Housing activity hits the brakes as mortgage rates surge
While the fall usually provides aspiring buyers with opportunities to enter the housing market, high mortgage rates are getting in the way for many this season.
October 1, 2026
Real Estate News: The latest news for agents and other pros.
- FirstTeam, HomeServices strengthen leadership teamsThe growing SoCal-based indie has a new chief growth officer, while HSoA appoints 1000WATT founders to C-suite. Plus, exec hires at Flyhomes, STRATMORE, more.October 1, 2026
- HomeServices acquires 1000WATT agency to ‘magnify’ brandThe marketing company's entire creative team will join the brokerage giant, with founders Brian Boero and Marc Davison moving into C-suite roles.October 1, 2026
- Brokerages and MLSs gaining new antitrust, cyber insurance optionsOrion Real Estate Data Exchange announced that it will be offering specialized insurance plans through a strategic relationship with HUB International.September 30, 2026
- No ‘misconduct’ in Fed building renovation, watchdog findsThe Fed’s former chair, Jerome Powell, was warned last year that he could be fired amid allegations of fraud linked to the nearly $2.5B renovation project.September 30, 2026
- CRMLS defies Compass litigation threats over listing policiesThe MLS powerhouse said it will not adjust its rules to appease Compass, which it claims is benefitting from the cooperative while hiding its own listings.Updated September 30, 2026
- AI isn’t another feature. It’s the foundation.Agents are drowning in disconnected AI features. The real question for broker-owners is what actually strengthens their value?
- Sponsored ContentZillow: Insights, trends and best practicesSee the latest product and company news, plus tips for agents and brokers.
- Sponsored ContentREMAX: The latest news and information from REMAXWhat's happening at REMAX
- TECHJoin real estate's top innovators at Edge this OctoberMeet the people behind the tools you use each day. Experience two focused days of sessions offering direct access to tech and companies shaping how agents work.
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- Stellar MLS promises trust, accuracy with new home search siteThe Cribio-powered portal will route consumer inquiries directly to listing agents, unless buyers access the site through a special link from their agent.September 29, 2026
- IVRE hires franchise exec; Cotality promotes client success leaderStacy Seago was named director of franchise development to support Iron Valley’s growth. Plus, Kelly Robinson moves into VP role at Cotality.September 29, 2026
- Zillow poised for legal fight as agent antitrust case advancesThe judge allowing the case to proceed said the plaintiffs “plausibly allege” that agents “have no choice but to participate in Zillow’s referral ecosystem.”September 29, 2026
- Rechat offers AEO websites; CubiCasa delivers floor plans fasterThe new platform incorporates Rechat’s existing Testimonials tool. Plus, CubiCasa, Restb.ai partner; Lofty debuts MCP server; AppFolio revamps Realm-X; more.September 29, 2026
- MLS data, broker incentives and the durability of the cooperativeThe value of listing data lies in its comprehensiveness. MLSs should consider what brokers and agents are contributing — and what they should receive in return.September 29, 2026
- How agents can boost visibility in AI searchAgents must be on the right platforms, be consistent, tell their own stories and “control the controllables,” LOC8 Founder Bobby Kerr says.September 28, 2026
- Realtracs shows ‘continued momentum’ as 2 more partners joinRCAR joined the Tennessee-based MLS in August and GSMAR joined this week. Plus, Las Vegas Realtors introduces its 2027 president and board of directors.September 28, 2026
- Why is real estate giving away its most valuable asset?Third-party aggregators and AI platforms are using listing data for free. It’s time for brokerages and MLSs to claim their rightful share of the profits.September 28, 2026
- Why ‘human + AI’ is the winning combination for agentsAgents who learn how to use AI well without diminishing “the human element you bring” will come out ahead as the tech becomes more integrated in real estate.September 26, 2026
- KW team adds 150+ agents; REMAX firms unite to serve 6 statesRarity Real Estate is poised to take over ownership of KW Jersey Shore in November. Plus, REMAX Town & Country forges partnership with Linhart Realty Group.September 26, 2026
- Tuccori counsel reject Batton fee request; no rehearing in SitzerThe Batton counsel can’t claim a share of a fund it did not build, the lawyers argue. Plus, Sitzer/Burnett objectors lose rehearing bid; Zillow cases merged.September 25, 2026
- More economic volatility likely as mortgage rates near 7.5%Investors will have a lot to think about next week as key economic data releases start filtering in and Q3 of 2026 comes to an end.September 25, 2026
- New legislation would exempt building materials from tariffsThe NAHB supported the bill upon its introduction in the House. Plus, builders sound alarm on immigration enforcement impacts; Let America Build visits Boston.September 25, 2026
- Why solo agents lose leads, even when they follow upTiming, not discipline is the challenge for many small and one-person operations, and lead capture is one area where technology can do some heavy lifting.September 25, 2026
- Home purchase cancellations likely as rates hit 20-month highMore buyers are backing out, rates are still rising and loan applications are slowing. The one bright spot in the latest batch of economic data: new home sales.September 24, 2026
- PLACE buys fintech firm; Relevate tool makes data ‘more actionable’The acquisition of Maxwell comes weeks after PLACE’s Radian deal. Plus, S.MPLE 2.0 launches; Property Shield adds MLS partner; Relevate unveils AIMEE; more.September 24, 2026
- HouseCanary files for bankruptcy 3 months after Google dealIn June, the AI-powered brokerage announced it was taking listings on the search giant national, but the company filed for Chapter 11 earlier this week.Updated September 24, 2026
- Gen Z buyers willing to cut spending, accept higher ratesAmong all homebuying generations today, Gen Z is most willing to make sacrifices to create a path to homeownership, according to new Cotality data.September 23, 2026
- HomeSmart adds nearly 2,000 agents with East Coast mergerNorthGroup Realty joins the Arizona-based firm. Plus, NextHome gains 200 agents; C21 grows in N.C.; Christie’s Shanghai launches; KW program hits milestone.September 23, 2026
- 3 Western MLSs launch ‘Orion’ data exchangeMetroList, Northern Nevada Regional MLS and Oregon Data Share unveil their new “Orion” initiative. Plus, Stellar MLS expands to Hernando County.September 23, 2026
