WELCOME

Consider this your semi-annual reminder: Data breaches can hit the best of us. Over 100,000 agents were recently affected by a massive data breach that hit several of the largest MLS platforms, leaking private client info, agent credentials, internal communications, and more. And while there isn’t much individual agents can do to keep hackers away from these platforms, you can limit the fallout by practicing smart tech security on your support tools. 

That means using unique passwords for every system, turning on two-factor authentication, and making sure your team and clients know how to spot phishing attempts before the hackers get in. When one security mistake can cost you a deal—or worse—every security step you take makes a difference.

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS: Today’s Top Podcast Rec 🔊

Chad Carroll, one of Miami’s biggest agents representing incredible multi-million-dollar homes like waterfront estates and panoramic penthouses, first got into real estate in 2008—a year some would say was the worst time to start your career. But for Chad, starting off in a down market (not too different from today’s sales pace!) actually gave him a huge advantage that’s still paying off. Catch Chad’s full interview on Glennda’s Guru to learn how he used a sluggish market to make inroads, why he invests more into his listings than most agents, and how he’s continuing to master Miami’s ultra-luxe niche.

TRACK THE MARKET: Zillow Accused…. Again

Zillow is back in legal hot water, this time facing a billion-dollar lawsuit from CoStar Group, the parent company of rival platform Homes.com. The suit, which was filed on Wednesday, alleges Zillow has been illegally using over 46,000 rental listing photos owned by CoStar, many of which were altered to obscure CoStar’s watermarks. These images have appeared not just on Zillow’s platform, but across every platform Zillow owns or partners with, including Apartments.com, Trulia, HotPads, Redfin, and Realtor.com. 

CoStar considers this copyright case one of the largest in image infringement history, though it’s not the first time Zillow has faced copyright infringement claims. Back in 2022, it was ordered to pay another real estate photography company nearly $2M for similar violations. This lawsuit, plus Zillow’s pending suit with Compass over listing access policies, shows just how much the friction is growing between major industry players. 

If the suit succeeds or pressures platforms to pull down listing images they don’t directly own, prepare to see some disruption to how rental listings appear online—or tighter restrictions on which photos can be used when and where to market your properties.

DIVE IN

The Friday Five

📖 Merch drop. If you’re in LA, check out Paige Wassel’s first merch drop—a curated mix of stylish vintage. 

👀 Love Island. See inside Sa Vinyassa, the vibrantly decorated set of Love Island UK, Season 12.

👀 Celeb secrets. Hang out with Alexia Umansky and Alexa Kort as they spill secrets and show off an incredible Beverly Hills mansion. 

💡 Reality check. Send this to your sellers who just won’t take your advice on price 😉

💡 The Whitman. Go BTS with Eleonora Srugo to find out why this is one of Manhattan’s most coveted and unique penthouse listings.

Estate Elite 90-Day Challenge

A lot of agents have been asking: What will I get out of the Estate Elite 90-Day Challenge to Your First Million-Dollar Listing?

We think James Harris said it best—a self-sustaining business infrastructure that helps you get time back, scale faster, and develop a solid pipeline of leads that keep you consistently busy. 

If you’re looking to scale this summer, this 90-Day Challenge is your chance to get coached by top agents like James Harris, David Parnes, Josh Flagg, and more, all built on proven lead generation strategies, a powerful agent network, and simple strategies that work in the background. 

To get your first 30 days free, tap here and join now.

WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA

Over the past year, international buyers have poured over $56B into US real estate—and the majority of that investment ended up in Florida. What does that mean for agents, US-based buyers, and the market as a whole? Catch Jeffrey St. Arronmand’s hot take on this episode of Let’s Get to the Point, plus a breakdown of where those buyers are coming from, and what they’re looking for when they shop here.

FEATURED LUXURY LISTING

TIPS & TAKEAWAYS

Quote of the week

“Market uncertainty is real estate’s way of separating the agents from the amateurs.” – Glennda Baker

When it feels like nothing’s going your way, remember Glennda’s words of wisdom. If you stick with it, keep pushing, and don’t lose focus, the competition will fall away—and you’ll be the agent ready and waiting to pick up the leads they leave behind.

HANGS & HAPPENINGS

RE/MAX Broker Owner Conference | Washington, DC | August 3 – 5. Connect with RE/MAX leaders and fellow broker-owners for three days of strategy sessions, networking, and fresh ideas to drive brokerage growth and your team’s success.

Tom Ferry Success Summit | Dallas, TX | August 26 – 28. Join thousands of top-producing agents for Tom Ferry’s signature event, packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and high-energy coaching.

Before we go…

• Share. Forward this newsletter to another real estate pro. It only takes three clicks.

• Connect. Say 👋 on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

ESTATE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

📣WANT TO REACH 100K+ REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS RIGHT IN THEIR INBOX?

Promote your brand with Estate Weekly and get noticed by the leading professionals in the real estate industry. Our subscribers include high-income decision-makers, investors, and key players in the real estate sector. For more information, please email partnerships@estatemedia.co.