CFPB enforcement chief resigns, saying mission ‘under attack’

by Matt Carter | Jun 11, 2025 | Industry, News Feed

Most likely to succeed (or disrupt): Class photos from Real Estate High

by Summer Goralik | Jun 11, 2025 | Industry, News Feed

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!

Sometimes I need a break from the heavy, the technical, the compliance-laden critique. This piece is exactly that: a written timeout. But just a heads-up: It might also double as a slightly imaginative reenactment of current industry dynamics.

Over the weekend, I stumbled across an old high school yearbook. I don’t know about you, but when that happens, you have to sit down and take a look. Within minutes, there I was, flipping through pages of big hair, loud clothing, awkward smiles and those cringeworthy superlatives like “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Best Looking.” (Also, do schools still single kids out like that?)

Instantly, I was transported. A mix of nostalgia, humor and, if I’m being honest, a little discomfort. High school was full of cliques, competition, drama, ambition and unspoken social norms. It was a place where image often mattered more than substance.

It was also a never-ending reshuffling of alliances, egos and influence. One day, you’re on top: admired, applauded, maybe even envied. The next, you’re sidelined, misunderstood or replaced. Friend groups fracture. Rumors fly. Power shifts. And amidst the chaos that high school could be, someone is always trying to make the system a little better, or at least a little fairer.

Somewhere between the photos and end-of-year messages, something hit me: the coexistence of the school handbook and the unwritten rules. Diverse social factions. Power struggles. Causes people champion or curse. And of course, the swings. The typical ups and downs that high school is known for.

Are the dynamics of residential real estate today … a little like high school?

Some of you are probably thinking, “Oh no, where is she going with this?” Others? You’ve already topped off your coffee and settled in.

Is this an off-base analogy or déjà vu? Either way, let’s have some fun. Hear me out:

Less dazed, more determined

What’s your favorite high school flick? I have many, but Dazed and Confused is at the top of my list. Mostly because I love the ’60s and ’70s: the music, the fashion. And let’s be honest, wearing bell-bottoms in the 2020s just doesn’t hit the same.

“If I ever start referring to these as the best years of my life, remind me to kill myself.” That painfully honest gem, delivered by Pink in Dazed and Confused, used to make me laugh. Now, it makes me think.

Sure, high school had its moments, but I’m far happier in this season of life. I’m more independent, less concerned with approval, and finally free to do the work I believe in. 

Maybe the evolution of the real estate industry could reflect that too: less division, more alignment. Fewer power struggles, more shared purpose. A space where doing the right thing, especially for the people licensed professionals serve, matters more than protecting turf or preserving old hierarchies.

Before we dive into the yearbook of Real Estate High, let me just say: If the industry has felt a little like third period with a pop quiz lately, you’re not imagining things. It’s full of bold — and sometimes shocking — headlines, compelling sound bites and swirling rumors, shifting loyalties and silent (and sometimes not-so-quiet) hierarchies. I’d say the only thing missing is a hallway monitor handing out warning slips, but let’s be honest, that’s probably the DOJ.

Let’s head down the hall. Class is officially in session.

The roll call of real estate

Ready for attendance? Just a reminder, this is all in good fun. But if some of it hits close to home, well, that’s kind of the point. On a lighter note, if you’re going to read through this cast of characters, I highly recommend queuing up “Slow Ride” by Foghat. It sets the tone.

As you read, ask yourself: Which of these groups are helping the school thrive, and who’s skipping class? And remember, in this school, the real “assignments” are the deals, disclosures and decisions that shape the industry.

The student body (general agent population)

They’re the heartbeat of the school — showing up, grinding it out and navigating the social swirl of Real Estate High. Some are finding their voice. Others are just trying to make it to graduation without detention (or a DRE citation). They might not all agree on who runs the place, but without them, the halls would be empty.

The cool kids (luxury brokers)

They roll up in Range Rovers, dressed in quiet luxury and loud confidence. Everyone wants to sit with them, even if they pretend not to care. They don’t just sell homes. They sell a lifestyle, preferably with a view and an NDA.

