Send us a text Whether you know it or not, you are using AI every day in your real estate practice. So today I will examine the increasing role of AI in real estate but also examine the legal and ethical implications that comes with its use. Everyone should be embracing this technology like we did with the internet in the 90s and social media in the 2010s. But we also need to understand that the SC Real Estate Commission has already issued a guidance letter about legal problems that can arise th...
Jun 26, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 228
Send us a text The 'Pig Butchering' real estate scams to the Form 610, this podcast has it all. Today I educate you about the new real estate scam targeting agents as well as discuss why you should use a Form 610 on every transaction. And as a bonus, I will discuss if we are turning into a buyer's market and what they could mean for your business this summer. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expr...
Jun 19, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 227
Send us a text Shifting gears this week. I wanted a more upbeat episode after discussing legal matters for so many weeks. This week my guest is Rick Torrison who discusses the importance of mindset in the real estate industry. He explores the risks associated with being a real estate agent, the impact of limiting beliefs, and how to overcome them. Rick emphasizes the need for self-evaluation, challenging norms, and making positive declarations to achieve success. The conversation highlights the ...
Jun 12, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 226
Send us a text Real estate agents are constantly under attack. One of the most common risks agents face is when something breaks in the house post-closing. Too many lawyers and buyers think the listing agent knew every possible defect that could have existed in the house. Currently, there are three major defenses that can be used when agents are sued. Today, I will highlight two significant court cases, McLaughlin vs. Williams and Isaac vs. Kopchinski , as well as the existing statutory protecti...
Jun 05, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 226
Send us a text In this episode I discuss the legality and ethics of including real estate commissions in contracts. I will clarify misconceptions surrounding commission payments, emphasizing that it is not illegal or unethical to include them in contracts. I also highlight the changes brought about by the Sitzer settlement, which affects how buyer agents are compensated. The conversation will underscore the fiduciary duty agents have to their clients and the importance of clear communication reg...
May 29, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 225
Send us a text South Carolina REALTORs Association has issued new compensation forms with not one but two Form 120s and updated agency agreements in Form 130, 135 and 136. Today I examine those changes and what they mean for you. Also, a new study by the Federal Reserve shines light on whether or not commissions have gone up or down since implementation of the Sitzer settlement. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissione...
May 22, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 224
Send us a text We are heading fast into the summer selling season. So today I am going to provide you a comprehensive analysis of the South Carolina real estate market. I will discuss various regions including Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Spartanburg, Sumter, and Columbia, highlighting trends in sales, inventory, and pricing. Also, an important update. Blair Cato has added its 9th Office in SC. We are opening in Sumter in Hardee Cove on June 1, 2025! Come see us for a Sumter closing. Don't forget t...
May 15, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 223
Send us a text Summer Goralik is a compliance expert in the real estate industry. Summer and I discuss the importance of empowering investigators and regulators in the real estate industry, the proactive approach needed by real estate commissions, and the complexities surrounding private listings and fiduciary duties. We also discuss the recent challenges facing the industry, including the NAR settlement, broker compensation issues, and the impact of private listing networks. The conversation em...
May 08, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 222
Send us a text A MAJOR VICTORY FOR ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS!! Today we discuss a significant ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court that protects real estate agents from liability under the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act. The ruling states that there is no private cause of action against real estate agents under the Act allowing buyers to sue agents for the false or misleading statements of the Seller. This ruling shifts the responsibility solely to property owner...
May 01, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 221
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I discuss the recent controversies surrounding Private Listing Networks (PLNs) in the real estate industry. I examine the negative implications of PLNs on market transparency and consumer choice, while showing how the PLN primarily serve brokerage interests rather than those of sellers. Plus, breaking bad news from Britian that needs addressing immediately. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate C...
Apr 24, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 220
Send us a text In this episode, I discuss the importance of re-educating sellers in the real estate market, especially in light of recent changes concerning commission and the prevalence of fraud. I emphasize the need for real estate agents to redefine their roles, educate clients about fraud prevention, and effectively communicate compensation structures. The conversation highlights the necessity of updating listing presentations post Sitzer/Burnette to include these critical topics, ensuring t...
Apr 10, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 219
Send us a text We can't seem to get out of our own way. We want to continue to do the things that got NAR and your Brokerage sued. We continue to do workarounds on compensation and try to steer sellers into giving more comp through Broker to Broker compensation. We need to change how commissions are handled. Stop doing the workarounds that could lead to legal trouble and understand the implications of steering in real estate transactions. The potential for future lawsuits is real if the industry...
Apr 03, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 219
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I answer the question as to whether or not you can still accept a seller bonus following the Sitzer/Burnett settlement. I will provide insight on the legality and realities of bonuses in real estate transactions, emphasizing the importance of written agreements and the business justification rule for any amendments to compensation agreements. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a ...
Mar 27, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 218
Send us a text Today I discuss the critical topic of agency in real estate, focusing on the interference with agency agreements and its implications for agents and consumers under the law. The conversation centers on the legal obligations of agents, the consequences of interfering with agency during brokerage transitions, and the responsibilities of builder agents. Additionally, I give another short update on a new Clear Cooperation Policy proponent and emphasize how CCP in relation to agency la...
Mar 20, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 217
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I discuss two issues. First, one of the lawyers from Sitzer/Burnette has stated publicly that he is coming for your JV agreements and any brokerage that encourages or compensation agents or brokers for pushing their ancillary products such as mortgage, title and insurance. It is past time to take heed of this significant risk. Secondly, I examine the emergence of the American Real Estate Association (AREA) following the Sitzer/Burnett case. I evalu...
