By the NumbersMortgage rates fall below 7% for the first time in 6 weeksBuyers may be able to take advantage of lower rates and increasing inventory, but many are still priced out, dampening sales.Dave GallagherMay 23, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from Real, United, RE/MAX, The Agency, ERA, CompassReal Luxury launches; United grows in Alabama; RE/MAX affiliate adds 3 firms; The Agency enters Niagara; ERA Carroll expands in WY; Compass woos top producer.Real Estate News StaffUpdated May 24, 2024
IndustryVA will allow homebuyers to pay agents — at least for nowComments made by a Department of Veterans Affairs official Tuesday “ensures veterans have the same opportunity as others to compete in a tight housing market.”Cheryl Reid-SimonsMay 22, 2024
By the NumbersExisting home sales lose more momentum in AprilDespite the sluggish pace, inventory is up, which is “nudging the market in a more buyer-friendly direction.” AJ LaTraceUpdated May 23, 2024
IndustryThe party is not over for NAR — ‘at least not yet’A new report describes the political might of NAR, its lavish efforts to protect it, and risks to its future posed by the government — and its own actions.Stephanie Reid-SimonsMay 21, 2024
IndustryNAR continues its battle to keep DOJ case closedAn appeals court ruled that the government could reopen its investigation. NAR says that decision involved “far-reaching and exceptionally important” errors.Dave GallagherUpdated May 21, 2024
By the NumbersA third of homes for sale are new constructionWith many owners of existing homes hesitant to give up their low mortgage rates, new homes continue to account for an outsize share of the market.AJ LaTraceMay 20, 2024
MLS/AssnA closer look at NorthstarMLS’s path through a tricky yearMinnesota’s largest multiple listing service embraces its “broker-centric, tech-forward focus” as it works through rules changes and pursues collaboration.Stephanie Reid-SimonsMay 20, 2024
Industry‘Stop sharing broker commissions’ to steer clear of troubleA “consumer-centric” approach to buy-side commissions is better for all agents, industry leaders say. Here’s why, and what you need to know about the DOJ.Cheryl Reid-SimonsMay 19, 2024
IndustryWhy — and how — second place counts in home searchBoth Homes.com and Realtor.com claim to be No. 2 in the battle to unseat Zillow as home search champ. A look at CEO claims, what’s at stake and how we got here.AJ LaTraceMay 18, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from Compass, Redfin, Corcoran, Christie's RE, moreHigh-volume OC team returns to Compass; Redfin Next in 25 new markets; 7-office Corcoran affiliate merges with NJ firm; Christie's Real Estate enters Vietnam.Real Estate News StaffMay 18, 2024
TechTech Bytes: News from Zillow, TrustFunds, Planitar, ReviveZillow launches BuyAbility tool; Bright MLS teaming up with TrustFunds; Planitar adds interactive Lead Magnet to 3D tours; Revive shows value of renovation.Real Estate News StaffMay 17, 2024
By the NumbersReport: Lower mortgage rates key to improving affordabilityAn NAR/Realtor.com study on the effects of rate reductions and price cuts found that a 1% mortgage rate decline could put a noticeable dent in monthly payments.Robert DavisMay 17, 2024
IndustryeXp CEO: ‘Treat your buyers like you treat your sellers’Company leaders hosted a livestream to discuss NAR settlement outcomes, including buyer agreements and how to talk to sellers about buy-side compensation.AJ LaTraceMay 17, 2024
BrokeragesKeller Williams cancels plan to cut profit share for ex-agentsPresident and CEO Mark Willis called the move “unprecedented," and said the vote by the company’s agent-led IALC passed by an “overwhelming majority.”Stephanie Reid-SimonsUpdated May 17, 2024
IndustryPeople on the Move: A C-suite shakeup at HomeServices of AmericaChristy Budnick is out after three years as HSF Affiliates CEO; Gino Blefari to take on dual CEO roles. Plus, a new VP of operations at United.Real Estate News StaffMay 16, 2024
By the Numbers‘More wiggle room’ for buyers as rates, supply show promiseSquint and you can see a bright side as housing starts bounce back and mortgage rates drop a bit (but stubbornly stay above 7%).Cheryl Reid-SimonsMay 16, 2024
Industry'Unfiltered': MLS CEO talks tech, settlement pros and consWatch the conversation with NorthstarMLS’s Tim Dain as he discusses how technology can work better for agents, and the not-so-simple outcomes of the NAR deal.Real Estate News StaffMay 16, 2024
IndustryCoStar CEO says competitors are ‘going to adopt our model’Will Homes.com sell buyer agent leads? “Never,” says Andy Florance, who believes all the portals will eventually move to “your listing, your lead.”AJ LaTraceMay 16, 2024
By the NumbersBuilder confidence takes a hit as rates, costs remain highSentiment drops for the first time since November, with persistent inflation and concerns about new federal rules dampening builders’ outlook.Amie FisherMay 15, 2024