day of change is here: 3 things to know
Important practice changes required by the NAR settlement take effect today, affecting buyer agent agreements and compensation. “We are in this together.”
August 17, 2024
Zillow’s new CEO on what’s next as Rich Barton moves upstairs
Barton and Jeremy Wacksman speak exclusively with Real Estate News about the leadership transition at the top of the influential home-search site.
August 7, 2024
Would-be owner of REcolorado gets ‘positive response’
At a meeting Monday, association members approved a change in bylaws that will allow the sale of the nation’s 16th-largest MLS to move forward.
July 30, 2024
Global software company makes unexpected play for REcolorado
MRI offered to buy the nation’s 16th-largest MLS — then upped its offer — and wants association members to consider it at a July 29 meeting about the sale.
Updated July 26, 2024
DANGER Report follow-up to have new focus: Opportunity
A sequel to the industry-challenging assessment is being developed and will focus on the future. “The time is now for the industry to transform itself.”
July 24, 2024
What to keep in mind as NAR’s ‘remarkable deal’ becomes reality
A leading MLS lawyer breaks down the settlement that removes offers of compensation from MLSs and requires more robust buyer agreements starting August 17.
July 21, 2024
Economists on 2024 so far: ‘The year of the head fake’
So much for that housing market recovery everyone was expecting. Builders and boomers could provide bright spots, but what about the NAR settlement?
July 12, 2024
Association leaders ‘emphatically deny’ profiting from MLS sale
A new statement takes aim at “misinformation and concern” surrounding the proposed sale of REcolorado and provides details on the buyer and his intentions.
July 9, 2024
Facing scrutiny, CoStar alters high-profile Homes.com ads
Ad watchdog sides with Realtor.com challenges to Homes.com traffic claims — the latest twist in the hard-fought battle for the No. 2 spot in home search.
Updated July 10, 2024
Agents ‘have to show up’ in post-settlement world
Hard truths emerged during a talk about real estate’s future: Consumers expect more, and agents will have to “work harder for less money” to prove their value.
July 3, 2024
REcolorado confirms interim CEO, new board
New FAQs from the MLS and from its current owners, DMAR and SMDRA, shed light on user fees post-sale, but the timing and price of the deal remain undisclosed.
July 1, 2024
3 top takeaways from NAR’s meeting with the DOJ
The Department of Justice is keeping a sharp eye on the industry as the August 17 deadline for settlement-mandated practice changes draws closer.
June 29, 2024
REcolorado board removed as buyer is unveiled
The Realtor association owners of the MLS said the decision was made “in the best interests of our collective membership” following confidentiality violations.
Updated June 29, 2024
‘Ongoing antitrust litigation’ prompted deal to sell leading MLS
Association owners of REcolorado say now is “the right time to sell” and that decoupling MLSs and associations can provide protections and improve operations.
June 25, 2024
Deal in place to sell REcolorado to private firm
The associations that own the 16th-largest MLS surprised its leaders with a deal that “scared the absolute hell out of us,” REcolorado’s vice chair said.
June 24, 2024
NAR employee files discrimination suit
A former project manager said she was subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation in a lawsuit filed June 18 in Illinois District Court.
June 20, 2024
Who opted in to the NAR settlement? ‘It’s all over the place’
The path is more clear for MLSs than brokerages, according to a top industry lawyer. The National Association of Realtors, meanwhile, had no comment.
Updated June 20, 2024
NAR ‘stands by’ Pride post as it cuts all comments
“This was more than simply a social media post,” said the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance president, calling for “proactive actions” and ethics code enforcement.
June 14, 2024
Roof AI CEO on ChatGPT — and the need for guardrails
Roof Pro launched its GPT integration this week after the company took the time to establish safeguards necessary for the real estate industry.
June 12, 2024
The state of mortgage rates depends on which state you're in
A new survey of lenders reveals a 38 basis point difference between mortgage rates by state, which can mean hundreds of dollars a year for borrowers.
June 11, 2024
‘Frustration’ a theme as homebuyer sentiment craters
Fannie Mae’s sentiment index hit a new low in May, with only 14% saying now is a good time to buy a home, but sales activity is expected to increase.
June 7, 2024
Square footage has gotten awfully expensive
A new report from Realtor.com reveals a massive increase in price per square foot over the past five years.
June 5, 2024
Longtime CEO steps down at MoxiWorks
York Baur will remain on the board of directors, while Eric Elfman, a tech leader from outside the real estate industry, moves into the top role.
