by Craig C. Rowe | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
TurboTenant’s integration of Rent Butter will embed what the companies are calling “near-instant” credit and background checks into the application process, removing it as a secondary, stand-alone action in the application ecosystem.
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Two technology companies in the rental industry are working together under an agreement forged to address the increasing risk of renter fraud, Inman has learned.
A June 18 press release from TurboTenant said that it is integrating Rent Butter’s, “tech-forward resident screening and verification platform” to empower its 775,00o-plus customers to vet applicants better and sniff out fraud attempts.
“Resident screening is one of the most important steps in protecting a rental investment,” TurboTenant CEO Seamus Nally said in the press release. “By partnering with Rent Butter, we’re providing our landlords with the best software available to manage their property and ensure access to the most accurate credit, criminal and eviction information available.”
The integration will embed what the companies are calling “near-instant” credit and background checks into the application process, removing it as a secondary, stand-alone action in the application ecosystem.
Such a flattening of the typical renter oversight process holds promise to save significant time for property managers, ensure data flows between steps with more accuracy and cut approval times for worthy applicants.
Rent Butter said in the release that traditional screening takes one to four days and estimates that as a result, landlords lose at least $65 per day in rent. Its software will allow TurboTenant users to see application reports and approval insights almost instantly.
“We believe in building safer, more inclusive communities by improving the accuracy and transparency of tenant screening,” Christopher Rankin, CEO of Rent Butter said in the release. “Working with TurboTenant allows us to bring this mission to scale and support hundreds of thousands of landlords with faster, fairer and more reliable screening technology.”
The company delves into consumer spending behavior, rent payment history, rent-to-income ratios and other financial activity to construct a more comprehensive model of an ideal tenant. Credit reports are largely static looks at a person at a single point in their consumer lifecycle.
A study conducted by Rent Butter looked at tenant approvals across 100,000 units and discovered six registered sex offenders, 85 felony convictions and 34 misdemeanors.
“In total, 14.5% of applicants in the dataset had serious criminal records that would not have been identified using more limited reporting methods,” Rent Butter said.
RentSpree, another software company serving the rental industry, has announced partnerships of its own to bolster antifraud efforts.
In August of last year, it connected with Finicity, a Mastercard company, to provide improved financial oversight of applicants, and in May, it evolved its existing partnership with TransUnion to better screen tenants for evictions and criminal records.
TurboTenant helps process more than $3 billion in rent each year, collects “millions of renter leads” and tackles more than 20,000 background checks every month, according to its website.
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by Richelle Hammiel | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
New residential construction made progress in completions but largely fell short on starts and permits, according to new data released Wednesday by the US Census Bureau and HUD.
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New residential construction showed mixed signals in May, offering glimmers of progress in completions but largely falling short on starts and permits.
According to new data released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the broader picture shows stagnation rather than recovery.
Privately owned housing starts dropped 9.8 percent from April to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1,256,000. That figure is also 4.6 percent below the May 2024 rate of 1,316,000, marking the weakest pace since 2020.
Odeta Kushi | First American Deputy Chief Economist
“Housing starts plummeted 10 percent in May to their lowest level since 2020, falling short of consensus expectations,” First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi said in a statement. “The month-over-month pull back was primarily due to a decline in the volatile multi-family groundbreaking, while a decline in single-family building permits points to a weaker trend moving forward.”
Single-family starts edged up just 0.4 percent to 924,000 units, while multifamily construction took a deeper hit, falling to 316,000 units — down from 371,000 in April.
According to Kushi, the data comes amid growing pessimism among homebuilders, as is reflected in the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI).
“The steep drop is not entirely surprising considering that builder sentiment in June reached one of its lowest levels in 13 years, the only exceptions being April 2020 and December 2022,” Kushi explained. “This growing builder pessimism was widespread across all HMI components. Optimism about single-family sales for the next six months dropped by two points, and current sales conditions also fell by two points, marking the lowest level since June 2012. Prospective buyer traffic decreased from 23 to 21.”
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
While completions provided a modest bright spot, increasing 5.4 percent from April to a rate of 1,526,000, they were still 2.2 percent below levels from the previous year. Single-family completions rose to 1,027,000, an 8.1 percent gain month over month, but multifamily completions dipped again, reaching 487,000 units in May from 503,000 units in April.
On the forward-looking side, building permits — an indicator of future construction — painted a dimmer picture. Privately-owned permits fell 2 percent from April to a rate of 1,393,000. This figure is also down 1 percent from May 2024. Single-family permits dropped 2.7 percent, while multifamily permits were relatively flat at 444,000.
According to Kushi, this data stands in stark contrast to what was seen in new-home sales early this spring.
