At Realtor.com, leadership development begins with a clear expectation: Ownership isn’t optional – it’s how work gets done. Our value of RealOwnership sets the standard.
Regardless of level, title, or tenure, every employee is responsible for their work and the outcomes it drives. Leaders play a critical role in making that real by creating an environment in which teams take accountability and follow through to deliver results that others can depend on.
A Collective Effort – and Strong Leadership
RealOwnership is both individual and collective. Each person is accountable for what they own, but success depends on how well teams work together. That means the focus isn’t only on completing work; it’s also about making sure that what you deliver sets others up to succeed.
Output quality and effective communication along the way are essential to making this happen. Employees and teams are expected to anticipate what’s needed and act without waiting for direction, then close the loop to guarantee high-quality outcomes. When we practice this consistently, we are living RealOwnership and fulfilling our commitment to progress. Being a leader is committing to this value in a way that is above and beyond normal standards.
Leaders are responsible for setting clear expectations and creating the conditions where people feel empowered and responsible for their work. They help their teams focus on outcomes over activity, and ensure that commitments are realistic and met. They also step in to remove blockers when needed. They show consistency that, over time, builds trust across teams and functions.
Putting RealOwnership into Practice with PLX
The People Leader Exchange (PLX) is a leadership development model with RealOwnership at its core, enabling leaders to consistently apply this important value as they lead their teams and collaborate across the organization. It provides the structure, resources, and shared expectations that make ownership actionable.
At a practical level, PLX equips leaders with tools to set expectations, drive accountability, and support their teams in delivering results. Leaders learn how to manage multiple teams and dependencies to maintain project momentum, sharing knowledge with one another to propel the company as a whole.
“Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re navigating complex challenges or making difficult decisions,” said Nicolle Mueller, Senior Leadership Development Strategist and Facilitator at Realtor.com. “PLX enables people leaders to personalize their own development and hone their skills in community.”
These conversations often center on the practical application of ownership, such as how to navigate tradeoffs, maintain accountability across dependencies, and uphold commitments without slowing progress.
The program provides ongoing support through the PLX Hub on the company intranet, where leaders can access tools and resources that reinforce these behaviors. Guidance on setting expectations, communication frameworks, and examples for managing complex situations all serve the same goal: helping leaders apply RealOwnership consistently in their day-to-day work.
Making RealOwnership a Daily Practice
RealOwnership doesn’t happen automatically – it has to be modeled and practiced by every employee at Realtor.com. As our leaders engage and grow through PLX, they are demonstrating RealOwnership in action and creating teams that operate with clarity, accountability, and trust.
Interested in living the value of RealOwnership at Realtor.com? Browse open roles and join us as we build a way home for everyone.
