Let’s not beat around the bush here. I’m not mad that The New York Times or The Daily are talking about real estate. I’m mad that they’re talking about it irresponsibly—slinging half-truths, skipping the nuance, and feeding consumers fear disguised as insight. And when millions of people listen, read, and act on that kind of bad information, it matters. A lot.

 

Are They the Media? Yes. Are They Your Advocate? Absolutely Not.

Here’s the first thing to understand: The New York Times is not in the business of helping you buy or sell a home. They’re in the business of headlines. Eyeballs. Clicks. Ad dollars. That’s fine—just don’t confuse their goals with yours.

 

When we serve a client at the Todd Tramonte Home Selling Team, we have a fiduciary responsibility. We legally and ethically put your interests first. The media doesn’t. Their job is to get attention. Ours is to protect you.

 

That’s why, week after week, I lead with the headlines and then unpack what’s real and what’s fear-fueled fluff.

 

The Flawed Thinking Behind the Headlines

Recently The Daily, the podcast from the Times, claimed that real estate agents and their “high commissions” are driving up housing costs—and that a recent lawsuit is forcing the entire industry to change. It paints agents as greedy, secretive, and resistant to transparency.

 

Let me be blunt: That’s a lazy, misleading narrative.

 

Here’s the truth:

  • Commissions have always been negotiable. The idea that consumers had no choice is false. You can still hire a flat-fee agent, a discount agent, or pay top dollar for a true expert—just like with attorneys, CPAs, or doctors.
  • Many good agents, our team included, were already in compliance with what the lawsuit “exposed.” We’ve been having our clients sign buyer agreements since 2003—clearly disclosing who gets paid, how much, and when. We didn’t have to make major changes in the wake of the lawsuit because we were already operating with transparency. 
  • And no, the National Association of REALTORS® didn’t “steal the word REALTOR.” They literally invented it. They coined the term, trademarked it, and created a professional designation distinguishing members from the average license holder. It’s no different than a CPA or JD after someone’s name. But you’d never know that if you only listened to The Daily.

Real Estate Agents Aren’t the Problem

Is the housing market expensive? Yes. Are there systemic challenges tied to inventory, inflation, zoning, and development costs? Absolutely. But blaming agents is like blaming the waiter for the cost of the meal.

 

If The New York Times wanted to take a serious look at affordability, they might ask:

  • Why are homebuilders producing smaller homes on tighter lots—and charging more?
  • Why are local governments strangling inventory with zoning restrictions and red tape?
  • Why are supply chain issues still affecting materials pricing?
  • Why are investors buying up affordable entry-level homes in bulk?

But that’s harder to explain. And it doesn’t fit the villain narrative quite as neatly as “blame your REALTOR®.”

 

Here’s What Matters to You

Most real estate agents? Frankly, they’re not that great at their jobs. I’ve said it for years. Most don’t sell enough homes to be truly professional. And I believe consumers deserve better.

 

But don’t confuse that criticism with what the Times is pushing.

 

A great agent saves you money, time, stress, and regret. A great agent helps you win—on the buy side or the sell side—and leaves you better off than if you tried to do it on your own.

 

That’s not opinion. That’s 20+ years of experience, thousands of deals, and over 800 five-star reviews from real families in DFW.

 

What Should You Do With All This?

If you’re listening to podcasts and reading national headlines trying to figure out what to do about your house... I get it. But be careful who you listen to.

 

Here’s a better approach:

  • Talk to someone who actually works in your market every day. National headlines don’t reflect local realities.
  • Use tools that give you real insight. Like our Home Buyer and Seller Readiness Scorecard.
  • Have a strategy conversation. No pressure. No obligation. Just clarity on what’s real and what’s next.
  • You can call or text 214-310-0008 anytime or visit ToddTramonteTeam.com.

Let the media do what it does. We’ll keep doing what we do: advocating for families, clients, and the truth.