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

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont