Issuu

A MESSAGE from the president

Stay Visible. Stay Ahead.

THIS ISSUE

As we move further into 2026, the story of this market is starting to shift. While challenges remain, particularly around affordability, we are beginning to see real signs of opportunity. Interest rates have moved below 6 percent, activity is picking up, and more buyers and sellers are stepping back into the market. That creates an opening for agents who stay engaged and ready.

What is especially encouraging is what we are seeing inside Metro Brokers. Our updated metrobrokers.com website is already driving results, with traffic up more than 120 percent and page views up over 400 percent in just the first month. Lead flow tied to the site has already doubled year-over-year. At the same time, our call center handled more than 12,600 calls in February, up over 20 percent compared to last year, creating more conversations and opportunities for agents.

We are also seeing strong early results from the tools we have invested in to support you. RealScout training reached more than 250 agents in recent sessions, and those who are actively using it are reinvigorating their database and creating buyer and listing consultations. Even simple nurture campaigns are producing immediate engagement, proving that consistent follow-up still wins.

Behind the scenes, our focus is simple. Our job is to create opportunities, build systems, and remove friction so you can focus on what matters most, building relationships and closing business. You are independent, but you are not alone. Our entire team is aligned around helping you succeed.

The agents who win in this environment will be the ones who stay connected, stay consistent, and take full advantage of the support around them.

The opportunity is there. The momentum is building. Now is the time to take advantage of it.

INDUSTRY NEWS

THE 411 ON FINCEN

As of March 1, 2026, a new federal reporting rule has started to impact certain residential real estate transactions. This is a new federal compliance requirement, not a policy created by Metro Title Trust.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) rolled out a nationwide rule targeting certain non-financed transfers of residential real property to legal entities and trusts. The purpose of this rule was to increase transparency in certain real estate transactions and deter money laundering and other illicit financial activity.

Since LLC and trust purchases are common in Georgia, we want to make sure you and your clients are prepared, avoiding any last-minute surprises at the closing table.

Scan here to access FAQs!

NORTH DEKALB MALL TRANSFORMED TO MODERN LIVING

The former North DeKalb Mall site is being transformed into Lulah Hills, a large mixed-use development featuring a mix of national brands and local businesses. Newly announced tenants include retailers like Anthropologie and Design Within Reach, along with dining and service concepts such as Firepit Pizza Tavern, Honeysuckle Gelato, and Refuge Coffee. The 78-acre project is already under construction and will ultimately include hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, residential units, and green space, with the first wave of shops expected to open in early 2027. Source: Urbanize Atlanta

REPORT: GEN Z ADULTS LEAD AMONG 2026 MOVERS

A recent report found that 41% of Americans plan to move in 2026, signaling strong potential activity in the housing market. Much of this movement is being driven by lifestyle changes, family needs, and homeownership goals, with younger generations—especially Gen Z and Millennials— leading the trend. Many prospective buyers are already actively searching, and most moves are expected to stay relatively local, often within the same state. Suburban areas remain the top destination, highlighting continued demand for space, affordability, and community-oriented living. Source: Atlanta Agent Magazine

Major Upgrades for Your Business RealScout, Canva

MetroBrokers.com

RealScout: Start Nurturing Your Sphere on Auto-Pilot

As part of our continued commitment to investing in tools that drive real business growth, Metro Brokers is excited to roll out RealScout to all agents. After nearly a year of researching and evaluating platforms, we selected RealScout as our next major investment to support your long-term success!

In speaking with brokerages that have already launched RealScout, we consistently heard the same thing — they saw an immediate uptick in transactions within a single month. In several cases, agents closed deals that would not have happened otherwise.

RealScout is built to support every agent — whether you’re a seasoned professional with a strong database or brand new and building your pipeline.

With RealScout, you can:

• Stay meaningfully connected with buyers and sellers

• Engage and nurture your sphere more effectively

• Convert online activity into real conversations

• Turn those conversations into signed clients and closings

The New MetroBrokers.com Is Live

Back in February we officially rolled out the newly redesigned MetroBrokers.com!

This update is all about driving MORE traffic to our website – and you – through several big improvements. The backend structure has been completely reworked and optimized for the latest SEO and GEO practices. We’ve made it easier, faster, and more intuitive for consumers to find what they need — and ultimately connect with our agents. This refresh brings a cleaner design, modern functionality, and a significantly improved user experience (UX) built on current best practices.

“From launching one of the first real estate websites in Georgia back in 1995 to today’s fully redesigned MetroBrokers.com, our focus has always been the same: Investing early in innovation that benefits our agents,” said President and CEO Kevin Levent.

