More changes coming

The real estate industry has seen its fair share of rule changes in the past year, and we are about to see another.

As the FCC announced in December, the rules for real estate cold calls and automated messages will dramatically change on January 27th, based on the new regulations surrounding robotexts, robocalls, and lead generation. 

To prep you for these changes, we’ve put a brief explainer in today’s Foundation Plans below.

Also, a reminder that if you are considering joining Estate Elite, all through January, you can receive a FREE 14-day trial where you get to experience all the many benefits of membership without paying a cent. This is truly a game-changer for anyone who wants to break into the luxury space. You get coaching from some of the top experts, including us! In fact, we’ll be doing a special webinar on January 30th, so we hope you’ll join us.

– James and David

Metro-level home price forecasts for 2025

Zillow and Moody’s tracked 380 metros across the country to see which way home prices are going this year. To see all their predictions broken down by market, click here. Here are the overall numbers they project via ResiClub:

• 193 metros are projected to see home price increases by both forecasting firms 

• For 156 metros, Zillow forecasts a home price increase while Moody’s sees a decline

• For 22 metros, Zillow forecasts a home price decrease and Moody’s sees an increase

• For only 9 metros, both Zillow and Moody’s forecast a home price decline

Our take

Most forecasts focus on national home prices, but metro-level trends tell a more nuanced story. Markets where inventory has returned to pre-pandemic levels have experienced weaker price growth or declines over the past 30 months, whereas markets with tighter inventory have shown stronger growth. In 2025, Midwest and Northeast markets are expected to show the most price resilience, while Gulf markets like New Orleans, Austin, and Punta Gorda are likely to soften. While Zillow is optimistic about Southwest Florida, we find Moody’s too bearish regarding the West Coast. We encourage you to dig into this report to see the trends in your market.

Affluent women are changing luxury real estate

Affluent women are reshaping the face of the luxury real estate market, according to Coldwell Banker’s recent report on the rising power of female homeowners and investors. Here’s what they report:

• By 2030, American women are expected to control much of the $30 trillion in financial assets being passed down by baby boomers, nearly matching the U.S. GDP.

• Women with a net worth of $5 million or more now own 15.2% of the U.S. luxury market

• 47.9% of married survey respondents said men and women have equal power in decision-making for home purchases, while 21% said women have that power 

• Single women outpace single men in homeownership across all 50 states, seeing luxury properties as both lifestyle assets and financial investments.

• These are the amenities women are looking for in their properties: proximity to quality schools, family, and friends; sustainable living features; wellness amenities; enhanced security; community spaces; and flexible floor plans to meet evolving needs.

Our take

This is a trend and opportunity that agents need to act on. By tapping into the unique priorities and preferences of affluent women and tailoring their approach to align with these needs, agents can position themselves as trusted advisors in this lucrative and growing market segment. Exactly how this demographic change is going to affect the luxe market is still up in the air, but one thing is clear: the rising influence of affluent women in luxury real estate is a game-changer no agent can afford to overlook it.

Markets with the highest ROI on home sales

Home sellers made a $122,500 profit on typical sales nationwide in 2024, generating a 53.8% return on investment. That’s according to ATTOM’s “Year-End 2024 U.S. Home Sales Report.” Sellers in higher-priced markets generally enjoyed the greatest returns, with the Northeast, South, and West regions dominating the rankings. 29 of the 30 highest ROIs came from those regions.

Here are the top 5 metros that reaped the highest ROI percentages in 2024:

1. San Jose, CA – 105.8%

2. Knoxville, TN – 94.3%

3. Ocala, FL – 87.1%

4. Seattle, WA – 85.6%

5. Scranton, PA – 85%

Our take

This report is packed with valuable insights. For example, the length of time homeowners are holding onto their properties has reached its highest point since 2000, while cash sales are at their highest level since 2013. The takeaway is clear–even with the dips and valleys, there’s been a housing profit boom for 12 consecutive years. While homeownership may not be the right fit for everyone, the financial rewards can be big for those who do own homes.

