
#140
WELCOME
Weather experts predict there’s an 82% chance we’re in for a hot, hot, hot summer. According to NOAA, this summer is shaping up to be an El Niño season with higher temperatures in hot-zone states like California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Washington. Early data shows an elevated risk for flooding, wind, wildfire, or heavy storm damage in these regions—and insurance premium hikes to follow (more on that below 👇).
Agents want listings, not leads. And one of the biggest sources of just that is your past clients list. But most agents don’t really know how to get new business from old business—and they lack a simple tool to help keep track of it all. That’s why Chris Cook launched Beacon, a platform to help improve communication, showcase your behind-the-scenes work, and drive more repeat business. Find out how the platform works in this interview clip from Glennda’s Guru.
TRACK THE MARKET: Counting the cost of home insurance

New-construction homes may offer buyers more savings than just the warranties and concessions they come with. The same features that reduce repair costs for homeowners also make these properties less risky to insure, which can translate to meaningful premium savings. According to new analysis highlighted by Realtor.com, insurance premiums on newly built homes are significantly lower than on older properties, largely because newer roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, and updated building standards make them less likely to generate claims.
How do the savings stack up?
A newly built home carried an average annual insurance premium of $1,828 in 2025, about 35% lower than a 20-year-old home, for an average savings of $1,002 per year.
Compared with a 40-year-old home—the median age of U.S. housing stock—the premium gap widened to 38%, or about $1,120 in annual savings.
Over the first 10 years of ownership, Realtor.com estimates a buyer could save more than $7,300 in insurance costs alone by choosing new construction over a 20-year-old home, and as much as $32,000 when insurance and maintenance savings are combined.
DIVE IN
The Friday Five
📖 Makin’ moves. See designer Paige Wassel’s latest simple home upgrades—with source links.
👀 Stunning scale. There’s a reason Ken Ungar is known for this incredible design feature.
👀 Backlit bar. See the glowing stone bar room centerpiece in Kevin James’ new Boca Raton mansion.
💡 Go to grad school. Why you should consider your first three years in real estate a college-level education.
💡 10 alternatives to landlording. Creative ways to cash in on real estate that aren’t owning a rental.
WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA
See inside these incredible Old Hollywood homes
In the latest House of Celebs, host Scott takes you through Bing Crosby’s $29M chateau, James Cagney’s $38.5M Beverly Hills compound, and the massive 350-acre Montana ranch featured on the hit TV show Yellowstone—plus Arizona’s most expensive home that just took another major price hit. If you love Old Hollywood homes, behind-the-scenes tours, and real estate news with a little celebrity gossip mixed in, don’t miss this episode.
FEATURED LUXURY LISTING
TIPS & TAKEAWAYS
Invest with the help of a HELOC
A HELOC can give homeowners access to the equity they already have—$300,000 in the case of the average homeowner—which can make it a useful tool for renovations, a second home purchase, or both at once. But because rates are often higher and usually adjustable, the key is using that capital with a clear plan and a clear return. Read The Playbook for more on how HELOCs may work to your advantage if you’re considering a home upgrade or investment.
HANGS & HAPPENINGS
Inman Luxury Connect | San Diego, CA | July 27 - 28, 2026
The industry’s premier event for elite agents and brokers in the luxury space hosts immersive discussions, interactive workshops, top-tier networking events, and a roster of speakers including James Harris, Jason Oppenheim, and Jade Mills.
Tom Ferry’s Success Summit | Anaheim, CA | August 3 - 5, 2026
Among all the real estate conferences 2026 has to offer, none match the scale, energy, or impact of Tom Ferry Summit 2026 — where the industry's most driven agents, team leaders, and brokers converge for three days of cutting-edge strategy and inspiration that turn ambition into action.
Sotheby's International Realty Global Networking Event | San Francisco, CA | October 5 - 8, 2026
The Global Networking Event (GNE) is the brand’s signature event designed for sales associates, managers, and broker/owners. GNE brings the Sotheby’s International Realty community together, giving agents and our network the opportunity to build connections, fuel referrals, and tap into a powerful channel of inspiration and motivation.
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