This week’s Download puts together some of the most impactful individual conversations that occurred at Inman Connect New York, plus how-tos to help you do more this spring.
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Last week at Inman Connect New York, some of real estate’s biggest names took the stage to talk about everything from private listings to a national MLS to the peril (and potential) of AI for real estate. Want a complete catch-up? You can find all of the sessions and panels here.
In this week’s Download, I’ve put together some of the most impactful individual conversations that occurred at ICNY, along with follow-ups and related topics. If you weren’t able to be there in person, be sure to check these out to see what the industry’s most forward-focused leaders are saying about its most controversial issues.
Reffkin floats idea for national MLS, says Compass previously declined to make a deal with Zillow
Compass CEO Robert Reffkin kept his sights on NAR, MLSs, which he says are too restrictive, and Zillow in his call for widespread reform of the existing status quo in real estate.
READ: Zillow’s Errol Samuelson hits back at Compass
Brown Harris Stevens CEO: Private listings diminish trust, raise fair housing questions
Bess Freedman said that “we want to continue to do things the right way, even if you’re not making as much money.”
READ: Ryan Serhant: Real estate’s future is SERHANT. vs. Compass — and I’m ready to win
Nykia Wright says NAR is a ‘base camp’ for real estate
The NAR CEO called for keeping the organization at the center of the industry while not competing with brokerages and members.
READ: NAR President: ‘We don’t dictate what’s right and wrong’
While brokerage and association leaders debate, you’re the one with boots on the ground, hoping that this spring market is better than those of the past couple of years. Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of how-tos and great advice to make sure your day-to-day is smoother — and more profitable.
How agents can help their clients become homeowners in 2026
With affordability continuing to challenge first-time buyers, agents can stand out by helping clients think creatively about what’s possible, ERA’s Alex Vidal writes.
AI, robots, real estate: A futurist’s take on what’s coming next
Is AI coming for your job? On this episode of Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered, AI futurist Steve Brown explains the four waves of AI to map out where we really are and explore what’s coming next.
Compete with giants: 5 strategies only indie brokerages can pull off
Troy Palmquist and Lauren Henss break down how the best independent brokerages use speed, brand discipline, and agent-centric operating models to win recruiting and market share.
The Download is a column in which Inman’s Christy Murdock takes a deeper look at the top-read stories of the past week to give you what you’ll need to meet Monday head-on.
Email Christy Murdock
Topics: Compass | leadership | NAR | Robert Reffkin Show Comments Hide Comments Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments Sign me up By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman. Success! Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines. Read Next
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