Chair’s Letter

BBF Members,

We’re heading into August with a lot of momentum, and I want to touch on two things: our upcoming conference and an issue that’s increasingly important to the future of our association.

First, online conference registration closes soon. I assume you’ve received the updates. If not, I hope you’ll register and join us in West Palm Beach. The conference is built around helping you close more deals and build stronger businesses. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your business this year, and I look forward to seeing you there.

Now for a more serious topic.

Unfortunately, we continue to have reports that some members are choosing not to post listings to the BLS or are not cooperating with fellow brokers who have qualified buyers.

I understand the temptation. Everyone wants both sides of a deal.

But BBF isn’t a listing platform you use when it’s convenient. We compete for listings and clients, then cooperate to get the best outcome for the buyer and seller. That only works if members actually participate.

When a broker withholds a listing from the BLS, or won’t engage with another member who has a real buyer, that’s not doing the right thing. That’s taking the benefits of membership without honoring what membership requires and is ultimately hurting the clients we represent.

A new BBF committee has been quietly reviewing these cases and gathering information. This has the full attention of BBF leadership, and some difficult decisions are coming.

Remember, BBF membership is a privilege.

If you’ve been posting your listings on the BLS and cooperating in good faith, thank you.

If not, this is your chance to fix it. Post your listings. Actively co-broker, not just when it’s convenient for you.

Personally, over 20 years, the BBF co-brokerage structure has put far more money in my pocket (and the pockets of my clients) than trying to game the system ever would have. I believe in the BBF because I’ve lived it.

Please treat others how you’d want to be treated.

Thank you for being a member of the BBF.

Ryan Cave