The story behind the story of NAR’s ‘no-commingling’ rule repeal

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There’s the story, and then there’s the story behind the story. 

The headlines read  “National Association of Realtors overturns ‘no-commingling’ rule.” That sounds like a big story — an influential national organization just changed a policy that could affect millions of agents and consumers. But looking at it more closely, the headline might as well have read “NAR changes policy in attempt to show relevance.” 

The story behind this story is actually the “portal war” playing out between Zillow, Compass and Redfin, along with NAR’s attempt to be a relevant player in that fight. Think of it like a monster movie where Godzilla, King Kong and Mothra (Zillow, Compass and Redfin) are going at it, knocking down buildings, setting things on fire … meanwhile, NAR is the reporter in the foreground saying, “Tokyo is burning.”

Sure, the reporter is an important character to explain what’s going on, but that reporter isn’t making it onto the movie poster.

NAR’s optional “No-Commingling Rule” (NCR) prohibited MLS listings from being displayed alongside non-MLS listings. Now, forgive me if I’m being cynical, but it’s pretty clear the purpose of this “segregation policy” was to keep MLSs and listing platforms from cannibalizing and chipping away at the dominance of the Realtor-controlled listings.

Keep in mind, the policy was never “mandatory,” it was “optional,” which hints at the behind-the-scenes power struggles back in 2005 when the policy was implemented, which set the stage for today’s portal wars some 20 years later.

Back in the early 2000s, the internet was still a shiny new object. Most people were connecting to the “World Wide Web” using dial-up modems, pages loaded slowly, graphics were low resolution, most brokerage websites were pretty barebones, and fax machines were still an office mainstay.

(For those of you not old enough to remember uncurling thermal fax paper to make photocopies, so you could drive to a client’s home to get wet signatures with an actual pen … you have no idea of the fun you missed.)

As connections got faster, the MLS provided public access through a client account set up by their agent. Access to listings was still in the control of brokerages and the MLS.

Enter IDX

The Internet Data Exchange protocol was a true game changer, allowing brokerages to set up Virtual Office Websites (VOWs) and eventually allowing individual agents to have MLS search access and listings on their own individual websites … and in some cases, in addition to the IDX fed listings on their websites, brokerages and agents were showcasing off-market/non-MLS listings.

In 2005 the industry was facing an existential dilemma — technology was moving fast, the MLSs faced losing control over their data as brokerages (even small brokerages) posed a threat to their hegemony — and NAR stepped up to level the playing field by limiting consumer choice, if only as an option: “If you want to include non-MLS listings, well, we prefer you didn’t, but if you have to, we’ll be disappointed.” 

Enter Zillow

The No-Commingling Rule was implemented just in time for Zillow’s entrance in 2006, which eventually created yet another existential dilemma for brokerages, prompting some brokerages to establish policies regarding syndication and withholding listings. And then Redfin became a bigger player in the industry, and then Zillow became a brokerage, and then the iPhone and apps, and then private listing networks, and then Compass, and then REX and lawsuits, and the DOJ, and then Clear Cooperation Policy and then …

Sorry, I had to sit down because the room started spinning. 

Every item on the above list was considered “industry rattling,” “game-changing” and a reason to decry the end of “the brokerage business” as we know it. That’s why news of NAR rescinding the optional “No-Commingling Rule” barely woke me from my afternoon nap.

For the record, NAR had another “major” announcement in March with their head-scratching “Multiple Listing Options for Sellers Policy,” which is yet another optional policy an MLS can choose to adopt or ignore. I hate to admit it, but I don’t fully understand why they announced this policy and what it even does, but a broker friend of mine put it this way: “It allows NAR to stay out of the fray and allows Zillow and Compass to both say they won.” I guess I’m not the only cynic in town.

In 2023, California decriminalized jaywalking. I’m glad it’s now off the books, but I didn’t really notice because, as a born and bred New Yorker, I was jaywalking anyway. And I don’t think I’d notice that NAR repealed the optional NCR if no one told me because it didn’t change how I did my job.

Whether siding with Compass and its three phase listing strategy, or rooting for Zillow and the hard line it’s taking against the three phase listing strategy, at the end of the day, the agents I work with have their shoulders to the wheel helping their clients buy and sell homes, regardless of what is thrown their way. 

