Above: J. Lennox Scott A longtime industry advocate and thought leader, J. Lennox Scott constantly finds himself considering new ways to maintain the company's 90-year legacy while driving innovation in the real estate markets where his roughly 3,000 broker associates are located—and where the...
Real Estate News
MetroList, Northern Nevada Regional MLS (NNRMLS), and Oregon Data Share, LLC (ODS) have announced a technology collaboration to share real estate transaction data across California, Nevada and Oregon. The strategic partnership between the three leading multiple listing service organizations will provide real estate professionals...
The Department of Justice (DOJ) took a hard stance against a previous court ruling in a case involving Real Estate Exchange (REX), Zillow and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the DOJ argued that NAR's no-comingling rule...
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) appears to be joining the roster of government agencies facing cuts. Antonio Gaines, president of AFGE National Council 222, said the agency plans to “discharge 50% of its workforce,” meaning its 9,600 employees, as reported by Bloomberg Law. The cuts ...read more
The Residential Real Estate Council and Real Grader have announced the renewal of their strategic alliance for 2025, reinforcing their commitment to member development through collaboration and innovation. The alliance, entering its second year, will continue Real Grader's role as a Solutions Center provider,...
On Valentine's Day, couples celebrate their closeness. Flowers, gifts, romantic dinners and more highlight the happy day, yet no one can know what the future may hold. For those committed to each other but not yet married, there should be a dose of reality...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's biweekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it every other Friday afternoon. -Analysts for the S&P released a new breakdown of how removing the GSEs (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) from their long government conservatorship...
A new report by Zillow shows that sellers are in a more advantageous position than buyers, so much so that they're willing to overlook high rates and sell despite this potential pitfall, due to record levels of accrued equity. This is evidenced by Zillow data, which showed a record ...read more
Negotiating in real estate is like a high-stakes game of chess, where each move matters and timing can be everything. When you're trying to secure the best deal for your client, it's essential to have a set of effective strategies in your toolkit. From understanding the importance of preparation ...read more
Appearing before The Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity Task Force—established by the House Financial Services Committee in January—Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was questioned about the Fed's independence amid political pressures, the role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the...
The average 30-year-fixed rated mortgage continued edging downward this week, lowering from last week's 6.89% to 6.87%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®)from Freddie Mac, released Thursday. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continued to inch down this week, reaching its lowest level...
The Clear Cooperation rule mandated by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), where listings must be put on an MLS within 24 hours, remains controversial within the industry. In an exclusive interview with RISMedia Founder and CEO John Featherston back in January, NAR President...
In the largest and oldest commission-focused case filed by homebuyers (known as Batton), Judge LaShonda Hunt mostly sided with defendants in a dispute over new claims and new named plaintiffs, characterizing the proposed amendment as burdensome and unnecessary. At a hearing today, Hunt eventually...
The Residential Real Estate Council has announced the addition of Roomvu—a leading real estate marketing platform—to its Solutions Center. Through this strategic collaboration in 2025, RRC stated that members will gain custom access to Roomvu's comprehensive suite of marketing tools designed to strengthen their...
January saw 30,816 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings—which include default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions—an increase of 8% month-over-month, but a 7% decline year-over-year. A little under 3,000 (2,973) properties were repossessed via foreclosure in January, a just under 1% increase from December,...
A comprehensive survey of Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) members and CRS Designees released this week shows robust industry performance and high career satisfaction among real estate professionals, with members outperforming industry averages in transaction volume and maintaining strong market presence despite challenging conditions...
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has announced that it added 31 new franchised offices in 13 different states to its national franchise system in 2024. This marked the largest number of new office openings for the system since the start of the pandemic, the...
Above, Danielle Andrews VITALS: Realty ONE Group Next Generation Years in business: 2.5 Size: 1 office, 32 agents Regions Served: Northern Florida, Southwest Georgia, Southeast Alabama 2023 Sales Volume: $14,420,350 2023 Transactions: 68 https://nextgeneration.myrealtyonegroup.com Danielle Andrews' journey into real estate began as a way to earn extra income ...read more
Above: Alan J. Smith Alan J. Smith—broker/owner at RE/MAX Professionals—has spent years building a successful relationship with Buffini & Company, generating significant ROI for the Denver-based real estate firm and the nearly 470 agents serving the thriving Colorado region. With four-plus decades of experience...
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. Yet, many buyers find themselves becoming “house poor” after achieving this “American Dream.” Nearly three in 10, or 27.4%, U.S. homeowners with a mortgage are “house...
On this President's Day, your mind might be drifting to the most famous home in all America. But really, presidents only spend a short eight years (at most) living in the White House. The United States is littered with homes that once housed these...
With mortgage rates still hovering at recent lows, this week saw another increase in mortgage applications, increasing 2.3% from last week's increase of 2.2%, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) for the week ending February 7,...
While smiles, courtesy and friendliness are an agent's calling cards with everyone, let's be real about the residential real estate business. While it may not be purely a cutthroat calling, there are no nice tries for buyers. Your client either captures the flag with...
In a fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings call February 11, Zillow Group CEO Jeremy Wacksman and CFO Jeremy Hofmann touted the company's strong performance, highlighting a 17% year-over-year revenue increase to $554 million in Q4 and a 15% increase to $2.2 billion for...
Inflation continues to rise for the fourth consecutive month, continuing a reversal from its decline throughout most of 2024. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)—one of the main measures of inflation—rose 0.5% in January, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all items index rose ...read more
Earlier today, I spent two hours with the BHHS RW Towne Realty Leadership team, diving into a critical conversation on recruiting and retention—a topic at the heart of building and sustaining high-performing teams. Our discussion reinforced a fundamental truth: great leadership, whether in real...
Real estate business success often results in part from simple actions that accumulate in the “bank” over time. Building goodwill in your local community can be an important part of that equation so be sure to get out there and mingle and be a...
Taking center stage, inflation, bank regulations, the housing crisis and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) were key topics as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. During Tuesday's Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to Congress, Powell reemphasized the Fed's position ...read more
Florida's Stellar MLS has announced the launch of its new Stellar Central Dashboard, which includes more efficient and user-friendly business solutions in one workspace with upgraded security enhancements. Stellar MLS has partnered with Centris to launch the platform, the company noted. The new dashboard...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. As AI continues to evolve, its applications to business continue to grow and find new ways to...
After an aborted launch on Sat. Feb. 1, 2025, President Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico have been postponed to a Mar. 6, 2025 launch—new tariffs on China remain in effect. In the meantime, though, real estate analytics giant CoreLogic has...
There's still time to participate in RISMedia's 37th Annual Power Broker Survey—the residential real estate industry's preeminent report identifying and ranking the nation's top brokerages based on sales-dollar volume and transaction sides. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, Feb. 17. Click here to participate! Participating in the ...read more
Detroit is the most overpriced housing market in the country, but there's not a clear reason why. The latest Beracha and Johnson Housing Market Ranking reveals that homes in Detroit are selling at a 37% premium above the area's long-term pricing trend. Las Vegas...
Perhaps never before have two initials together captivated the masses like A and I have. Artificial Intelligence has become so buzzworthy as to simultaneously amaze and alarm, with working people on one hand thirsting to utilize its extraordinary powers while on the other worrying...
Century 21 Real Estate has announced a new multiyear partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS). The brand will serve as the Official Real Estate Services Partner of MLS, the MLS All-Star Game, and MLS Cup presented by Audi. Starting in 2025, Century 21 stated...