Mar 13, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 216
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, Carl Medford and I discuss the current state of the real estate industry, focusing on the contentious issue of "Days on Market" and its implications for transparency and consumer protection. We explore the impact of recent lawsuits, the role of commissions, and the necessity of maintaining clear cooperation policies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fiduciary duties and the need for integrity in real estate transactions, while also pre...
Mar 06, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 215
Send us a text In part 2 of my conversation with Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, we discuss if the current real estate model is broken beyond repair. We also discuss Clear Cooperation Policy, broker-to-broker compensation and a lot of other challenges facing agents today. Leo shares insights on the challenges faced by agents and the importance of maintaining a cooperative real estate environment to ensure consumer protection and market efficiency. The conversation delves into the impact of recent...
Feb 27, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 214
Send us a text In this episode, I interview Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, discussing the current state of the real estate market following significant changes in compensation models and the implications of the Clear Cooperation Policy. Leo shares insights on the challenges faced by agents and the importance of maintaining a cooperative real estate environment to ensure consumer protection and market efficiency. The conversation delves into the impact of recent settlements on the industry and th...
Feb 20, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 213
Send us a text PART TWO of my interview James Dwiggins, CEO of Next Home Realty. We continue this interview looking at the current threats facing real estate agents, the changing role of REALTORs, and the impact of technology on the industry. We will spend a good part of the show discussing Broker to Broker compensation. For last week's episode click here. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1378912/episodes/16555625 Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Esta...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 212
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I interview James Dwiggins, CEO of Next Home Realty, discussing the evolution of the real estate industry, the outspoken nature of leadership, and the importance of clear cooperation policies. Dwiggins shares insights on the current threats facing real estate agents, the changing role of REALTORs, and the impact of technology on the industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and consumer protection in real estate practices, as ...
Feb 06, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 211
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I discuss two critical issues in the real estate industry: the urgent need to eliminate broker-to-broker compensation and the alarming rise of the Green Mirage scam targeting homeowners. I address the legal risks associated with broker compensation and advocate for a more transparent commission structure that prioritizes client interests. Additionally, we discuss the Green Mirage scam which involves fraudsters impersonating mortgage lenders to stea...
Jan 30, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 210
Send us a text In this SPECIAL EDITION of Dishin' Dirt, I welcome Nick Kremydas, CEO of the South Carolina Realtors Association, to discuss the upcoming ATI exemption filing deadline and the importance of advocacy in the real estate industry. We delve into the NAR Advocacy Week, the significance of the ATI exemption for property owners, and the role of REALTORS in navigating tax issues for their clients. The conversation emphasizes the need for REALTORS to stay informed and proactive in advocati...
Jan 27, 2025•12 min•Season 4Ep. 209
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I discuss the Top 10 predictions for changes to the real estate market in 2025, including the future of clear cooperation, changes in broker compensation, and the importance of REALTOR Association. He also touches on the impact of TikTok and AI in real estate, as well as some fun sports predictions for the year ahead. T akeaways Clear cooperation will survive despite challenges. Broker to broker compensation is likely to end soon. The real estate m...
Jan 23, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 208
Send us a text In this episode of Dishin' Dirt, I discuss the Top 10 Real Estate Stories of 2024, including the significant Sitzer/Burnette settlement, the impact of fluctuating interest rates, ongoing challenges faced by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), and changes in broker compensation structures. The episode also covers updates from the Real Estate Commission, new regulations on wholesaling, and the growing popularity of South Carolina as a relocation destination. Additionally, I ...
Jan 16, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 207
Send us a text What are the so-called experts predicting for the housing market in 2025? Today, I will shed light on the anticipated changes in home sales, mortgage rates, and inventory. Join me as I dive into the expert opinions and trends that will impact homeownership, providing valuable insights for real estate professionals and aspiring buyers alike. Some key points I will discuss: • Predictions point to a potential increase in home sales ranging from 2% to 12% • Mortgage rates forecasted t...
Jan 09, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 206
Send us a text We have a special announcement for our dedicated listeners. For perhaps the first time ever, Blair Cato has created a new program for Spanish first language clients that will allow the client to speak Spanish with the law firm from contract to the closing! Most Spanish speaking consumers only get Spanish communications at closing through a translator or an attorney who knows a little Spanish. Blair Cato wants the communications to be from beginning to end. You and your clients can...
Jan 07, 2025•9 min•Season 4Ep. 206
Send us a text We close out another year and begin a new in 2025. But before we do so let's review the year that was 2024 in real estate. I am going to look back at what the so-called experts said would happen in real estate in 2024 and then discuss what actually did happen. I will look at interest rates, inventory, prices and much more. GET YOUR REAL ESTATE SUCCESS SUMMIT 2025 TICKET HERE! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1118986592019?aff=oddtdtcreator Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * ...
Jan 02, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 205
Send us a text Sitzer/Burnett was not the end of the legal threats to the real estate profession. In 2025 real estate licensees will face other threats that could derail and upend the industry and the way you practice. Today I examine what former Dishin' Dirt guests, Darryl Davis and Carl Medford, think are the biggest issues legal issue and threats that real estate agents are facing. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commi...
Dec 19, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 204
Send us a text We continue to walk through the ever-changing landscape of the so called "Touring Agreement" with updates on Ketchmark's and the DOJ's comments to the court and what they could mean for the future of executing the agreement before showing a house. Plus, additional updates on FINCIN and Wholesaling. Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not neces...
Dec 12, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 203
Send us a text So you thought all your worries and risk for anti-trust issues were resolved by the Settlement. Well, think again. The DOJ is now saying the Touring Agreement is anti-trust yet Ketchmark says if you don't do one, he will come for you. What do you do now? And that is not all, five new terms about the settlement just got released. All your workarounds are now against the settlement! Don't forget to like us and share us! Gary * Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission...
Dec 05, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 202
