Pending sales take a hit as mortgage rates sit at 7.5%
Signed contracts fell more than 8% year-over-year in September, but motivated sellers are out there and may opt to cut prices instead of waiting until spring.
October 6, 2026
Real Estate News: The latest news for agents and other pros.
- Brokerages drop the ball on most consumer phone, web inquiriesWhile some brokerages perform better than others, response rates to consumer phone and web inquiries are fairly abysmal industry-wide, a Pied Piper study found.October 6, 2026
- Realtor.com+ adds AI layer; wearable agent safety tool debutsRealAssist AI aims to help agents save time so they can respond to clients faster. Plus, Tether RE unveils new safety device; IRE, Cotality partner; more.October 6, 2026
- CRMLS files suit against Compass over listing rulesThe mega MLS is asking a federal court in Manhattan to declare that its rules are pro-competitive and forbid Compass from suing over them.October 5, 2026
- New leader takes the reins at Long & FosterDaniel Dennis succeeds Patrick Bain, who led Long & Foster for over three years. Plus, Michael Brown joins Vesta Home as chief creative officer.October 5, 2026
- Bed Bath & Beyond drops $53M deal to acquire FathomMonths after the deal was announced, both parties have concluded that it wouldn’t “appropriately reflect the fair value of either company for its shareholders.”October 5, 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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More News
- What do brokers really want from tech? One simple interfaceNew research based on dozens of conversations with real estate leaders finds that integration, measurement and adoption matter more than shiny new features.October 5, 2026
- 3 things selling condos can teach any real estate agentCondo transactions differ from single-family home sales, but the process offers lessons for every agent — no matter which market segment is their primary focus.October 3, 2026
- Compass, C21 add agents; KW nabs indie; LPT expands in CanadaThe move to Compass is “a natural evolution” for the Texas firm. Plus, C21 adds New Jersey affiliate; Christie’s SoCal expands; Sotheby’s enters Panama; more.October 3, 2026
- HUD sued over ‘unlawful’ funding cuts; Dems pitch down payment helpThe department cut nearly $56M in funding already allocated by Congress. Plus, a proposed down payment matching program; NAHB supports affordability bill.Updated October 2, 2026
- Fed rate hike less likely after job gains miss the markA weaker labor market may cool inflation and push rates down, which could rally homebuyers. But fewer job changes and wage boosts could also hurt the market.October 2, 2026
- Will Connecticut’s private listings law impact brokerage practices?The law, which took effect on Oct. 1, states that private listings and office exclusives cannot be publicly marketed, which could include sharing between firms.October 2, 2026
- CMLS debuts new member tier to bolster broker-MLS relationsHomeServices and eXp Realty are founding members. Plus, NAR introduces a fraud prevention resource and introduces a new class of 20 prospective future leaders.Updated October 2, 2026
- CertifID acquires Closinglock; new zoning data platform launchesThe deal unites two fraud prevention firms. Plus, Snapdoor joins EXIT program; Land Use Labs launches; Homeward raises capital; SourceRE adds MCP platform.October 1, 2026
- 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, STRATMOR, more.October 1, 2026
- Housing activity hits the brakes as mortgage rates surgeWhile 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
- 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
- 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
