TRUE VIEW: What the FARE Act Really Means for NYC Renters — and the Rental Market at Large

The FARE Act — which took effect in NYC this week — is being touted as a big win for renters. But as with most policies aimed at simplifying or reducing cost in our city, the real impact is far more nuanced.

For years, hiring a real estate agent for a rental in NYC was about convenience, expertise, and saving time. In a city where thousands of listings turn over weekly, a seasoned agent could mean the difference between landing your dream apartment and missing it entirely. Yes, it’s expensive — like most things in New York — but for many, the tradeoff was worth it. Renters paid brokers to gain access to opportunities, to navigate opaque approval processes, and to manage the high-stakes, high-speed rental market without burning out or missing work.

Enter the FARE Act, which shifts the responsibility for broker fees from tenants to landlords — at least in cases where the broker was hired by the landlord. The intention is clear: make renting more affordable in a city where affordability feels increasingly out of reach. But within 24 hours of the law’s enforcement, we saw the first of what is likely to be many unintended consequences: rents started going up.

Why? Because landlords, now responsible for footing the broker bill in most cases, are passing that cost directly to tenants in the form of higher rent. In many cases, the increase exceeds the typical one-time broker fee amortized over the lease term. We are essentially reshuffling the cost burden, not eliminating it. More importantly, this shift has implications for access and transparency. If landlords are now the default client of the broker, who is representing the renter? Agents may become less incentivized to assist renters who aren't connected to a landlord, or worse — renters may find themselves without advocacy in a complex transaction. We could also see more unlisted apartments, exclusive off-market deals, or more opaque marketing strategies, reducing access and visibility for the very people the law is meant to protect.

I believe in real talk: Renting in NYC was never cheap — and likely never will be. But agents always played a role in making it manageable. The FARE Act aims to address affordability, but in execution, may undermine access, transparency, and representation.

It’s still early days, and we’ll be watching closely. But renters should be aware: this isn’t about skipping the broker’s fee — it’s about where the cost hides next.

Reset & Refocus: How Agents Can Finish 2025 Strong Without Losing Sight of Their Goals

It’s late May—but it’s not halftime yet.

There’s still time to pause, assess, and realign with the goals you set back in January. This is a pivotal time for all of us in NYC real estate. The business moves fast. The market is unpredictable. And it's easy to slip into reactive mode. But before the summer distractions pull you further off course, ask yourself: Am I still focused on what matters most?

Here’s how to reset with purpose:

1. Revisit your 2025 goals. Don’t just look at the numbers. Reconnect with the *why* behind them. What did you hope to build this year—and are you still moving toward it?

2. Acknowledge the market—but don’t let it control your focus. Rates are high. Inventory is tight. Clients are hesitant. But consistent effort still wins. Stay disciplined.

3. Take control of your weekly routine. If your calendar isn’t aligned with your goals, neither is your business. Block time for lead gen, follow-up, prep, and strategic thinking. Every hour matters.

4. Use data, not emotion. - Check your activity. Know your conversion rates. Adjust based on what’s working—not just how you feel.

5. Recommit to accountability. Whether it’s a coach, a partner, or a trusted colleague—don’t go it alone. Support breeds consistency.

This isn’t halftime yet—but it’s the perfect time to refocus. Don’t wait until Q3 to scramble. Get back to center now, so you can finish 2025 strong—with intention, not burnout. The market may be out of your control. Your focus isn’t.

How are you resetting for the second half of the year?

Your Brand, Your Success: Finding the Right Fit

In NYC real estate, success isn’t just about skill—it’s about alignment. Alignment with your goals, your clients, and most importantly, the brand you represent.

Too often, agents overlook this. They stay where they’ve always been or jump at the biggest offer, without asking: Do I feel supported and aligned with this company’s values, culture, and leadership?

If the answer is no, it may be time to reassess.

Energy Drives Results

In this city, energy matters. When you love where you work, that energy radiates. Your clients feel it. Your confidence grows. You show up stronger, more consistent, and more motivated.

