D
erek Eisenberg, founder of Continental Real Estate Group Inc., a national online brokerage based in Hackensack, is challenging outdated regulations requiring brick-and-mortar offices for real estate brokerages. He's currently involved in lawsuits against Nevada and West Virginia, where he claims these rules are unnecessary and add costs to his business.

    Eisenberg's company offers a la carte services, allowing clients to pay only for the services they need at discounted prices. This model operates on a flat-fee structure, with clients paying between $75 and $245, plus a 0.25% fee at closing. His primary clientele consists of do-it-yourselfers who want more control over their listings or those looking to sell as "For Sale by Owner" but need guidance.

    The brokerage's services include marketing through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), selling lawn signs and lockboxes, scheduling open houses, and a texting system that notifies owners when their lockbox is opened. Some states require additional services from real estate agents, which his business offers in those cases.

    Eisenberg has licenses in 45 states and Washington D.C., with plans to be licensed in all 50 by the end of the year. However, he faces challenges due to regulations requiring brokerages to have a physical address within each state. He pays rent for unused office space in seven states and is fighting against these requirements through lawsuits.

    In Nevada, Eisenberg has submitted an opposition to a motion to dismiss, while in West Virginia, they agreed to stay the case pending the passage of House Bill 2010, which would change the requirement for a brick-and-mortar office. He plans to file similar lawsuits in other states that maintain this regulation.