Above, Christopher Alexander RE/MAX has announced that Christopher Alexander has chosen to conclude his tenure as President of RE/MAX Canada. He will continue in his role until March 3, 2025 and serve in a consultative role through June 30, 2025. Alexander will remain connected to the RE/MAX brand as ...read more
When you make your own hours as an agent does, you can actually feel even more pressured to be working all the time. To ensure you can make time for your hobbies with no distractions, find which hobbies you enjoy and your business, and...
The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Brokerages excluded from NAR deal strike quick settlement in new lawsuit Keel et al v. Washington Fine Properties LLC et al is a new...
Real estate is one of the most dynamic, rewarding, and demanding professions out there. The highs of closing a deal, helping clients find their dream homes, or securing the perfect exit from an investment property can be incredibly fulfilling. But the constant hustle, the...
Century 21 Real Estate has announced the continued expansion of its network along the border of Florida and Georgia with the latest affiliation of Crest Realty, based in St. Marys, Georgia. The firm is led by Sarah Wood, who joined the real estate industry in 2012 and later founded ...read more
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has announced the appointment of Chris Nichols as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales. In his new role, Nichols will focus on expanding the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand into new markets and supporting its affiliates in achieving their growth ...read more
Above, a still of celebrity Dan Levy from one of Homes.com's Super Bowl LIX ads Homes.com, a CoStar Group leading online residential marketplace, returns to the big game Sunday with two 30-second spots: “Not Saying We're the Best” during the first quarter and “Still Not Saying We're the Best” ...read more
Above, a Northern Italy home listed by Castellanum Real Estate. Forbes Global Properties has announced Castellanum Real Estate, which serves Northern Italy's South Tyrol and Lake Garda regions, is the latest firm to become a member of the international luxury brand. Founded in 1991, Castellanum is led by ...read more
Editor's Note: Real Talk is an ongoing video series featuring Joe Skousen, founder and CEO of Inside Real Estate, who interviews industry leaders regarding the outcome of the Burnett vs. NAR trial as well as NAR's settlement, along with other pressing issues affecting residential...
Mindset and mindfulness are something people hear a lot about in terms of self improvement, but not as much when it comes to business growth. Heather “Sunshine” Haase, a REALTOR® and productivity coach with Keller Williams Advisors, is a frequent flier and national speaker...
Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 143,000 in January, while the unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 4%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on February 7. Job gains were in the healthcare, retail trade and social assistance sectors, while job losses were seen...
Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has announced the expansion of its business in southern Wisconsin with the affiliation of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Dream Partners. The full-service boutique brokerage assists clients throughout Dane, Green, Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties with everything...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has continued expansion in the Greater San Antonio Metropolitan area with the affiliation of woman-owned Running S Realty LLC. Based in Stockdale, Texas and serving the state's southern and central regions, the firm is led by Louise Stoever Baumann,...
A new report shows owning a home in the United States is still more affordable than renting certain properties in the majority of markets, but both are financially burdening, and in some cases, rental prices are outpacing shifts in median home prices. ATTOM Data's...
This is a story about recruiting agents in 2025, but after reading this sentence, please pause before continuing and enjoy a moment of self-satisfaction knowing it's just been proven that you are what every brokerage seeks—a true, almost certainly successful residential real estate professional....
Home prices nationwide (including distressed sales) have seen a year-over-year increase as of December 2024, according to a new report by CoreLogic. The report cites a 3.4% price rise from the December 2023 to December 2024 timeframe. Month-over-month, the CoreLogic HPI essentially saw no...
Realtor.com® has announced that it will be relocating its corporate headquarters to Austin, Texas, from Santa Clara, California. The company stated that the move signifies Austin as its new top hiring location, with a renewed commitment to the new location as its team and...
Above, Katie Blum When Katie Blum stepped into the role of managing partner at East West Partners' Charleston office, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a commitment to building communities that enrich lives. Known for overseeing transformative projects like The Waterfront...
In this special video interview conducted during November's NAR NXT in Boston, RISMedia Founder & CEO John Featherston sat down with dynamic team leader Andy Allen of the Austin, Texas-based Andy Allen team with Keller Williams. A 33-year Keller Williams veteran, who has been...
While mortgage rates have remained elevated in recent weeks, it appears the recent potentially market-shifting events such as the announcement then pause of tariffs, have had little to no effect on them. This week they continued to edge down from last week's 6.95% average...
As the real estate industry has settled into a new year and market, the latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that 2024 ended with home prices having jumped across the U.S. The quarterly report, surveying median prices in 226 metro...
REsides has announced a new partnership with Rayse, the technology platform designed to strengthen agent-client relationships. REsides noted that Rayse enhances transparency, trust and communication throughout the real estate transaction process. All REsides brokers will have early access to the platform. “Transparency expectations, coupled with customer's desire to easily ...read more
The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) installed Vlora Sejdi as its 2025 president, along with its new 2025 Board of Directors, at a Jan. 30 Gala at the Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, New York. The association noted that this year's theme,...
While the incredibly destructive Los Angeles fires have finally been brought under control, assessing the damage and figuring out what's next for the many thousands of people who lost their homes is underway. CoStar Group's online residential platform Homes.com has compiled data on the...
The largest of the commission copycat lawsuits following Burnett v. National Association of REALTORS®, the Gibson suit—which challenges industry commission practices and seeks damages on behalf of homesellers claiming they were charged unfairly excessive fees—added yet another layer to the growing legal battle over...
Editor's Note: The Disruptor Roundup analyzes companies implementing unconventional models. Low crime rate, good schools, walkability score, political affiliation. The list goes on when it comes to what buyers consider before signing the deed on a house. A new real estate platform, Oyssey, is looking to give buyers all ...read more
Above, Alicia Cervera Lamadrid Alicia Cervera Lamadrid Managing Partner Cervera Real Estate, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Miami, Florida https://cervera.com Region served: Southeastern Florida Years in real estate: 45 Number of offices: 10 Number of agents: 350 Favorite part of your job: ...read more
An ongoing shakeup at Douglas Elliman may have swept up another long-time company executive. Stephen Kotler, who serves as CEO of Elliman's western region, is facing a possible ouster, according to Bloomberg News. Citing unnamed sources, the outlet said Kotler could remain with Elliman...
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Scott Turner, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in a 55-44 vote. Turner will assume his cabinet position tomorrow on Feb. 6, 2025. Turner, who helped oversee the implementation of “opportunity zones” during the first Trump ...read more
The National Association of REALTORS® has announced the evolution of its Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) initiative, shifting from an annual summit into a continuous engagement platform designed to empower real estate professionals with tools, insights and networking opportunities. Instead of a once-a-year event,...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has announced it is continuing to expand its presence along the Wasatch Range with its latest affiliation with Lifestyle Real Estate, based in Orem, Utah. The firm, now doing business as CENTURY 21 Lifestyle Real Estate, is owned and...
Renovating a home before listing or sale comes with pros and cons, but one of the pros is to make the home more enticing. Some pieces of renovation visible from the curbside include a new paint job, yard maintenance or upgraded windows. Windows aren't there only to give a ...read more
While mortgage rates are still hovering just under 7%, the average fixed rate hit a six-week low this past week, leading the path to a bump in mortgage applications as February gets underway. In the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA), mortgage applications increased ...read more
Defying post-pandemic trends, RISMedia's Broker Confidence Index (BCI) dipped slightly at the start of the year, with real estate business owners still wrestling with spiking insurance costs, inventory shortages and consumer hesitancy—but most are planning to increase investments in their business. Falling slightly from...
