Brad Inman hosted an interesting webinar just a few days ago on the Best Broker Business Model. Participants were Glen Kelman, Redfin; Sam DeBord, real estate writer and broker; Ben Kinney, Keller Williams; OB Jacobi, Windermere; and Vikram Deol, Coldwell Banker Danforth. Gelman, Kinney and Jacobi were the most interesting, from my point of view. The emphasis on the consumer was refreshing, and it was a very well spent hour.

Toll Brothers is offering a ‘Fly and Buy’ program for potential buyers traveling to a new town. In some cases, consumers get to try out a new home in one of their communities. At the least, Toll will reimburse for travel expenses and help the buyer find a nearby hotel. The travel costs can be applied to the purchase contract, if the customer decides to buy. Kelly Moldstad, division president for Toll Brothers Seattle, said they would offer this program for homebuyers visiting any of the company’s 18 Puget Sound communities. This is a very resourceful program.

SKCAR hosted their annual Battle of the Barristers a few weeks ago, and it was the largest attendance ever. The Barristers in this 3 clock-hour course/event were moderator Mike Spence, Helsell Fetterman; Lars Neste, Demco Law Firm; Chris Osborn, Foster Pepper; Annie Fitzsimmons, Washington REALTORS®; and Doug Tingvall, Attorney at Law. Some of the big – and fun – parts included non-refundable earnest money agreements (is there really such a thing?), Form 17 disclosure agreements (there’s a modification coming July 25th), CC&R’s, Internet advertising, and drones! Over 300 in attendance, with proceeds to a worthy scholarship fund. The crowd loves it when they bash each other a little.