The news that just missed the cut

• California’s home insurance crisis is just beginning

• How a new agent closed $17 million in his second year using this simple strategy

• Homebuilders are spending the most on incentives in these states

• How to drive referrals in your business

• Tom Brady is looking to sell his Miami mansion for $150M

Foundation Plans

Advice from James and David to win the day

Lead generation is crucial for any real estate business. This is why it’s important to know that, starting January 27th, the rules for real estate cold calls and automated messages are dramatically changing based on the new regulations surrounding robotexts, robocalls, and lead generation which the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in December. In today’s edition, we’re going to explain the key changes you need to know:

1. Specific written consent for automated communication must be obtained – Beginning January 2025, you must obtain explicit, written consent specific to your business before using autodialers, pre-recorded messages, or AI-powered communication tools. Generic permissions or opt-ins from purchased leads will no longer be acceptable.

2. New compliance standard for lead generator services – If you’re purchasing lead lists, be careful. Lead generators can no longer sell contacts unless the individuals have provided explicit consent for your specific business. Going forward, make sure your lead sources comply with the new rules. Avoid lists labeled with “interested people” without direct, documented consent.

3. New consent revocation rights for consumers – Consumers now have the right to revoke consent through any medium—text, email, or even a verbal request. And here’s the important part: you must honor revocations within 10 business days. Make sure you set up a tracking system to process opt-outs, otherwise you’ll end up paying hefty fees. Fines range from $500 to $1,500 per violation, with a statute of limitations of four years. Non-compliance could get expensive fast.

4. Automated calls and prerecorded messages require written consent – Before you reach out to new prospects with any pre-recorded message or automated call, make sure you get written consent. The tools can’t be used if you don’t secure that first. Stick to manual dialing when reaching out to new prospects first.

5. Tips on getting written consent – Getting written consent is a must now. Here are some tips and strategies you can use:

• Opt-in Forms: Add clear language like, “I agree to receive automated calls or texts from [Your Business].”

• Text Confirmation: Send a manual text asking, “Reply YES to receive updates.”

• Website Pop-Ups: Use prompts like, “Sign up for market updates via automated messages.”

• Closing Packets: Include consent forms in onboarding or closing documents.

• Event Registration: Collect consent through forms at webinars or client events.

We know. It’s a lot to digest. Do whatever you have to do to understand what’s changing and learn how to adapt your business going forward. NAR is hosting a webinar on January 28th going over all of this. We encourage you to attend.

Learn from the Best in Luxury Real Estate!

Elevate your real estate career with Estate Elite! Along with top agents Josh Flagg, Tracy Tutor, and Glennda Baker, get direct coaching from us, James Harris and David Parnes. Gain VIP access to exclusive training courses, live interactive workshops, and a powerful network. Transform your skills in personal branding, marketing, negotiations and much more.

We are offering a FREE 14-day trial where new members of Estate Elite can try out the membership before paying.

Here’s what you’ll gain during your trial:

• Exclusive Access: Join twice-weekly live workshops and Q&A sessions, led by industry-leading top producers.

• Proven Strategies: Build a powerful personal brand that attracts high-net-worth clients.

• Actionable Tools: Learn how to streamline operations, justify your value, and confidently negotiate at the highest levels.

• Industry Insights: Stay ahead of 2025 market trends and evolving conditions.

Gain insider knowledge, industry tools, and direct access to leaders in the field—all in one destination. Don’t just sell luxury—live it, breathe it, and master it with Estate Elite. Try it out. You won’t be disappointed. We really believe that it will elevate your real estate game to the next level.

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Just in Case

Keep the latest industry data in your back pocket with today’s mortgage rates:

It’s hard to believe but by next week we’re one-third of the way through with this quarter! Time is relentless friends. Choose to use it wisely and spend it the way you want. Make sure you’re the one setting the agenda of your life.

Have a wonderful weekend. We’ll see you back here on Tuesday!

– James and David