By the NumbersDon’t count on rate cuts in the first half of 2024Economists say inflation is not falling fast enough to convince the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.Dave GallagherFebruary 13, 2024
MLS/AssnAlmost 20% of Realtors pay for multiple MLSs, but for how long?Commissions lawsuits could accelerate consolidation and evolution — and save agents money, according to a new report on MLSs and Realtor associations.Dave GallagherFebruary 13, 2024
IndustryPeople on the Move: Anywhere shuffles execs, Zillow hires policy proRudy Wolfs joins Anywhere as CTO while Melissa McSherry announces plans to leave COO role; Nicole Booth joins Zillow's government relations team.Real Estate News StaffFebruary 12, 2024
BrokeragesNew commissions case filed in UtahNAR and several national and local brokerages are named in the suit — the first copycat commissions case to be filed in the state.Dave GallagherFebruary 12, 2024
BrokeragesAncillary services a steadying force in an uncertain marketAdding property management, title or other services can help a brokerage during any market by increasing revenue streams and improving customer service.Cheryl Reid-SimonsFebruary 12, 2024
IndustryPeople on the Move at ERA, Anywhere, OAR and MetroTex Frank Malpica to lead franchise development at ERA; Joseph Lenz joins Anywhere board; Bryan Hutchinson takes on CEO role at OAR; Justin Landon to helm MetroTex.Real Estate News StaffFebruary 11, 2024
IndustryBrokers, are you focusing on the wrong agents?Superstars and stragglers might catch your attention, but agents in the middle — the slow-and-steady crowd — can supercharge your business, with some guidance.Jack MillerFebruary 10, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from The Agency, Corcoran, ERA, Christie's, BHGREThe Agency adds Vancouver office, NorCal agents; Corcoran nabs agents from Compass; ERA gains NOLA firm; Christie's expands in S. Carolina; more.Real Estate News StaffFebruary 10, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage leaders are feeling better about 2024A survey of leaders found greater optimism compared to a year ago, but many are concerned about recruiting, profits and commission lawsuits in the year ahead.Dave GallagherFebruary 9, 2024
By the NumbersConsumer sentiment up as mortgage rate optimism hits record highFannie Mae’s monthly survey found that, for the first time, a greater share of consumers expects rates to fall in the next 12 months.Dave GallagherFebruary 9, 2024
By the NumbersSeeing red — or blue — as politics enters homebuying decisionsNew reports from Redfin and Allied Van Lines shed light on the impact that local laws and political divides can have on buying and selling.Cheryl Reid-SimonsFebruary 8, 2024
By the NumbersLower mortgage rates haven’t materialized yet30-year mortgage rates have remained in the upper-6% range since December. Will predicted rate drops arrive in time for the spring buying season?Dave GallagherFebruary 8, 2024
IndustryThe real estate companies going all in on Super Bowl SundayHomes.com will run three new ads during the big event while Opendoor will livestream a real homeowner doing a virtual walkthrough during halftime.AJ LaTraceFebruary 7, 2024
Tech‘Carfax for homes’ startup secures fundingRealReports, which provides property information for all U.S. homes, says it can give agents a competitive edge.Dave GallagherFebruary 7, 2024
Brokerages‘We had a really good run’ says Maui brokerage ownerSix months after fires ravaged the island, Chris Speicher says West Maui’s real estate business is in limbo, prompting his “heart-wrenching” decision to leave.Nicole BrodeurUpdated March 12, 2024
By the Numbers‘Lifeline’ grants aim to increase homeownershipFreddie Mac and Chase have made recent changes to their down payment assistance programs which could help more low-income buyers enter the market.AJ LaTraceFebruary 6, 2024
IndustryRuling ‘an important step’ toward ending ban on Chinese buyersAppeals court sides with two of the four people suing the state of Florida along with an Orlando-based brokerage, with a final ruling expected soon.Cheryl Reid-SimonsFebruary 6, 2024
MLS/AssnNAR ends January with 1.515 million members, a loss of 38kThis marks the third straight month with a drop, but the association’s chief economist said membership is “holding on much better than market dynamics suggest.”AJ LaTraceFebruary 5, 2024
BrokeragesHomeServices takes commissions fight to Supreme CourtThe remaining brokerage defendant asserts that Sitzer/Burnett should have gone to arbitration rather than trial.Dave GallagherFebruary 5, 2024
MLS/AssnLongtime MLS leader 'still passionate,' sees big changes aheadStellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen reflects on 40 years in the industry, what consumers don’t know about MLSs, and the need for a thoughtful approach to AI.Dave GallagherFebruary 5, 2024