By the NumbersWill a rate cut by the Fed jumpstart home sales?The weak job market may initially temper homebuyer demand, but eventually, falling rates should help “revive sales activity.”Dave GallagherSeptember 15, 2025
IndustryAs AI takes over mortgage approvals, who’s watching the machines?Artificial intelligence is transforming the mortgage industry at breakneck speed — but with regulators sidelined, the risks of bias and inequity loom large.Coby HakalirSeptember 15, 2025
BrokeragesFirstTeam expands; new teams at RE/MAX, Real, The Agency, CBFirstTeam opens its first office in Washington state; CB picks up a $1B Florida team; a luxury sales duo joins The Agency New York; more.Real Estate News StaffSeptember 13, 2025
IndustryZillow challenges Compass’ request to depose co-founderZillow made claims of harassment in a filing that also showed it offered Compass a “broader national partnership” before announcing its private listing ban.Andrea V. BrambilaSeptember 12, 2025
MLS/AssnMLS’s new listing options obscure price history, days on marketCanopy MLS’s “Limited Exposure” setting, which also excludes listings from feeds, is designed to offer flexibility and “restore fairness for everyone involved.”Andrea V. BrambilaSeptember 12, 2025
IndustryOpendoor co-founder floats idea of cutting staff by 85%“There’s no way you need 1,400 employees,” Co-founder and newly appointed board member Keith Rabois told CNBC, adding, “we’re going to return to our roots.”Meghan RoosSeptember 12, 2025
IndustryChristie’s, MetroList prioritize growth with new leadership rolesG. Scott Hurlock is now SVP of strategic growth at Christie’s, while MetroList appointed Brian Groth to serve as its first director of sales and marketing.Real Estate News StaffUpdated September 11, 2025
By the NumbersMortgage rates plummet; analysts now predict 3 Fed cutsWeak jobs data is expected to outweigh inflation numbers as the Fed considers a rate cut next week — which could be followed by more before the end of the year.Amie FisherSeptember 11, 2025
Brokerages‘Illogical’ or ‘awesome’? Private listings divide Compass agentsDo off-market listings “erode trust” with consumers — or are they “a great marketing tool” for sellers? Current and former Compass agents have mixed opinions.AJ LaTraceSeptember 11, 2025
IndustryAppeals court rejects new evidence in Sitzer/Burnett caseNAR and others will need to clean up and resubmit their briefs by Sept. 15. Law professor (and appellant) Tanya Monestier called the ruling a “critical” win.Stephanie Reid-Simons, Andrea V. BrambilaUpdated September 11, 2025
IndustryOpendoor names new CEO: ‘The right leader for the AI era’Kaz Nejatian, the former COO at Shopify, fills the vacancy left by ex-CEO Carrie Wheeler, while Opendoor's co-founders return as board members.Meghan RoosSeptember 10, 2025
IndustryJudge temporarily stops Trump from firing Fed governorPlus, the BLS makes a significant downward revision to jobs numbers, and the president’s nominee to replace an ex-Fed official advances to a Senate vote.Meghan RoosSeptember 10, 2025
Brokerages‘Playmakers:’ How eXp’s CEO scaled up after he ‘lost everything’ Watch the conversation as Leo Pareja explains how to be a “brilliant leader” and shares other strategies younger agents can adopt to fast-track their career.Meghan RoosSeptember 10, 2025
TechZillow adds AI-powered Virtual Staging to ShowcaseThe new tool can instantly add different kinds of furniture to listing photos, “a step forward in making home shopping more immersive,” the company says.Real Estate News StaffSeptember 10, 2025
IndustryNAR antitrust lawyer now chief legal officer at CompassThe appointment of Ethan Glass, lead counsel in the commissions cases, underscores Compass’ “unwavering commitment to seller choice,” CEO Robert Reffkin said.Real Estate News StaffSeptember 9, 2025
By the NumbersWhere rental investors can find good ROI — and less red tapeThe top cities for investors are largely located in Florida and Texas, where home prices are typically lower, demand is strong and regulations favor landlords.Amie FisherSeptember 9, 2025
AgentsThe ‘formula’ for team success — starting with who to hireReal estate is now a “skills-based market,” and teams must lean into specialization and rigorous execution to get ahead, says strategist and coach Verl Workman.Meghan RoosSeptember 9, 2025
BrokeragesColdwell Banker CEO denies ‘reversing course’ on private listingsKamini Lane says her stance hasn’t changed — but in the few cases where listing privately makes sense, her brokerage is committed to providing the best tools.Andrea V. BrambilaSeptember 8, 2025
IndustryBroker wants membership rules waived while appeal plays outA new filing seeks a temporary restraining order while a Texas broker’s court battle over NAR and local association membership requirements proceeds.Stephanie Reid-SimonsSeptember 8, 2025
By the NumbersIn some college towns, buying a home is cheaper than dorm lifeTrading on-campus food and housing costs for those linked to homeownership can save up to $30,000 in three years in some college towns, a new report suggests.Sydney JacksonSeptember 8, 2025