July is Luxury Month at Inman. We’ll take the temperature of the luxury market, talk to top producers in the ultra-luxury space and dive into the luxe trends of today — all culminating at Luxury Connect in San Diego, where we’ll announce this year’s Golden I Club honorees.

Ryan Serhant’s eponymous luxury brokerage has entered its second new market of 2025, the Washington, D.C., metro area, the firm has informed Inman.

Earlier this year, SERHANT. launched in Phoenix, Arizona — its first big move outside of the East Coast.

With the launch into the D.C. metro area, SERHANT. enters the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, also known as the DMV region, with over 30 new affiliated agents that represent $500 million in collective sales volume over the last 12 months.

“The demand for SERHANT. across the United States is stronger than I ever anticipated,” Serhant, founder and CEO of the brokerage, said in a statement.

“I am so excited to expand into the D.C. metro area, not just because of its economic strength and influence, but because of the caliber of professionals we’ve aligned with. We’re building with intention, and aligning our platform with incredible salespeople who share our commitment to innovation and pushing the industry forward. With the recent launch of S.MPLE, we’re giving agents in D.C., Maryland and Virginia a powerful edge — an AI platform that changes how agents onboard, operate and scale their business.”

Maryanne Moyers is serving as the new location’s principal broker, and founding agents include MJ Frazier, Lizzy Conroy and Antonio Nguyen.

Moyers joins the firm from Weichert, where she recently served as a branch vice president in Alexandria, Virginia. The 25-year industry vet has ranked in the top 5 percent of Realtors across the country for the past six years and, in 2015, was recognized as manager of the year by the Prince William Association of Realtors. Over the course of her career, she has trained more than 1,000 agents and led various growth initiatives. Before her affiliation with Weichert, she was a managing broker with Long & Foster for about six years.

“Joining SERHANT. was a deliberate decision grounded in shared values: integrity, innovation and excellence,” Moyers said in a statement. “It’s the only real estate company truly built for agents, by one of the industry’s most influential agents, with a technology platform that doesn’t just stay ahead of the curve, it redefines it.

“I was drawn to SERHANT.’s unwavering commitment to surrounding itself with best-in-class leaders across every discipline and its ability to stay ahead of industry trends,” she continued. “This move marks more than just a new chapter; it’s a strategic partnership with a company that shares my vision for the future of real estate.”

Frazier, who closed more than $120 million in the past 12 months, joins SERHANT. from Real Luxury. In addition to working in residential and commercial sales, he currently manages roughly a dozen new development projects for investor clients. He also leads the RAZR Group, which includes Lacey Fox, Taylor Megonigal, Monica Manosalva, Jessie Thiel, Robby Salehi and Kriza St. Thomas.

Conroy was most recently affiliated with Keller Williams Realty McLean/Great Falls, where she served as principal of the HBC Group, the No. 1 team at the office for the past eight years. The HBC Group was also the No. 5 medium team in Virginia in 2024, according to RealTrends, and has been recognized as a top team by Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazine.

Conroy closed more than $120 million in sales volume in the past 12 months. Team members Sue Bender, Karen Briscoe, Steve Conroy, Pam Micciche, Jenny McClintock, Elena Morales, Holly Rasmussen, Colleen Stoltz and Beth Walker are also joining her at SERHANT.

Nguyen joins SERHANT. from eXp Realty, and before that, Keller Williams Capital Properties, where they sold more than $40 million in the past year. Between 2021 and 2024, Nguyen was a top 1 percent Keller Williams agent in the U.S., a top 1.5 percent agent in the country, according to RealTrends, and a “Star Real Estate Agent” award recipient from The Washington Post Magazine. Teammates from Nguyen’s former team, the Nguyen Chon Properties Group, are also joining Nguyen at SERHANT., including Eddie Chon, Derek Lee and Roberto Garcia.

Other agents who are joining SERHANT. DMV include Kathleen McDonald and Amanda Etro of Corcoran Group; Gary Boylan of Compass; Kat Massetti of Real; Christian Givens of RLAH; Dwayne Moyers, Dave Ingram, Debbie Ingram, Hunter Lang and Dawn Gurganus of Weichert; and Chris Itteilag of Washington Fine Properties.

Get Inman’s Luxury Lens Newsletter delivered right to your inbox. A weekly deep dive into the biggest news in the world of high-end real estate delivered every Friday. Click here to subscribe.

Email Lillian Dickerson

Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

While house hunting is exciting, it is also one of the most high-pressure experiences. Between rising demand, tight timelines and fluctuating interest rates, it’s easy to make small mistakes that result in significant consequences. Especially mortgage mistakes.

Working with homebuyers on a daily basis has shown me that a few simple steps can have a significant impact on the process. When working with those planning to buy this season, here’s how to stay ahead, steer clear of common mistakes and feel confident closing.