NAR exists to protect the industry, and that industry has changed — and so is what NAR is protecting. In light of the “settlement,” possible Department of Justice intervention, and the portal wars happening all around us, NAR needs to do more than announce (what I think are) meaningless policy changes.

Instead of manning (and womanning) the walls of the castle to fend off the [insert existential threat du jour here], it’s time for the industry to truly examine the role of the MLS in the decoupled commission universe, and how we, as an industry, can truly better serve the public. To that end, I applaud NAR’s exploration of refreshing the Code of Ethics, but don’t get me started on SOP 10-5!

To repeal a rule that was only optional to begin with is not a repeal of anything, and based on its timing, it comes off as a desperate play for attention. So, Godzilla, King Kong and Mothra might be battling it out. And Tokyo might be burning … but agents have houses to sell.

Spencer Krull is a managing broker with Side, and also works as a real estate expert witness and consultant for attorneys.

The ultimate listing tool for agents who want to win

The ultimate listing tool for agents who want to win

According to the National Association of Realtors, the vast majority of home shoppers are searching online. It’s harder than ever to grab a buyer’s attention. They’re not looking at a few homes — they’re scrolling through hundreds. Flyers don’t work, and social media doesn’t target the right people. And other real estate websites? They’re selling your leads to other agents.

Homes.com puts you back in control

We’re the only agent-friendly portal. Your listings. Your leads. Buyers see your name, your photo and connect directly with you. When you boost a listing on Homes.com, it jumps to the top of search results, in front of millions of active buyers. Your listing gets featured next to local schools and neighborhoods — plus it’s powered by retargeting ads, email campaigns and Matterports to stay top-of-mind and bring your listing to life. Boosted listings get more views, favorites and shares — which means more offers and faster sales.

Get to the front of the line

When buyers search on Homes.com, up to 1,000 listings can show up. But most buyers don’t scroll past the first page — they click on the first 40 homes they see. If your listing is stuck on page 10, there’s only a 1 in 1,000 chance it gets clicked.

You need to be on page one — where 90 percent of buyers are looking.

Boosting your listings on Homes.com moves them to the top, above other basic listings, so more buyers see them. The results? Boosted listings get an average of 120,000 views and eight times more buyer inquiries than unboosted ones.*

*All figures based on internal analyses comparing Members to non-Members on Homes.com. Boosted Listings will receive the same levels of marketing exposure.

Stay in front of buyers again and again until they act

 If someone views your listing on Homes.com, we retarget them across the web with ads featuring your name, photo and contact information. We even retarget buyers and sellers who visit your profile on Homes.com. You can also upload your own email list — we’ll retarget those contacts too. On average, buyers see boosted listings 32 more times* — moving them closer to contacting you and making an offer.

 *All figures based on internal analyses comparing Members to non-Members on Homes.com. Boosted Listings will receive the same levels of marketing exposure.

Let buyers tour your listing anytime, anywhere with a Matterport 3D digital twin

Busy lives mean many buyers will never walk through your home in person. When you boost your home, our professional photographers* will create a Matterport 3D digital twin and floor plan. With Matterport, buyers can explore your home anywhere, anytime — day or night, seven days a week. Buyers can take unlimited virtual tours, revisit favorite rooms and share with family and friends. They can even measure to see how furniture will fit or use our AI to digitally remove furniture.

*Matterport 3D Tour only available in select markets.

Ready to stand out, win more clients and sell faster?

With boosted listings, powerful retargeting, virtual tours and prime placement, you’ll attract more buyers and sellers than ever before. Unlike other platforms, we protect your leads and ensure you maintain full control over your business.

Make Homes.com Boost a winning part of your listing presentation. Let sellers know that if they list with you, their property will get prime placement on Homes.com — one of the most heavily trafficked home-buying sites in the world. Agents who use Homes.com in their listing presentations are winning 60 percent more listings.*

*Based on internal analyses comparing Members to non-Members on Homes.com.

With Homes.com Boost, there is no commitment. One low payment markets the listing until it sells, and you pay only when you have a commission on the way. Or become a Homes.com Member and all your listings will benefit from Homes.com’s billion-dollar investment, massive audience and proven results.

Join Homes.com today and take your real estate career to the next level.

