According to a recent study, realtors only tell 30% of homebuyers information about their clients, meaning that confidential information could be lost and unfair advantages given to sellers.
"A pending lawsuit in the suburbs of the nation's capital is focusing fresh light on a growing problem: Realty agents are failing to disclose whom they represent in transactions, even where state laws require them to do so in writing at their first substantive meeting with a potential client.
According to new research by the National Association of Realtors, just 30 percent of buyers during 2005 received disclosures about representation from their agents at their first meeting. Nearly half of first-time buyers either received no disclosures anytime during the sales transaction or were unaware of whether they did or did not."
"Clarity about representation is crucial because sellers and buyers often divulge confidential information to agents about their finances, personal circumstances or bargaining strategies that can dramatically affect pricing and negotiations."
FULL STORY: Suit tackles agents who shirk full disclosure
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research