Exclusives

Want to repeal the CCP? Then you shouldn’t be able to build your own listing networks while pulling from the cooperative MLS feed, says eXp CEO Leo Pareja.

A lot has happened — leadership changes, settlements, new rules — but some say it's still too early to know how the landmark verdict will affect the industry.

University at Buffalo School of Law professor Tanya Monestier’s draft agreement gets most agents “90% of the way there,” she told Real Estate News.

With new industry practice changes now in effect, agents can face real consequences for breaking the rules. MLSs — and brokerages — are trying to help.

The president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is focused on moving forward. "You can spend your energy fighting what’s happening, or lean into it."

Brokerages need to define their purpose in this new era, says Keller Williams CEO Mark Willis, and training, tech will be key to KW’s identity.

“We have to act as an industry. We have to do something,” Jason Haber, co-founder of the American Real Estate Association, told Real Estate News.

Bess Freedman, CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, embraced entrepreneurship and “took a U-turn” from law to become a leading force in the industry.

Ryan Schneider tells Real Estate News that being the “first mover and the fastest learner” helped the brokerage prepare its agents for the changes ahead.

Barton and Jeremy Wacksman speak exclusively with Real Estate News about the leadership transition at the top of the influential home-search site.

There’s “going to be a point at which it doesn't make sense to belong” to small, local MLSs, one broker-owner — and member of 7 MLSs — told Real Estate News.

Eric Elfman took the helm at the proptech giant in June and is ready to take on competitors, go deeper with AI and “get back to customer-centricity.”

Andy Florance told Real Estate News that a former Realtor.com employee is a ‘pawn’ in a broader dispute, and the bigger picture involves global expansion.

Bailey, the former CEO of RE/MAX, discussed the keys to success when leading a business that is accountable to both customers and shareholders.

CEO Brian Bair discusses the iBuyer’s push to expand agent programs and its strategy for success in a post-settlement future.

Cassie Walker Johnson not only supports buyer contracts, she offers training on them: “This is the tool that will define your entire professional relationship.”

CEO John Berkowitz says the home search company offers agents and consumers “a better chance of succeeding” than its deep-pocketed competitors.

Will Homes.com sell buyer agent leads? “Never,” says Andy Florance, who believes all the portals will eventually move to “your listing, your lead.”

Damian Eales told Real Estate News that he loves competition but takes issue with Homes.com’s traffic claims and says they have “disparaged” buyer agents.

Alex Vidal, who took the helm at ERA last June, thinks about real estate like he thinks about his athletic endeavors — you have to work through the challenges.

In a conversation with Real Estate News, Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales discussed NAR, the benefits of major rule changes and the role of home search sites.

Mark Willis returned to Keller Williams after a 7-year hiatus, and he’s ready to lead in a new way. “It’s not about proving myself. It’s about impact.”

In a conversation with Real Estate News, Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose of NAREB discussed the pros and cons of the recent settlement and upcoming rule changes.

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.

The CEO of NextHome, founder of Rayse and co-host of an "unfiltered" podcast isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts on the agent value prop, tech and NAR.

Kamini Lane, who took the helm less than a year ago, has reshaped her leadership team and sharpened her focus on empowerment and making a positive impact.

C21 President and CEO Mike Miedler says growth is more than numbers, it’s creating opportunities for the future — and being “ready, willing and able to grow.”

United boosted agent count in 2023, but not with rev share or stock incentives. CEO Dan Duffy shared his thoughts on why the flat-fee model is a win for agents.

Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen reflects on 40 years in the industry, what consumers don’t know about MLSs, and the need for a thoughtful approach to AI.

“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.

Candice McCuien became the first Black woman elected to lead her association, breaking new ground while successfully aligning her brokerage with Century 21.

Ryan Schneider spoke to Real Estate News about his company’s decision to settle in the commissions cases and his thoughts on NAR and the year ahead.

A new survey finds that most brokerages and agents are using artificial intelligence tools, especially ChatGPT. But they need to watch out for the risks.

New York Times journalist Debra Kamin talked to Real Estate News about the response to her investigations, why her eXp story “hit differently,” and what’s next.

Mikaela Arroyo of John Burns Research says homebuyers will prioritize affordability over 'bells and whistles' and accept smaller homes that meet their needs.

Laura Ellis, Baird & Warner’s strategy leader, believes changes spurred by Sitzer/Burnett will be “good for the serious, competent real estate professional.”

When Melissa Savenko told a pair of buyer clients about the recent verdict, they balked at the idea of paying commissions. She thinks it's just the beginning.

In response to Homes.com’s huge traffic growth, Damian Eales said “poor-quality audience and stunts lead to low-quality leads.”

Damian Eales talked to Real Estate News about why the industry “should be careful what some people are wishing for” and his perspective on NAR.

Atlanta–area agent Amy Fuchs says people don’t always understand how their agents are compensated, and she worries commissions lawsuits could hurt buyers.

Charlotte agent Joan Goode says a lot has changed for buyers over the past few years, and upfront conversations about inventory, compensation are important.

Side President Steve Capezza, who moved to the brokerage platform in January after almost a decade at Zillow, believes there’s power in finding joy in the work.

