By the NumbersAverage mortgage rates top 7% for the first time in 8 monthsRates increased for a fifth straight week, but the latest inflation data could be a sign that relief is coming.Dave GallagherJanuary 16, 2025
MLS/AssnNAR asks court to dismiss Michigan mandatory membership caseTying association membership to MLS access isn’t anticompetitive, the defendants argue, while also claiming the plaintiffs are contradicting themselves.Dave GallagherJanuary 16, 2025
AgentsCalifornia agents scramble to help clients affected by LA wildfiresAs the fires rage on, some agents are working on the front lines to help displaced residents facing big losses — while navigating scarcity and price-gouging.AJ LaTraceJanuary 15, 2025
BrokeragesCompass boosts outlook, expects 2024 revenue to top $5.6BThe brokerage revised its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings forecast upward, also noting that it added more than 650 agents in Q4.Dave GallagherJanuary 15, 2025
By the NumbersHousing Market Decoded: Why Fed cuts haven’t kept mortgage rates downWhen the Fed lowers interest rates, a drop in mortgage rates often follows — but recently, the opposite has happened. Here’s why.Lisa SturtevantJanuary 15, 2025
MLS/AssnClear Cooperation lawsuit dismissed (again)TAN, a private listing network, has agreed to drop its case against NAR after nearly five years of litigation and previous dismissals. Will this be the end?Dave GallagherJanuary 14, 2025
By the NumbersInvestor sentiment nosedives as rates rise, rents fallAfter improving earlier in the year, sentiment plunged between the third and fourth quarters of 2024, though flippers were less pessimistic than landlords. AJ LaTraceJanuary 14, 2025
AgentsWhat buyers are looking for in their next homeIn a recent survey, would-be buyers were most interested in finding a turnkey home close to work, but they're willing to compromise on some features.Amie FisherJanuary 13, 2025
MLS/AssnSupreme Court denies NAR request to review DOJ caseThe decision is a blow for the association, which has spent years trying to prevent the Justice Department from reopening its investigation into NAR policies.Amie FisherJanuary 13, 2025
AgentsTrends 2025: The ‘New Way’ to make the new rules work for youThe NAR settlement has changed the way compensation is communicated, but getting real with clients can ensure that deals get done and agents get paid.Real Estate News StaffJanuary 13, 2025
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: Real nabs 3 teams + more brokerage newsReal Brokerage tops 24,000 agents with its latest additions, including a 550-agent California firm; plus news from Exit, The Agency, Elliman, C21 and more.Real Estate News StaffJanuary 11, 2025
MLS/AssnFormer NAR president lived by his belief in ‘The Power of One’Tennessee Realtor and association leader Martin Edwards, Jr. passed away last week, leaving a legacy of service and advocacy.Dave GallagherJanuary 10, 2025
IndustryLayoffs at Redfin, ZillowThe Seattle-based companies confirmed the cuts. Redfin said no agents were among the 46 staff affected; Zillow didn't disclose how many employees were let go.Taylor SoperJanuary 10, 2025
MLS/AssnLas Vegas Realtors apologizes after a dramatic start to 2025The association's new president, who stepped into the role a year early after two other leaders abruptly resigned, hopes to restore LVR's credibility.Robert DavisJanuary 10, 2025
By the NumbersMortgage rates soar following strong jobs reportThe employment data is good news for workers, but it means the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut rates later this month, keeping borrowing costs elevated.Dave GallagherJanuary 10, 2025
By the NumbersHousing supply and demand could shift dramatically in 10 yearsPopulation growth is slowing, which means fewer new households — and fewer new homes needed. But immigration is still a wild card.Dave GallagherJanuary 10, 2025
IndustryAssessing the housing damage in LA: Costliest fires ever?Damage estimates are as high as $50 billion with thousands of properties destroyed, containment elusive and at least five people killed.AJ LaTraceJanuary 9, 2025
By the NumbersMortgage rates drift higher — but buyer activity picks upWeekly averages moved closer to 7%, but upcoming labor market reports could change the trajectory.Dave GallagherJanuary 9, 2025
BrokeragesBrokerages in Georgia commissions case ask for settlement approvalWith all deals now disclosed, the parties have requested preliminary approval, but the eXp and Weichert settlements are still under scrutiny in another court.Dave GallagherUpdated January 10, 2025
BrokeragesLPT Realty CEO on ‘agent choice,’ scaling to 100KThe upstart brokerage offers both rev share and fee-based plans, which CEO Robert Palmer believes will be key to their growth. So far, it seems to be working.AJ LaTraceJanuary 9, 2025