The drama club (reality TV agents + social media stars)

Always “on.” Their open houses are productions, and their Instagram stories are more choreographed than a high school musical. Critics roll their eyes, but hey, they’ve got followers. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to win prom queen.

The geeks (compliance consultants + risk managers)

Uncool? Maybe. Indispensable? Absolutely. They do the homework no one else wants to touch, fix the group project at the last minute, and quietly save everyone’s GPA (and license).

The computer lab crew (proptech + AI innovators)

You’ll find them in the back of campus, building tools the rest of the school hasn’t caught up to yet. They speak in code, pitch big ideas and sometimes get accused of trying to replace teachers with apps. Visionaries to some, disrupters to others. They’re already operating in the future while the rest of us are still fumbling with hall passes.

The principal (state regulators + DRE)

They show up unannounced. They enforce the rules. And when someone breaks them? Expect a trip to the office, and probably a write-up. They’re not here to be liked. They’re here to make sure the place doesn’t burn down.

The teachers (managing brokers + ethics trainers)

Some are inspiring. Some are just counting the days to summer break. They manage behavior, grade performance and try to maintain order in a classroom full of conflicting agendas.

The teachers union (NAR + power brokers)

They’ve long shaped school policies and culture. They say they’re working for the common good — and sometimes, they are. But lately, more teachers are asking: Do they still speak for us?

The PTA (consumer watchdogs)

They don’t go to school here, but they’ve got a seat at the table and an eye on the budget. They show up to meetings, raise tough questions and push for transparency, especially when it comes to fees and access. Some roll their eyes. Others take notes. But one thing’s certain: They’re not staying silent.

The rule-breakers (unethical agents)

They’re vaping behind the gym — it was cigarettes in my day — skipping class and making side deals in the parking lot. Disregarding disclosure and steering buyers? Just part of the routine. They haven’t been caught … yet. But the detention slip is coming.

The overachievers (top producers who follow the rules)

They grind. They lead quietly. They do the work and turn in every form on time. Admired by teachers and peers, they’re the ones actually running the show, just not yelling about it.

The transfer students (new agents and startups)

They’re fresh, a little lost, and someone’s already tried to sell them a coaching program. But they’re curious, scrappy and not bound by legacy friend groups. That makes them unpredictable, but in the best way.

The student council (reformers + advocates)

They show up early. They raise their hands. They fight for transparency, access and equity — even when they get eye rolls in the hallway. But sometimes? They’re the reason the handbook gets rewritten.

The school newspaper (industry media)

They break news, stir the pot and sometimes publish op-eds in your locker. They’re not always unbiased, but people read every word.

The cafeteria (MLS + portals)

Finally, this is where it all goes down. Gossip. Deals. Power plays. You can see exactly who’s sitting where and what’s being served. Some cut the line, others sneak off-campus to eat. What’s visible may not be the whole story. And what gets missed can matter even more.

Fiction or flashback?

Take the cast of characters above and build whatever plot you like. The storyline is yours. But one common reflection when thinking about high school, at least for me, is how I’d do it differently. I’d certainly care less about who was watching and more about who I was becoming. I imagine many of us feel that way when we look back at younger versions of ourselves. 

And while this piece is playful, even tongue-in-cheek, I think there are some key takeaways behind the metaphors. Real estate is in flux. Like any institution under pressure, it faces a choice: resist change or rise to meet it.

Right now, in this industry, we have a real-time opportunity to make better decisions. We can treat compliance not as a formality, but as a foundation for trust. It means showing up with intention, without letting the noise or the naysayers slow us down. We can walk forward, learning from the past, but also not looking back.

I should mention that when the coast begins to clear and the headlines quiet down, it becomes easier to see the workforce that has been there all along. It is resilient, ethical and motivated, doing the hard work for the right reasons. That deserves to be seen. And if not celebrated, then certainly acknowledged.

Another way to look at all of this, and as Matthew McConaughey’s character Wooderson memorably put it in Dazed and Confused, is: “You just gotta keep livin’, man. L-I-V-I-N.”

Perhaps that’s the reminder to pull from this crazy analogy: Keep moving, keep growing, and focus on what matters. Integrity. Service. Forward motion. Not image. Not popularity. And definitely not cafeteria politics.