Professional Marketing Made Easy with Canva

Creating professional, eye-catching marketing has never been easier! Back in January, BHGRE rolled out Canva Enterprise across the entire network, giving agents access to a powerful design platform that makes it simple to produce polished, on-brand marketing materials in just minutes. The platform is intuitive and built for speed, making it easy to produce highquality marketing pieces whenever you need them.

Scan to Watch the Canva Training!

With Canva Enterprise, you can access approved BHGRE branding, professionally designed templates, and advanced design tools that help you customize marketing materials while maintaining a consistent, professional look. Even better, Canva integrates with the BHGRE App, allowing you to easily pull in your listing details and agent information when creating marketing pieces. This saves valuable time and helps ensure your materials are accurate and ready to share across social media, email, and print.

Scan Here for the Full Article!

“This new website reflects our commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry and ensuring our agents are supported by technology that helps them compete and win.”

—President and CEO Kevin Levent

Worthy of Note: 2026 GAR Forms Changes

The Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) has released the 2026 version of the GAR Contract Forms. The GAR Forms Committee continues its commitment to strengthening the enforceability of the contracts while minimizing potential liability for real estate professionals.

Understanding the revisions implemented in the GAR Forms is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for success in the year ahead. For 2026, several important updates were made—particularly within the Exclusive Seller Brokerage Engagement Agreement, commonly referred to as the listing agreement.

SUPPLY SUPERSTORE:

Presentation Packets

Have you taken advantage of the Presentation Packets available through the Supply Superstore? These professionally designed, all-in-one folders are a great way to present information to your clients in a polished and organized way. Whether you’re meeting with a new buyer or preparing for a listing appointment, these packets help guide the conversation and reinforce your professionalism from the very first meeting.

There are three versions available, each tailored to a specific stage of your client’s real estate journey:

• First-Time Buyer Packet – Designed to help educate and guide new buyers through the process

• Buyer Packet – A helpful resource for buyers as they navigate their home search and purchase

• Seller Packet – Ideal for listing appointments and outlining the home-selling process

To order your packets, simply visit the Supply Superstore on MetroNet and place your order.

A Moving Company That Delivers

View the 2026 GAR Forms

Our preferred vendor, Atlanta Peach Movers, offers unparalleled moving services.

Atlanta Peach Movers caters to both residential and commercial clients, handling local, long-distance, and even international moves. Beyond transporting your boxes and furniture, they also provide packing and storage solutions for your client’s convenience. Whether it’s a small apartment or a large home, a smooth and efficient moving experience is ensured, helping your clients settle into their new dream homes.

“Atlanta Peach Movers was amazing and very efficient. They were helpful and friendly, and we had an excellent experience with this moving company from start to finish. The team was punctual, professional, and handled our belongings with great care. They worked efficiently while still being mindful of fragile items, and everything arrived safely without a single issue.

Their communication was clear, the pricing was transparent, and they made what could have been a stressful day feel smooth and organized. I truly appreciate their positive attitudes and strong work ethic.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Orlando Lynch at olynch@atlpeachmovers.com with questions or visit atlpeachmovers.com.

Melissa Bayardelle: A Metro Brokers Hero!

Just after midnight on January 1, Melissa Bayardelle, Hiram City Council Member (Post 3) observed flames coming from a home in her neighborhood on Greystone Circle. She immediately stopped, entered the residence, and alerted the occupants who were asleep upstairs. “I banged on the door, the door was unlocked so I let myself in and I screamed,” Bayardelle said. “I was yelling your house is on fire, and the gentleman asked, whose house? Sir, it’s your house!” Because of her quick response, neighbors inside the home — Isaiah Richerson and Dalasia Mitchell — were awakened and able to exit safely.

“I banged on the door, the door was unlocked so I let myself in and I screamed,” Bayardelle said. “I was yelling your house is on fire...!”

Following the incident, Melissa and Hiram Councilwoman Tiffany Carroll began organizing collection efforts for clothing and essential items for the displaced homeowners. The city also shared a GoFundMe link via social media to support recovery efforts.

At Metro Brokers, we are extremely proud to know and work with Melissa Bayardelle — an agent whose commitment to her community goes well beyond real estate. Her decisive actions helped prevent a potentially devastating outcome, and her leadership in supporting the family afterward reflects the dedication and integrity we value in our team.

On Demand Marketing Classes

New on-demand training videos are constantly being added and updated on MetroNet, allowing you to expand your knowledge of key Metro Brokers programs and tools offered at your convenience.

• Listing Marketing Tools

• Canva 101: BHGRE Canva Enterprise Learn from the comfort of your home with these pre-recorded education opportunities. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ON DEMAND CLASSES, REFER TO THE TRAINING SECTION OF METRONET.