How AI virtual staging is changing real estate marketing

How AI virtual staging is changing real estate marketing

In today’s economic climate, more sellers are asking the same question: Is spending $20,000 to $40,000 on traditional home staging really necessary? For decades, preparing a listing meant renting furniture, hiring photographers and coordinating logistics — just to bring one property to market. Until recently, virtual staging wasn’t a true alternative — it was expensive, slow and often looked artificial. That changed with AI.

Enter Collov AI, a Silicon Valley-based startup that leverages proprietary model training to develop AI-powered tools for real estate professionals. Unlike traditional virtual staging, which often involves outsourcing to overseas designers, Collov AI’s solution delivers instant results with photorealistic quality and interactive editing — all without the friction of manual workflows.

Its AI stages rooms with precision — placing furniture that’s properly scaled and styled — while preserving the original architecture. No fake light fixtures, no awkward edits. Just clean, realistic design that helps buyers see a property’s full potential.

One standout feature is the ability to remove existing furniture. In cases where buyers couldn’t look past a home’s outdated style, Collov AI allowed users to present the same space with a fresh, modern look — completely shifting their perception. With tools like “Chat Edit,” agents can refine images using natural language prompts — swapping furniture styles, adjusting lighting, or changing flooring—all in seconds, no design skills required.

Internal analysis shows that listings staged through Collov AI receive significantly more engagement across digital platforms. In one case, a condo listing that had gone unnoticed saw a 72 percent spike in listing views and a 44 percent increase in qualified leads after virtual staging was applied.

Payton Stiewe, Real Estate Advisor at Engel & Völkers San Francisco, shared, “We’ve used Collov AI on multiple listings and buyer consultations. The turnaround is fast, the cost is a fraction of traditional staging, and in this market, it’s a smart, strategic move.” Samuel Yang, PREC* at Nu Stream Realty, added, “After two months of no offers, I added Collov AI’s stunning virtual staging photos — within one week, two offers came in!”

Collov AI isn’t just catering to agents — it’s also being used by developers, stagers and photographers across residential and commercial sectors. As real estate continues its digital evolution, tools like this are helping professionals move faster, reach wider audiences and tailor visual marketing to today’s buyer expectations.

To learn more about Collov AI and try the platform, visit collov.ai.

Markk Tong is the Founding Marketing and Sales Manager of Collov AI, a Silicon Valley-based startup using artificial intelligence to transform real estate marketing. With a background in design technology and experience working with top brokerages, he focuses on bridging AI innovation with real-world agent needs.

Why Real 3D tours are better than 360 walkthroughs

Why Real 3D tours are better than 360 walkthroughs

Virtual property tours have evolved from simple slideshows to immersive, high-tech experiences. Today, true 3D tours, like those powered by Matterport, are redefining how properties are showcased, leaving traditional 360 walkthroughs behind. But what makes a 3D tour truly three-dimensional, and why does it matter?

What Sets Real 3D Apart

Real 3D tours don’t just capture a space visually; they digitize it completely, allowing viewers to explore height, width and depth with precision. Unlike 360 walkthroughs — which rely on stitching flat, panoramic images together and lack spatial accuracy — true 3D tours use advanced infrared-equipped cameras or AI to measure and capture the physical environment. The result? Immersive, to-scale models that offer a seamless, lifelike experience of walking through a property.

Matterport takes this depth to the next level with its “digital twin” technology, recreating properties in precise detail. Even simple 360 cameras or smartphones can be used to produce 3D tours through their cutting-edge software, making this advanced capability widely accessible.

5 benefits of Matterport 3D tours

For real estate agents, real 3D tours present unmatched advantages across marketing, sales and client satisfaction.

1. Stand out with innovative marketing

Offering a 3D tour instantly elevates your listings. These tours make a strong first impression, driving engagement and expanding online visibility. Integrating Matterport’s high-quality digital experiences can even improve your SEO rankings, ensuring your properties get noticed by more buyers and sellers.

2. Generate more leads, sell faster

Matterport 3D tours consistently drive up to 300 percent more engagement compared to static photos. The immersive nature of these tours attracts buyers, increases inquiries and often results in faster sales.

3. Reach buyers anytime, anywhere

Whether your buyers are international investors or local families with packed schedules, Matterport tours provide around-the-clock access to properties. 3D tours allow buyers to thoroughly explore homes from anywhere, helping them make confident decisions faster.