Because high school ends. And thank goodness, right? We grow up. We evolve. We do the adult thing now. Less drama, more direction. Less posing, more purpose.

We should aim to be our authentic selves while continuing to grow, learn and adapt (so few of those walking around on a high school campus). Following the rules, even when no one is watching, has always been the real compliance challenge. And we shouldn’t fall in with the wrong crowd, even if they’re the ones holding the mic.

So sure, maybe this piece is just comic relief. I definitely laughed while writing it. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a mirror. Either way, I think we can all agree the future is already here. This time, let’s get it right the first time. No regrets.

NOTE: The opinions, suggestions, and recommendations contained in this discussion are based on Summer Goralik’s experience working for the California Department of Real Estate and as a real estate compliance consultant. They should not be considered legal advice or relied upon as such. You should consult with your brokerage and/or appropriate legal counsel in your jurisdiction for further clarification.

Summer Goralik is a real estate compliance consultant and former CA DRE Investigator in Huntington Beach, California. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

7 proven ways to revive a listing without dropping the price

by Darryl Davis | Jun 11, 2025 | Industry, News Feed

8 tips for maximizing a listing’s square footage as an agent

by Luke Babich | Jun 11, 2025 | Industry, News Feed

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!

As mortgage rates remain high, many markets are slowing as buyers become more picky amid expensive borrowing costs. In this type of market, buyers have more leverage, and they may be looking to get more bang for their buck. 

It’s no wonder sellers are getting anxious. 88 percent of homeowners have significant fears about selling their home, but 73 percent believe an agent can deliver market value or higher for their property, according to a recent survey from our team.

Agents can help sellers get the most value for their property by presenting a sleek, appealing home that’s optimized every single square foot of space. A 2023 report found that 25 percent of recent buyers bought a smaller house than they’d planned, so the market for smaller homes is likely bigger than many sellers realize. 

Here are the best ways to help clients maximize their home’s square footage before hitting the market.

1. Stage for flow

Building an addition is the most obvious way to increase a home’s square footage, but it’s also the most expensive. It’s much more practical to work with the square footage that’s already there. Effective staging can make a space seem larger and more open just by removing distractions.

If your client has bulky furniture that makes the space feel smaller, explore the possibility of replacing it with pieces that have slimmer silhouettes. If they don’t want to purchase new furniture, most professional staging services have furniture to rent. 

Also think about how the furniture is arranged. Create lanes for convenient, natural movement, and use furniture to create focal areas. For example, cluster two chairs and an end table together to create a conversation spot. 

Finally, avoid pushing furniture against the walls. While this will leave the center of a room open, it can often make a space feel smaller and more cramped.

2. Feature the right size of appliance

A modestly sized kitchen can feel even smaller if your client has a lot of bulky appliances. Appliances that aren’t used enough to justify the counter space they take up should be removed, especially if they’re old. Taking out an old appliance can make a kitchen seem visually larger and add some much-needed counter space.

For vital appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, there are slimline or apartment-sized models that are much more appropriate for small spaces. If your client can shrink their appliance footprint by half, the kitchen will feel twice as big.

3. Maximize natural light

If your client can’t expand the square footage of the home, help them present what they already have in the best possible light — literally. The more natural light in a space, the better. Remove heavy or obstructive window coverings, such as drapes or blinds, and trim exterior bushes, hedges or trees that might block the windows.

If your client has a budget for renovations, tell them to consider installing skylights or more windows. Even smaller pillbox windows can dramatically improve a space’s brightness, especially if it’s dark to begin with.

4. Encourage multipurpose rooms

Since the pandemic, buyers have been especially interested in multipurpose spaces that could serve as an office, workout room or guest bedroom. If your client has a spare bedroom, they could consider adding furniture to make it multifunctional. For example, a convertible sofa or Murphy bed could make a spare bedroom much easier to convert into a home office in a pinch.

Other rooms could also be candidates for conversion, especially rooms that may feel superfluous to today’s buyers. Formal dining rooms have fallen out of fashion in this more relaxed era of open floor plans. This room might have more appeal as a home office or gym. The same principle applies to formal living rooms or sitting rooms. If you have both, one is probably unnecessary.

