All bets are off in the world of new-construction home sales, where the relationship between builders and brokers often changes with the strength or weakness of the local market.

To earn a real estate license, future agents must attend a state-approved course. If they pass the class test, they must pass a state test. After that, they are a licensee — but becoming a successful agent is not so simple.

Agent commissions of the future could look much different than they do today, as a Department of Justice investigation into the issue of decoupling buyer and broker commissions continues, class-action lawsuits are advancing and associations and MLSs are adjusting their policies.

A neighborhood has many public assets that combine to determine its desirability to buyers. How do those assets affect home prices — and which ones have the biggest impact?

Real estate agents are developing more sophisticated ways to pass their business on to the next generation and creating ongoing revenue streams for themselves along the way.

Inventory shortages, supply chain disruptions and bidding wars that have pushed prices up to record levels are among the numerous factors that have exacerbated the affordable housing crisis that was already in full swing prior to the pandemic.

For the millions of Americans who move each year, climate risk should be a top consideration.

If ever there were a third rail of residential real estate, it would have to be the topic of crime. But how is it impacting the bottom line now?

Buy, merge or franchise — they’re growth strategies many brokerages are pursuing in an effort to grow their businesses in an increasingly competitive market. But what are the benefits of these approaches, and what are the hurdles?

Check out Houston Agent’s most-read Real Issues features to learn from our expert sources and, overall, to consider the year in retrospect.