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like a complex, futuristic concept to some real estate professionals, but it is rapidly becoming a transformative tool in the industry. Just as technology revolutionized marketing through email and social media, AI is now reshaping how agents generate leads,...
This week, my travels took me to Chandler, Arizona, where I had the privilege of speaking at the HomeTeam Summit. I was joined by Paul Spires, Founder of HomeTeam Inspection, as their keynote speaker. Every year, I look forward to engaging with HomeTeam's leadership,...
Above, an aerial view of Memphis Century 21 Real Estate LLC has announced it is expanding into Memphis with the latest affiliation of Patterson Homes Real Estate Co., a Black-owned firm with over 70 independent sales professionals across two offices. The firm is led...
For real estate professionals, the multiple listing service (MLS) is about as essential as any single tool or resource can be. All the data provides an obvious value to those in the industry, and the platform exists as a foundation for real estate transactions—but...
When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers its benchmark interest rate, many people expect mortgage rates to follow suit. But the relationship isn't that straightforward. The federal funds rate—the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans—has an indirect impact on mortgage rates. The...
On Sat., Feb. 1, President Donald Trump imposed previously promised tariffs, implementing a 25% tax on imported goods from Mexico and most from Canada (energy related goods are only 10%) and an additional 10% tax on imported goods from China. Tariffs could impact the...
Above, Rosie Papazian, left and Krista Miller As an art and design major, Krista Miller had her eye on a career in architecture. But when she and her husband bought their first home in a small community east of San Francisco, she took an...
The National Association of REALTORS® has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Good Neighbor Awards. The program honors real estate agents who demonstrate dedication to volunteer service and who have lasting impacts on their communities. “The Good Neighbor Awards represent the best of who we are as ...read more
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has ordered a widespread shutdown of operations Monday at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) following his appointment as acting director Monday after President Donald Trump fired the agency's previous leader Rohit Chopra over the weekend. The news was first...
Why are real estate teams outpacing traditional agent models in growth and profitability? The answer lies in their ability to adapt quickly, pool resources and create efficiencies. Top teams have become the backbone of many successful brokerages, offering a breadth of specialized expertise and...
According to John Gillam, broker of record at EXIT Realty Home & Ranch in Colorado, not every real estate business leader understands the new dynamics of this era of real estate. “Most people don't bring in the right people to do the right diligence,”...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. MLS PIN judge pushes forward with DOJ-stalled case Judge Patti B. Saris, presiding over the Nosalek v. MLS PIN lawsuit in Boston,...
Century 21 Real Estate has announced continuing its latest affiliation in the greater Houston area: TEVAS REAL ESTATE GROUP LLC. The firm is led by its original founders Jose Torres and Louis Vargas, according to a release. Century 21 noted that with the combined expertise of Torres and Vargas, ...read more
The February issue of RISMedia's Real Estate magazine is now available, and not to be missed are several exclusive features, including an in-depth look at RISMedia's 2025 class of Real Estate Newsmakers. Featured are the real estate professionals who made headlines and changed the...
Atlanta-based luxury firm Harry Norman, REALTORS®, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE),has announced that 2025 marks the company's 95th year in business. Founded in 1930, Harry Norman, REALTORS® was Atlanta's first residential real estate firm, and has maintained its...
Pillar To Post Home Inspectors has released a year-end recap of its 2024 strategic franchise developments, industry accolades and key additions to its team. Strategic expansion driving growth In 2024, Pillar To Post announced 15 new franchise signings and four resales. The company stated...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's biweekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it every other Friday afternoon. Eleventh Circuit vacates one-to-one consent rule on robocalls This past week in a robocalls case, “Insurance Marketing Coalition Limited (IMC) v. Federal Communications...
A new report from ATTOM Data shows that equity-rich locales remain concentrated in certain areas, with at least half of all homes with a mortgage considered equity rich located in more than 40% of U.S. zip codes. A mortgage is considered “equity-rich” if the...
At the New England CEO Summit today, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle W. Bowman warned against cutting rates too often, and advocated against overregulation for community banks. For the housing sector, Bowman's reluctance to lower rates may prolong higher mortgage rates, but her advocacy for...
RISMedia, the leading information and news provider for the residential real estate industry, has announced its 2025 class of more than 300 Real Estate Newsmakers. Hailing from across the U.S., RISMedia's eighth annual Newsmaker honorees represent those who made headlines for their commitment and...
The Federal Reserve declined to cut interest rates any further at its latest meeting—and the Fed's preferred inflation metric now shows that the goal of 2% annual inflation remains elusive. In the latest monthly Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report compiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, monthly inflation in ...read more
Canopy MLS has announced it will enhance its subscribers' access to rental tools through the latest integration of Rental Beast and OneHome™. This integration embeds Rental Beast's Apply Now application and tenant screening tool into OneHome™, CoreLogic's client collaboration platform, providing Canopy MLS subscribers...
Vesta Home has announced a wildfire relief plan to help L.A. homeowners impacted by the devastating fires. Julian Buckner and Brett Baer, the founders of the company they launched in L.A. in 2017, wrote, “We are heartbroken by the devastating wildfires in our city this past week. Vesta's mission ...read more
Property Highlights: Location: Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Listing Price: $4,595,000 Features: 3,100-square-foot fully renovated townhouse with four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half bathrooms. Added Appeal: Skylit staircase, chef's kitchen, elegant drawing room, manicured garden and EV-ready garage. Every home tells a story, but...
Being an effective leader is the most critical element for success within any real estate team. Strong leadership not only shapes the team's culture but also influences performance, decision-making and client relationships. However, while it's true that leadership comes more naturally to some of...
Mortgage rates inched lower this week, still hovering below 7% but showing little change since earlier this month. The latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) released by Freddie Mac Thursday shows the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 6.95%, down one basis point from last week's 6.96%. “The 30-year fixed-rate ...read more
The National Association of REALTORS® has announced the release of the fifth season of its acclaimed docuseries, “First-Time Buyer,” now available on Hulu. NAR stated this season takes viewers on an emotional and educational journey through the homebuying process, featuring unscripted stories from New York and Connecticut. The eight ...read more
After four months of rises, the pending home sales index fell by 5.5% for the month of December, experiencing month-over-month losses in transactions in all four major U.S. regions to cap a year that was marked by volatility. The most significant month-over-month decline was in the West. The same ...read more
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have many mentors who have shaped my path, but if I had to choose just one who has had the greatest impact on me, it would undoubtedly be Mike Ferry. Over the past five decades, Mike Ferry...
Like most top-producing agents, Suzy Minken, with Compass in Short Hills, New Jersey, has experience on the extreme ends of the home-buying spectrum when it comes to timing. She makes strong recommendations to clients about how to proceed during the process, but acknowledges she...
Weeks after the fires raging across Southern California began, drought conditions and strong winds have, incredibly, kept the two biggest ones, the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton Fire near Pasadena, still active. At least 29 people have died, as thousands of...
United Country Real Estate has announced that it has reached 100 years in business, marking a century of innovation and dedicated service in lifestyle, land and rural real estate. Founded in 1925 as United Farm Agency in Kansas City, United Country Real Estate emerged...
