Chad Syverson, a professor of economics, discusses the looming challenges faced by realtors amid a pivotal legal settlement. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, provides insights into declining sales and rising mortgage rates. Kevin Sears, the 2024 NAR president, emphasizes the need for adapting commission structures. The conversation explores the potential obsolescence of realtors, drawing parallels with travel agents, and the implications for consumer trust and market dynamics as the real estate landscape evolves.

Chad Syverson, an economics professor at the University of Chicago, Ed Glaeser from Harvard, and Vaughan Buckley, CEO of Volumetric Building Companies, dive into the perplexing inefficiencies of the U.S. construction sector. They discuss why construction productivity has stagnated since the 1970s, explore the potential of modular and prefabricated solutions, and share insights on the impact of regulations and labor dynamics. The conversation challenges preconceived notions about modular designs and highlights innovative approaches to address housing shortages.

Chad Syverson, a distinguished service professor of economics at the University of Chicago Booth, dives into the intricacies of productivity. He discusses why productivity is vital for economic health and shares insights on how technology, particularly AI, may shape its future. Syverson contrasts productivity trends across regions, delves into the impacts of rising inflation on growth, and explores the implications of de-globalization. His thoughts on nurturing relationships highlight the human element in fostering a productive society.