“The weak construction data contrasts sharply with strong new-home sales in April, which made up the highest share of total sales since 2005,” Kushi noted.”
“Consider that new-home sales might offer a better deal for buyers than existing homes. Historically, new homes are priced at a premium relative to existing homes, but that gap has flipped. In April, the median price of a new home ($407,200) was actually lower than the median price of an existing home ($414,000), partly due to price cuts and builders constructing smaller, less expensive homes,” she added.
Those price adjustments are also showing up in builder strategy.
“The latest HMI survey data bears this out, revealing that 37 percent of builders reported cutting prices in June, the highest percentage since NAHB began tracking this figure monthly in 2022,” Kushi said. “Additionally, the use of sales incentives increased to 62 percent in June, up one percentage point from May.”
Still, a combinations of challenges continue to hold back construction activity, especially in the single-family sector.
“Builders face higher financing costs, tariff uncertainty, softer demand from elevated rates, increased competition from rising existing-home inventory in key markets like Texas and Florida, and higher inventories of their own,” Kushi said. “This mix is weighing on builder sentiment and likely to slow single-family construction.”
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by Craig C. Rowe | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Customers of both Lone Wolf and Follow Up Boss no longer have to worry about separate logins or jumping between applications thanks to a new partnership between the popular software brands.
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Agents and brokerages who are customers of both Lone Wolf and Follow Up Boss no longer have to worry about separate logins or jumping between applications thanks to a new partnership announced by the popular software brands.
The companies have agreed to an integration deal that will allow users of Follow Up Boss to send marketing data, transaction insights and other critical client data directly into the advanced business tools of Lone Wolf Foundation. Such partnerships have become more common, with internal studies showing that customers of one company tend to favor one system for multiple business uses.
“Our mission has always been to empower real estate professionals by providing tools that simplify their daily operations and allow them to focus on what they do best,” Lone Wolf Technologies CEO Jimmy Kelly said in statement.
“This partnership represents our commitment to open, collaborative solutions that bring value to all agents, brokers and teams,” Kelly added.
Lone Wolf Foundation is a refresh of the company’s enterprise software, intended to reflect the user habits, experience demands, mobility and AI expectations of the fast-moving agent and tech-savvy real estate consumer.
While Lone Wolf’s CRM, Relationships, boasts a solid user base, the company realized that Follow Up Boss is also a popular alternative, and vice versa for the needs of Follow Up Boss users.
These partnerships are ultimately rooted in efficiency for each company’s user base. Now, instead of manually entering or using various conduits and workarounds to send data from one system to another and back again, deep integrations like this can greatly enhance data integrity, usage efficiency and user convenience.
Follow Up Boss co-founder Dan Corkill said that integration is a key component of the company’s user experience model. It also helps software companies scale and can promote each one to the other’s customer base, among other benefits.
“We’re always looking for ways to enhance our user experience and this partnership will help our mutual customers boost their efficiency and enable them to leverage additional solutions all in the same platform they’re working in every day,” Corkill said.
Follow Up Boss is owned by Zillow, which acquired it in 2023. It’s not exclusive to Zillow customers.
Lone Wolf recently announced it will be phasing out another CRM product in its den, Lion Desk, acquired in 2021. Kelly stated in a recent interview with Inman that while they gleaned important feature designs and user behavior data from the product, it simply didn’t fit the company’s new direction.
“This is not a decision we take lightly,” Kelly said. “It’s been part of our family for a few years now, but when we got into LionDesk we learned, unfortunately, that it wasn’t going to fit the need of that longer-term vision.”
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by Bernice Ross | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Since the NAR commission suit settlement, buyer agents have faced new rules, new documents and a new normal. This month, Inman drills down on Today’s Buyers Agent with the fresh marketing strategies, skills and tools buyer agents are using to prosper in changing times.
Even if you have errors and omissions insurance, being a defendant in a lawsuit can have a huge negative impact on both you and your business. Being deposed by a superstar litigator is your worst nightmare. Everything you say can be twisted and, in many cases, turned against you.
Hopefully, you have never been or will be in any real estate litigation. If you want to keep the attorneys at bay, here is a list of behaviors to avoid as well as best practices that can keep you out of trouble.
Wrong place, wrong time
What’s really upsetting is that you can do everything right and still end up in litigation. Sometimes you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
For example, there was one case where the seller failed to make a major disclosure about the property. The seller went bankrupt, so the plaintiff’s attorney turned to the agents and the other people involved in the transaction.
When the attorney discovered that the painting contractor had errors and omissions insurance, he was named as a defendant as well, along with the agents and brokerage because they also had E&O insurance.
6 best practices to avoid litigation
Below you will find six common sources of real estate litigation as well as six strategies to avoid being sued.