Above, Jerome Powell At the Federal Reserve's first 2025 press conference January 29, following a two-day meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced that there would not be an immediate rate cut. The action, or inaction, which was unanimously agreed upon by the Federal Open...
Mortgage industry experts pointed to a drop in refinance activity as the overall driver of home purchase applications decreasing this week, although it was only slightly and also indicative of persistently elevated mortgage rates hovering near 7%. According to the Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association ...read more
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced that charges have been filed against a REALTOR® who allegedly attempted to price gouge a family who was evacuated due to the LA fires. The investigation was a result of complaints received by the California Department of...
According to Cole McNew, he wasn't looking for a new career. Real estate found him. After a call he received while reevaluating life during pandemic times, McNew decided to parlay his credit union and mortgage lending experience into the career he was clearly destined...
As you lean into this new year, I want to remind you of one critical truth: You have the power to shape your business and your future. It starts with a strong business plan. This isn't just about numbers and projections–it's your guide, your...
RE/MAX has announced the launch of its 2025 National Advertising Campaign. The campaign takes a fresh and modern approach, showcasing the trust in and professionalism of RE/MAX affiliates and what sets them apart from other real estate agents. It builds on the foundation created...
A so-called “funding freeze” ordered on short notice by the new Trump administration was blocked temporarily by a federal judge yesterday, but the confusion and questions around the new directive created remain. The memo, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), is brief...
The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence in the real estate industry has become nearly ubiquitous, according to Delta Media's 2025 Real Estate Leadership AI Survey. Delta's survey found that nearly nine-in-ten real estate brokerage leaders report that their agents are actively using AI tools,...
Single women are likelier than single men to be homeowners, according to a new report from LendingTree. The report found that this was likely to be the case among younger women with better educational pedigree than their older counterparts. Despite the fact that women's...
Canopy MLS has announced its plans to implement Ardi, an AI-powered assistant designed to provide subscribers with quick and easy access to critical information anytime, anywhere. This AI will streamline support, save time and improve overall efficiency. “We're excited to bring Ardi to Canopy...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. As we move forward into the new year, maintaining a consistent and creative presence on social media...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. As we move forward into the new year, maintaining a consistent and creative presence on social media...
What should you expect from home prices in the new year? The latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index, tracking single-family home price changes in November 2024, suggests that year-over-year prices are still growing—but some previously booming areas fell behind. The annual gain in...
Consumer confidence continued to slide down in January, according to data from The Conference Board, however, experts feel the downtrend is not outside of the range it's been in the past few years. “Consumer confidence has been moving sideways in a relatively stable, narrow...
A new report from ATTOM Data shows that foreclosure activity in 2024 was on the decline compared to the year prior, a possible indicator of a balanced market and careful lending practices. According to ATTOM's Year-End 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, foreclosure proceedings were...
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to postpone compliance deadlines for its Nonbank Registration Regulation, citing concerns over implementation timelines and undue regulatory burden amid a new presidential freeze on pending rules. “The Bureau has a duty...
As the Clear Cooperation Policy became a nexus of controversy and debate last year, with a plethora of brokers, CEOs and everyday agents across the country weighing in, maybe more notable than any of the folks who spoke out in favor (or against) the...
Whenever anyone enters a new job in a new field, there are always tricks of the trade they have to learn—some that may counter their expectations. A 2024 study by the WAV Group found that many consumers aren't well-versed in what the home-buying process...
Any leader who's been in the real estate industry long enough understands how much of a balancing act running a team can be. As the team lead, it's on you to constantly look for ways that you can scale you and your member's current...
Persistently high mortgage rates hovering near 7%, coupled with equally high home prices, have created an affordability crisis that many prospective homebuyers and home sellers are intimately familiar with. These market forces have created somewhat sticky market conditions for existing-home sales, in contrast with...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Gibson plaintiffs argue to transfer Hooper to Missouri The plaintiffs of the Gibson case have filed a reply in support of their...
The sheer scope of devastation wrought by the still-not-extinguished fires in the greater Los Angeles area are hard to fathom. While entire neighborhoods of residential homes have literally become scorched earth, and local brokerage leaders have vowed to rebuild, CoStar Group on January 24...
Judge Patti B. Saris, presiding over the Nosalek v. MLS PIN lawsuit in Boston, said on January 27 that she is ready to move forward with the case, scheduling a preliminary hearing for April 4. Saris expressed her frustrations with the Department of Justice...
A shortage of inventory remains a market obstacle. One 2024 estimate from Zillow found that the U.S. has a 4.5 million unit deficit. The latest housing report from Redfin also found a recent inventory high can be attributed to many homes sitting unsold. Though...
The recent jump in the 10-year Treasury yield and the resulting rise in mortgage rates are expected to continue to weigh on existing home sales in the near future, likely keeping them at or near their lowest level since 1995, according to the January...
Above: A force in real estate for over 40 years, Davis is on a mission to elevate an entire industry. When Darryl Davis steps into the spotlight—whether on a conference stage for a client event, on one of his Monday Motivation coaching calls, or hosting his free Wednesday training ...read more
In December, total existing-home sales—completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops—rose 2.2%, up from November's rate of 4.15 million to 4.24 million. Year-over-year, December's sales increased 9.3%, the largest year-over-year gain since June 2021. National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun commented that ...read more
The latest monthly housing market report from RE/MAX found that home sales consistently improved during December 2024. The report surveyed 52 large metro areas and found an increased number of sales across the U.S. Compared to December 2023, home sales rose 13.3%, while also...
Upfront—a financial platform designed for brokers and their agents—and Loft47—a provider of back-office broker accounting technology—have announced a partnership to offer Liquid, a new product that aims to provide greater financial flexibility and funding options to real estate agents. With declining transaction volumes impacting...
RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. has announced that Travis Saxton has joined the company as Executive Vice President of Strategy. Saxton will report directly to CEO Erik Carlson and serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. In this role, he will guide real...
Above, K. Jennifer Cook When K. Jennifer Cook founded Vista Collective Real Estate in 2022, her goal was never about scaling for the sake of growth—it was about reshaping the real estate experience in St. Johns County, Florida. With a keen focus on collaboration,...
As we kick off 2025, riding the wave of momentum into the first few months of the year is more important than ever. While the industry continues to adapt to the new era of real estate, charting a path forward begins with an intentional...
Bill Pulte, CEO of private equity firm Pulte Capital Partners, has been nominated to be the next director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). President Donald Trump announced the nomination on his Truth Social account. “Bill needs no formal introduction to the Great...
Rocket Companies has announced the launch of its new website Rocket.com. Rocket.com allows consumers to search, purchase and manage their home financing with an AI-driven experience, combining the forces of Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Homes. Rocket stated that Rocket.com will improve the home buying...
ATTOM Data's Year End 2024 Home Sales Report has found that homesellers made a $122,500 profit on typical sales in 2024, a return on investment of 53.8%. Although both of these numbers soared to near record levels, the profit margin for median-priced home sales...
In a slight reversal of the past month's trends, the average 30-year mortgage rate decreased from its average last week of 7.04% down to 6.96% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac, released Thursday. “After crossing the 7%-mark last week, the 30-year ...read more
Final Offer has announced the launch of Private Exclusive Listings (PX), a new feature that allows agents to share off-market and pre-market properties within their brokerage and directly with clients via a private channel, providing early access to properties before they're publicly listed on...
