industry

The real estate industry on trial

In 2019, Mike Ketchmark got a call. Mike is a lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri, and his friend, Brandon Boulware, another lawyer, was calling about a case he wanted Mike to get involved with. Mike was an unusual choice - he's a personal injury lawyer, and this was going to be an antitrust case.

But Brandon knew Mike was great in front of a jury. And that he'd won huge settlements for his clients in the past.

So the lawyer friend drops by Mike's office, and pitches him the case. Rhonda and Scott Burnett had just sold their home for $250,000, and out of that amount, they had paid $15,000 in commission (plus a small fee), which was split between two real estate agents - even though they had hired only one. And the commission was high - 6%. Mike's friend said the whole thing seemed... suspicious. Maybe even illegal.

Mike agreed to take the case, a case that would soon become bigger than one about just what had happened to the Burnetts. It would become a fight about the way homes are bought and sold in the U.S. and challenge the way real estate agents have done business for more than 100 years.

This episode was hosted by Amanda Aronczyk and Keith Romer. It was produced by Willa Rubin, edited by Keith Romer, engineered by Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez, and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.

Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+
in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy




industry

New semiconductor pilot program at UCLA prepares community college students for jobs in growing industry

The program is co-led by the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA, the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and Pasadena City College.




industry

How Industry Competition Theory Can Help Fix U.S. Politics

Unhealthy competition is at the root of political dysfunction. A famous business framework can help identify the best ways to fix it.




industry

4 Ways to Advance in Your Industry Without an Internship

Working an internship is good for more than just earning college credit — it's also an opportunity to make valuable connections in your preferred professional field and gain real-life work experience. However, many college students have a tough choice to make ...




industry

Study: Manufacturing Industry Faces Unprecedented Employment Shortfall

Persistent skills shortage could risk $454 billion in economic output In 2028.




industry

Hitachi's Industry Executive Greg Kinsey: Black Belts Can (and Should) Drive the Digital Transformation of Manufacturing

Greg Kinsey, Industry Executive at Hitachi, reveals how creative uses of the DMAIC process with digital transformation are helping factories to unlock the next level of process improvement.




industry

New Noncontact Technologies Meet the Challenges of the Evolving Automotive Industry

The transition from ICE to electric powertrain requires a complete review of the approach to quality and process controls. Some existing checks for ICE find even more extensive applications for the EV sector.




industry

Advancing Precision: Exploring the Impact of Coordinate Measurement Machines in Industry

We will explore the use of CMMs, advancements in technology, and their growing contribution to support leading developments in automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.




industry

Revolutionizing Quality Control: How AI Vision Is Setting New Industry Standards

In a world where AI vision technology is setting new quality control standards across industries, machines can now detect even the smallest defects in car parts and ensure that every packaged product meets health standards.




industry

The Future is Now: The Impact of Industrial Computerized Tomography on the Castings Industry

Are you a manufacturer researching ways to improve and increase productivity, as your cast parts become more complex?




industry

White Paper: Learn about the Transformative Advantages of Wireless Measurement Data Collection for Industry 4.0

Starrett is offering a comprehensive white paper that discusses why traditional approaches to measurement data collection are inefficient and error-prone without the ability to support IoT/ Industry 4.0. 




industry

The Application of Digital Radiography in the Aerospace Industry

Computed radiography, a form of X-ray imaging, has been embraced widely by many major manufacturing companies. Its application is now core for testing within a range of sectors including aerospace, oil and gas, industrial gas turbines, medical implants and prosthetics.




industry

NDT: The Unsung Hero Set for a Starring Role in the Future of Industry

The inspection industry has been critical in ensuring safety in the modern world and will play a key role in the transition to industry 4.0.




industry

Fira Barcelona to Host New 3-D Printing Industry Event

The event will offer solutions to the challenges that 3-D printing poses to the industry.




industry

German Machine Vision Industry Has Doubled in Last 10 Years

Success of the industry again produces record numbers for VISION 2018.




industry

Best Practices for AS9100 Certification in the Aerospace Industry

AS9100, the global quality management standard for aviation, space, and defense, reflects this commitment to excellence. Obtaining AS9100 certification is vital for success in this sector. This guide assists organizations in navigating the certification process, ensuring the implementation of top-quality practices across their systems.




industry

Elevating Aerospace Safety: Uniting Stakeholders for a Safer, More Efficient Aviation Industry

The International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG®) spearheaded a monumental effort twenty-five years ago to establish uniform standards across the aviation, space, and defense industries, aiming to streamline operations while bolstering quality and safety.




industry

Leverage Industry 4.0 to Support a Healthy Organization

Industry 4.0, or Technology 4.0, signifies the shift towards automation, data exchange, and advanced technologies like AI and IoT in manufacturing and beyond. Its value lies in aligning with organizational goals and strategic plans and enhancing employee efficiency, offering a comprehensive approach to modernizing operations across the board.





industry

Medical Devices: Breaking into an Industry

How did I end up working with medical devices? Reflecting on my career, it's been diverse. Three years ago, I was working on protein structure in research labs. I never thought I'd be in the world of quality later on!




industry

AI-Driven Automation is Transforming Manufacturing and Overcoming Key Challenges in the Industry

Advancements in AI and machine learning offer hope to revolutionize industrial automation and tackle modern manufacturing challenges.




industry

Enhancing Quality Management in the Automotive Industry with Digital Twins and Augmented Reality

The automotive industry is innovating to produce safer and more efficient vehicles. Quality standards are vital, as small defects can lead to serious safety issues. Digital twins and augmented reality (AR) are transforming quality management. This article explores their impact and associated challenges.





