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
BrokeragesWhy brokerage mergers are about buying ‘hope’A consultant and former Anywhere exec breaks down the actions investors should take when looking to acquire or merge with other real estate firms.AJ LaTraceFebruary 4, 2024
AgentsAgents Decoded: Rules matter — but agents should know when to break themReal estate has plenty of rules and best practices, but many are not set in stone. The best agents learn how and when they can be bent.J. Philip FarandaFebruary 3, 2024
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: News from Real, E&V, @properties, Corcoran, moreReal snags top SoCal team; E&V enters New Hampshire; @properties expands in Michigan; Brooklyn-based Corcoran team grows; The Agency expands in Spain; more. Real Estate News StaffFebruary 3, 2024
By the NumbersProfits on home sales took a dip in 2023Sellers are still seeing near-record-high profits, but this was the first year-over-year decline in 12 years.Dave GallagherFebruary 2, 2024
TechTech Bytes: News from Zillow, Perchwell, CoreLogic, LoftyZillow unveils app for Apple's Vision Pro; Perchwell offers REBNY RESO-compliant data solution; CoreLogic launches security platform; Lofty adds AI assistant. Real Estate News StaffFebruary 2, 2024
MLS/AssnHAR leaders on earning trust and competing with Zillow“We’re trying to be an example of what an association can do,” says René Galvan, who will take over for Bob Hale as CEO in 2026.Stephanie Reid-SimonsFebruary 2, 2024
BrokeragesRedfin sweetens the deal for buyers who sign agreementsThe new “Sign & Save” program offers buyers a rebate if they sign a buyer agreement with Redfin and go under contract on a home within six months.AJ LaTraceFebruary 2, 2024
By the NumbersMortgage rates dip slightly as Fed continues its pauseRates have remained relatively stable since December, with the average 30-year mortgage rate posting a modest decline this week.AJ LaTraceFebruary 1, 2024
BrokeragesKeller Williams reaches $70M settlement in commissions casesThe deal, which leaves just NAR and HomeServices of America as defendants in the Sitzer/Burnett and Moehrl cases, releases KW from all sell-side litigation.Stephanie Reid-SimonsUpdated February 1, 2024
AgentsMost buyers are suspicious of competing offersAccording to a new survey, the majority of buyers are concerned about transparency in the homebuying process.AJ LaTraceFebruary 1, 2024
MLS/AssnNAR interim CEO ‘sets the record straight’ in new videoNykia Wright defended the real estate profession and NAR, saying the association does not set commissions and “never has,” though that phrase was later cut.Cheryl Reid-SimonsUpdated February 1, 2024
IndustryFTC weighs in on antitrust allegations leveled against CoStarCoStar’s residential business has managed to avoid the antitrust cases rocking the industry, but it’s a different story on the commercial side.Cheryl Reid-SimonsJanuary 31, 2024
BrokeragesState of New York takes an interest in eXp assault, harassment casesAllegations of sexual misconduct tied to eXp "raised a huge red flag" for the NY comptroller's office, which has a financial stake in the company.AJ LaTraceJanuary 30, 2024