In Case You Missed It: January 2019 Real Estate News

By Jessie Trapp, Marketing Coordinator and Tiana Baur, Marketing Manager

2019 started with a bang – and no we don’t just mean fireworks. 31 days in and there’s already more than enough new stories, headlines, and goings on in the industry to keep us preoccupied. But don’t worry, we’re sticking to the top five! Someone has to weed through the noise and we’re more than happy to do it.

Without further ado, here are the top five January 2019 real estate news stories to know ( in case you missed it):

1. Ex Keller Williams CEO writes an open letter

The Keller William’s OG, Gary Keller, announced he’s taking the throne back. The outgoing CEO, John Davis, however had some words and he did not like the speculation around his sudden departure – so he wrote an open letter. In this letter he clarifies that he resigned.

P.S. We’re totally into his open letter concept. You could even say this cool company we know might’ve even started the trend last year. #winkwink

2. Inman Connect NY is in full swing

Inman Connect – this month’s biggest event – is happening right now. Brokerage leaders, techies, real estate agents, and more are all getting their connections on in the Big Apple. Did we mention it’s located in Time Square? Not too shabby.

There’s one very important part of this annual trip that is getting extra attention this year: desserts. To all those attending this event, instead of taking your usual coffee/snack break, how about gelato or mini pies instead? Our mantra: Life’s uncertain, eat dessert first.

3. Swanepoel released its annual T3 Power 200

Swanepoel made a list and they checked it twice. Ron Peltier, the CEO of HomeServices of America got the win, making him “the most powerful and influential person in real estate.” T3 Sixty has eight different criteria when making the list, including, “the office leaders hold, their tenure, the size of the company they lead, its financial resources, their significance and impact on the industry, their company’s activities in the previous year, other activities outside their own company and their personal power and influence.” We’re proud to say many of our clients and partners (and even our CEO) made the list!

4. Major companies are making moves and impacting real estate in a big way

According to our friends at RISMedia, “Now, Google and Apple are hopping onboard the expansion train, promising new jobs outside the West Coast which could attract an influx of relocating talent, possibly putting a strain on the local housing markets.” Along with Amazon, Google (adding 7,000 jobs) and Apple (adding 100 jobs) also have their sights set on NYC. All eyes are on how this will continue to impact the housing markets over there.

5. Taylor Swift x real estate drama?

Taylor Swift found herself in the middle of a Douglas Elliman lawsuit with former real estate agent over her Manhattan townhouse. Long story short: Douglas Elliman claimed the agent was wrongfully left out of the deal. They did not win, instead, the case was thrown out by the judge. Swifties everywhere are hoping this inspires another “Bad Blood” original.

6. York Baur (MoxiWorks’ CEO) Jumped into a lake. In a cloud suit. In January.

Okay, so we may have lied. We’re sticking to six notable new stories this month, but only because our CEO did the POLAR PLUNGE. York jumped into some chilly waters to celebrate the fact that the Moxi Fund absolutely CRUSHED its fundraising goal, releasing more than $17,000 to the charities within our local Seattle community in 2018. Thank you to all of our employees, clients, vendors and partners who donated to the Fund and made this epic moment happen. A bet’s a bet!

There you have it! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for another #ICYMI!