AJ LaTrace

Director, News Reporting

AJ has covered real estate for the last decade as a reporter and editor for publications including Vox Media's Curbed, Chicago magazine and Business Insider. At Business Insider, AJ led the brand's coverage of how everyday people invest in real estate as a means of gaining financial independence, and he reported on big-picture trends and pain points in the broader U.S. real estate market. AJ is based in Chicago, where he also moonlights as a small-time landlord.

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Windermere exec slams Compass over 'dirty' tactics
“We're gonna kick their ass and we're going to do it without a private listing network,” Windermere Co-President OB Jacobi said about competing with Compass.
April 10, 2025
CoStar reshapes board, sharpening focus on Homes.com success
The moves, part of a deal with investors, also include the creation of a special committee to review brand investments and international expansion plans.
April 8, 2025
Realtor.com, CoStar agree to dismiss trade secrets lawsuit
CoStar CEO calls suit a “nasty PR stunt” with “innocent victims” as Realtor.com affirms “unwavering and uncompromising” pledge to defend intellectual property.
Updated April 7, 2025
Private listings push opens the door to discrimination
NAREB’s Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose tells Real Estate News independent brokers and consumers will “suffer” if efforts to bolster private listing channels persist.
April 7, 2025
How Compass staged its pre-marketing blitz in Seattle
Brokerage leadership coordinated a private listings push in the region despite MLS rules restricting pre-marketing — and the risk of steep fines for agents.
April 4, 2025
New data: Private listings offer ‘no benefits to sellers’
Though the number of office exclusives is rising, a new report from Bright MLS found no financial advantage to pre-marketing a home off the MLS.
April 3, 2025
Brokerages have 3 options after Clear Cooperation decision
With NAR opting to keep the CCP with a “delayed marketing” alternative, industry leaders say firms should prepare their “counter move” to stay competitive.
April 1, 2025
NWMLS responds to Compass, blasts efforts to ‘gatekeep’ listings
Countering criticism from Compass’ Robert Reffkin, the CEO of the Washington-based MLS said private networks are designed to benefit brokerages, not consumers.
March 31, 2025
Windermere and Compass spar over Clear Cooperation
Leaders of the two brokerages traded barbs over private listings, hurling accusations of anticompetitiveness, self-interest and efforts to double-end deals.
March 27, 2025
Do private listing networks impact certain buyers — or markets?
If fewer listings are publicly accessible, first-timers and buyers in areas where PLN-friendly brokerages dominate could face more challenges.
March 26, 2025
‘Future class-action’ or ‘expanding choice’? Leaders on CCP news
The real estate industry had mixed reactions to NAR’s decision to keep Clear Cooperation and add a policy that allows sellers to delay marketing via IDX.
Updated March 26, 2025
DOJ calls out ‘misleading’ claims about its take on Clear Cooperation
Despite what “industry participants” have said, the Department of Justice clarified that it “has not taken a position” on whether CCP is anticompetitive.
Updated March 19, 2025
Sharran Srivatsaa on why he’s leaving role as Real president
“I believe that Real needs me in a bigger capacity right now,” Srivatsaa told Real Estate News. The brokerage announced March 12 that he is moving to the board.
March 16, 2025
Zillow exec: ‘I don't see the benefit of hiding inventory, ever’
Errol Samuelson believes “consumers and agents are being misled” about private listings, and for big brokerages, any competitive advantage would be short-lived.
March 15, 2025
HomeServices of America is not for sale, CEO says
Gino Blefari denied a Wall Street Journal report of acquisition talks with Compass, saying “there are no discussions, negotiations or agreements” taking place.
Updated March 19, 2025
Compass reportedly near a deal to acquire HomeServices
The brokerage giant "is in advanced talks" to buy HomeServices of America, the real estate arm of Warren Buffet's empire, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Updated March 13, 2025
When will we have enough houses? It could take decades
The nationwide inventory shortage — 3.8 million homes — is reaching a point of no return in some parts of the country though new construction is increasing.
March 12, 2025
Real president stepping away from role
Sharran Srivatsaa, who joined Real just over two years ago, is moving to the brokerage's board of directors, a transition he described as "bittersweet."
March 12, 2025
AI assistants are here to stay, but they won’t take your job
As AI evolves, more companies are launching tools aimed at improving agent efficiency — but they can’t replace the human touch, tech leaders say.
March 7, 2025
Real Brokerage hits 1st billion-dollar year as agent count soars
Revenue jumped 84% compared to the previous year and the company added 10,000 agents in 2024 — after needing nine years to gain its first 10,000.
March 6, 2025