HUD faces massive staff cuts, while a lawsuit buys time for CFPB
The D.C. shakeup continues as Elon Musk’s DOGE team takes on HUD, looks to cut staff by half; the CFPB awaits a new director and retains funding — for now.
February 14, 2025
Stephanie Reid-Simons
Senior Vice President
Stephanie followed her grandpa's path into journalism, reporting and editing her way into leadership roles with news teams covering everything from courts and crime to entertainment, sports and business. At Amazon and Zillow, she used her strategic storytelling skills to earn the attention of millions of people, establish a content marketing practice and help build a creative agency. She enjoys spending time with her family and tackling overly ambitious home-improvement projects.
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- Lawsuits in DC as housing-related agencies close, rewrite rulesUnion files two suits on behalf of CFPB employees told to stay home after DOGE accesses systems; new HUD director halts programs tied to “gender identity.”February 10, 2025
- 'Unfiltered': Agents, the worst is behind us — here’s what to do nowWatch the conversation as Chris Heller, influential agent turned top exec at companies like OJO/Movoto and Keller Williams, breaks down the keys to success.February 8, 2025
- Senate confirms new leader for ‘failing’ HUDScott Turner said the nation needs "millions of homes, all kinds of homes' and expressed support for the 'opportunity zone' program from Trump’s first term.February 5, 2025
- Unlock 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.”January 31, 2025
- Final 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.January 31, 2025
- Consumer 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.Updated February 5, 2025
- More 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.January 29, 2025
- Agents 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.January 24, 2025
- LA fires spark a call for real estate ‘unity’Industry veterans — and pro musicians — channel their hopes into a song that’s meant to point people toward positive change in a time of "so much hate."January 20, 2025
- Compass CEO tops list of real estate’s most powerful leadersRobert Reffkin has been outspoken and growth-focused, landing at No. 1 on the 2025 SP 200. At No. 2? Another disruptor-turned-dominator, eXp’s Glenn Sanford.January 8, 2025
- 'Unfiltered': Real estate must stop moving ‘at the speed of paper’Watch the conversation as the CEO of Matterport shares his pitch to skeptical agents and his push to create the “forward-looking ecosystem” homebuyers expect.January 7, 2025
- The architect of Opportunity on the ‘positive potential’ aheadReal estate visionary Stefan Swanepoel says the fragmented industry must pull together despite differences over issues like Clear Cooperation. Here’s how.January 1, 2025
- The Ten: REcolorado moves past the drama of its stunning saleLeaders of the nation’s 16th-largest MLS envision a broker-centric future — and more privately owned multiple listing services. “We’ve now opened the door.”December 28, 2024
- eXp sells off Virbela, but it’s not quitting the metaverseThe tech-forward brokerage is doubling down on a simpler way for agents to access virtual worlds. Said Glenn Sanford: “I’m proud to have had eXp fund” FrameVR.December 26, 2024
- NAR moves to revoke Phoenix Realtors charterIn an email to leaders, the association said PAR’s refusal to stop offering its MLS Choice option leaves NAR “no choice” but to defend its trademark and model.Updated January 3, 2025
- Phoenix Realtors fires back at NAR over MLS Choice programThe National Association of Realtors says MLS Choice allows non-Realtors to join the Phoenix association. PAR says NAR “threats” will chill innovation.December 23, 2024
- The Ten: NAR ready to reclaim narrative after bumpy yearThe association made a deal to end commissions cases while facing leadership shifts, intense attention from the DOJ — and media — and "rumblings" of discontent.Updated January 6, 2025
- NAR hits Phoenix Realtors with cease-and-desist over MLS ChoiceThe option lets brokers access the MLS outside the “traditional three-tier membership system.” NAR says it is “maintaining standards for the Realtor brand.”Updated December 19, 2024
- REBNY sues over new commission rules for NYC brokersThe Real Estate Board of New York told a federal court that rules limiting how agents are paid will make it harder for renters to find apartments.December 18, 2024
