The Real Deal’s February 2024 issue has a compelling cover image: the NAR logo, shattering into pieces.
The cover story looks at the big question of what will happen with the National Association of Realtors following harassment allegations, reports of blackmail, leadership turnover and billion-dollar lawsuits in part by looking to the lobbying group’s past.
In San Francisco, developers aren’t leaving the lobbying to the lobbying organizations. A slow shift away from progressive politicians has motivated some local builders to throw their support behind more moderate politicians. “Enough is enough,” said K. Cyrus Sanandaji, Presidio Bay Ventures founder.
And in South Florida, few laws protect residents in homeowners or condo associations from a common trend that pits them against board lawyers. Homeowners pay dues, then expect that lawyers will work for the greater good. But several recent incidents point to a conflict of interest in which board lawyers seem to be working at the whim of the board members.
Meanwhile, in Texas, nothing stops luxury buyers from shopping for huge ranches adorned with the kind of mansion you’d expect to find on a suburban lane, not out in the range. The brokers selling the ranches are experts in granite countertops, game animals and tax deductions. With each sale they recalibrate the future of land in Texas. Not every luxury ranch that gets sold will stay a ranch, but the ones that do appear irresistible to a certain speed of buyer.
For those stories and much more, check out the issue today!
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