Welcome to the 2024 version of the Truth About Agents, where we survey our readers to find out what’s what about the Boston residential real estate industry. Our annual report examines compensation, training priorities, client profiles, new construction, real estate teams and more. We collected the data from hundreds of agents over February and March to create a clearer picture of real estate professionals in the Boston area. This is your opportunity to see where and how you align with your peers. How does your compensation stack up? Is your marketing emphasis the same as most others’, or not ..read more

If you’ve paid any attention to the news cycle this past month, you’ve likely seen inflammatory articles on the NAR settlement and subsequent think pieces on what this means for the industry. And if you’ve seen these articles, you may be wondering what that means for your business and the industry at large. A few examples: “Buying a home? Realtor commissions could shrink after legal settlement.” “One analyst said over 50% of nation’s 1.6M agents could be out of business.” “Thanks to NAR settlement, real estate is in its wild west era.” It’s no surprise that buyers, sellers and agents alike are ..read more

The marriage between cryptocurrency and real estate is still in the honeymoon phase, and it remains unclear whether this is a union that will stand the test of time. Bitcoin’s value has gone through numerous peaks and valleys, but wild price fluctuations haven’t stopped real estate brokers and agents from listing properties for interested crypto buyers. If crypto continues to grow in value and popularity, it opens another segment of the market for real estate agents to reach potential clients. Using crypto as cash After enduring several bear markets, the real estate industry may record histori ..read more

One of the key services that the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) provides to its members is advocacy efforts in support of private property rights and homeownership. Since its inception in 1924, MAR has fought to advance civic development and economic growth in the Commonwealth and witnessed significant real estate industry developments, including the implementation of single-family zoning, the introduction of fair housing legislation and more. During this 100-year history, the association has played a leading role in expanding zoning laws to improve and increase housing options a ..read more

Charitable giving increased among Realtors and Realtor associations in 2023, according to a new report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The association’s 2024 Community Aid and Real Estate (CARE) Report shows that both monthly volunteering and annual monetary donations increased last year. The typical amount donated annually was $1,000, up from $800 in 2022. Meanwhile, 69% of Realtors volunteered monthly at an average of eight hours per month, up from 66% a year prior. Realtors were mostly likely to have volunteered with food bank delivery or meal preparation, local schools or ..read more

Three Bay State areas have been named to Condé Nast’s list of 14 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast, and it comes as no surprise.  Condé Nast Traveler explored the 14 states along the coast of the Atlantic Seaboard, most of which are big vacation destinations.  With 1,519 miles of shoreline, you’d expect to find Bay State communities on the list. Rockport, Oak Bluffs and the entire Cape Cod were included on this year’s list. Located on the North Shore at the tip of Cape Ann, the seaside community of Rockport is a favorite travel destination. Just 40 miles north of Boston, the communi ..read more

The post Boston Housing Scorecard: Spring market sees builder confidence rise appeared first on Boston Agent Magazine ..read more

  What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I worked for Lilly Pulitzer a luxury fashion brand, I was an area manager on Cape Cod. I learned how important the client relationship is and how to work as a team with my staff. Where did you grow up? Bellingham, MA Growing up, what did you want to be? Vanna White, I loved her sophistication and her stunning clothes. What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Pilates on the reformer, I have been practicing for 15 years, my pilates trio is therapy and a solid work out all in one. My instructor Jen is amazing. I love b ..read more

A six-acre castle estate blends medieval and modern elements — and it’s for sale in Barrington, Illinois. Listed for $1.75 million, this unique suburban property features five bedrooms, six bathrooms and 10,000 square feet of living space within its regal stone walls. Other features include herringbone wood floors, tin ceilings, a majestic fireplace and an indoor pool. Robbie Morrison of Coldwell Banker Realty is handling the sale. The post A castle in suburban Illinois for $1.75 million appeared first on Boston Agent Magazine ..read more

Brandon Newman has joined Coldwell Banker Real Estate as vice president of marketing. There, he will lead marketing efforts for the network, promoting its narrative through national advertising. Newman, a storyteller, has spent over 15 years working with brands like Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz USA. Most recently, at Aston Martin, Newman head of marketing for brand’s the North American, Latin American and Canadian regions. At Mercedes-Benz, he was a customer retention manager as well as a digital experience and marketing director. Newman also has an MBA in Legal Studies and Finance from Hofs ..read more