Staying Ahead in a Changing Market

Staying Ahead in a Changing Market

In today’s ever-evolving real estate world, being prepared and strategic is how the top producers stay ahead. This week, we’re sharing insights on how industry leaders are thriving during recent shifts, a steady outlook on buyer-broker commissions, and fresh ways to show your value in buyer presentations. Plus, we'll dive into tools to boost your efficiency, a must-read book, and smart strategies to reclaim your time. Let’s jump into what’s important this week!

What’s Happening This Week

How Are Top Producers Thriving in This Market?

Stacie Staub, CEO and founder of West + Main Homes in Colorado, shares how her team is navigating the latest industry changes. Thanks to more than a year of preparation, her agents are thriving under Colorado’s new contracts introduced last month. The team was ready, offering tons of training through role-playing workshops, Slack updates, and even hosting a CE class in a movie theater! A key takeaway: stay focused on client education, and avoid compensation discussions unless directed by the seller. The result? Staub’s team has closed numerous deals in the past few weeks with confidence and professionalism.

Key Takeaway: Thorough preparation and a focus on educating clients have positioned West + Main agents as leaders in a changing market.

Buyer-Broker Commissions: Still Holding Strong

A recent survey from The Real Brokerage shows that, despite policy changes, the real estate market has stayed steady when it comes to buyer-broker commissions. In fact, 63% of home sellers are still covering the buyer-broker fees. Most agents are reporting commission rates at 2.5% or higher, and 83% of buyers still expect sellers to cover 100% of those costs. Agents are optimistic about the future, with many predicting commissions will settle between 2.6% and 3.0%.

Key Takeaway: Even with concerns about commission cuts, the market has seen little disruption, and agents remain positive about the outlook.

What to Read

Motivation Myth – Have you ever thought motivation was something you needed to start a big project? This book challenges that idea. Motivation, it turns out, is the result of process—not the cause. Once you understand this, it’ll change how you approach challenges and goals.

What to Use

Highnote – Want to boost your buyer presentations? Highnote helps you create sleek, digital presentations that show your value with ease. It’s a game-changer for proving your expertise and increasing your credibility.

Lessons Worth Learning

Buy Time by Buying Expertise – Time is your most valuable asset, so why spend it figuring out things experts already know? Investing in other people’s expertise helps you fast-track your success. Think about it: what’s slowing you down right now? Find an expert, invest in their knowledge, and buy back your time!

Must-Watch Video

PROVEN Formula to GROW Your Real Estate Business – Real estate broker and coach Ricky Carruth reveals how prioritizing relationships over transactions can help you succeed, no matter what the market is doing.

Mortgage Rate Updates

Last Week’s Recap: Rates edged a bit higher ??

After the recent Fed meeting and rate cut, mortgage rates ticked up slightly. While it may seem confusing, remember that mortgage rates are influenced by factors beyond the Fed’s direct policies.

This Week’s Forecast: Expect some volatility ??

Rates haven’t changed much since the Fed meeting, but this week’s labor market reports could shift things. Depending on how the data looks, rates could move up or down.

What to Watch This Week:

• Labor market data: Several reports will be released this week, with the most important one on Friday. Weakness in the labor market might push rates down, while strength could drive them up.
• Fed speakers: Fed members will share their thoughts on the economy and future policies, which could influence rates throughout the week.