Author name: Ricky Vasquez

Borrowers accuse CrossCountry of kickback scheme

Six North Carolina borrowers are suing CrossCountry Mortgage and a local brokerage for an alleged kickback scheme disguised as a co-marketing agreement. The lawsuits claim the retail lending giant paid Raleigh Realty $15,000 a month between 2021 and 2022 in exchange for exclusive leads. The near-identical complaints include screenshots of purported text messages by the […]

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How much lower can mortgage rates go after Friday’s jobs report?

Mortgage rates fell 0.18% last week, breaking below the key threshold of 6.64%. Why is this important? Because in the last three years, when mortgage rates fell from 6.64% to 6%, housing demand has improved. Now the question is: can rates go lower? 10-year yield and mortgage rates In my 2025 forecast, I anticipated the

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Trigger lead ban bill advances to Trump’s desk

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) passed through the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent and without amendments late Saturday. The legislation gained approval from the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in June. The legislation is designed to enact a national prohibition on the misuse of trigger leads. Under this act, companies are prohibited from

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Top Miami agent Raul Santidrian joins Coldwell Banker Realty

Raul Santidrian — a veteran of south Florida’s luxury real estate market — has joined Coldwell Banker Realty’s Pinecrest/Miami office after more than a decade at Douglas Elliman Florida. Santidrian consistently ranks among top agents statewide and brings a track record that includes more than 600 closed transactions and a career sales volume in the

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Outdated tax law could cost senior homeowners looking to sell

The American dream of homeownership has been a way to build wealth for decades as people pay down their debt while their homes appreciate in value. The result is a nice home equity nest egg — especially for seniors who have owned homes for many years. But an outdated tax law could claw back much of

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Tech Pulse: ICE posts strong earnings; bill pushes unconverted crypto in mortgage

Welcome back to Tech Pulse — HousingWire‘s weekly series rounding up the latest in technology news, including tools, integrations and trends that impact mortgage and real estate. Here’s what happened this week: ICE posts $851M profit in Q2 2025, raises revenue guidance Intercontinental Exchange reported $851 million in net income for the second quarter and a return to profitability in

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How to build high-converting real estate landing pages (+ examples)

As a Realtor, your real estate landing pages are one of your most valuable lead generation assets. They are the final gatekeepers between you and your lead. Get them right, and your ROI from paid leads will soar. Get them wrong, and your conversion rate will plummet. It’s no wonder that most Realtors, and even

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The Fed could cut rates in September. Mortgage pros are skeptical of the impact

While many expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its September meeting, mortgage professionals caution that even if it happens, it won’t significantly impact the industry. Loan officers have encouraged borrowers to continue with their home loan applications. They note that home sellers and builders are offering concessions to lower rates, while lenders

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Tucson-based independent merges with United Real Estate Specialists

Tucson, Arizona-based independent firm KMS Realty is merging with United Real Estate Specialists, according to an announcement on Friday. Suzanne Rothman, who served as the designated broker KMS Realty, will serve as the managing broker of United Real Estate Specialist. She is also the immediate past president of the MLS of Southern Arizona (MLSSA) and

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Home insurance rates have jumped 45% since 2022

After several years of sharp hikes in premiums and coverage challenges, the U.S. home insurance market is showing early signs of stabilization, according to a new report from digital insurance agency Matic. Affordability remains a top concern, with climate events, deductibles and aging roofs all playing a role in shaping the current landscape. Premium growth

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