Last week the National Association of Realtors announced a settlement agreement in the Sitzer Burnett case that would take effect in July. For those who missed the declarations in the media that this outcome will render transacting real estate almost free, protect consumers, and make homeownership affordable once again, the settlement does none of that. Here’s the truth. 1. The settlement forces brokers to reduce their compensation. False. The settlement in no way establishes a standard or limitation on Re... read more

Buyers pining for carefree, coastal living in Wilmington, North Carolina, are finding that it’s getting harder to find a luxury home there, not to mention one at the right price point—and that’s giving sellers the upper hand. Luxury homes in the Wilmington metro area were selling six weeks faster in December than they were a year ago, according to the most recent luxury data from Realtor.com, signaling that conditions are favorable for sellers looking to cash in on an opportunity.  “P... read more