Debra Kamin
Debra Kamin is a reporter on the real estate desk of The New York Times. She covers the fascinating and frustrating ways that our lives are defined by the places we call home, with a focus on serving as a watchdog against corruption in the industry. Prior to her current role, she spent time as a freelance reporter in Tel Aviv and has also written for The Times and The Wall Street Journal. Kamin's reporting on racism in the home appraisal industry prompted the Biden administration to launch a national task force on home appraisals, and her coverage of sexual harassment at the National Association of Realtors led to the resignation of its president. She is committed to upholding The Times' extensive ethics policy and carefully considers the credibility of sources, seeking verification or corroboration. Kamin graduated from Skidmore College and has a master's degree in English literature from The University of Chicago. She speaks Hebrew and Spanish.
71%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
86%
Examples:
- The article quotes Nykia Wright, interim CEO of NAR, saying that their goal was to preserve consumer choice and protect members. This statement implies that NAR is acting in the best interests of homeowners and agents, when it's possible that they are also considering their own financial gain or political influence.
- The article states that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) will pay $418 million in damages and eliminate their rules on commissions. This implies that NAR is taking responsibility for the lawsuits and making a concession to homeowners, when it's unclear whether they are truly admitting fault or if this is simply a way to settle the legal disputes.
Conflicts of Interest
62%
Examples:
- The article mentions Norm Miller, a professor emeritus of real estate at the University of San Diego, who says that this deal will blow up the market and force a new business model. This statement implies that there is widespread agreement among experts on the impact of NAR's decision, when it's possible that opinions differ or are influenced by personal biases.
- The article states that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) will pay $418 million in damages and eliminate their rules on commissions. This implies that NAR is taking responsibility for the lawsuits and making a concession to homeowners, when it's unclear whether they are truly admitting fault or if this is simply a way to settle the legal disputes.
Contradictions
100%
Examples:
- The title implies that NAR has agreed to slash commissions for home sellers when they have only eliminated their rules on commissions and will pay damages as a result of lawsuits filed against them.
Deceptions
62%
Examples:
- The title implies that NAR has agreed to slash commissions for home sellers when they have only eliminated their rules on commissions and will pay damages as a result of lawsuits filed against them.
Recent Articles
HomeServices of America to Pay $250 Million to Settle Lawsuits Over Inflated Commissions: Implications for Real Estate Market and Berkshire Hathaway
Broke On: Friday, 26 April 2024Warren Buffett's HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway Energy subsidiary and the second-largest real estate brokerage, agreed to pay $250 million to settle lawsuits alleging inflated commissions. The settlement follows a $1.8 billion damages verdict last year and could lead to lower home prices due to increased competition. HomeServices conducted $165.7 billion in sales volume in 2022, and the NAR reached a similar settlement for $418 million, potentially reducing commissions by 25%. NAR Ditches Policies Protecting Agent Commissions in Biggest Setback Yet
Broke On: Friday, 15 March 2024The NAR has settled a lawsuit by agreeing to end policies that fixed agent commissions and required upfront compensation for buyer's agents. The trade group also agreed to require written agreements with homebuyers, disclosing their fees.