Buying a home in today's market can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Over the past five years, home prices in many areas have skyrocketed, leaving buyers feeling both anxious and pressured. On one hand, they worry about missing out on further appreciation, leading to...
Social media can be your secret weapon for attracting leads and building your brand—but only if you use it correctly. Don't let common missteps tarnish your online reputation! Here are five social media mistakes every savvy real estate agent should avoid. Failing to engage with your audience Posting creative ...read more
Editor's Note: The RISMedia series, Legislative Round-Up looks at pending and passed federal and state-level legislation that impacts real estate professionals. As a new year and new presidential administration begins, the real estate industry is uncertain of what shape the housing market will take...
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI), which measures indicators of significant turning points in the business cycle and where the economy is headed in the near term, posted a 0.1% decline for the month of December, reversing course from a 0.4% rise in...
In another change in leadership at Keller Williams, Gary Keller, co-founder and executive chairman, announced in an email to company employees Jan. 22 that now former CEO and president Mark Willis is immediately transitioning into the role of chief leadership officer. Additionally, Stacie Herron,...
Mortgage applications barely increased this week amid lingering high mortgage rates, but the increase was enough to push home purchase applications up 2% over last year. That's the latest analysis from the Mortgage Bankers Association, who reported a 0.1% increase in applications over last week's notable 33% jump, per ...read more
Is there anything more depressing for a real estate professional than seeing a For Sale By Owner sign planted in a front yard? Not only does it mean no commission but there is also the subtle hint that your services are not required in...
Last week I had the privilege of contributing to and celebrating at our HomeServices of America Diversity Meets monthly gathering. Alongside Teresa Palacios Smith, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, we announced the recipients of the prestigious Diversity Champion Awards. It was an incredible...
Offerpad has announced the launch of PriceLock, a service that “locks in” the homeowner's final selling price at contract signing and protects against unexpected price reductions later, the company noted. How it works: Request an offer: Sellers request an offer and receive an estimated...
Real Estate organizations spend significant time each year evaluating solutions, whether that's to onboard new products or to decide if current tech tools are worth keeping. But how do you determine which technology product is best for your users? The answer to that may...
Donald Trump took the oath of office yesterday, stepping into his second term as president of the United States, and despite a flurry of executive orders, much of his administration's new agenda will take time to begin implementing—and could also face legal challenges. In these first few days, what ...read more
New data from Realtor.com® shows that rental prices continued to decline for the month of December, as the national median asking rent fell below $1,700 for the first time since April 2022. According to Realtor.com, this is a 1.1% decline year-over-year from December 2023....
Living Realty, Inc., a full-service real estate brokerage and subsidiary of Living Group of Companies, has announced its affiliation with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Established in 1980, Living Realty, Inc. focuses on residential, commercial, industrial and investment properties in the Toronto metro area, where...
Morgan Carey has built an empire in real estate technology—and, as it turns out, he can do it with one arm. Fresh out of major shoulder surgery, the CEO of Real Estate Webmasters (REW) is already back in action, innovating and strategizing without missing...
Above, Carol Perry Providing consumers a cohesive experience from contract to close–and beyond–is the name of the game for HomeSmart International Founder and CEO Matt Widdows, who recruited friend, business partner and confidant Carol Perry to be part of his team as he launched...
Wisconsin native Tony Wendorf always planned to be a doctor. In 2009, he earned a PhD in forensic psychology and went to work qualifying executive talent for industrial organizations. He loved the work, and still does, setting aside part of every work week to...
Sometimes the best way to structure your team's day doesn't spring immediately to mind—a “workflow,” or a planned series of activities that help your team members' complete a task, is needed. Your team members may need a way to organize their thoughts and tasks...
The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. eXp and Weichert settlements under review eXp and Weichert's attempts to reach a conclusion in the commission lawsuit Gibson v. NAR have hit another...
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has announced the release of its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter, which posted a reading of 68, up five points compared to the previous quarter. The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers...
In pursuit of a separate settlement agreement in a long-running commission lawsuit, homesellers suing Massachusetts-based MLS PIN over commission practices said their discussions with Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers in the wake of the National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) agreement have not been fruitful....
CENTURY 21 AllPoints Realty has announced that The Lisa Cozzi Team, an award-winning, globally recognized real estate team, has joined its brokerage in Connecticut. Previously with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Lisa Cozzi and her 10 team members bring real estate expertise in residential, investment,...
Zoning—one of the more technical aspects of local government and municipal planning—is a topic of importance in the real estate landscape. How local zoning laws affect the way in which people can build, and who is permitted to do what, deeply affects many of...
Scripts might feel like a safety net, but they aren't. They come off as stiff and rehearsed—two things that definitely don't build trust with homeowners. Real estate is about connection, authenticity and being fully present. If you're glued to a script, you risk losing...
As the new year sets in, will there be sufficient inventory to make 2025 a strong time for the real estate market? The latest report on new residential construction from the U.S. Census Bureau found housing starts increased at 2024's end, but still lagged...
The phrase “new year, new me” might be taking on a new meaning for real estate agents as 2025 gets underway. In the wake of the NAR settlement and practice changes, coupled with continued market challenges related to prices, rates and supply, the industry...
Above, from left, Carolyn Rosson and Betsy Cameron Ebby Halliday Companies has announced that Betsy Cameron has been named president of the company as Carolyn Rosson, who most recently served as president and CEO, will transition to serve as chairman of the company. A...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's biweekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it every other Friday afternoon. The ongoing litigation between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Rocket Companies has continued, with the DOJ now asking a Colorado federal court...
In a significant decision for the real estate and home design industries, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the use of floor plans in resale listings constitutes fair use under copyright law. Issued on Jan. 14, 2025, the ruling brings clarity to a long-standing dispute between Charles ...read more
Above, Ennis Antoine Vitals: Keller Williams West Atlanta Size: 1 office, 256 agents Regions Served: Southeast 2023 Sales Volume: $192,731,323 2023 Transactions: 61 https://kwwestatlanta.com Ennis Antoine has enjoyed a long and storied career in real estate, an industry that became his passion thanks to the opportunities it offers to ...read more
President-elect Donald Trump will take office on Mon., Jan. 20, but the U.S. Senate has already been hearing from some of his cabinet nominees—including the one most likely to impact the housing sector. On Thurs., Jan. 16, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and...
Above, Mercedes Saewitz LPT has announced that Mercedes Saewitz, a highly accomplished real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, has joined the company as senior vice president of operations for Aperture Lifestyle Real Estate. The company says this strategic appointment underscores LPT's commitment to excellence in real ...read more
Alright, folks, let's be real—selling real estate over the last few years wasn't exactly rocket science. Interest rates were at record lows, buyers were practically tripping over each other to snap up properties and homes sold faster than a good slice of pizza disappears...
New Orleans-based United Real Estate | Partners has announced the launch of a new commercial division, which expands its service offerings to individuals and businesses across the Crescent City and beyond. The news follows United | Partners' November 2024 merger with New Orleans' Northshore-based...
Still on the upswing, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage ticked up over 7% this week, marking its fifth straight week of increases and hitting their highest point since last May. According to Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), this week the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) ...read more
Builder sentiment edged higher to begin the year on hopes for an improved economic growth and regulatory environment. At the same time, builders expressed concerns over how building material tariffs and costs proposed by the Trump administration, and a larger government deficit, would put...