But when you're disconnected from your brand, it’s hard to stay inspired—and that eventually impacts your business.

Support Isn’t Optional

Top agents aren’t doing it alone. Real support—whether through leadership, resources, mentorship, or marketing—creates momentum. It empowers you to take risks, grow your business, and navigate challenges.

Support also means being seen and valued—not just for what you produce, but for who you are.

The Right Fit Matters

There’s no universal “best” brokerage—only the best fit for you. Ask yourself:

• Does the leadership inspire and invest in you?

• Are your values aligned with the brand?

• Do you feel energized, understood, and supported?
  
  

When those answers are yes, the work becomes easier—and success becomes sustainable.

Don’t Settle

Too many agents settle out of habit or fear of change. But staying in the wrong place is a bigger risk. Your brand is a reflection of you. It should enhance—not dilute—your strengths.

Let’s Talk

If you’re questioning whether you’re in the right place—or curious what a better fit might look like—let’s have a confidential conversation.

I specialize in helping agents find the environments where they can truly thrive. I pride myself on making the right connections, even if that match leads you elsewhere. This is a small industry, and it’s about empowering you to carve your own best path forward.

You deserve to love where you work.

Stand Tall or Step Aside- Real Estate’s New Rules Reward Those Who Know Their Worth

In today’s rapidly shifting residential real estate market, one thing is becoming clearer than ever: agents who truly know their value — and can articulate it — are the ones who will thrive.

Over the past year, the industry has seen some monumental changes that are reshaping how agents do business. Understanding these shifts — and positioning yourself within them — is critical.

First, Private Exclusives are taking center stage on a national level.  What was once a niche offering in select luxury markets has now become a major strategic conversation across the country.  Some brokerages promote Private Exclusives as a way to offer sellers discretion, control, and access to a curated network.  Others argue that they limit market exposure and potentially diminish seller value.  As this battle plays out, agents must be prepared to educate clients on the advantages and trade-offs of Private Exclusives, while remaining focused on what serves each client’s best interest.  In a world where access, trust, and transparency matter more than ever, relationships and reputation will define success.

Next, in New York City, the proposed FARE Act continues to generate conversation.  This legislation seeks to shift the financial responsibility of broker commissions from renters to landlords — challenging long-standing industry norms.  It’s a clear reminder that agents must be adept not only at navigating transactions but also at explaining and defending their professional value.  In a tightening market, clients will not only expect results — they will demand clarity on why your services are worth the investment.

Finally, the rollout of buyer agreements is changing how agents engage with clients from day one. Agents are now required to have a signed agreement before formally working with a buyer, ending the era of informal loyalty.  While this feels like a seismic shift in NYC, it’s important to recognize that many markets across the country have been operating successfully with formalized buyer agreements for quite some time.  This shift simply brings New York into alignment with national best practices — practices that elevate professionalism, set clear expectations, and strengthen agent-client relationships.  Your first meeting with a buyer is no longer just an introduction — it's an opportunity to present yourself as an irreplaceable part of the buyer’s success.  Agents who are confident, prepared, and able to demonstrate tangible value will secure loyalty faster and more consistently than ever before.

These changes may feel disruptive to some, but they present incredible opportunities for those who are prepared.

Here’s the truth: the agents who are experienced, confident, and dedicated to their craft will not only survive — they will lead.

How can you position yourself for success in this evolving landscape?

• Know Your Value, Then Own It.
  You are not just opening doors. You are an advisor, a negotiator, a strategist, and a protector of your client’s interests. Be able to articulate the services you provide and the outcomes you deliver — with confidence.

• Educate, Don’t Just Sell.
  Especially with Private Exclusives, the FARE Act, and buyer agreements, clients may have questions or misconceptions. Be the professional who calmly, knowledgeably explains the new rules of the game — and how you help them win.

• Operate with Full Transparency.
  Whether you’re presenting a Private Exclusive opportunity or outlining the terms of a buyer agreement, the agents who lead with clarity and honesty will build the deepest trust — and earn the most loyal clients.