4. Achieve higher selling prices

Data shows homes listed with 3D tours can sell for up to 9 percent more and close 31% faster. A true-to-life experience helps buyers connect emotionally, envision potential and feel comfortable making competitive offers.

5. Save valuable time

By enabling buyers to pre-qualify themselves, real 3D tours reduce time wasted on unsuitable showings. Agents and sellers can focus on serious buyers, streamlining the sales process and minimizing disruptions.

How to choose the right 3D tour 

Not all “3D” tours are created equal. Here’s a quick checklist for evaluating tour providers to ensure you’re getting true 3D technology that delivers real value for your business:

  • Does the tour provide a seamless, smooth walkthrough experience?
  • Does it include advanced features like a dollhouse view and auto-defurnish?
  • Are assets like listing photos, floor plans and videos included?
  • Can the provider distribute tours to major platforms like Homes.com or the MLS?

Matterport checks all these boxes, pioneering the industry with its AI-powered 3D digital twins and user-friendly features.

Elevate your real estate marketing

Real 3D tours with Matterport don’t just showcase properties; they transform how buyers experience them. By offering immersive, accurate and cutting-edge tools, you’ll stay competitive and deliver exceptional value to clients.

Elevate your listings today — start with a free Matterport account and see how digital twins can revolutionize your marketing strategy.

Trending: Lessons in pride and building brand equity that lasts

Trending: Lessons in pride and building brand equity that lasts

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the power of the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!

Each week on Trending, digital marketer Jessi Healey dives into what’s buzzing in social media and why it matters for real estate professionals. From viral trends to platform changes, she’ll break it all down so you know what’s worth your time — and what’s not.

June is here, and brands are navigating familiar terrain with a new level of caution. From rainbow logos to ad placement strategies, what worked a few years ago may not always be effective in 2025. This continues to highlight a constant shift toward authenticity in both values and voice.

Whether it’s how you show up for Pride Month, experiment with Threads or use AI tools like ChatGPT in your workflow, remember: It’s not just what you do — it’s the how and the why that matter.

Pride Month and the evolving role of brands

This year’s Pride Month has brought a noticeable shift in how brands show up — or don’t.

Where rainbow logos and merch were once standard, now many companies are scaling back. Some are reacting to political pressure or consumer backlash, while others are reconsidering how to show support in more meaningful ways. This corporate retreat has sparked important conversations about authenticity, tokenism and how communities perceive performative allyship, especially during June.

What’s happening:

  • Companies pulling back: BarkBox was criticized after internal messages revealed plans to cancel Pride campaigns. Target had its sponsorship rejected by Philly Pride organizers who were skeptical of corporate motives.
  • Trust is fraying: Consumers and LGBTQ+ communities are pushing back on what they see as empty gestures or “rainbow capitalism,” where Pride becomes a seasonal marketing campaign instead of a year-round commitment.
  • Some brands are doubling down: Others, like the San Francisco Giants, are continuing or expanding their Pride efforts, with clear ties to long-standing values and action.

Questions for real estate professionals to ask

Before you post about Pride Month, take a step back. Instead of asking “Should we say something?” — ask “What do we stand for, and how do we show that?”

Here are a few questions to help guide that reflection:

Brand alignment

  • Do we support LGBTQ+ clients, vendors or team members year-round, or only during Pride Month?
  • Are our marketing materials and language inclusive?
  • Have we taken actions that demonstrate allyship beyond a single social media post?

Audience and authenticity

  • Is our support for Pride aligned with the values and expectations of our audience?
  • Are we prepared to receive feedback — both positive and critical — and respond thoughtfully?

Internal culture

  • Do LGBTQ+ members of our team feel supported, heard and included?
  • Are we promoting a work environment that is safe and affirming for all identities?

If you choose to show support, here’s how to do it well

If your answers point toward authentic alignment, here are a few ways to engage online in a way that reflects genuine support:

1. Share stories, not just symbols

Highlight LGBTQ+ homeowners, community leaders or team members (with consent). Focus on real experiences and why inclusive housing matters.

2. Use your platform for education

Explain why inclusive language in listings matters. Share resources on housing discrimination or how to be a more inclusive agent.

