24969898 – gavel against the background of the courthouse The real estate industry is no stranger to legal drama—but the latest lawsuit from Compass against Zillow could have far-reaching consequences for MLS policies, private listings, and even consumer access to homes. Compass claims Zillow is using its market power to suppress competition, but industry experts […]
IRS Has a Gift for You: Agents, Get This to Your Prospects
Tax Checklist for Newlyweds Summertime is common time for wedding bells to ring, and newlyweds can make their tax filing easier by doing a few things now. A taxpayer’s marital status as of December 31 determines their tax filing options for the entire year, but that’s not all newlyweds need to know. (I’ve underlined several […]
MORE UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
By Duane Gomer on June 20, 2025 in Communication, Education, Potpourri, Real Estate General, Uncategorized
One of our recent emails about Universal Truths received some appreciated comments, so we’re including a few more. I’d like to start with one of my own. Gomer’s Law: “When beginning a new business or project, have no committee and keep your overhead low and your ego lower.” Akin’s 1st Law: “Engineering is done with […]
NEVER TOO LATE TO KEEP CLOSING
By Duane Gomer on June 18, 2025 in Broker, Education, Ethics, Events, Family, I meet the nicest people, Industry News, Renewals
Many of you readers have closed sales recently. You drive yourself to work daily. As does Mary Wykes. One difference, she is 100 years of age. Hang in there everyone. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/local-realtor-100-years-old-still-closing-deals/3915962
UNIVERSAL TRUTHS
By Duane Gomer on June 12, 2025 in Communication, Data, Myths, Networking, Uncategorized, Vocabulary
What is a universal truth? A prime example is Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” I have always added, “and at the worst possible time.” There were some other universal truths in a recent Roger’s Bacon Substack post. I have listed a few that are interesting to me. In The Grand […]
DRE ALERT! STAY INFORMED Continuing Education (CE) Audit Information
When a student completes one of our renewal courses, they receive a completion notice and instructions on how to print their certificate. Please note: we do not report course completions to the Department of Real Estate (DRE). At the time of license renewal, it is the licensee’s responsibility to certify completion of their continuing education […]
OPEN HOUSES COMING BACK?
By Duane Gomer on June 5, 2025 in Broker, Education, Listing Agreements, Real Estate General, Sales Agent, Uncategorized
When someone new got into real estate years ago, one of the first things they were told was to do open houses on their firm’s listings. Anybody remember these motivators from the past? Tommy Hopkins, Danny Cox, Danielle Kennedy, David Knox, Gary Watts, Daryl Davis, Brian Buffini, Michael Ferry, Noel Seaman, Dennis McKenzie, Richard Robinson, and yours […]
What Do You Want in Real Estate Education?
By Duane Gomer on June 2, 2025 in Broker, Continuing Education, DRE, Education, Licensing, Real Estate Education, Renewals, Research, Sales Agent, Uncategorized
I am thinking of scheduling some educational classes for all real estate professionals, and would love your thoughts on what topics I should present. Basic Property Management How to get started, how to grow your business, and understanding all applicable regulations. Mortgage Loan Originators & Residential Agents: Working Together Strategies for collaboration that drive better […]
My Family’s Legacy of Service: Remembering Uncle Vernard and the WWII Heroes of Wisconsin
My mother had thirteen siblings and my father four. Many of my aunts and uncles (all from Wisconsin) served in the military during WWII, the “war to end all wars”. Their service spanned continents and branches: Glen served in the Infantry across multiple theaters. Clifford fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge. Donald was […]
What Are Wayne Bell and Tricia Parkhurst Doing?
By Duane Gomer on May 22, 2025 in Broker, Communication, Data, DRE, Education, Ethics, I meet the nicest people, Industry News, New Laws, Real Estate Education, Real Estate General, Regulations, Sales Agent
The two Department of Real Estate veterans have formed a new company to assist real estate professionals like you. According to their website (www.reaaca.com), their mission is to provide value-added guidance and support for real estate consumers and licensed professionals. To help you understand how valuable their expertise is, I have included extensive bios for […]