RealPage, a leading provider of real estate software, filed a lawsuit against the City of Berkeley, California, this week, challenging a new ordinance that bans the use of algorithmic pricing tools for rental properties. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks to block the ordinance from taking effect on April 24, claiming it violates constitutional…
In a stark warning for real estate professionals, new research reveals how climate change is shaping residential insurance markets, potentially creating “mortgage deserts” and complicating home purchase transactions across the United States. Steven Koller, a postdoctoral fellow at the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University, explained how climate-related risks are driving unprecedented…
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Wednesday it will no longer allow non-permanent residents or non-U.S. citizens to obtain FHA-insured mortgages. This significant policy shift aligns with the Trump administration’s tougher stance on illegal immigration. The changes, published in Mortgagee Letter 2025-09 and Title I Letter 490, take effect May 25…
Mid-America Regional Information Systems, Inc. (MARIS) has introduced what it lauds as the first tiered, metered data feed offered by a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that directly incorporates broker profit-sharing, according to a news release. Starting this year, brokers who upload active listings to MARIS and successfully close those transactions will receive a percentage of…
Rate Mortgage has appointed Shant Banosian, the nation’s top-producing loan officer for six straight years, as its new president, the company announced Wednesday. Banosian will work alongside Victor Ciardelli, who continues as president and CEO of all 15 Rate Companies. The appointment completes Rate’s leadership structure, with Banosian heading the last Rate subsidiary to receive…
Real estate brokerage Compass is doubling down with gusto on its strategy of building an exclusive inventory database outside traditional Multiple Listing Services (MLS), despite industry concerns about reduced market transparency and potential conflicts of interest. During Tuesday’s earnings call, Compass CEO Robert Reffkin revealed that 35% of the company’s 22,138 listings are now either…
Above: Gary Keller (in black), Jay Papasan and Jason Abrams on stage for Keller Williams’ Family Reunion event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 18 (photo courtesy of Keller Williams) Housing industry leaders at Keller Williams project U.S. home sales will remain at historically low levels this year, though prices will stabilize despite affordability challenges.…
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 Federal Reserve sets a target rate range for its rate—currently 4.25%…
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 reported by Bloomberg Law. According to an internal email obtained by…
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 to limit regulatory burden and consider costs and benefits,” MBA officials…
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