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Subject to Scrutiny
Now local MLSs have the power
#114
WELCOME
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live inside a Disney movie (and you don’t mind a hefty HOA) good news: residents are officially moving into Cotino, Disney’s first Storyliving community in California.
When completed, the expansive community is expected to include nearly 2,000 million-dollar+ homes, a 24-acre lagoon, and an $11,000-a-year creativity club curated by Imagineers. There are even plans for a 55+ neighborhood built around a giant community table inspired by Walt’s love of starting friendships over breakfast.
The phase one success of this growing community is proof that especially in real estate buyers will pay big for a nice home with a great story.
One of the questions David Parnes gets asked the most is how he balances real estate—which is a 24/7 career—with his family and personal life. As his kids get older, having time where he’s fully present to the moment is more important than ever. In this clip from Rise Above the Ranks, David opens up about how he structures his evening hours around family dinner, playtime with his kids, and quality time with his wife—while still getting the deals done. If you’re still navigating the work-life balance, give yourself five minutes to catch these time-smart tips, plus the one email David will never delegate.
TRACK THE MARKET: New Rules for Local MLSs
Earlier this week the National Association of Realtors officially repealed 18 long-standing MLS policies. The decision effectively shifts power away from NAR back to local MLSs, which ends a decade of nationwide uniformity and puts individual MLSs in charge of their markets again. Decisions that were once standard across the country, like access rules, membership requirements, and private listings policies, will now be determined independently, market by market. By stepping back from its overarching policies, NAR reduces its liability—and puts it squarely on your local MLS.
For brokerages and teams working in multiple markets, this shift means MLSs are about to feel less predictable. Rules, onboarding requirements, and even fee systems and listing policies could now vary from region to region, depending on each local MLSs leadership and philosophies. In short, with MLSs in full control, each will create its own expectations, which makes it more important than ever to keep up with the latest rules governing the markets you work in.
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DIVE IN
The Friday Five
📖 Staying motivated. Glennda’s advice for overcoming the winter blues and making Q4 the best one of your year.
👀 Giving back Greybull. Kanye sold his Wyoming ranch—and you’ll never guess who bought it.
👀 Co-star drama. Josh and Tracy agree… This person was their most annoying co-star on MDLLA.
💡 Buying boost. This data shows mortgage applications and purchases are surging.
💡 Love of luxury. Why this niche market is well-insulated from the factors agents can’t control.
WHAT’S NEW FROM ESTATE MEDIA
Real talk about reality TV
Is reality TV a launching pad—or a death sentance—for real estate careers? Today names like Ryan Serhant and Jason Oppenheim are household names, and the TV shows behind them seem to be a big part of their success stories. If you’ve ever wondered whether landing a spot on a major reality real estate show like Million Dollar Listing, Owning Manhattan, or Selling Sunset is the massive business booster it appears to be, this honest conversation with Owning Manhattan cast member Jeffrey St. Arromand is a must-watch for you. Hint: it takes a lot more skills to do real estate than you see on the screen!
FEATURED LUXURY LISTING
TIPS & TAKEAWAYS
The 80/20 Rule
To get the most out of your career, you have to focus your energy on the handful of tasks that give you the greatest results. That doesn’t mean ignoring all the other tasks, but it does reveal exactly what should be delegated—and what deserves your best attention.
Tap here for a quick refresher on the 80/20 focus rule and how it keeps you in front of the right buyers and sellers.
HANGS & HAPPENINGS
Inman Connect | New York City, NY | February 3 - 5, 2026
The biggest names in real estate share their secrets to success with our attendees in curated sessions that will equip you with the skills to level up.
Before we go…
ESTATE RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
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