5. Explore enclosing outdoor space

Another easy way for your client to add some usable square footage to their home is to enclose outdoor space. Screening in a porch or patio can provide a breezy, appealing space at a relatively low cost, compared to building a whole new addition.

6. Suggest pocket doors

In a small space, interior doors can contribute to a perception of visual clutter. They can also render the space behind them useless, shrinking an already modest space. Sliding pocket doors can have an outsized effect on a house, freeing up space and contributing to a cleaner, more minimalistic look.

7. Remind homeowners to declutter

One of the easiest ways to make a home look larger is to get rid of clutter. Before a home opens for showings, a general rule of thumb is to get rid of half of everything. Encourage them to put half their furniture into storage or more if they have a lot.

They should also remove excess bottles on bathroom counters, clothes in the closets and dishes in kitchen cupboards. Buyers almost always look into storage spaces, and if they’re cluttered, they’ll likely assume that the house doesn’t have enough storage.

8. Advise your client to update unfinished rooms

Most homes are priced by the square foot, so an unfinished basement, attic or garage apartment that could function as livable space can be an easy way to boost a home’s usable footage and its value. If a basement or attic can be easily and inexpensively converted into a living space, it’s a no-brainer to do so. 

Even smaller spaces, such as nooks under a staircase, can add real value and appeal once they’re converted into a closet or office space. On the other hand, if your client’s space requires serious renovations, there’s a cost-benefit calculation that you’ll want to advise them on.

Carefully go over relevant comps to determine how much value they might be able to add to their home through a conversion, and make sure they get several estimates from contractors so they get the best price.

Luke Babich is the CEO of Clever Real Estate in St. Louis. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.

25 bathroom remodel ideas for 2025 that add value and style

by Jonathan Pressman | Jun 11, 2025 | Industry, News Feed

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!

When you’re getting ready to list a house, you know the quality of the bathrooms can make or break a buyer’s offer. Updating a bathroom is one of the top renovations that increase home value, but with so many options to choose from, where should you start? Here are 25 popular bathroom remodel ideas for 2025.

1. Add a freestanding tub

Freestanding tubs are a flexible option when you want to express yourself with a unique look. Unlike traditional bathtubs that fit into a corner, freestanding tubs come in a variety of different shapes, styles and sizes.

2. Introduce bold colors

For many years, preference and popularity went to neutral paint colors that made bathrooms look sterile and spacious. But in 2025, bold colors are booming, with owners choosing hues that inspire a more luxurious look.

3. Install a floating vanity

Why take up floor space when you can mount a vanity on the wall for a sleek, modern look? Floating vanities are trending now, and they come with the added bonus of easier cleaning.

4. Choose spa-like amenities

In-home saunas, steam showers, body jets and other spa-like upgrades are becoming increasingly common as homeowners seek a more relaxed experience that they can enjoy without leaving the house.

5. Swap in natural and sustainable materials

Vinyl and other plastics are affordable, durable and easy to install — but they’re among the least sustainable bathroom materials and definitely won’t help you in pursuit of that spa-like experience. For your next bathroom remodel, think about how you can utilize sustainable materials, like natural stone and bamboo.

Courtesy of Canva

6. Give your bathroom an IQ boost

With technology, you can make just about any part of your bathroom more intelligent. Voice-activated features, smart controls and touchless sensors are just a few ways you can bring your bathroom into the modern age and enjoy added conveniences.

7. Mix and match metals

There’s nothing wrong with matching your metals, but in 2025, many homeowners are going against the grain and mixing hardware finishes. Try combining silver and gold or black and bronze to create a luxe look that stands out.

8. Install a glass shower enclosure

Glass shower enclosures can give a bathroom a more open feel than tiled shower walls, creating a sleeker, more modern look. Though you may have to compromise on privacy (there are ways around that, too, such as frosted glass), cleaning a glass shower is quicker and easier than dealing with tiles and grout.

9. Add a window

Adding a window to a bathroom can instantly transform drab into fab. Besides the increased aesthetic appeal, you’ll also benefit from improved ventilation and air quality. While adding a window isn’t a quick or cheap fix, it’s often a worthwhile expense that can completely change a bathroom’s look and feel.

