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

Aftershocks from the pandemic have rocked developers with new hurdles to breaking ground on residential properties. The main culprits: a shortage of skilled labor, skyrocketing costs of building materials and a disrupted supply chain.

Some supply-chain issues and price shocks have calmed in recent weeks. But the price volatility of core construction materials remains unsettling for builders trying to set their budgets.

The simplest way to maintain a good reputation and stay on the right side of the law is to trust your gut and consider how you’d want your own family members to be treated in a real estate transaction.

Can agents fairly represent both parties in a deal?

Taking proactive steps to deal with negative online reviews is essential for real estate agents. Here are some recommendations from the experts.

Homebuyers lucky enough to win a bidding war for a property are increasingly running headlong into appraisals that don’t match — or even come close to — the agreed sales price, leaving them with limited ways to close the sale.

A market with limited inventory and swarms of buyers can be stressful for everybody. But it’s especially challenging for first-time homebuyers — and their agents. From Houston to Chicago, from Miami to Boston, agents are relying on creativity, hustle and candid conversations to help get their entry-level buyers over the threshold of their first home.

Low barrier to entry: It’s one of the best things about the real estate industry — and also one of the worst.

Getting started is easy; moving forward is hard, particularly for Black agents

If Realtors, lenders and homebuyers are the stars of the real estate show, Fannie and Freddie are the unseen producers who bankroll the production from backstage.