According to a recent Forbes article, brokerages have been avoiding big changes in their business models to meet the needs of their customers and employees. Residential real estate continues to be sold via real estate offices, brokers and exclusive property listings, but that seems to be changing quickly. In the past, brokers closely held real estate listing data. The multiple listing service helped centralize the data and internet websites soon made it easy to publish. Technology changes have caused brokers to lose their role as keeper of the information.

Avoid being defensive. It's natural to get hurt feelings or want to retaliate when someone speaks poorly of your business. Avoid this reaction. Instead, do a little research.

A good agent wears many hats to create a successful business transaction. At any moment they can be an advocate, a negotiator, salesperson, or a marketer just to name a few. There are some traits and qualities that all successful real estate agents and brokers have in common.

One issue is understanding the difference between code and core. Code of Ethics (COE) is a class NAR requires all REALTORS to take once every two-year cycle. It’s not required for a state license but it is a requirement to keep your REALTOR membership. Core is continued education implemented by a state and is a requirement to renew on the state level, separate from NAR membership.