industry

Industry 4.0 for Apprenticeships, Degree Programs

Global challenges and industrial competitiveness are having an impact on the training and continuous education of skilled workers and students.




industry

Renishaw Receives Industry Partner Award at Davis Technical College Foundation’s Annual Life-Changer Luncheon

Renishaw was recognized for committing its expertise to the CNC Machining program, as well as a host of the company's advanced manufacturing equipment.




industry

Soaring to Success: How Laser Tracker Tech Enhances Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Operations in the Aerospace Industry

Today, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations are a significant sub-industry within manufacturing, valued at $656 billion and projected to exceed $800 billion by 2032. MRO involves maintaining machinery, equipment, and systems in optimal condition through repairs and overhauls to extend their operational life.





industry

Unlocking the Future of Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM): Advanced Controllers and Industry Evolution

Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) play a crucial role in verifying the dimensions of manufactured parts with precision control. CMM controllers are central to coordinating movements and processing data, driving technological advancements in the metrology industry.




industry

The Rise of Industry 4.0 and its Impact on Metrology

These advancements made our factories smarter by enabling systems to communicate with each other, share live data, and make decisions without human intervention. 




industry

BPI Launches a New Industry Professionals Website

After nine months in development, the new BPI Industry Professionals website is live.




industry

HVAC Industry Helps Customers Reach Their ESG Goals

ESG funds are experiencing a record year, as more investors, such as pensions fund managers, are making it a top priority when deciding where to put their money.




industry

'Workiz Unplugged' Podcast Offers Industry Insights

The monthly "Workiz Uplugged" podcast offers insights into how technology, leadership, and innovation are shaping the future of the field-service industry, a press release from Workiz said.




industry

5 Key Strategies for Sustainable Growth in the HVAC Industry

Discover five key pillars that can help an HVAC business thrive.




industry

Tourists Are Demanding Cleaner Air, So What Can the HVAC Industry Do To Help Hotels?

More and more travelers are ranking air quality as an important factor when deciding where to stay — here’s how the HVAC industry can help tip the scales for hotels.




industry

Registration Opens for Boiler Industry Conference

ABMA's Boiler 2024 is scheduled for May 1-3, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado, just outside Denver.




industry

5 HVACR Industry Topics to Put on Your Radar

The HVAC industry is currently primed to utilize and contribute to big tech trends and is gearing up to be on the center stage of global change.




industry

Bridging the Technical Divide in the HVAC Industry

It’s important to keep finding new ways to integrate technology into your daily workflows to increase your company’s efficiency and profitability.




industry

Why Actuators for Connected Industry Run on Brushless DC Motors

The flow control industry has stubbornly clung to pneumatic actuators, specifically in the American market, for decades.




industry

BIM Offers Substantial Benefits for Construction Industry, Says Study

The benefits of building information modeling (BIM) and other technology advancements that allow the exchange of information on design and construction projects, including improving labor productivity and reducing costs for construction companies, are just the beginning of what can be achieved, according to a new study.




industry

Comfort and Efficiency Challenge the Air Movement Industry

Designing a forced-air system for proper air movement and efficiency is a challenge faced by multiple players in the HVAC industry.




industry

COVID-19 Reveals Importance of UV-C in HVAC Industry

Can the type of ultraviolet light known as UV-C light kill the novel coronavirus? Manufacturers are not making that claim … yet.




industry

OEMs: Hospitality Industry Seeks Improved Indoor Air Quality

Responding to increased public awareness of the importance of healthy indoor air quality, the hospitality industry is stepping up its game when it comes to providing guests with fresher, cleaner, and, sometimes, sanitized indoor air.




industry

HVACR Industry Knowledge Offers a Valuable Perspective

The industry touches our lives directly, and an HVACR-literate public would be a boon to it.




industry

The Power of Change in the HVAC Industry

Uncover why change is vital in the HVAC sector and how embracing growth can significantly spark new momentum for your home improvement business.




industry

Smart Tools Are Making HVAC Industry Device Driven

Smart tools continue to grow in the HVACR industry, spurring manufacturers to create connected, digital devices that will make work in the field less manual and more automatic.




industry

Does the HVAC Industry Help People Sleep Better?

Lack of comfort is a highly overlooked reason for poor sleep. Most people don't know that inadequate rest is a leading cause of various medical problems.




industry

Industry Responds to Updated Independent Contractor Rule

ABC argues the rule could end up hurting legitimate contractors in the building trades, who are already strapped for workers.




industry

HVAC Industry Responds To EPA’s HFC Management Rule

In comments to EPA’s proposed rule regarding HFC management, many HVACR stakeholders expressed concern over issues including tracking cylinders, training technicians, and reclaiming refrigerant.




industry

HVAC Industry Victory Against EPA Cylinder Ban 'Official'

“While the recent news is a formality, it makes the victory over these burdensome regulations official."




industry

Mini Splits Continue to Revolutionize the HVAC Industry

While ductless HVAC is not without its flaws, the technology has evolved exponentially to now provide customers with numerous configurations at affordable prices appropriate for nearly every application, which is music to the ears of entrepreneurial contractors.




industry

Geothermal Industry Expects a Boom

The Inflation Reduction Act’s major incentive for the installation of a qualified geothermal system is a 30% federal clean energy credit, which can be used at filing time to offset taxes owed or add to any refund.




industry

Industry Responds as Companies Commit to Battling Climate Change

Corporate America is making pledges to take action against climate change, which is opening up opportunities for HVAC contractors.




industry

Industry Negotiates RTU Efficiency Standards

While many in the industry are pleased the DOE has taken the opportunity to work together to develop its final rule, exactly how much of the working group’s recommendation the regulatory agency will adopt remains to be seen.