Don’t overlook the hidden costs

Most buyers budget for their down payment and closing costs, but many forget about the hidden costs that come with moving, like relocation trucks, utility deposits, furnishings and storage. Not preparing for these extras often leads to financial stress during a time when things could ideally wrap up smoothly.

Another issue I often see is buyers changing their credit profile too close to the closing date. Minor changes to credit scores, inquiries and deposits made prior to closing can interrupt the process or even jeopardize the approval of a loan. It’s key to avoid any financial moves without first checking with your lender as a quick conversation can prevent a lot of hassle.

Start early and communicate often

For those hoping to buy over the next few months, the best time to start the mortgage process is now. Ideally, buyers should begin looking at least 90 days out. It’s not uncommon for the right home to pop up unexpectedly, and being prepared provides an edge. Being overly prepared is something few buyers ever regret. 

Additionally, buyers shouldn’t assume what is important and what is not. It’s best to stay in touch with the lender, even if the issues seem minor. If buyers are ever unsure about a purchase, ask, “Will this impact my approval?” A quick check-in can save a lot of trouble down the line.

Know what to do when lender volume spikes

During busy seasons or when interest rates drop, the entire real estate process speeds up. That means lenders are juggling more files, and closing timelines can shift.

Many lenders are still operating with leaner teams after a slower few years, so the heavy activity can also stretch resources. This, in turn, can make it tougher to get quick updates and can slow things down, especially if buyers aren’t totally prepared.

The best way to stay on track is to get ahead of it. When an application is organized and ready to go, it’s a lot easier for the lender to keep things moving, even when they’re juggling a lot of files.

Move fast (without cutting corners)

One of the best ways to stay competitive in a fast-moving market is to get full approval before finding a home. Buyers should ask lenders for what’s called a “TBD approval,” which means everything is approved except the property address. With this in hand, sellers know you’re serious and your offer will stand out, even against higher bids.

There are also a few documents that can trip buyers up if they’re not prepared. For example, if a buyer plans to use funds from a 401(k) or investment account, they’ll want to start that process early, as those funds aren’t liquid and often require time to be transferred.

Additionally, if a buyer is self-employed, they should prepare their profit and loss statements and tax return transcripts upfront. They can constantly be updated later, if needed.

Use technology to stay ahead

Buying a home can move quickly, sometimes faster than expected. Technology can make it much easier to keep up without feeling overwhelmed. Today’s digital tools let buyers upload documents securely, sign necessary forms from anywhere, track their loan progress in real time and get instant preapproval letters when timing matters most. It’s all about removing some of the usual stress and helping the process stay on course.

Simple features, such as rate alerts and payment calculators, also make a significant difference. They help buyers stay informed and make decisions with confidence, even when market conditions shift overnight.

Stay competitive when things move fast

Remember: Timing is everything. A desired home could be gone tomorrow, and interest rates could shift by the hour, so the most successful buyers are the ones who start early. When you already have your application in and the documents ready, buyers can jump at the opportunity that comes up.

Working with the right lender is just as important. If a lender can’t follow through or is slow to respond, a buyer might lose out on their dream home. Look at their track record and reputation, not just the rate they offer. A great rate means nothing if the loan doesn’t close on time.

The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way. When buyers plan and have the right people on their side, they can stay in control and the rest becomes a lot less stressful.

Phil Crescenzo Jr. is a 25+ year mortgage professional who specializes in closing complex mortgages and new construction. Connect with Phil on LinkedIn. 

Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

Let’s talk about something that isn’t said enough in business circles: You do not have to be everything to everyone. You do not have to be constantly buried in the day-to-day to prove you’re committed. And being busy all the time isn’t a badge of honor. It’s often a sign that something deeper needs attention.

This is especially true in the real estate industry. Agents are working hard, putting in the hours, yet they feel stuck in the daily chaos. The overwhelm becomes the norm. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be.

Most of us were never taught how to scale sustainably. We’re told to hustle harder, but not how to structure smarter. And that’s where systems come in — not complicated, rigid structures but simple, intentional systems that protect your time, reduce stress and make your business easier to run.

If you feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around, here are five steps to success:

1. Get clear on what you’re repeating

Before you can build a system, you need to identify the tasks that are repeatable. Start by paying attention to your week. What are you doing over and over again? Perhaps it involves following up with leads, scheduling appointments, onboarding new clients or writing repetitive emails.

These are not one-off tasks. They’re patterns. And patterns are where systems are born. When you start seeing your work through that lens, you’ll find a dozen opportunities to save time and simplify.

Sometimes, simply making a running list for a few days can open your eyes to how many tasks are consuming your time. You don’t need to organize them right away — notice them. That awareness alone is powerful.

2. Document the process (even if it’s messy at first)

One of the most significant barriers to building systems is the idea that it must be perfect. But that idea is false.