Courtesy of Canva

10. Customize storage solutions

Hanging shower caddies and personal effects strewn across vanity countertops scream dorm living and are definitely out of style in 2025. Instead, choose built-in storage options — such as drawers, recessed niche shelving and linen closets — that keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free.

11. Add a personal touch

More homeowners are opting to personalize their bathrooms with area rugs, artwork, aromatherapy and more. Adding personal touches to your bathroom can make it feel more like a room in your home and less like a place that’s reserved strictly for business.

12. Hang wallpaper in place of paint

Wallpaper gives you the power to put any design or color on your bathroom walls — and at a fraction of the cost of tile. Wallpaper today is also more durable, easier to apply, and, unlike 19th-century Victorian wallpaper, free of arsenic.

13. Go minimalist

A minimalist bathroom is timeless, easy to clean and focused on function over form. Think straight lines, neutral colors and open floor space. You can never really go wrong with a minimalist bathroom, which is why they’ll always be in style.

14. Go maximalist

The Gilded Age might feel like ancient history, but to those who love an over-the-top look, the maximalist makeover might be a perfect fit. The beauty of a maximalist bathroom is the freedom to choose. Utilizing all available spaces to layer, add variety and create a dramatic effect make each maximalist bathroom one of a kind.

15. Go modern

While modern bathrooms typically include many of the same design principles as minimalist bathrooms, they often feature more diverse or complex finishes. A modern bathroom makeover might call for integrating technology into the design, layering to create depth and mixing and matching a wider range of materials.

16. Pick patterned or geometric tiles

While simple subway tiles will always have a place in our hearts, patterned and geometric tiles create a visual curiosity that’s sure to please. Why settle for ordinary tiles when you can pick from thousands of shapes, patterns and styles?

17. Embrace biophilic design

Biophilic designs can help bring the beauty of the outdoors into homes, reducing stress and helping homeowners connect with nature. Planters, living walls and plenty of natural light can give your bathroom the look of an outdoor oasis.

18. Choose earthy and ocean tones

Browns, blues and greens can evoke a sense of calmness and warmth, blending with biophilic designs to make your bathroom feel like a natural paradise. You can add earthy and ocean tones just about anywhere in your bathroom, from paint and accessories to vanities and tiles.

Courtesy of Canva

19. Get cozy with heated floors and towel warmers

When warm colors aren’t quite enough for you to feel cozy, heated floors and towel warmers can add a spa-like element to any bathroom, along with the benefits of improved hygiene.

20. Say it loud with a statement piece

Statement pieces of all kinds are now finding their way into bathrooms, offering another opportunity to personalize your space. Benches, sconces, side tables and funky fixtures allow homeowners to express their individuality and enhance aesthetics and functionality.

21. Integrate lighting

Integrating water-resistant LED lighting can breathe new life into your bathroom, saving space and simplifying grooming and cleaning. Today, it’s easier and more affordable to integrate LED lighting into any part of your bathroom, from backlit mirrors and vanities to uplights and recessed fixtures.

22. Seek out sustainability features

As sustainability comes into focus, upgrading bathrooms with more eco-friendly solutions can not only help support the planet but also lower your utility bills. Look for energy-efficient lighting, along with toilets, faucets and showerheads bearing the WaterSense label.

23. Introduce soft textiles

Soft textiles, such as linen, cotton, chenille and bamboo, are excellent additions to any bathroom. Plush towels, curtains, rugs and bath mats — particularly those in warm tones — can help promote a luxurious look and feel.

24. Reclaim and recycle

We’ve all complained that things are made like they used to be, which is why many homeowners today are incorporating reclaimed vanities, mirrors, tiles and wood into their bathrooms. In addition to avoiding waste, recycling old or vintage materials can offer an affordable way to make your bathroom stand out.

Courtesy of Canva

25. Buck the trend!

Following the trend is fun, but do you know what’s better? Bucking the trend, blazing your own trail and choosing any bathroom finishes you love. Take any of the design elements and styles you like, and combine them to make your dream bathroom. 

Leading Lehigh Valley indie joins Coldwell Banker Hearthside

by Marian McPherson | Jun 10, 2025 | Industry, News Feed