The couple that kidnapped and killed Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter in 2014 used an app to give a false impression of where they were calling from. According to Carter’s son, Carl Carter Jr., the couple made it seem like they were calling from out of town and were looking for a home because they were relocating. “In fact, they were just calling from right down the road,” says Carter Jr., who shared several details about his mother’s death in an interview with NAR. The interview is excerpted in the latest Voice for Real Estate video.

Commercial Agent Income

The video also looks at the growth in income of commercial real estate agents. NAR research finds that the typical commercial member earns $120,800, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. The hike comes even as the typical number of commercial transaction sides has dropped from nine to eight. However, the total dollar volume of transactions has risen from $2.9 million to $3.5 million.

Push for Flood Insurance Funding

Also in the video is an update on NAR’s efforts to get flood insurance funded for another five years before the program expires at the end of September. In a key step, NAR and the House Financial Services Committee agreed to restrict premium hikes for homeowners who live in an area with revised flood maps showing an increased risk of flooding. Lawmakers also agreed to cap how much premiums can increase at any one time for owners with existing policies. With this agreement, the legislation will next be taken up on the House floor, although that hasn’t been scheduled yet.

NAR CEO Bob Goldberg Addresses Industry Change

Also, watch excerpts from video remarks by new NAR CEO Bob Goldberg, who invites REALTORS® to share their thoughts with him about the industry and NAR on Facebook and LinkedIn. Take a look at the latest home sale numbers from NAR as well.

—Robert Freedman, REALTOR® Magazine