M&As at Atlas VMS, HomeVestors; Opendoor Home Loans moves forward 

Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry. 

Atlas VMS acquires CloseClear.ai

Atlas VMS has announced its acquisition of CloseClear.ai, a platform that monitors mortgage pipelines against federal disaster data to identify potential GSE repurchase risk after appraisal.

CloseClear.ai matches active loans against disaster areas at the ZIP code and county levels and aligns the results with guidelines outlined by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Atlas plans to integrate the technology into its AIM-Port as a premium offering for its lender and appraisal management customers, while CloseClear.ai will continue operating as a standalone product for its current customers, according to a news release.

The technology will also support new products within AIM-Port, with Flood Zone Determinations planned as the first expansion. The product is expected to provide property-level flood zone identification using CloseClear.ai's nationwide flood map database.

This acquisition "closes a real gap for our lenders," Atlas VMS CEO Erik Morin said in the announcement. "Disaster exposure doesn't stop being a risk just because the appraisal is done. Pairing it with AIM-Port lets us monitor that risk continuously and act on it automatically, at a scale this technology couldn't reach on its own."

Additional details on pricing, availability and the AIM-Port integration timeline are expected in the coming months.

HomeVestors announces first-ever acquisition

HomeVestors has announced its acquisition of BlueSquIDX, a software platform that identifies and pursues investment properties on the MLS. The move marks HomeVestors' first acquisition as the company aims to expand franchisees' use of on-market homes.

As part of the acquisition, BlueSquIDX Founder Steve Peterson will remain with HomeVestors to provide training and continue developing the platform for the company's more than 750 franchisees across 47 states, the companies said.

BlueSquIDX uses MLS data and machine learning to identify property characteristics associated with homes that may appeal to investors before streamlining the evaluation and offer process. The platform can reduce the amount of time required to evaluate and make an offer on a property from several hours to several minutes, according to a news release.

"An investor might have a way to identify houses they want to offer on," HomeVestors Chief Growth Officer Brandon Gebers said, "but they then have to take the time to actually make those offers, and for each property, that requires getting a hold of a buying agent, writing a contract, sending it to the listing agent, and following up on it."

"BlueSquIDX shortens that evaluation and contracting period down to about five minutes with an evaluation and a single click," Gebers added.

Agent Buddi adds safety tools to protect agents during showings

Agent Buddi has added client background checks and in-showing safety monitoring to its AI-powered platform, bringing safety features into the same system agents use for leads, showings and follow-up.

The platform's Safety Mode now includes emergency contacts, distress detection and 911 alerting with the agent's live location. The platform also adds pre-showing client criminal background checks and is designed to work alongside tools for live transcription, AI summaries, buyer insights and automated follow-up, with a consent process for states requiring two-party consent.

"Until now, agents have had to choose between safety and putting food on the table," Agent Buddi CEO Niall Phelan said in a news release. "Agent Buddi brings productivity and safety into one platform, which will revolutionize the industry."

The safety features are available now on the web and via iOS and Android devices. The rollout coincides with Realtor Safety Month, which the National Association of Realtors recognizes each September.

Opendoor ends beta testing of Home Loans platform

Opendoor Home Loans, iBuyer Opendoor's mortgage platform, has exited its beta period with a broader mortgage lineup and a digital application process designed to reduce friction for homebuyers, the company announced earlier this month.

Opendoor Home Loans now offers 30-, 20- and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, along with 5/6, 7/6 and 10/6 adjustable-rate mortgages. Buyers can prequalify in minutes, complete applications online with income and asset verification, and submit documents digitally, according to a news release.

The platform also provides access to licensed mortgage professionals for buyers who need assistance. The service is available for purchases in markets where Opendoor is licensed, including homes that are not listed or sold through Opendoor.

In the company's announcement, Opendoor CEO Kaz Nejatian acknowledged that the home purchase and mortgage processes are typically completed separately, leading to confusion and frustration among some buyers.

"We built Opendoor Home Loans for the way most people buy a home," Nejatian said. "We can't control the market rate, but we can control the cost and friction around it."

Indiana brokerage launches AI operating system for agents

Brokerworks Real Estate Group has launched BrokerWORK, an AI-powered operating system that brings brokerage tools and workflows into one platform for its agents.

Available immediately to approximately 60 Brokerworks agents, the platform was developed and tested within the brokerage, according to a news release, and it will continue to evolve based on user feedback. Its central AI assistant, Andy AI, can prepare daily briefings and coordinate leads, follow-up, transactions and deadlines. Andy AI can also search and analyze MLS data and assist with marketing creation.

BrokerWORK is designed around existing agent workflows rather than adding AI to a traditional CRM, according to the firm. It connects brokerage operations and gives agents a single place to access information, tools and support across activities including prospecting, client management, transactions and marketing.

"Our goal is to make powerful AI practical for the everyday agent, not as another piece of software they have to manage, but as support that is present throughout their business," said Andrew Knies, Brokerworks' owner and managing broker.

Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.