Dishin' Dirt with Gary Pickren

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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, ch...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cou...

Send us Fan Mail 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 un...

Send us Fan Mail 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 forg...

Send us Fan Mail 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. ...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 addressi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 necessi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 im...

Send us Fan Mail 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. ...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 exa...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 environmen...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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/137...

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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. Addi...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cooperat...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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: • Predic...