1. ‘What’s that spot on the ceiling?’
Even if you are a roofing expert, never answer this question. I had two listings where the brown spot on the ceiling turned out to be a beehive with over 100 pounds of pounds of honey.
Best practice: Avoid diagnosing any issue regarding the condition of the property. Instead say:
“I don’t know what caused the stain on the ceiling. If you are interested in the property, then you should hire a competent roofer and conduct a thorough physical inspection to thoroughly investigate the condition of the property.”
In terms of what you put on your mandated written disclosure documents, avoid diagnosing there as well. Instead, describe what you see: “Brown stain noted on living room ceiling.” Or, “Buckled sidewalk noted adjacent to Ficus tree in front yard.”
2. We aren’t going to disclose that old inspection report
Sellers often don’t want to disclose previous inspection reports, especially if the report caused their transaction to be canceled. Failure to disclose is always a poor idea. Here’s why.
A geological inspection on a house revealed that it could collapse during an earthquake. The first set of buyers walked away from the property.
The listing agent failed to disclose the geological report to the second set of buyers. The house collapsed during the Northridge Earthquake and two people died. Needless to say, the settlement was several million dollars.
Best practice: When you have a transaction that falls apart due to the physical inspection, it’s smart to disclose it to the buyer. If the seller won’t disclose the report, walk away from the listing. It’s simply not worth the risk.
3. Where’s the property line?
While the seller may swear under oath that they know exactly where the property line is, don’t believe it. In a case where the sellers said the fence was the property line, they were actually off by 1 foot. That mistake cost them over $200,000.
Best practice: When a buyer asks about where the property line is say:
“I don’t know. If you want the exact location of the property lines, hire a surveyor.”
4. How much will the seller really take for the property?
A luxury agent had a listing that was priced at $2.4 million. When a journalist asked her where she thought the property would sell, she said $1.8 million. When the seller read this in the paper a few days later, he filed a lawsuit for an unauthorized price reduction. The judgment against her and her brokerage was over $2 million.
Best practice: When a buyer asks you how much a seller will take for the property, there’s only one correct answer:
“The only way to know for sure is to write an offer.”
In fact, you can’t even represent that the seller will sell for the asking price because in a multiple-offer situation the property could sell for over asking.
5. Is this a good family neighborhood that has a low crime rate?
You may believe that a property is located in a great neighborhood; however, that can all change if the wrong tenant or owner moves into just one house.
Best practice: When a buyer asks you about the characteristics of the neighborhood, including crime statistics, ethnic composition of the residents, or “families” that live in the area, you cannot comment. If you do, you run the risk of violating the fair housing laws. Instead, provide them with links to census, crime and school data where they can search out this information for themselves.
6. It’s a new property — do I really need a physical inspection?
If there was ever a time to have a thorough physical inspection, it’s when a buyer purchases a new property. For example, in one of the new homes that we purchased, the plumbers hooked up the hot water to one of the toilets — talk about being steamed.
Best practice: On all new properties, make sure that the buyer does a thorough physical inspection and walk-through prior to closing. The buyer has leverage before the transaction closes. Afterward, some builders aren’t very good at following up on post-close problems.
Ultimately, your first line of defense is always to follow the Golden Rule. Never say anything negative about anyone, never represent what your buyer or seller will do, and never diagnose the condition of the property.
Instead, have your clients use trained professionals to evaluate the property. Also, for additional peace of mind, order a home warranty policy as well.
Bernice Ross, president and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, the founder of Profit.RealEstate and a national speaker, author and trainer with over 1,500 published articles.
by Kristine Milkovich | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Preparation and precision matter when you’re trying to set a booked interview or consultation, broker-owner Kristine Milkovich writes. Here are six steps to book the appointment.
Since the NAR commission suit settlement, buyer agents have faced new rules, new documents and a new normal. This month, Inman drills down on Today’s Buyers Agent with the fresh marketing strategies, skills and tools buyer agents are using to prosper in changing times.
To convert prospects, an essential skill is to book consultations. Agents cannot begin the sales process without a proper evaluation of the consumer’s needs and goals. The ability to schedule appointments quickly helps keep your pipeline flush and creates structure in your schedule.
6 steps for getting prospects to commit
When you’re looking to set a booked client interview or consultation, preparation and precision matter. Here are seven strategic steps to help you get that “yes” and turn a prospect into a booked client.
1. Do your research
Know who they are, their recent work and their interests. Use this insight to make your outreach personal and compelling. Thoughtful touches and relevance in your outreach can immediately set you apart.
2. Make it brief
Start with a 15-minute or less icebreaker. Reach out professionally and clearly — whether by email, DM or a warm introduction. Keep it short, clear and action-driven.