Greg Schwartz, CEO of online lender Tomo and former head of Zillow’s Premier Agent business, sees some relief ahead for consumers — and a reckoning for agents.

The CEOs of UpEquity and EasyKnock say their buy-before-you-sell products make offers stronger and help agents close more deals.

Chief Growth Officer Michael Valdes says eXp doesn’t “recruit” agents in a transactional sense, but seeks to “attract” for long-term growth and success.

Marcos Martinez loves helping clients find their dream home, but worries the relationship will get more transactional if buyers are forced to pay commissions.

Monika Kaszycka says buyer’s agents already work hard, and they’ll have to prove their value even more if buyers have to pay them upfront.

An ambitious challenge from Homes.com for consumer market share and agent dollars has reignited the portal competition, says former Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff.

For Heather Maddox, working with buyers is "exciting and positive," and she’s confident she’ll continue to get paid no matter the outcome of lawsuits.

NWMLS CEO Tom Hurdelbrink says brokerage expansion is changing how MLSs operate, and lawsuits could spur an industry-wide “generational and tectonic shift.”

Spencer Rascoff said home search portals may need to pivot in a world where buyers agents are no longer paid via the listing agent’s commission.

Emily Clark, president of Robert Paul Properties, discusses her top goals for the year and why agents should pay more attention to the industry.

Red Oak Realty CEO Vanessa Bergmark has clear goals for growth — and for finding and keeping great agents, no matter the market.

Emily Chenevert, CEO of ABoR and the newly rebranded Unlock MLS, wants Austin buyers and sellers to associate "MLS" with more than just soccer.

Realtracs CEO Stuart White believes the MLS landscape could look very different in a post-"cooperation and compensation" future.

Dava Davin, whose firm did nearly $860M in sales volume in the past 12 months, believes a philosophy of altruism has helped her win clients — and agents.

Natalie Grubb Campbell, who manages Village Properties alongside her mom, makes sure her agents are "equipped to handle any situation" in a changing market.

Shawna Alt, CEO of First Weber Realtors, believes that in hard times, agents should focus on what they can control, and leaders should celebrate small wins.

The Collaborative Edge is a group of five brokers who manage their own client relationships but share time and resources to help one another succeed.

Gene Millman, the leader of Colorado's largest MLS, believes MLSs "have a bad habit of forming silos" — but by working together, they can be stronger.

Pinnacle Realty Advisors CEO Sam Sawyer discusses his company’s model, growth trajectory and the traps they’re trying to avoid along the way.

In an exclusive interview, CoStar CEO Andy Florance shared his ambitious road map for Homes.com’s growth and a critique of the site's competitors.

HomeServices of America CEO Gino Blefari knows what agents are facing — and what they’re capable of. His advice? Keep going. Winning is possible.

President and CEO Nick Bailey — a 30-year industry veteran — takes a long-term perspective on real estate, and he already sees positive shifts.

Brokerage leader Bill Ryan, whose firm recently joined KW, has seen tremendous growth — and a few booms and busts — over his five decades in the industry.

With an Instagram following of 50,000 and nearly 60 sales so far this year, the Upstate Curious team is taking over the Hudson Valley.

For most of its 50 years, Corcoran was a regional player. But in 2020, its affiliate network took off, and “it’s just the beginning of the story.”

Gary Acosta, the organization's co-founder and CEO, is focused on advancing homeownership among the growing segment of Hispanic consumers.

Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate in the Pacific Northwest, said the market is poised to enter a new period of growth.

During Liebman’s two decades of leadership, Corcoran has grown from a boutique firm to a national franchise with plans to expand into Europe.

Hall, whose organization serves 41,000 members in South Florida, believes a willingness to explore new ideas is key to thriving in a changing industry.

Co-CEOs Michael Golden and Thad Wong have worked together for 26 years, starting out as agents before building the Chicago-based brokerage.

As the leader of a massive franchise network, Budnick emphasizes teamwork. "Collaboration really allows us to understand the challenges and potential impacts."

After a year of upheaval in the industry, the Compass CEO and co-founder aims to make the company cash flow positive and is leaning into culture and community.

The South Florida MLS is focused on greater collaboration "for the betterment of our collective brokers and agents."

Ocusell developed a single-entry platform for agents to more easily connect with MLSs. Now, they seek MLSs to connect with their idea.

A Florida real estate agent who works with high-profile buyers and sellers offers five tips for maintaining client security and privacy.

Brian Donnellan, Bright’s CEO and president, says the effective use of data is key to "helping agents in their business of helping consumers."

Lydia Pope, who leads the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, discusses narrowing the racial gap in homeownership and opening doors for Black agents.

In a shifting real estate environment, Doctorow says the company's mission of serving agents, brokerages and consumers remains their North Star.

Blefari has seen the ups and downs of the market during his four decades in the industry, which helps him keep his sights on profitability and performance.

After a turbulent year marked by significant layoffs, Zillow is looking to “double down on the things that we believe in” and simplify the real estate journey.

Schneider, who has led the company since 2017, explains why he is bullish about the future despite turbulence in the economy.

Bailey sees this period as a natural rebalancing, with agents continuing to be front and center: “We’re going to continue to lean into what we are good at.”

Keller sees opportunities for agents and brokers who remain proactive and double down on the aspects of their business that work well.