The issue of private listing networks is not confined to real estate policy; it has also caught the attention of lawmakers nationwide. Several states, including Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin and Connecticut, have passed or considered laws that mandate real estate listings be publicly accessible, a potential limitation on the exclusivity offered by private networks. Now, New…
Above, from left, John Featherston, Vanessa Bergmark, OB Jacobi, Bess Freedman and Christina Pappas at LeadingRE’s LIMITLESS conference March 3. Calling 2026 “a Renaissance year” in real estate, a time of opportunity unlike we’ve had in the last several years, RISMedia Founder and CEO John Featherston recently led an “Industry Outlook” panel with four leaders…
“Standing on business” is a very Gen-Z internet term, but it has an age-old meaning. To stand on business is to stand by your morals, not cave your opinions to the whims of others and the trends. It’s a respectable trait, and one Bess Freedman—CEO of Brown Harris Stevens—emulates. As an icon of the industry,…
Above, Bess Freedman Brown Harris Stevens announced that CEO Bess Freedman will receive the Henry Forster Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) 37th Residential Deal of the Year Benefit & Celebration. The Henry Forster Memorial Award honors REBNY members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity and contributions…
A new survey from Zillow finds a striking reversal in market dynamics: by the fourth quarter of 2025, 51% of agents said market conditions were favoring buyers, the first time that had been true all year. From this same time last year, inventory is up 5%, the monthly mortgage payment on a typical U.S. home…
There is a serious effort underway by Compass, the country’s largest real estate brokerage, that threatens transparency and access for everyone involved in the home-search process. They call it a Private Listing Network, insisting that limiting exposure of a home to a small internal audience will help fuel demand. In reality, this is a gimmick…
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Above (L-R): Jackie Louh, Lisa Sturtevant, Bess Freedman, Christina Pappas, Carrie Little, Michele Harrington and DeAnne Golden (upper row). Anam Hargey, Wendy Forsythe, Marisela Harper, Athena Peterson and Brenda Maher (lower row). During RISMedia’s 5th Annual Rocking in the New Year event on Jan. 8, a cohort of female leaders from across the industry shared…
The AI tornado has everyone talking. Will it take my job? What is going away and what will be left? In the real estate brokerage business, good agents understand that they are not ticket takers, but high-level trust builders who guide people during happy, sad, tragic and everyday moments. For example, one of my close…
The post The Future of Real Estate Is Still Human appeared first on RISMedia.
With the first month of the new year nearly behind us, real estate professionals are buckling down as they find their stride and set the tone for the months ahead. Coming off another tough year, brokerage leaders are moving quickly in order to take advantage of a gradually improving market. But where do the biggest…
The post Taking 2026 by Storm: How to Win in Today’s Shifting Market appeared first on RISMedia.
Above, Bess Freedman. Recently, while traveling, I went to the gym at a little hotel. When I walked in, there was a small counter offering protein bars, trail mix, Gatorade and water—all available on the honor system. A simple sign read: “Please take what you want, leave your name and room number and we will…
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