Set your mindset first: Preparation and precision are the gatekeepers to getting the “hire” when you actually meet for the consultation or interview.
Be clear on your purpose:
- Why are you requesting the call?
- What will the client gain?
- Why is a 60-90 minute consultation valuable to them?
Include in your outreach:
- The purpose of the meeting
- The standards this meeting sets for client success
- Time commitment
- Flexible date options or scheduling link
Use tools like Calendly to eliminate back-and-forth. Let them choose a convenient time.
Pro tip: If you don’t use a scheduling tool, offer two or three specific time slots.
Help them see the value in locking in a set day and time so the consultation aligns with their schedule.
Example:
“Let’s get you in my calendar. I know you have a heavy travel schedule, and I want to make sure we set a time that suits your needs!”
3. Educate, guide, reassure
Clarify what will be covered in the actual consultation or presentation.
Example:
“Our booked time together will be an opportunity for both of us to set expectations, build trust and ensure you feel confident hiring me as your go-to expert for buying in Seattle.”
This is your consultation — own it. Give it a name, and position it as a standard part of your process.
Example:
“Our team’s listing presentation overview is a step we facilitate to ensure we’re aligned to achieve accuracy, efficiency and exceed your expectations.”
Once they book, send a confirmation that includes:
- Date and time
- Format (Zoom, phone, in-person)
- Brief agenda or talking points
Also, ask if there’s anything they’d like to add or focus on.
Bonus: Send a calendar invite to lock it in.
4. Teach people how to treat you
Guide the prospect to follow your lead. Let them know you’ll be sending a presentation outline ahead of time for review.
Example:
“I’ll email over a quick outline so we can make the most of our consultation on Wednesday at 3 p.m.”
This prep email reinforces your professionalism and demonstrates your commitment to a smooth, efficient experience in a dynamic market.
Make sure to:
- Take the lead
- Be the expert
- Show preparedness
And don’t forget to make the client the hero, and thank the person who referred them. Express gratitude for their trust and time.
After your initial icebreaker call, the ultimate goal is to book the formal buyer or listing consultation. Always ask their preferred method of communication moving forward.
5. Honored to be considered – a quick look at my experience
Let prospects know why you’re the right fit for the job.
Example:
“Thank you again for the opportunity to connect—I’m truly honored to be considered as your real estate partner. Choosing the right person is a big decision, so here’s a brief overview of my experience and credentials to help you feel confident moving forward.”
-
- Top Producer – Seattle Real Estate Alliance, 2024
- Seattle Times Best in Luxury Team, 2024
- Certified Relocation Specialist
- LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance National Delegate Leader, Region 3
- 12 years of experience with over $480 million in home sales
“Beyond the accolades, what truly matters is building trust, delivering results, and making the process seamless. Looking forward to learning more about your goals and how I can help bring them to life. Include: Website, testimonials, or portfolio links if available.”
6. Confirm, recap, prepare
You have one chance to show your point of difference — and it begins with the initial icebreaker that leads to a booked consultation. Be clear. Be intentional. Set the tone. And most importantly, book the meeting.
Let’s do a better job
It’s our responsibility to lead and guide the narrative around how we prepare clients. Most professions require:
- Questionnaires
- Early arrival
- Fact-finding
- Q&A
- A review of “rules of engagement”
Real estate should be no different. Think and act like the professionals you hire, respect and learn from.
Kristine Milkovich is a broker-owner of The Milkovich Team. Connect with Kristine on LinkedIn and Instagram.
by Dani Vanderboegh | Jun 18, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Since the NAR commission suit settlement, buyer agents have faced new rules, new documents and a new normal. This month, Inman drills down on Today’s Buyers Agent with the fresh marketing strategies, skills and tools buyer agents are using to prosper in changing times.
Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.
This past year has seen no shortage of changes. Just since last August: The National Association of Realtors landmark settlement changes went into effect, and rules around working with buyers changed, along with the way real estate had been done for decades.
Just when you thought the industry was moving forward, the Clear Cooperation Policy debate heated up, resulting in a rule change and an industrywide feud over private listing networks.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and technology are evolving at a breakneck pace, with new tools and applications emerging constantly. Add to that the current presidential administration’s policy changes and tariffs — it’s a lot to keep up with.
via GIPHY
This week, we’re asking: What do you want to know more about? Is it more training? On what topics? Do you need more marketing ideas, tips and tricks for leveling up your listing skills, or how-tos to help you through a tough market? Are you looking for more market and economy intel? Do you want more news roundups or expert insights so you can cut through the noise? Whatever it is you need, please sound off below.
We’ll compile a list of the top responses and post them on Inman next Tuesday.
