Congratulations to Michael Pennisi of Coldwell Banker, Maplewood, on being selected to receive the prestigious NCJAR REALTOR® of the Year Award for 2025.

Michael exemplifies the highest standard of REALTOR® leadership—combining professional excellence with community service and a long-standing commitment to the REALTOR® organization.

As Regional Vice President for Coldwell Banker, Michael leads more than 700 agents across North and Central New Jersey and oversees over $1.5 billion in annual sales. For more than a decade, he has driven the #1 region in production growth for Coldwell Banker New Jersey, consistently promoting innovation, mentorship, and culture throughout the brokerage community.

Michael’s service to NCJAR spans over ten years. He previously served on the Board of Trustees and held key officer roles, including Treasurer, Secretary, and Vice President. A graduate of NCJAR’s Leadership Academy, Michael also completed NCJAR’s Brokerage Class, further solidifying his dedication to leadership and professional development within the association.

When most people think about real estate, they think about homes, communities, and the dream of property ownership. What often goes unseen is the vast web of regulations shaping every transaction. From local ordinances to federal laws, regulation impacts everything from closing paperwork to housing affordability. In a recent episode of The Advocacy Scoop, NAR’s Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn and Patrick Newton pulled back the curtain on how NAR works to make sure members—and their clients—are protected and empowered.

Real Estate: The Most Regulated Transaction in America

Buying or selling property is not just the largest financial transaction most Americans will ever make—it’s also one of the most heavily regulated.

• Residential closings often involve 100–300 pages of documents.
  
  
• Commercial deals can easily exceed 1,000 pages.

These requirements stem from federal, state, and local regulations that aim to protect consumers, ensure compliance, and prevent fraud. REALTORS® play a critical role in helping clients navigate this complexity.

When you hire a real estate agent who is a REALTOR®, you’re gaining more than just a salesperson—you’re partnering with a professional who has the skills, connections, and expertise to showcase your home at its very best.

Your REALTOR® will create a customized marketing plan, guide you through preparing your home for showings, and list your property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—the most effective way to reach serious buyers and maximize your home’s value. But just as importantly, your agent helps protect your privacy and security throughout the process.

Why Privacy Matters in Today’s Market

With smartphones and cameras everywhere, anyone entering your home could potentially capture images or video. Professional photos and video are also taken to highlight your property for the MLS and online listings. While these tools are essential for marketing, they also increase the importance of protecting your personal information.

Five Steps to Protect Your Privacy