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (HHRES) has announced that Ohio-based Home Experts Realty has officially joined the Howard Hanna family, expanding the company's footprint in the Buckeye state. “Home Experts Realty has built a strong, values-driven foundation that aligns perfectly with Howard Hanna's mission...
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and several Michigan real estate associations asked a federal court Wednesday to dismiss a proposed class-action lawsuit that challenges traditional MLS and REALTOR® membership requirements. NAR, the Michigan Association of REALTORS® and several local REALTOR® associations argue that...
Housing affordability remains a main concern—not just for individuals looking to buy their first home, but for the broader economy, influencing everything from labor markets to community stability. This concern took center stage at a high-profile event at the Federal Reserve Bank of New...
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA) has announced that it welcomed nearly 50 Weichert® affiliated brokers, owners and managers to its Leadership Academy last month in Orlando, held at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. The multi-day Leadership Academy is a top-level...
Rocket Companies has announced a new refresh to its brand identity that the company says unifies many of the company's services under the overarching “Rocket” brand, creating an “influential end-to-end homeownership experience.” As part of this effort, the company says it has acquired Rocket.com...
In a recent episode of ILHM's podcast “Estate of Mind,” hosts Tami Simms and Jack Miller dive into their thoughts on why luxury real estate conferences and events matter and how to choose the right ones to elevate your career. Luxury real estate is a niche market requiring ...read more
An easy New Year's resolution for any agent is to find more clients or close more sales in 2025 than they did in 2024. But how do you turn this goal into action, and then, results? Reaching out to past clients is often a...
Above: Brian Tepfer, CEO of PropStream As one of the leading real estate data and lead generation platforms in the country, PropStream is on a mission to provide real estate professionals with the most comprehensive solution for finding off-market property leads encompassing the latest...
Above, Chris Lim RE/MAX Holdings has announced industry veteran Chris Lim is joining RE/MAX as executive vice president and chief growth officer on February 3. With over 22 years of experience in real estate sales, franchise development, market expansion and strategic growth, Lim brings...
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has announced the appointment of Jarrod Grasso as its first-ever Senior Vice President of Industry Relations. In this newly created role, NAR stated that Grasso will spearhead the organization's efforts to deepen engagement with state and local associations,...
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno has announced that it will return to complete independence as a 100% locally owned and operated brokerage after Co-Founders Chris Trapani and Ryan Iwanaga have finalized an agreement to reacquire the company. The organization will also maintain exclusive rights...
Inflation continues to rise after a seven-month decline from early in 2024, reversing the trend seen from March to September, and still falling well short of the target mark of 2% set by the Federal Reserve after seeing a 2.9% rise year-over-year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)—one of the ...read more
The latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey Mortgage shows applications increasing 33.3% from one week earlier; however MBA added context around the notable jump pointing to this time of year being particularly unpredictable for purchase activity. Last week's...
It is a reality that has frustrated real estate incumbents for almost two decades now. Despite the fact that MLSs, REALTOR® associations and big brokerages have long controlled all the listing data and assets that consumers covet, relative outsiders (namely, big portal websites) nearly...
This week has been deeply emotional as we've witnessed the devastating impact of the fires sweeping through Southern California. Lives have been lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and thousands of people, along with their beloved pets, have been displaced. The scale of this tragedy...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has announced it is expanding its presence to central Utah with its latest affiliation of female-led Sanpete Valley Realty based in Ephraim. The firm, now doing business as CENTURY 21 Essentials Realty, was founded in 1983 by Theresa Alder,...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. As we shift into 2025, and the digital world continues to grow and change, social media is...
Above, John Finn The Richmond Association of REALTORS® has announced John S. Finn Jr., senior managing broker of United Real Estate Richmond, as the recipient of the 2024 Civic Leader of the Year Award. The prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment...
Video-sharing app TikTok is enormously popular among young people—to the point that many real estate agents use it to find clients and/or build their brand—but is its time ending? In April 2024, President Joe Biden signed a bill mandating TikTok parent company ByteDance divest...
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mann Global Properties is the latest firm to join the lifestyle real estate brand. The brokerage regularly assists clients in Greater Orlando with residential real estate, as well as with property management, new construction and luxury homes. The firm is led by ...read more
A high-stakes lawsuit by a listing startup targeting the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has been dismissed as part of a mutual agreement between the two parties, according to court documents filed yesterday, ending (for now) one of the most imminent and longest-running legal...
When it comes to the housing market, in 2025, the only thing we should expect is the unexpected. At least that's what Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, had to say about the state of the housing market during RISMedia's Real Estate's...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Two weeks into 2025, the legal calendar is already looking very full for many of real estate's biggest players. Although the settlement...
Above, Matt Mick Growing up in a small Nebraska town, Matt Mick developed an interest in real estate while he was still in high school. “My girlfriend's father was a real estate agent,” he said, “and my aunt and uncle had a small real...
In the fast-paced world of this business, it feels like there's always something demanding your attention. But lurking in the background are those sneaky time-wasters that rob you of productivity and, ultimately, success. While mastering time management may sound easy, it's actually one of...
A recent lawsuit filed in Louisiana is taking direct aim at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the Louisiana REALTORS® Association and several local groups, alleging antitrust violations, discriminatory practices and restrictive tying arrangements. The case, filed by four Louisiana agents and brokers, echoes...
Above, from left, Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Nykia Wright and Brian Buffini on this year's RISMedia's Real Estate's Rocking in the New Year, the fifth-annual virtual event held January 9. After a year of upheaval and uncertainty in the real estate industry, it was clear...
A $34 million settlement struck by mega-brokerage eXp and a separate $8.5 million deal agreed to by Weichert have been thrown into significant doubt after Judge Stephen R. Bough, who oversaw the Burnett case, expressed major reservations about the process of the negotiations, ordering...
Above, Michael Nourmand and Martha Mosier The various challenges facing the residential real estate industry over the last few years—high mortgage rates, limited inventory, lawsuit-related commission issues, etc.—certainly must seem fairly insignificant compared to what Los Angeles-area brokerage executives now must face with the...
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 12:05 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 with a comment from NAR. The National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) appeal to the Supreme Court to block the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation was denied today without comment, allowing law...
As tragic and horrifying as the fires consuming homes and other buildings in various areas of greater Los Angeles have been for everyone across the country and around the world to behold, there's perhaps an even deeper poignancy for those in the real estate...
As tragic and horrifying as the fires consuming homes and other buildings in various areas of greater Los Angeles have been for everyone across the country and around the world to behold, there's perhaps an even deeper poignancy for those in the real estate...
In the competitive world of real estate, generating leads is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in converting those leads into loyal clients and, eventually, into closed deals. Lead conversion is an art–one that requires strategy, persistence and a deep understanding of human behavior. The first step? Build ...read more
Above, Darryl Davis Prospecting isn't just about knocking on doors or making phone calls. To truly stand out as a real estate agent, you need to establish yourself as a trusted leader in your community—essentially, the “mayor” of your farm area. Think of it...
It's no secret that affordable homeownership seems to be a mirage that many a thirsting wanderer is chasing in a desert of high prices. However, a new report by Realtor.com® may offer some diamonds in the rough for prospective homebuyers who haven't given up...
