Rechat adds private user community; Mainstay acquires Truelist
“House of Rechat” is adding 175 new members each week. Plus, Mainstay absorbs Truelist; ClearCapital launches risk navigator tool; AngelAI to expand; more.
September 17, 2026
Real Estate News: The latest news for agents and other pros.
- Builders proceed cautiously with single-family home constructionElevated material costs, high energy prices and labor shortages are continuing to pressure the construction market, with builder confidence now at a 2026 low.September 17, 2026
- The pre-market network effect: A battle for real estate’s futureCompass’ walled-garden strategy could set off a private inventory race — but the open ecosystem has an opportunity to become its most powerful counterweight.September 17, 2026
- Sellers face a tough choice as 7% mortgage rates suppress demandReducing prices or delisting may be the most viable options for homesellers in some markets as higher borrowing costs continue to deter buyers.September 17, 2026
- Zillow, Realtor.com make ‘commitment to openness’ with PreviewThe portals said their partnership, which they first announced in May, will create a new standard for housing market transparency through collaboration.September 17, 2026
- AI tools are quickly becoming integral to brokerage operationsSurvey data from 2024-2026 shows that brokerage leaders see AI as increasingly important and are planning to use it for more front- and back-office tasks.September 17, 2026
- Brokerages are vibe coding now. Here's how to make sure it scales.Brokerages are vibe coding now. Not all of them — but enough that it's a real pattern.
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- Consumer group coalition recommends probes into Zillow, CompassThe groups want state attorneys general to launch targeted investigations. Plus, Trump nominates FHA commissioner; new affordable housing bill introduced; more.September 16, 2026
- Path to lower mortgage rates ‘highly uncertain’ after Fed hikeThe Fed raised short-term rates by a quarter point today for the first time since July 2023. Mortgage rates, meanwhile, are expected to remain elevated.September 16, 2026
- Compass offers incentives to agents who ditch StreetEasyThe firm’s NYC agents can get a $1K digital marketing package if they remove listings from StreetEasy before the portal’s policy updates take effect Sept. 17.September 16, 2026
- More Sitzer/Burnett appeals tossed by 8th CircuitAppellate judges ruled on Sept. 15 — again — to uphold the settlements approved by the lower court. This is the third judgment to affirm since mid-August.September 15, 2026
- MRED scores ‘important victory’ in legal battle with ZillowA judge has denied the portal’s request for a preliminary injunction, but “the case continues,” Zillow said. “Today’s ruling is not the final word.”September 15, 2026
- Howard Hanna promotes longtime execs to support ‘ongoing growth’Leah Gibbons was named chief of staff, and Phyllis Brookshire has been appointed SVP of operations. Plus, Discovery Land Co. hires new East Coast leader.September 15, 2026
- Zillow Preview adds new partner with RealScout integrationThe partnership, announced six months after Preview first debuted, is expected to launch before the end of the year to help “agents win,” the companies said.September 15, 2026
- Real estate groups join up to push housing policies forwardA coalition of 14 housing and real estate partners has launched the Let America Build campaign to raise consumer awareness of supply and affordability issues.September 15, 2026
- Investors, not the Fed, may influence where mortgage rates go nextIt’s a big week for the Fed, which could raise short-time rates for the first time in over 3 years, but mortgage rates may respond more to investor reactions.Updated September 15, 2026
- Homes.com names new president after 2-year leadership gapFelix Kusch, a real estate executive who previously oversaw two European home search portals, has been tapped “to get Homes.com to No. 1.”September 14, 2026
- Compass begins ‘next chapter’ with global division launchThe division gives Compass clients a path for conducting transactions internationally while retaining the service they are used to in the U.S., the firm said.September 14, 2026
- KW enters Montenegro; Elliman, BHS add veteran agentsKW’s first market center in the Balkan country will open in Q4. Plus, NY agents with five decades of combined experience join BHS; Elliman adds Florida agent.September 14, 2026
- Southwest Florida’s largest Realtor association appoints new CEOJohn Leonardi joins RPCRA from Buffalo Niagara Realtors. Plus, Bright unveils “AI Academy”; Hive MLS-RealReports alliance grows; ABoR marks 100 years in Texas.Updated September 15, 2026
- Hispanic wealth has risen, homeownership rate has notNAHREP’s 2026 State of Hispanic Wealth report outlines new goals for the next 10 years, while cautioning that federal policies may inhibit progress.September 14, 2026
- Best time to buy a home arriving ‘a bit earlier’ this fallNationally, the best week to buy starts Sept. 27, Realtor.com found. But local conditions vary, with the ideal week arriving later in the season in some areas.September 14, 2026
- The industry is changing, but an agent’s core job is notWith the industry stuck in a years-long low-demand cycle, real estate agents from around the country say they are sticking to one key truism to make it through.September 12, 2026
- $300M team aligns with Real to ‘do what we do best’The Clayton Coastal Group adds 37 agents to Real. Plus, The Agency’s Jeff Barnett expands title; agent returns to REMAX Gold; Corcoran Horizon opens new office.September 12, 2026
- Did lending standards overcorrect after the financial crisis?A recent Pew study argues that lending policies, which tightened in the late 2000s, are preventing many Americans from getting mortgages despite reduced risks.September 11, 2026
- IRES elevates longtime leader to CEO; The Agency adds regional VPMonths after moving into the COO role, Julie Dahl is now IRES MLS’s new CEO. Plus, 20-year industry vet Jim Lonergan to oversee regional sales at The Agency.September 11, 2026
- Fed ‘will most likely hike’ rates after ‘surprise’ inflation dataInflation, a top focus for the central bank, rose in August, with core inflation higher than expected. Analysts now put the odds of a rate hike at nearly 90%.September 11, 2026
