ProPublica’s Post

U.S. Plans to Accuse Software Maker of Enabling Collusion on Rents "The Justice Department is set to file an antitrust suit against the real estate company RealPage alleging illegal price-fixing facilitated by algorithms." In #November, #Attorney #General Brian Schwalb #of #the #District #of #Columbia #sued #RealPage #and #14of #the #largest #landlords #in #the #district, the #first #such #lawsuit #by #a #public #agency."

Brad Inman's recent commentary on the real estate industry's legal challenges raises crucial points about the evolving landscape we all navigate. At EasyDigz, we believe in embracing change while prioritizing transparency and consumer choice. Key takeaways from Inman's post: 1. The potential legal risks associated with Clear Cooperation policies 2. The importance of listening to consumer rights and preferences 3. The need for the industry to adapt to avoid painful legal liabilities While Inman's movie quote, "America is not a country; it's just a business," may seem cynical, it underscores a reality: our industry must balance business interests with ethical practices and consumer needs. At EasyDigz, we're committed to providing solutions that empower real estate professionals to thrive in this changing environment: • Our platform promotes transparency in transactions, aligning with consumer expectations • We offer flexible tools that adapt to evolving industry regulations and practices • Our focus on efficient, clear communication helps agents demonstrate value to clients As we navigate these industry shifts together, EasyDigz stands ready to support real estate professionals in building trust, ensuring compliance, and delivering exceptional value to clients. What are your thoughts on the industry's future? How can we collectively work towards a more transparent, consumer-friendly real estate market? Let's continue this important conversation. #RealEstateInnovation #IndustryAdaptation #ConsumerRights #EasyDigz

Reach out to me now to get your hands on our informative booklet featuring concise overviews of recently enacted California laws. The topics covered include ADUs sold as condominiums, rent security deposits, listing agreements, remote online notarization, and much more. Don't miss out! Contact me today. #realestatelaws #realestatetips #realestatenews #title #escrow #latitle #firstam #firstamerican #firstamericantitle #californiarealestatelaws

In this week's blog, Attorney Jackson Kracht discusses the significant role of estoppel certificates in Florida real estate, focusing on the effects of legislative changes, especially SB-278 and HB-979, and the preparation and fees associated with these certificates. https://lnkd.in/eAJKT96d

The Department of Justice seems to be moving forward with efforts to stem strategies for third-party collusion where competitors subscribe to a common pricing algorithm and without any direct communication enable the third party tool to set their prices. Many are treating this as a wholly new theory, but of course, we call the field anti-trust law instead of competition law precisely because third-party trusts were used over a century ago to enable the same strategy for collusion. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ein69hWR

One of the biggest problems with accusations like this are made is whether or not there is data to support the conclusions that competitors are conspiring to raise prices. One only has to look at the history of control ordinances for mobile home parks in the state of California, as well as a few other states that have them, and read the “findings” upon which the need for the rent control ordinance is based. You will find the same level of accusatory, inflammatory language, but no offer of proof, no studies supporting the accusations of malevolent behavior. Is there a difference between using an algorithm to research and price items offered for sale, as compared to human based research? That may be a question that will need to be answered. But as the accusations and Senator Klobuchar hosting indicate, there has been no effort to support the accusations with any data. #rentcontrol #manufacturedhousing #multifamily #affordablehousing

Read my story for updates on the Top Agent Network vs. NAR case and the issue of the Clear Cooperation policy.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has responded to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) request for a rehearing with a firm stance: "Not warranted." This development marks a significant moment in our industry, underscoring the ongoing scrutiny and regulatory focus on real estate practices. As real estate professionals, it's crucial to stay informed about these legal proceedings, as they have the potential to reshape certain aspects of our operations and standards. Transparency, fairness, and consumer protection remain at the forefront of these discussions. From my perspective as an everyday real estate broker in Mason, OH, it’s essential that the attorneys and regulators involved hear from those of us on the front lines. Our experiences, insights, and challenges can provide valuable context and ensure that any changes or regulations reflect the realities of our industry. Let's continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service in our work, ensuring that we are not only compliant but also leaders in fostering trust and excellence in the real estate market. #RealEstate #NAR #DOJ #IndustryNews #RealEstateLaw #ProfessionalStandards #Transparency #ConsumerProtection #VanessaLenoir

A summer gift from the Commission: How much difference can there really be between exclusionary effects and anti-competitive foreclosure? One of the (many) questions posed by the Commission’s draft guidelines on Article 102. Our short piece explores how the guidelines propose to treat the assessment of anti-competitive effects. Much to ponder on the sun lounger.

During my last 3 years as an onsite asset director, I relied heavily on algorithmic software to increase NOI quarter after quarter. I found that that integrating technology and property management optimized my property’s overall performance. In my experience algorithms that analyze market trends, optimize pricing strategies, and identify operational efficiencies, along with great work ethic and leadership always lead to increased profit. Needless to say I’m a firm believer that the strategic use of technology and analytics position properties to adapt to market changes effectively and maximize the financial performance of assets. It will be interesting to see how this effects the multifamily industry. What changes do you see coming? #multifamily #multihousing #realestate #azrealestate