Sometimes, Casey says, brokers and owners are tired of managing and want to return to selling real estate. But many independents still stand firm. Speer isn't interested in merging his 40-associate company and doesn't think he needs to in order to thrive in the business. As president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, Speer knows independents statewide aren't as rare as they seem. In fact, he says, they're thriving because they can establish a niche.
Equity handles commercial and residential real estate in the East End.
A bigger issue, says Speer, is Act 112, a law enacted Nov. 25 that redefines relationships between Realtors and customers. Speer, a proponent of activism in government affairs on a state and national level, was glad to see Realtors have a strong role in defining the new law. The law requires agents to provide customers with an up-front, written statement disclosing whether they represent the buyer or seller. The customer must sign the disclosure. The disclosure discusses the different relationships agents can have with customers.