IndustryFreedom Mortgage hit with $4 million fineThe company, which has been dubbed a “repeat offender” by regulators, faces another penalty for submitting inaccurate loan data.Dave GallagherJune 18, 2024
IndustryOpt-in day is here — who’s in?Connecticut’s SmartMLS reluctantly decides to join the NAR settlement. Other MLSs and brokerages have until the end of the day to opt in.Dave GallagherUpdated June 20, 2024
IndustryNew initiative focuses on agents for underserved buyersRealtor.com is highlighting the 111 things independent buyer representation does for Black, Hispanic, Asian American, LGBTQ+, veteran and first-time buyers.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJune 18, 2024
IndustryDOJ pushes back on NAR’s rehearing requestThe agency wants to reopen its antitrust investigation into the association, and on June 17 said NAR’s attempt to block that move is not justified.Dave GallagherJune 17, 2024
IndustryIt’s time for brokerages, MLSs to settle — or face liabilityJune 18 is the deadline for those not covered by the NAR settlement to opt in and pay damages, or risk further litigation in the commissions cases.Dave GallagherJune 17, 2024
BrokeragesCan REX make a comeback?The low-fee brokerage continues to pursue antitrust claims against Zillow as it looks for a chance to start again.Dave GallagherJune 17, 2024
By the Numbers3 regions top the list of markets most at risk for a slowdown ATTOM researchers found that counties around Chicago and NYC, as well as several in inland California, would be the most vulnerable in a housing downturn.AJ LaTraceJune 17, 2024
TechTech Bytes: News from Opendoor, Real, Lundy, RealReportsOpendoor unveils industry-first partnership with My State MLS; Real Brokerage launches curated tools; SWMLS partners with RealReports; CRMLS adds Lundy.Real Estate News StaffJune 17, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from ERA, E&V, Sotheby's Realty, C21Large East Coast indies join ERA; Super Bowl champ signs on with Engel & Völkers Austin; Sotheby's Realty expands in Michigan; Century 21 adds Montana firm.Real Estate News StaffJune 15, 2024
MLS/AssnNAR ‘stands by’ Pride post as it cuts all comments“This was more than simply a social media post,” said the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance president, calling for “proactive actions” and ethics code enforcement.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJune 14, 2024
MLS/AssnZillow, MLSs reach settlement in ShowingTime lawsuitThe home search giant filed a lawsuit last December over the removal of its showing platform in the ARMLS and Metro MLS regions.Dave GallagherJune 14, 2024
AgentsAgents, consumers split on NAR settlement outcomesA recent survey from Clever found that 70% of agents are unhappy with the deal, but two-thirds of consumers think commissions practices should change.AJ LaTraceJune 14, 2024
Industry'Unfiltered': What clients want, and how to deliver itWatch the conversation with strategist Jay Baer as he explains how to create better client outcomes by avoiding common pitfalls and “yesterday’s thinking.” Real Estate News StaffJune 13, 2024
By the NumbersMortgage rates decline for a second week, boosting applicationsBuyers have more inventory to choose from, but the uptick in demand could be short-lived as the lock-in effect and price growth continue to stymie sales.Dave GallagherJune 13, 2024
IndustryNick Bailey: 5 lessons for leaders of public real estate companiesBailey, the former CEO of RE/MAX, discussed the keys to success when leading a business that is accountable to both customers and shareholders.AJ LaTraceJune 13, 2024
By the NumbersOnly one rate cut is coming in 2024The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged despite some easing of inflation, but signaled that more cuts are likely next year.Dave GallagherJune 12, 2024
IndustryDouglas Elliman dismissed from buy-side commission caseCompass, eXp, Redfin, Weichert and United Real Estate among remaining defendants in Batton 2 case; a smaller case moves closer to a settlement.Dave GallagherJune 12, 2024
TechRoof AI CEO on ChatGPT — and the need for guardrailsRoof Pro launched its GPT integration this week after the company took the time to establish safeguards necessary for the real estate industry.Stephanie Reid-SimonsJune 12, 2024
IndustryOfferpad partners with Realtor.com to expand cash offers The search portal integration is the iBuyer’s latest move as it focuses on growing market share through partnerships and agent incentives.Dave GallagherJune 11, 2024
IndustryVA makes mortgage rule change officialA temporary policy revision allows military borrowers to pay their agents, something that was previously prohibited under VA lending rules.Amie FisherJune 11, 2024