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 256,000 in December, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.1%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported December 10. Employment trended up in healthcare, government and social assistance. Retail trade added jobs in December, following a job...
Home prices have seen a moderate month-over-month rise, accompanying a more pronounced year-over-year rise, according to the latest Home Price Insights (HPI) report from CoreLogic. The report states that home prices rose nationally from November 2023 to November 2024 at a rate of 3.4%....
Property Highlights: Location: Charleston, South Carolina Listing Price: $3,850,000 Features: 1,939-square-foot luxury residence with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Added Appeal: Historically replicated Gothic-style details, exposed antique brick and salvaged heart pine timber and beams, exterior loggias, bespoke finishes by Cortney Bishop, access to...
In the high-stakes world of real estate, the ability to spot a fake seller can mean the difference between a lucrative transaction and a costly mistake. There's a rising occurrence of scammers impersonating property owners to profit from selling real estate they do not...
The number of U.S. households will grow over the next 10 years, but at a much slower pace than over the last 30 years. According to a new report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University, household growth is projected to increase by 8.6 million ...read more
As the new year gets underway, average 30-year mortgage rates continue to trend up, moving upwards from their average last week of 6.91% to 6.93% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac, released Thursday. “In the first full week of the new ...read more
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has predicted that inflation will continue to slow in 2025, albeit at a slower pace than originally anticipated, with new concerns over policies proposed by the incoming Trump administration, as expressed in the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes...
“Trust is not a transaction.” As the industry waves goodbye to a year of historic changes (and turmoil), no one is more eager to turn the page than the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Facing what seemed like a neverending cascade of challenges—from the...
The global real estate giant announced Lessinger's resignation through a Jan. 3 SEC filing. Her last day will be Jan. 17, marking the end of a 28-year career with the company. The filing does not list a reason for her resignation and states the...
Above, Morgan Carey In a groundbreaking move that sets Real Estate Webmasters apart from traditional tech companies, CEO Morgan Carey has taken a deeply immersive approach to product development. In the beginning of 2024, Carey, together with his wife, Carly Carey, launched a real...
Above, Darryl Davis Hearing a seller say, “I want to interview other agents,” can feel like hitting a wall during a listing appointment. It's one of the most common—and frustrating—objections agents face. My advice is to not just walk away in defeat, but instead...
Consumers' outlook on housing shows a slight decrease month-over-month, but is substantially more positive than this time last year, primarily due to mortgage-rate optimism. This is according to the latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) released Tuesday, which shows a plurality of...
Every new generation has a chance to upend the status quo, introduce new ideas into the zeitgeist and radically shift the priorities of a society. Most don't, especially when it comes to housing, where change—especially demographically speaking—has historically come at a glacial pace. Although...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC has announced its first-ever list of CENTURY 21® “30 Under 30” honorees. The new award program recognizes agents affiliated with the CENTURY 21 System who exhibit top production, exceptional quality service, community involvement and/or a strong social media presence....
To inspire your own fresh start, here are some of my favorite New Year's quotes from brilliant minds and influential figures. Their words offer wisdom, encouragement, and a spark of motivation to guide us as we embrace all the possibilities this new year will...
Defendants in the largest buyer-side case (known as Batton) are seeking to prevent plaintiffs from significantly expanding their lawsuit—adding almost 20 new state-level claims and two dozen new class representatives—saying the move will upend a previously agreed-upon schedule and force defendants into even more...
The Jason Mitchell Group has announced the inclusion of Cadwell Realty Group to its rapidly expanding national network. This strategic partnership signifies an extraordinary opportunity for Cadwell Realty Group, as JMG's proven platform and referral pipeline promise to drive significant growth and elevate their...
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an amended complaint in its civil antitrust lawsuit against real estate software company RealPage, adding six apartment landlords as defendants and two more state Attorneys General as co-plaintiffs, as well as revealing an agreement with another defendant...
Following a steady climb earlier last month, applications for home purchases have seen the opposite these past weeks, including a usual decline over the holidays but also a continuing drop as average mortgage rates have hit their highest level since the summer. According to...
In a move to improve its image publicly and within the real estate industry after experiencing several difficult situations over the past few years, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) last month hired Uncommon Creative Studio New York as its creative agency of record....
Don't miss a star-studded lineup of more than 50 leading brokers, top agents, trainers and experts who will be speaking in more than 15 sessions and presentations at RISMedia's fifth-annual Rocking in the New Year virtual educational event. Taking place on Thursday, January 9 from 11:00 am – 5:30 ...read more
In December 2024, the median home price in the U.S. declined—but median price per square foot increased by 1.3%. This data comes courtesy of the latest monthly real estate market report from Realtor.com®. The report suggests that current price figures are due to more smaller/affordable listings entering the market, ...read more
Don't miss a star-studded lineup of more than 50 leading brokers, top agents, trainers and experts who will be speaking in more than 15 sessions and presentations at RISMedia's fifth-annual Rocking in the New Year virtual educational event. Taking place on Thursday, January 9 from 11:00 am – 5:30 ...read more
Facing an array of controversies, challenges, scandals and legal troubles on multiple fronts, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is entering 2025 with a lot of work to do. As policy changes shook up the basic structure of real estate, and pressure ramped up...
Buffalo, New York, keeps its title as the hottest housing for 2025, boasting more affordable home prices along with the rest of the top 10 markets, according to a new report from Zillow. “Construction that keeps pace with an area's growth remains a crucial...
The Federal Reserve's chief banking regulator will resign in February, avoiding a potential showdown with President-elect Donald Trump who was expected to replace him. Michael Barr will step down as vice chair for supervision at the Federal Reserve on February 28 but retain his...
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and 15 state attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the adoption of energy codes, impacting the availability of affordable housing. Plaintiffs are...
Realty ONE Group International has announced it is adding two Caribbean Island countries, Bonaire and Curacao, to its global network that now spans across the U.S. and 24 countries. Greg Bardell, who has been with Realty ONE Group for a decade and is the...
Born and raised in Southern California, Chrisian Stubbs went to work selling recreational vehicles just one week after earning a degree in business administration from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2015. When he became the company's top performer within his first 60 days...
California Regional MLS (CRMLS) has announced the launch of a new promotional campaign, “CRMLS 2025: Value Redefined,” which seeks to rethink what an MLS stands for and how it can help its users communicate the value they bring to the real estate business. The new campaign aims to address ...read more
Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) filed a motion in the largest Burnett copycat case seeking arbitration based on what it is calling the judge's “significant legal error” to overturn its previous ruling. They don't plan on waiting for his approval, though. In the filing, BHE,...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Items unredacted or remain redacted in Fabiola Acevedo v. eXp Plaintiffs motion to unredact several logs of defendant meeting minutes was partially...
Above, Sherry Chris The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) announced Jan. 6 that it has engaged industry veteran Sherry Chris as an independent consultant and special advisor to NAR CEO Nykia Wright. In this role, Chris will provide strategic counsel on strengthening relationships, building...
ERA Real Estate has announced that its St. Charles, Illinois-based firm, Results Realty ERA Powered, has acquired Chicago independent firm Mark Allen Realty. The company, which will now do business as Mark Allen Realty ERA Powered, is now part of combined operations consisting of...