June 3, 2024
The party is not over for NAR — ‘at least not yet’
A new report describes the political might of NAR, its lavish efforts to protect it, and risks to its future posed by the government — and its own actions.
May 21, 2024
‘Standing still is not enough’ says Anywhere’s Sue Yannaccone
You may not have every answer — and legal threats still loom — but you must keep moving forward with consumers in mind, the industry leader advised her peers.
May 5, 2024
Marc King departs KW president role amid layoffs
CEO Mark Willis adds “president” to his title and confirms that about 30 people have been let go from the company.
March 11, 2024
Nick Bailey out in RE/MAX leadership shakeup
Amy Lessinger, former SVP of Region Development, takes over as president, while two other execs receive promotions.
Updated February 22, 2024
NAR shares ‘real story’ of leadership, strategic shifts
New messages from Interim CEO Nykia Wright and President Kevin Sears lay out changes to “presidential initiatives,” NAR’s Leadership Team and culture work.
February 19, 2024
NAR called ‘arrogant’ as it makes national news again
A Wall Street Journal story portrays the National Association of Realtors as inflexible in the face of legal challenges to the industry’s commission structure.
February 16, 2024
HAR leaders on earning trust and competing with Zillow
“We’re trying to be an example of what an association can do,” says René Galvan, who will take over for Bob Hale as CEO in 2026.
February 2, 2024
Clear Cooperation suit ends without any rule changes
NAR says ThePLS.com, which sued the association and three major MLSs, is dismissing the case. But the door is open for it to refile this year.
January 26, 2024
Major MLSs reach settlement in lawsuit over NAR policy
CRMLS, Bright MLS and MRED have reached an agreement with ThePLS.com over Clear Cooperation rules, leaving NAR as the only remaining defendant.
January 25, 2024
NAR alternative moves up its launch
AREA, an initiative spearheaded by Mauricio Umansky and Jason Haber, aims to create “something totally new” for agents and others dissatisfied with NAR.
Updated October 21, 2024
More women than ever earn spots in real estate power ranking
For the second year in a row, the Swanepoel Power 200 designated Sue Yannaccone, Anywhere Brands president and CEO, as the most powerful female leader.
January 10, 2024
NAR President Tracy Kasper, facing blackmail threat, steps down
Kasper had been in the role for just over four months following the resignation of former president Kenny Parcell. Kevin Sears is taking over as president.
Updated December 20, 2024
Meet The Ten who defined 2023
Real Estate News has selected the top newsmakers in a year shaped by trials — of all kinds — and resilience in the face of epic challenges and opportunities.
Updated January 2, 2024
Mixed perspectives on NAR following Redfin’s exit
Zillow, Windermere affirm their commitment to the association, while a top brokerage leader calls out “dysfunctionality” and a disconnect from member needs.
October 13, 2023
MV Realty files for bankruptcy amid legal turmoil
The brokerage, which offered homeowners cash in exchange for a 40-year right-to-list agreement, has been bogged down by lawsuits and investigations.
September 22, 2023
Zillow Gone Wild goes HGTV
The Instagram fave will become a “property event series” on HGTV in 2024, plus The Agency founder Mauricio Umansky will join Dancing with the Stars.
September 14, 2023
NAR stands with CEO amid turmoil
NAR leaders affirmed Bob Goldberg as CEO during an emergency meeting days after the association’s president resigned following sexual harassment allegations.
August 31, 2023
NAR president resigns in the wake of sexual harassment allegations
Just two days after the New York Times published claims of harassment, retaliation and intimidation at the association, Kenny Parcell has stepped down.
Updated August 28, 2023
Agent launches campaign calling for change at NAR
Allegations of sexual harassment at NAR, followed by "very emotional" calls from association employees, sparked a new initiative now gaining steam.
Updated August 30, 2023
A rallying cry as lawsuits over agent pay 'hit a critical point'
T3 Sixty has sent an open letter to the real estate industry, urging everyone to take action now to get ahead of potential rulings in commissions lawsuits.
July 12, 2023
'Mounting pressure' on industry as MLS agrees to settle commission suit
MLS PIN has agreed to pay $3 million and stop requiring sellers to offer buyer-broker compensation, a practice at the core of two other major lawsuits.
Updated July 11, 2023
NAR CEO to retire in 2024; search for replacement underway
Bob Goldberg announced that he will leave the role with the National Association of Realtors when his current contract ends on Dec. 31, 2024.