3. Partner locally

Collaborate with a local LGBTQ+ center, sponsor a Pride Month event or donate a portion of June commissions to a housing justice cause.

4. Lead with values, not visuals

Avoid slapping a rainbow on your logo without context. Instead, post a message from leadership or team members about why Pride matters to your brand.

5. Engage beyond June

Continue to support inclusive policies, training and representation in your business. Make your content reflect real inclusion all year.

In today’s climate, silence may speak — but so can shallow statements. As a real estate professional, your brand can build trust by leading with clarity and compassion. If you choose to show up for Pride, let it be with purpose, not performance.

Threads ads are live, but most brands are still circling

With more than 350 million monthly active users, Meta’s Threads is no longer just the new kid on the block — it’s an emerging space for brand awareness. Since opening its doors to advertisers in April, Threads has drawn interest, but not a rush. Many brands remain in “wait-and-see” mode, weighing its staying power and strategic potential.

The catch? Threads ad inventory can’t be bought alone — it has to be bundled with other Meta placements. That’s made it less appealing for cautious advertisers, even though agency pros are calling it a “low-risk, high-learning opportunity.” In other words: A safe space to experiment.

So, what is currently working? Organic content. Agencies are advising clients to build an organic presence first, not to drive sales, but to develop a more authentic, human voice. Some brands are treating Threads as a testing ground for tone and personality, rather than a direct-response channel.

For real estate professionals, Threads offers a chance to get ahead of the curve. There’s less competition, more room to be playful and a growing user base watching for fresh voices. Think of it as a sandbox: Try short takes on market trends, hyperlocal commentary or behind-the-scenes posts. Skip the hard sell and focus on connection, because early adopters often get the biggest boost when the platform scales.

ChatGPT adds app integrations and meeting summaries — but is it ready for daily workflow?

OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a central hub for work by adding new features that connect it with tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams and GitHub. In theory, this means less tab-hopping and more seamless access to the info you need, without manual uploads. It even shows the source of each response, making it easier to verify key details.

Another update: ChatGPT can now record and summarize meetings, offering transcripts, action items and key takeaways. It’s designed to streamline everything from brainstorming sessions to client recaps.

For real estate professionals, these features could reduce time spent on admin and follow-up, but only if they integrate smoothly into your existing systems. It’s worth exploring, especially for solo agents or small teams looking to stay organized — just keep an eye on whether the tech matches your workflow.

TikTok doubles down on brand tools — from insights to conversions

TikTok’s newest updates aim to make brand marketing smarter, not just splashier. With the launch of Market Scope, a first-party analytics platform, marketers can now segment audiences by funnel stage, track brand sentiment and discover top-performing products and keywords — all from inside TikTok.

They’ve also introduced Brand Consideration Ads, a new mid-funnel campaign objective designed to reach high-intent users based on in-app behaviors, such as searches, shares and clicks, which convert at rates 14 to 16 times higher than awareness audiences.

Other updates include TopView upgrades, featuring new interactive add-ons such as gift boxes and a guaranteed audience reach feature, as well as direct linking from brand ads to TikTok Shop, streamlining the path from discovery to purchase.

For real estate professionals, these tools offer a new way to move beyond brand awareness and guide potential buyers or clients down the funnel — whether that means building your audience, gathering insights or driving people to book an appointment.

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

  • ? Pride Month branding is under a microscope: Many companies are pulling back, but others are leaning in with purpose. Before posting, real estate pros should assess values, culture and community alignment.
  • ? Threads ads are now live, but most brands are starting with organic content to test their voice and tone before investing.
  • ? ChatGPT integrations and meeting summaries could streamline work, but adoption depends on how well they fit into your existing systems.
  • ? TikTok’s new brand tools give pros more power to track engagement, build mid-funnel audiences and drive conversions, not just awareness.

Building trust online isn’t about flashy content or checking a box — it’s about showing up with purpose. Whether you’re navigating how your brand supports Pride or experimenting with emerging platforms like Threads, the real opportunity lies in leading with clarity, not just visibility.

For real estate professionals, that means trading performative posts for meaningful presence — the kind that reflects your values, builds connection and resonates long after someone scrolls by.

Jessi Healey is a freelance writer and social media manager specializing in real estate. Find her on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, or Bluesky.