Start by writing things down step-by-step, just the way you do them. Whether it’s how you respond to new inquiries, set up listings or manage your calendar, get it out of your head and into a document. These become your checklists, your templates, your standard operating procedures.

This step is about clarity, not perfection. Once it’s documented, you can tweak it, improve it and most importantly, delegate it.

And the best part? Once it’s documented, you don’t have to rely on memory. You’ve created something that can be used again and again, by you or someone else, which saves energy and mental space.

3. Automate and delegate where it makes sense

There is no trophy for doing everything yourself. Once you’ve documented your process, look for areas where a tool or team member can assist.

Use a CRM to automate lead follow-ups. Use a scheduling tool to eliminate the email ping-pong. Create email templates for FAQs. And when the time is right, hire support, whether that’s a virtual assistant, transaction coordinator or marketing help.

One practical tip: Pick one central platform to house everything. When your systems are all in one place, your team knows where to go, your clients get a better experience, and you eliminate unnecessary confusion and expenses.

Consider the tasks that drain your energy the most and start there. Can a tool do it? Can someone else? If the answer is yes, take the next step to delegate those tasks.

4. Structure gives you freedom

It might feel counterintuitive, but structure doesn’t confine you. It frees you up. Every system you put in place buys back your time, reduces stress and builds a stronger business that isn’t dependent on you doing everything.

And this isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about peace of mind. When you have systems in place, you can take a vacation without your business falling apart. You can focus on higher-level strategy. You can be more present in your life outside work.

Freedom in business isn’t about doing less work. It’s about doing the right job and trusting the rest will be handled because you took the time to create a foundation that supports it.

5. Start small, but start now

You don’t need to overhaul your entire business this week. Start with one repeatable task, checklist or template. It’s the accumulation of those small changes that will transform the way your business operates.

Remember, systems aren’t just a tool for growth; they’re a foundation for sustainability. And building them isn’t about being more robotic; it’s about creating space for greater clarity, creativity and control.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let that be your cue — not your excuse — to start simplifying. Your future self will thank you.

Jen Dillard is a top-producing real estate agent serving the Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon and Washington. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

In a market squeezed by higher interest rates and low inventory, we’ve got to get creative. Lately, I’ve been leaning into an old concept with a fresh twist: house hacking — and it’s working.

Instead of buyers feeling stuck, they’re seeing opportunity: Rent out a unit, a basement, even a spare room to offset the mortgage. It’s turning “Can I afford this?” into “How can I make this work for me?” If you’re not already talking to your clients about this creative solution, here’s why you should be.

What is house hacking?

House hacking, in its most basic form, means buying a property and then renting out a portion of it, using the new income to cover mortgage payments, property taxes and other costs associated with homeownership. For some, house hacking is a great entry point into real estate investing, providing an affordable way to own a property without having to bear the entire financial burden alone.

Why house hack?

House hacking offers a wide variety of benefits for homeowners, some of which include:

Added income: Mortgage payments and property expenses are offset by the added rental income. Depending on the situation, some house hackers even end up with little to no housing costs.

Real estate appreciation: House hacking enables the accumulation of equity in a property and an increase in net worth, particularly when compared to renting. 

Potentially afford more: When a buyer knows they will rent out a portion of a property and receive a return, they can usually afford more. One of our clients is working with one of our favorite lenders and was initially targeting condos and townhomes for $650,000.

Now that she’s house hacking, though, she’s looking at a $1.2 million multiunit property with a larger backyard and two-car garage. Additionally, she’s building her real estate portfolio for better returns in the future. 

Tax benefits: Owning property often comes with tax advantages, such as deducting property-related expenses, such as mortgage interest, repairs and property taxes. 

Advice for getting started with house hacking

Here are a few things buyers should consider:

Analyze finances: Buyers should take a financial deep dive and figure out everything from what they can afford for a down payment, full monthly costs and projected (realistic!) rental income.

Choose the right property: This part is crucial. Our favorite property for house hacking setups is a multiunit, where the owner lives in one unit and the renter lives in the other. This way, you can keep a good eye on your property. 

Get a feel for financing options: House hackers may be eligible for some really great loan programs and products. Right now, we have a client using a loan program where she can finance any improvements she makes to the property. 

Understand landlord responsibilities

It’s a good reminder that house hackers become landlords! Remind your buyers to check into local regulations regarding renting out a portion of a property. 

One way we got started was to ask our clients for a weekly chat and bring up the idea during that informal meeting. We then gauged interest and made the relevant introductions.

House hacking is a powerful tool that we love to discuss with clients, and it is not just a workaround; it’s a mindset shift that turns today’s market challenges into strategic advantages. As brokers, we have the opportunity to educate our clients, expand their options and help them build wealth in creative ways.

Julie Busby is the founder and president of Busby Group, and in the top 1 percent of Chicagoland brokers. Follow her on Facebook and LinkedIn.