Equity
Why aren’t there more Black agents in real estate?
Why aren’t there more Black agents in real estate?
02/14/25
Liz Lyster
Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History chooses a theme for Black History Month. This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor, “celebrating the vital roles of Black individuals across all facets of labor, from leadership and innovation to activism and artistry” (asalh.org). This got us thinking, again, about something that’s been on our minds for years: why aren’t there more Black agents in real estate?
Selling
Reap What you Sow: Preparing For the Spring Market
Reap What you Sow: Preparing For the Spring Market
01/28/25
Liz and Ellie Local
Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil has to say, the spring real estate market can begin as early as the day after the Superbowl. If you want to take advantage of the most robust market of the year, now is the time to take steps to prepare.
Real Estate
Looking back to move forward: Reflections on 2024
Looking back to move forward: Reflections on 2024
01/1/25
Liz and Ellie Local
2025 seems like a made-up, futuristic year, and yet here we are! Like many of you, we take stock at the end of the year, looking back on our successes, challenges, and everything in between. This year tested our resilience and creativity. There were big changes in the real estate world and for our team. Following are some of our highlights from 2024. We'd love to hear about yours, too!
Equity
Harvest Season: Abundance and Need
Harvest Season: Abundance and Need
10/18/24
Rebecca Taplin
Fall has arrived, and with it is the idea of “Harvest Season,” bringing to mind images of abundant produce at farm stands and overflowing grocery store aisles (not to mention the ubiquitous Pumpkin Spice in everything from donuts to sausages). Yet, this time of supposed plenty contrasts sharply with the reality that nearly two million people in Massachusetts—about 18% of the population—experience food insecurity. We at Liz & Ellie Local don’t just help people buy and sell houses; we aim to educate people on the issues that affect where we live, too. In a state with so many resources, we feel moved to help our neighbors gain access to healthy and delicious food.
Selling
What Sellers Need to Know About Real Estate Commissions
What Sellers Need to Know About Real Estate Commissions
09/18/24
Liz and Ellie Local
You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. We’d like to address how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you.
Buying
What Buyers Need to Know about Real Estate Commissions
What Buyers Need to Know about Real Estate Commissions
09/18/24
Liz and Ellie Local
You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. We’d like to address how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you.