9 ways to show clients you appreciate them this summer

9 ways to show clients you appreciate them this summer

Don’t go silent this summer. Reach out to past clients, and show them you care with these strategies from coach Darryl Davis.

Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!

In a world of automation and AI, agents who lead with heart and human connection are the ones who stand out. One of the simplest (yet most overlooked) ways to build a business that lasts? Gratitude.

Not just at closing. Not just at holidays. But especially during seasons when most agents go quiet.

This summer, don’t go dark. Show up. Check in. Give thanks. Here are nine smart, smile-inducing ways to show appreciation to your clients and sphere in a way that builds loyalty, trust and future business.

1. Host a summer client appreciation event

It doesn’t have to be a gala. A backyard BBQ, a sunset ice cream social or even a picnic in the park can work wonders. Invite past clients, current prospects and vendor partners for a laid-back celebration of the people who make your business possible.

Pro tip: Bring name tags, have a fun photo booth and hand out thank-you cards on-site. These little touches go a long way in turning a fun event into a memorable one.

2. Deliver a summer survival kit

Think practical and personal. A small tote with sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, maybe even a cooling towel or bug spray. Add a handwritten note that says, “Just wanted to help you stay cool this summer — thanks again for trusting me with your real estate journey.”

Bonus: Include a magnet or postcard with a quick summer home maintenance checklist — they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and your expertise.

3. Create and share a local summer guide

Be the neighborhood expert who goes beyond real estate. Put together a well-designed, branded-to-you list or PDF of local concerts, farmers’ markets, splash pads, kid-friendly events or date night ideas.

Teaching moment: This shows you know (and love) your community. It’s also shareable — clients may forward it to friends, expanding your reach organically.

4. Offer a free home checkup or seasonal maintenance reminder

Team up with a trusted local contractor or handyman and offer complimentary or discounted check-ups for things like A/C units, gutters or sprinkler systems. Or simply send a branded summer maintenance checklist with your favorite vendor recommendations.

Why it matters: It positions you as a homeowner ally, not just a sales rep. People remember the agent who made their life easier — even years after closing.

5. Drop off a sweet treat

Surprise and delight goes a long way. A small cooler of popsicles on the porch, a fruit basket with a ribbon or even a $5 gift card to the local ice cream shop with a punny note like, “Real estate is sweet — thanks to you!”

What to know: These don’t need to be extravagant. They need to be timely and thoughtful. That’s what gets remembered.

6. Send a personalized market update

Take a few minutes to send a quick check-in: “Hey! Just wanted to share what’s happening in your neighborhood right now — your home’s value may surprise you.” Attach a mini CMA or video message.

Pro insight: This isn’t just a pitch — it’s a service. It keeps your clients informed and shows that you’re still actively invested in their biggest investment.

7. Celebrate milestones that matter

Home anniversaries. Birthdays. New babies. First summer in a new home. These are easy to track (CRM, anyone?) — but so often missed. A handwritten card, a bottle of lemonade with a bow or even just a call can rekindle client connections.

Tip: Use your phone’s reminders, or set up recurring calendar events so you don’t miss these moments.

8. Host a fun summer giveaway

Make it seasonal and simple. “Enter to win a backyard BBQ basket!” or “Tell us your favorite summer memory for a chance to win local concert tickets.” Keep the entry tied to your business — maybe a photo of their home, a testimonial or referral.

Why it works: Giveaways create engagement. People love free stuff, and they love sharing with others even more.

9. Send a handwritten note — No strings attached

No marketing. No QR code. Just a real thank-you. Something like, “This time of year always reminds me how grateful I am for the clients who’ve trusted me. Hope you’re having a great summer.”

Fact: A handwritten note stands out 10x more than any email or text — and it costs you less than a dollar. Clients aren’t loyal to agents who simply “close the deal.” They’re loyal to agents who stay connected.

Summer is the perfect time to be the exception. To show up when no one else is. To deliver gratitude when others go silent. To stay top of mind — not with gimmicks, but with genuine care.

You don’t have to do all nine. Just start with one. Then do another. Then repeat. Because when your business is built on relationships, referrals aren’t luck — they’re the natural result.

And if you ever need a little inspiration or a boost of encouragement, you’re in the right place. Inman’s full of the kind of agents, ideas and stories that help you grow stronger in every season.

Stay generous. Stay present. Stay human. You’ve got this.