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Compass Suing NWMLS in Federal Court Over Antitrust Violations
In yet another legal development within the residential real estate industry, Compass on April 25 filed a federal antitrust lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Seattle over Northwest MLS’s (NWMLS) Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), claiming that the brokerage-owned trade group has the most restrictive homeowner marketing rules in the country. The lawsuit was telegraphed previously… […]
Fannie Mae Has Fired Over 100 Employees, Citing Fraud
On Tues. April 8, government sponsored-enterprise Fannie Mae announced that over the past few weeks, it had fired over 100 employees due to fraud, including mortgage fraud, against the company. The announcement did not elaborate on the specifics of what the claimed fraud was. William J. Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA),… […]
PAR Slams NAR Intent to Revoke Charter Over ‘MLS Choice’ Issue
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 agents and brokers to access listing services without NAR membership. In… […]
Buffini & Company’s New CFSP Designation Attracts Over 6,500 Real Estate Professionals
Buffini & Company announced it has seen explosive growth in demand for its new Certified Full-Service Professional (CFSP) designation, with more than 6,500 participants signed up to gain certification since its August launch. Buffini stated that the CFSP designation has raised the bar in real estate professionalism and excellence. The program equips real estate professionals… […]
Lender Data Shows Refinance Offers Have Increased 42% Nationwide Over the Last Year
Remember the days of 3% mortgage rates? As a relieved nation emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, along with it came those historically low average mortgage rates below 5.00%, 4.00% or even sub-3.00%. But as inflation began to increase so too did mortgage rates, rising to nearly 8.00% in 2023 and 2024, their highest… […]
Fair Housing Groups Sue Florida Over Property Ownership Restrictions
The watchdog organizations are fighting a wave of state efforts to block property ownership by certain foreign buyers. www.nar.realtor – Fair Housing
Choosing Growth Over Fear: 5 Ways to Thrive in a Recession
With 2022 behind us, real estate professionals are gearing up for a brand-new year. Here are five things you can do now to ensure that you’re positioned for success…no matter the market. Create an Unwavering Mindset. Everything starts with our psychology. As we lead our teams and consumers through this market, it will be important… […]
10 Ways to Calm Jittery Clients Over Rising Mortgage Rates
The Big Six-Oh can mean different things to different people. For most it’s that they’ve reached the age of 60, with much more of their lives behind them than ahead. For younger folks these days, particularly those looking to buy homes, the Big Six-Oh probably refers to the latest 6.0 30-year fixed mortgage rate percent… […]
Metro Area Wealth Gains as of 2021 Q2: Typical Gain of $349,000 Over 30 Years
Homeownership is a key pathway to building wealth and narrowing the racial income and wealth inequality gap. Housing wealth (equity) accumulation takes time, and is built up by price appreciation and paying off the mortgage. www.nar.realtor – Research
Mortgage Rates Making Steady Progress Over The Past Week
Mortgage rates are off to a decent start this week with the average lender offering slightly better terms compared to last Friday. The progress actually began earlier last week. On Tuesday morning, rates were at their highest levels in exactly 2 months after jumping at a relatively quick pace in response to the Georgia senate […]