• Double Down on Relationships.
  Real estate has always been a relationship business, but now it’s more critical than ever. Clients will align with agents they respect, who deliver value consistently, and who 

The way I see it, confidence isn’t built overnight — it’s earned through preparation, self-awareness, and staying committed to growing your craft.  Right now, our industry isn’t just changing — it’s challenging us to step up.  Agents who truly know their value, and can communicate it clearly and authentically, are going to be the ones who lead the way.  This isn’t something to be intimidated by — it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to sharpen your skills, to deepen your relationships, and to show up in a way that sets you apart.  Those who lean into this shift with clarity, professionalism, and heart will come out stronger than ever.

Clawbacks Are Killing the Spirit of Residential Real Estate

It’s time to rethink how we treat agents — and what loyalty really means.

Over the last 20 years, the NYC real estate industry has seen a quiet but powerful shift in how brokerages structure their agreements with agents. I'm talking about clawbacks.

Once a rare, eyebrow-raising clause, clawbacks have become commonplace. They started in slowly being included and have since snowballed, making their way into nearly every brokerage agreement. The reasoning? Brokerages don't want to be left vulnerable if an agent leaves after receiving commission advances, signing bonuses, or marketing support.

But here’s the real issue: clawbacks go against everything that makes the residential real estate community thrive.

This business has always been about relationships — real ones. Trust, respect, collaboration. Agents are independent contractors, yes. But they’re also salespeople, entrepreneurs, and brand ambassadors. They choose to affiliate with a brokerage because they believe in the vision, the support, and the opportunity. When you introduce clawbacks, that belief system starts to crumble.

Clawbacks create a false relationship between agent and brokerage. Instead of building partnerships based on performance and mutual respect, they shackle agents with financial penalties and fine print. It’s not loyalty. It’s leverage.

Even worse, they make it nearly impossible — or at least cost-prohibitive — for companies to recruit top talent. When agents are faced with paying back tens of thousands of dollars just to leave a company, they’re stuck. These are barbed wire handcuffs. Not motivation. Not support. Not partnership.

So, what if we did it differently?

What if brokerages focused on building strong, lasting relationships with their agents — based on true loyalty and shared business goals? What if agents stayed because they wanted to, not because they had to?

That kind of loyalty can’t be bought or enforced. It’s earned. And it’s the kind of loyalty that leads to real growth — for both agents and brokerages.

The industry has to ask itself: Are we building relationships worth staying for? Or just contracts too expensive to leave?

Welcome to true view

Insights, Strategy & Real Talk About Real Estate

Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here.

This blog was created with one goal in mind: to bring clarity, strategy, and inspiration to professionals navigating the ever-evolving world of real estate.

Whether you’re an agent looking to sharpen your edge, a company leader aiming to grow with intention, or someone who simply loves staying on top of industry trends — this space is for you.

At TRUE Performance, we’re in the business of elevating potential. We work with agents, teams, and companies to help them operate at their best — not just in theory, but in practice.

This blog will be an extension of that mission.

What You Can Expect

🧠 Real Estate Insights & Market Trends

Timely commentary on shifts in buyer behavior, brokerage trends, recruiting challenges, and the ever-changing tech landscape — with perspective grounded in real experience.

⚡ Agent Performance Strategies

From lead generation and time management to listing presentations and business planning — actionable tips for agents and teams who want to grow with purpose.

👥 Leadership & Brokerage Growth

Hiring, onboarding, scaling teams, building culture, and designing training programs that actually move the needle.

✍️ Real Talk & Personal Perspective

This industry isn’t always easy. Expect honest, human stories — including lessons learned, mistakes made, and the path to real growth.

🌟 Stories from the Field

Spotlights on agents, teams, and brokerages doing things differently — innovating, growing, and redefining success on their own terms.

Why It Matters

The real estate industry is filled with noise. This blog is where we cut through it — a place for useful ideas, bold thinking, and a community that believes performance is about more than numbers. It’s about people, purpose, and doing work that matters.

If that resonates with you, you’re in the right place.

Thanks for being here — and welcome to TRUE Performance.