MLS/AssnUnlock MLS to allow non-Realtor accessThe CEO of the Austin-based multiple listing service wants subscribers to know “we value the ability for them to choose what’s best for their business.”Stephanie Reid-SimonsJanuary 31, 2025
IndustryFinal judgment puts a bow on NAR commissions dealCourt documents lay out the details of the landmark Sitzer/Burnett settlement, including who’s in (covered parties and opt-ins) and sellers who opted out.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJanuary 31, 2025
IndustryConsumer Financial Protection Bureau faces new threatPresident Trump fired the CFPB director days after Senate Republicans introduced a new measure to defund the watchdog agency, whose scope includes mortgages.Stephanie Reid-SimonsUpdated February 5, 2025
By the NumbersCue the sad trombone as pending sales reverse courseA 4-month streak of gains seemed to be setting up a strong start to the new year, but sales slipped in December — “not welcome news” for hopeful agents.Amie FisherJanuary 30, 2025
MLS/AssnMilestones: Startup offers Buyer Listing Service to MLSsBuy-side tool is a “full-featured transaction creation platform” for agents. Plus, Doorify and Canopy MLSs integrate new tech; REdistribute adds board member.Real Estate News StaffJanuary 30, 2025
TechMore agents are using AI — and fewer brokerages are worriedReal estate leaders are getting more comfortable with artificial intelligence and expect it to “redefine operational efficiency” in 2025, a new survey found.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJanuary 29, 2025
By the NumbersNo rate cuts as the Fed takes a wait-and-see approach“We’re not on any preset course,” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who noted it was too early to predict how Trump policies will affect the economy. Amie FisherJanuary 29, 2025
IndustryLA fires: What we know so far, and what’s ahead for housingBrokerage leaders, data scientists and other experts have helped paint a picture of the scope and impact of the California wildfires on the LA housing market.AJ LaTraceJanuary 29, 2025
IndustryTrump's war on ‘wokeness’ could impact housing and real estateAll federal agencies that offer financial assistance programs — including HUD — have been ordered to share detailed information on how their dollars are spent.AJ LaTraceUpdated January 29, 2025
IndustryNew lawsuit sweeps up 8 brokerages and MLSsThe companies were among the remaining entities not covered by NAR’s deal. They quickly agreed to settle, paying more than $10.5 million in combined damages.Dave GallagherJanuary 28, 2025
Industry2 brokerages seek settlement approval; Nosalek hearing scheduledBaird & Warner and Real Estate One will add another $3.7 million to the fund, while the MLS PIN case moves forward after an extended pause.Dave GallagherJanuary 27, 2025
Agents‘Unfiltered’: NAR lawyer on settlement do’s, don’ts — and risksWatch the conversation with NAR’s general counsel as she answers the big, lingering questions about the commissions deal, gives an update on appeals and more.Amie FisherJanuary 27, 2025
IndustryNew telemarketing rules on hold after appeals court rulingLess stringent requirements for consumer contact will stay in place for a year, the FCC says, as it delays TCPA changes mandating one-to-one consent.Dave GallagherJanuary 27, 2025
By the NumbersA strong finish for new home sales in DecemberSales were up at the end of 2024, and for the full year, increased by 2.5% over 2023 — in contrast to existing home sales, which fell short of 2023 numbers.Dave GallagherJanuary 27, 2025
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from eXp, Real, E&V, The Agency, Christie'seXp gains 2 large teams; Real reaches 25K agents; E&V Gestalt Group names Bay Area president; The Agency opens in Miramar Beach; Christie's expands in Yucatan.Real Estate News StaffJanuary 25, 2025
AgentsSellers want max exposure for their listings, survey findsMost sellers don’t know much about MLSs or private listing networks — but they want an agent who can get their listing in front of the largest pool of buyers.AJ LaTrace, Amie FisherJanuary 25, 2025
MLS/AssnMilestones: A partnership in Georgia, a new leader in S. FloridaGeorgia MLS partners with 12 local organizations to share listings; Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors welcomes Jonathan Lickstein.Real Estate News StaffJanuary 24, 2025
AgentsAgents find something to cheer about: Stable commissionsThe latest survey from Real finds record levels of optimism and a majority of agents saying commissions have stayed about the same — or improved.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJanuary 24, 2025
By the NumbersLate-year gains fail to push home sales above 2023 levelsDespite an uptick in December, existing home sales ended the year at just over 4 million, the lowest rate since 1995.Dave GallagherJanuary 24, 2025
BrokeragesPrivate listing tool a response to ‘strong demand’ amid CCP debateFor brokerages looking to capture more off-market listings, Luxury Presence has a new product that aims to help them "succeed in any scenario."AJ LaTraceJanuary 24, 2025