Updated June 28, 2023
Real Estate News columnists bring home top industry awards
Leading economist Dr. Paul Bishop and respected broker J. Philip Faranda were honored by the National Association of Real Estate Editors at their annual event.
June 9, 2023
KW president on what eXp, Zillow — and Gary Keller — have wrought
Marc King explains why Keller Williams needs to be the tech company of choice and why the industry needs agents who value service over shortcuts.
May 20, 2023
Butterflies, the “Easy Bus” and a plan for tough times
HomeServices of America CEO Gino Blefari knows what agents are facing — and what they’re capable of. His advice? Keep going. Winning is possible.
May 16, 2023
A tough first quarter for top Canadian brokerage company
Bridgemarq Real Estate Services reported a net loss of $4.7 million, attributing the drop to the housing market downturn.
May 11, 2023
NAR move will increase 2024 dues by 4%
NAR has approved a proposal that would increase dues based on the inflation rate. This will raise 2024 dues to $156 (from $150).
Updated May 11, 2023
CTO gets Real about new AI tools, and risks
ChatGPT is not hard to add to your site. The challenge comes in doing it the right way, so you don’t hurt your brand with “hallucinations.”
May 5, 2023
Anywhere on track with cuts but still loses $138 million
The company missed analyst expectations by $0.48 per share but achieved cost savings of $50 million while legal headwinds put pressure on the bottom line.
May 3, 2023
Bright MLS CTO Frank Major has died
Frank Major is remembered as a “smart and kind” leader who served on the board of RESO and Byte Back, an organization working to close the digital divide.
May 3, 2023
Shark Tank star’s advice for 'fellow sharks' in real estate
Daymond John knocked on the right door to grow the FUBU brand and his own career, with a lot of hustle and a little help from LL Cool J.
May 2, 2023
Sherry Chris steps down as leader of BHGRE and ERA
Sherry Chris, president and CEO of the Anywhere Expansion Brands portfolio, is retiring from brand leadership and will transition to an advisory role.
April 27, 2023
Nation’s largest homebuilder brings some heat to a cool spring
DR Horton, seen as a “heat check” for the housing industry, blew past analyst expectations with its fiscal Q2 profits and offered an encouraging take on spring.
April 20, 2023
Opendoor cuts 22% of its employees
The industry’s leading iBuyer continues its struggle against housing industry headwinds, cutting about 560 employees, mostly in operations.
April 18, 2023
Lawsuit could shake the landscape for buyer’s agents
With billions of dollars at stake, a judge’s ruling this week poses challenges to the residential real estate commission system.
April 1, 2023
Commissions lawsuit now a class action, greatly increasing its scope
A judge ruled that the Moehrl suit would now cover all sellers who paid commissions to named companies over a 5-year period, plus “current and future” sellers.
Updated September 22, 2023
How it felt to have millions in SVB as it failed
When SVB collapsed, it created some not-so-wonderful thoughts of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for Josh Jensen, co-founder of proptech startup Inspectify.
March 18, 2023
Uncertainty post-SVB could create opportunity for homebuyers
Bank failures may lead the Fed to tap the brakes on raising interest rates, which means now is a good time for homebuyers to keep calm and make their move.
March 14, 2023
Long & Foster CEO, brokerage president resign
CEO Jeff Detwiler left after nearly 14 years with Long & Foster, along with Boomer Foster, the founder’s nephew. Two company vets have moved into their spots.
March 13, 2023
Making sense of the Silicon Valley Bank collapse
The government took over SVB on Friday, while proptech leaders offered their support for the bank and expressed concern about the impact of its failure.
Updated March 13, 2023
Agent count up, offsetting losses for top Canadian brokerage company
Bridgemarq Real Estate Services reported revenue of $49.9 million in 2022 and added more than 500 agents.
March 9, 2023
News Corp CEO commits to growing Realtor.com
As the company doubles down on the real estate portal, CEO Robert Thomson said News Corp remains “open and opportunistic.”
March 7, 2023
T3 Tech Summit: How technology can simplify real estate transactions
Speakers and vendors at the inaugural event focused on tech solutions that add value for real estate professionals.
November 2, 2022
AI expert: Artificial intelligence is 'taking over' — and that's OK
Roboticist Ayanna Howard spoke about the present and future of AI across industries at the T3 Technology Summit.
October 31, 2022