Rick Hennessey

Forward-thinking brokerages are discovering a powerful revenue strategy while providing enhanced client value: integrating pre-sale home-loan discussions directly into listing presentations. Through platforms like HouseAmp, brokerages with mortgage companies can now underwrite these loans themselves, creating new revenue streams while becoming comprehensive real estate solution providers. The untapped opportunity Most brokerages focus exclusively on selling…

Ask any agent what they need more of, and the answer is almost always the same: leads. But maybe that’s the wrong question. In a market defined by higher rates, selective buyers and hesitant sellers, the real edge doesn’t lie in chasing more leads—it lies in making more of the listings you already have and…

In today’s dynamic real estate landscape, the demand for move-in-ready homes has surged, reflecting a significant shift in buyer preferences. Recent studies from Bright MLS and others indicate that a vast majority of potential buyers, about 77%, are unwilling to consider properties that aren’t move-in ready. This trend underscores the importance for real estate brokerages…

For the most part, the broker has very little control over the listings taken by agents. From an ethical perspective, it would be problematic for a broker or an agent to turn down a listing. The most common compromise of brand versus ethics occurs with luxury brands. It’s odd to see a luxury brand sign…

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped industries and communities. Few fields have been built, enriched and propelled forward by women quite like real estate. For me, this month holds extra meaning because of my mother, who was not only a successful broker, but also a…

In the highly competitive world of real estate, brand reputation and differentiation is everything. As leaders of large brokerage firms, you understand that every home you sell becomes a reflection of your brand—your promise of value, trust and results. Yet, there’s a troubling reality many brokerages face: the sale of homes that are not adequately…

Buying a home in today’s market can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Over the past five years, home prices in many areas have skyrocketed, leaving buyers feeling both anxious and pressured. On one hand, they worry about missing out on further appreciation, leading to a sense of urgency. On the other hand, they fear overpaying,…

Some businesses are built on spreadsheets, profit margins and market trends, but ours was born out of something much deeper: a lesson in helping people. I was introduced to Margaret, and like my mom (a retired real estate agent), she gave her life to her family, and it was her time to ask for help.…

As a real estate broker, you know it’s important to get your clients’ homes sold quickly, for top dollar. One way to do this is to encourage them to fix up their homes before they put them on the market. There are many benefits to doing this. According to studies by the National Association of…

Since inception, the MLS was defined as participating in cooperation and the offer of compensation between brokers. The second half of compensation has been carved away for now. What we have left is cooperation. In my business, I see how cooperation helps consumers daily. There’s an opportunity for MLSs to help seller financing for repairs…