United Real Estate: At a Glance Agent Count: 21,000 Offices: 159 States: 32 2023 Closed Transactions: 70,000 2023 Closed Sales Volume: $27.8 billion – No. 1 fastest-growing national real estate brokerage by revenue (Inc. 5000) – Among fastest-growing privately-held U.S. companies for the eighth...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's biweekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it every other Friday afternoon. -In its lawsuit against Better Home & Finance, Luminate Home Loans filed last week to request a temporary restraining order to prevent Better...
Long Island City is a vibrant Queens, New York, neighborhood known for restaurants, shops, galleries, event venues and million-dollar views across the East River. The location at 46th and 5th Street is footsteps from the waterfront featuring Gantry Plaza State Park, NYC Ferry dock...
The Phoenix Association of REALTORS® (PAR) is currently embroiled in a public, bitter dispute with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) over a PAR alternative MLS membership option launched this year, underscoring deeper divisions and dissatisfaction with MLS access and REALTOR® membership requirements. The...
Above (L-R): Kevelyn Guzman, Erin Cestero, Merri Jo Cowen and Gino Blefari To gain insight into how real estate professionals are mapping out the year ahead, we asked a few of our 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers the following question: “What key aspects are part...
Above, Tony Ketterling As we continue to adapt to today's post-settlement environment, real estate professionals across the board are rising to the challenge as they double down on their commitment to communication, negotiation, marketing and professionalism. To keep their businesses thriving, agents and brokers...
An incredibly high rate of buyers start their search online. So, when it comes to attracting buyers to your listing, there are certain mistakes that you can't afford to make. Let's explore four red flags that will send potential buyers running from your listing....
While mortgage rates moved higher over the last weeks of 2024 and home purchase applications have declined, housing activity through the end of the year over the holidays saw its typical lull in both buying and refinancing activity. According to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie ...read more
As we bid adieu to the listless 2024 residential real estate market, will business boom for you in 2025? With a new presidential administration and improved economy, homeowners who have made impressive equity gains may finally decide to move for various reasons, easing inventory...
As the pace at which technology tools infiltrate the real estate industry continues to accelerate, agents and teams have struggled to get the most out of their technology investments. Applications are often too cumbersome and rigid for agents and brokers alike, and with too much time required to understand ...read more
The January issue of RISMedia's Real Estate magazine is now available, and not to be missed are several exclusive features, including an in-depth look at United Real Estate's thriving brokerage and exponential growth over the past decade. In addition, we introduce Heather Stenson, RISMedia's...
The current state of housing affordability in the U.S. has been described in recent reports as bleak and unbalanced, citing low inventory mixed with high home prices and mortgage rates. The latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index showed prices still increasing, but the...
It's almost time for President-elect Donald J. Trump to simply become President Trump, and start implementing his agenda. RISMedia recently explored how real estate industry experts see Trump's return to the White House impacting housing, while Realtor.com® has opined on whether there will be...
Sacramento, California-based CENTURY 21 Select Real Estate has announced that Home Value Lock, a market value insurance product for homebuyers, is now available to its clients. Home Value Lock Insurance, which was launched earlier this year in Northern California, protects the first 10% of the purchase price of a ...read more
Pending home sales rose 2.2% in November, marking the fourth consecutive month of increases and the highest level since February 2023, according to a National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) report released Monday. The Midwest, South and West experienced month-over-month gains in transactions, while the Northeast decreased. Year-over-year, contract signings ...read more
2024 will go down in history books as one of the most momentous years in the residential real estate market—with attention-grabbing headlines competing for air time day in and day out as all eyes were on the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the...
The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Weichert denied dismissal from Gibson case On Dec. 30, 2024, Weichert was denied a dismissal from the commission lawsuit Gibson v. NAR. A copycat...
Longtime residential real estate professionals have all been through normal business cycles, with the same ups and downs most other industries experience as well. But with 2025 getting underway, there are no real similarities to the one-two punch of the last few years that...
In an escalating dispute between the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and Phoenix Association of REALTORS® (PAR) that seems to grow more intense by the day, NAR is now apparently planning action to revoke PAR's charter over its refusal to cease and desist allowing...
In a letter to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) December 23, lawyers for the Phoenix Association of REALTORS® (PAR) said the organization will not accede to NAR's demand to withdraw its new MLS Choice offering. “PAR has experienced more and more real estate...
Federal regulators filed a lawsuit Monday against Rocket Homes Real Estate and The Jason Mitchell Group (JMG), alleging an illegal referral scheme that steered homebuyers toward specific mortgage and settlement services, according to a complaint filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Rocket...
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (HHRES) has announced that agents who joined the company in 2024 have collectively closed more than $500 million in sales this year. The company says the achievement underscores the power of Howard Hanna's innovative, tech-forward tools combined with a...
Strong leadership is critical where uncertainty and disruption have become the norm. The recent NAR lawsuit and broader industry challenges have placed new pressures on brokers and agents, making clear direction, transparency and trust the foundations of effective leadership. Leading through change requires a...
Realty ONE Group Landmark has announced the acquisition of Realty ONE Group Horizon, uniting two brokerages under the Realty ONE Group umbrella. This positions the combined company as one of the largest real estate networks with over 200 agents in Western and Central Pennsylvania....
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rulemaking on Aug. 29, 2023, that revised the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The WOTUS Rule amends the Biden Administration's January 2023 “Revised Definition...
2024 is closing out with a dip in consumer confidence, according to the latest monthly report from the Conference Board. In particular, the report's Expectations Index (tracking consumers' short-term outlook on income, business and the labor market) dropped by 12.6 points, signaling increased economic...
Above, Darryl Davis John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” In an era where authenticity outweighs authority, this quote offers a blueprint for leadership that transcends titles....
OneKey® MLS, serving the markets of New York's Hudson River Valley to the Catskill Mountains, has announced new data for November 2024 reflecting continued strength in the housing market with higher-value transactions. In November, the regional single-family closed median sale price reached $700,000, a...
Reshaping the real estate landscape for women everywhere, Michele Harrington—the first female CEO of FirstTeam® Real Estate—has assembled a leadership team with a shared passion for reimagining success. With Anna Bennett driving business development, Lauren Henss shaping marketing and strategic initiatives and Hila Pooli...
Compassion shapes not only the culture of an organization but also the individual journeys of those we lead. It is a value that has guided my own path and continues to inspire me every day. Compassion holds a special place in my heart and...
The latest quarterly U.S. Home Affordability Report from ATTOM Data found that affordability continued to worsen across the U.S. in Q4 2024—median-sized homes are now less affordable than the historical average in 98% of the report's surveyed counties. The report cross-referenced median home price data from ATTOM itself with ...read more
These are super-exciting times for Suzy Minken, a REALTOR® with Compass based in Short Hills, New Jersey. Not only is she psyched about residential real estate prospects going forward post-Burnett, but her company recently stunned the industry with its purchase of @properties Christie's International...
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has announced that Maryland-based Better Homes and Gardens Old Line Group is the latest company to affiliate with the brand. The company consists of two offices, including a headquarters located in a historic hotel in Frostburg, Maryland. The 13-year-old firm is headed ...read more
Renting has traditionally been thought of as an intermediate stage to homeowning, where a renter saves up before they're ready to commit to buying a permanent (and more expensive) house. However, the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University's latest findings dive...
How will the threat of wildfires affect real estate businesses in the western portion of the United States? The answer to the question differs from market to market, even within certain states. California, for example, sees different measures being taken by region. A recent...