WebCE's Weekly Wrap-Up: April 18, 2025
WebCE Staff
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April 18, 2025
From Powell’s cautious warnings about tariffs creating economic tension to NASAA's push for clearer advisor titles, this week's news underscores the ongoing effort to navigate regulatory complexities and financial uncertainties. Meanwhile, Zillow takes bold steps against off-market inventory practices, Florida considers dismantling the state's real estate regulatory authority, and states like North Carolina move toward easing prelicensing education requirements for insurance agents.
As regulatory shifts reshape multiple industries, insurers and accountants face their own evolving landscapes—from NFIP insurance disputes and soaring wildfire-related claims to AICPA’s bid for accounting’s STEM recognition. With insights ranging from real estate profitability data to negotiation psychology, we've got your roundup covered—along with some weekend-worthy viral inspiration.
Top News Stories of the Week
Powell indicates tariffs could pose a challenge for the Fed (CNBC)
“We may find ourselves in the challenging scenario in which our dual-mandate goals are in tension,” Powell said in prepared remarks before the Economic Club of Chicago. “If that were to occur, we would consider how far the economy is from each goal, and the potentially different time horizons over which those respective gaps would be anticipated to close.” Watch the full event hosted by The Economic Club of Chicago.
NASAA members vote to prohibit misleading use of advisor title (Investment News)
“NASAA is concerned that the use of advisor/adviser titles can create confusion among investors, who may mistakenly believe that they are receiving fiduciary advice when that is not the case. The goal is to reduce the "blurring" between broker-dealers and investment advisers, and to provide more clarity to investors.”
FINRA’s Disciplinary Actions for April 2025 (FINRA)
Reviewing FINRA’s monthly disciplinary actions report is a great way to spot trends and identify training topics for your annual training program.
They tried to sell their homes without a real estate agent. Here’s how it went (CNN)
“For some, working with a Realtor may be worth it. Langen and other home sellers who tried the FSBO route said it takes a significant amount of time — and homework — to successfully sell your own home. And the typical FSBO property sold for $380,000 compared to $435,000 for agent-assisted home sales last year, according to data from NAR. Real estate agents have pointed to this data as evidence that selling a home with a professional results in higher profits.”
Zillow’s Bold Move to Confront Off-Market Housing Inventory (Fast Company)
“Last week, Zillow announced a new policy that bans home listings from appearing on the platform if they were first listed for sale in private networks more than 24 hours before appearing on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).”
Florida's Real Estate Market Faces Major Change (Newsweek)
“A bill to abolish the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), which is responsible for regulating the real estate profession in the Sunshine State and protecting the public, is advancing through the legislature despite opposition from Realtors. House Bill 1461, which would eliminate nearly all regulatory boards and commissions under the state's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), passed its second House Committee on Tuesday.”
NC Committee Approves Bill to End Education Requirements for Insurance Agents (Insurance Journal)
“A North Carolina House of Representatives committee voted Wednesday to do away with educational course requirements for insurance agent licenses, a move that could help address what has been called a shortage of producers in the state...Florida lawmakers are now considering a similar bill, HB 1047. It would not end the course requirements but would reduce them, from 200 hours to 60 hours. The bill passed a Florida House subcommittee and is now in the full Commerce Committee, awaiting action.”
Is Parametric Coverage An Innovative Solution To Rising Deductibles? (The Rough Notes Company)
“Parametric wind coverage represents a forward-thinking solution to the challenges posed by rising deductibles and wind/hail deductibles being mandated by traditional Home insurance companies. By providing transparent coverage and quick payouts, these policies enable insureds, insurers, and local economies the ability to recover more efficiently from severe storms.”
AICPA backs bill that would add accounting to STEM program (Journal of Accountancy)
“According to the AICPA release, STEM recognition for accounting would affirm that the profession is qualified to assess the technological world that businesses are in today and help grow the accounting pipeline by exposing a greater cross-section of students to potential careers in the profession.”
California Wildfires Drive $53 Billion in Q1 2025 Insured Disaster Losses (Risk & Insurance)
“The economic impact of natural disasters in the first quarter of 2025 significantly exceeded historical averages, with total economic losses 36% higher than the 21st-century mean of $61 billion. Insured losses are more than triple the 21st-century average of $17 billion, marking the second-highest Q1 figure on record after 2011, according to the report.”
Top Podcast of the Week
Relationships 2.0: Become a Better Negotiator
The Hidden Brain Podcast
58 minutes
When we head into a negotiation — whether we’re asking for a raise or trying to get our spouse to do the dishes — our focus is usually on getting the other person to agree to our preferred outcome. What we don’t focus on are our own biases and blind spots. Behavioral scientist Max Bazerman studies the theory and practice of negotiation, and he says that paying attention to these biases can help us to craft better deals.
Weekend Wind-Down
After fitness influencer Ashton Hall’s morning routine went viral, real estate agents have given their humorous take on the trend, like this:
Piggybacking on viral posts is an easy way to earn easy engagement, promote your business, and have some fun! For more social media tips, check out our Real Estate continuing education course Social Media with a K.I.S.S.