Eternal confusion: Mixed messages on amending buyer agreements
Commission lawsuit changes took effect 6 months ago, compliance expert Summer Goralik writes, but uniformity in implementation and guidance remains elusive, fueling industry confusion
by Summer Goralik Mar 4
Referral fees: The Twilight Zone of compensation disclosure?
Opinion
Amid sweeping commission changes and the push for greater transparency in real estate, rules around referral fees remain elusive, compliance expert Summer Goralik writes for Inman
by Summer Goralik Feb 11
California governor warns off 'predatory' investors amid wildfires
Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to stop speculators from making unsolicited, undervalued offers to homeowners. Violators face a $1K fine, up to 6 months in jail
by Marian McPherson Jan 15
Jason Oppenheim identified as mystery broker in kickback plot
In lawsuits filed this fall, Douglas Elliman accused escrow employees of concocting a commission-sharing scheme with the 'star of a reality television show' but stopped short of naming Oppenheim
The compliance violations that risk drawing an 'enforcement trifecta'
Opinion
Secret profits, deceitful acts or undisclosed compensation by Realtors could lead to action from multiple enforcement bodies, including NAR, MLSs and state regulators, Summer Goralik writes
by Summer Goralik Nov 12
Will agents actually call you back?
Opinion
What happens if the listing agent won’t return your phone calls? Compliance expert Summer Goralik has the answers you need. Don't let another agent’s unresponsiveness stand in your way
by Summer Goralik Oct 8
How can I really be sure sellers will pay the buyer's agent (me)?
Opinion
The new commission rules are confusing. Compliance expert Summer Goralik unpacks whether it’s possible to confirm if a seller is willing to compensate buyer’s agents
by Summer Goralik Sep 17
Mortgage brokers warned of warehouse lending scammers
Victims have been cheated out of hundreds of thousands of dollars overnight, with imposters also gaining access to borrowers' sensitive personal information, California regulators say
by Matt Carter Aug 28
Are we allowed to let clients know about concessions upfront?
Opinion
With all the commission confusion surrounding the new rule implementation, compliance expert Summer Goralik answers your burning questions
by Summer Goralik Aug 16
Is it possible to market a seller wanting to offer a concession?
Opinion
With all the commission confusion as we near the Aug. 17 implementation deadline, compliance expert Summer Goralik is here to answer your burning questions, starting with concessions
by Summer Goralik Aug 13
Commission Crunch: 5 tips to avoid scrutiny and remain in compliance
Clients are watching you now more than ever, compliance expert Summer Goralik writes. Here's how to implement best practices now, so you can avoid complaints as the industry shifts
by Summer Goralik Jul 16
Will dual agency become common after NAR's settlement?
Some believe more buyers will come to the table without agents. That could lead to fertile breeding grounds for the polarizing practice sometimes known as 'double ending'
by Jim Dalrymple II Jun 4
Dual agency is gaining momentum. Should you walk the tightrope?
Real estate compliance expert Summer Goralik looks at the projected prevalence of dual agency and offers a prescription for determining whether it's the best option for agents and their clients
by Summer Goralik Jun 4
A business woman standing next to a high-tech outline of a face to symbolizing the beginner’s guide to AI for real estate agents.
Real estate professionals would be wise to think like regulators and prioritize compliance when evaluating the potential use of AI in their business, compliance expert Summer Goralik writes
by Summer Goralik Mar 11
Focus on fundamentals: Clients, communication, compliance
Opinion
According to compliance expert Summer Goralik, it's time to ask important questions, adopt new business protocols and engage in different types of conversations or scripts with clients
by Summer Goralik Nov 27