Rhode Island real estate professionals are criticizing two new taxes that will increase costs for Ocean State homeowners, including a levy dubbed the “Taylor Swift tax.” State lawmakers last week approved a $14 billion fiscal year 2026 budget, which now awaits Gov. Dan McKee’s signature. Included in the proposed budget is a 63% increase in […]
‘Taylor Swift tax’ draws ire from mortgage, housing groups Read More »
Anywhere Real Estate has appointed Barri Rafferty as its new chief communications officer and head of public affairs. In this role Rafferty will lead Anywhere’s public relations, communications, government relations, and events and productions functions. “I’m honored to take on a new challenge at Anywhere as it pursues its mission to provide a superior, end-to-end
Anywhere welcomes Barri Rafferty as chief communications officer Read More »
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) late Monday, bringing a national ban on abusive trigger leads one step closer to reality. The move was widely applauded by mortgage trade groups. The House’s action follows the U.S. Senate’s approval of a similar bill (S. 1467) on June 13.
House passes abusive trigger leads ban Read More »
Given the animosity between Compass and Zillow over the portal giant’s listing standards policy, it came as little surprise when the Robert Reffkin-helmed firm filed a lawsuit against Zillow Monday morning. While the complaint contains many of the anticipated claims, including that Zillow enacted the policy, which bans listings that are publicly marketed for more
The juiciest details in Compass’s lawsuit against Zillow Read More »
Global tensions between the United States and Iran have led many in the mortgage industry to wonder whether the bombing of Iran nuclear sites would move bond yields and lead to a drop in mortgage rates. On Monday, just as economists were factoring in the possibility of war with Iran, at least one member of
The mortgage market hopes for rate cuts amid war moves Read More »
The May existing-home sales report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows sales at just 4.03 million, a 0.7% decrease year over year and up 0.8% compared to April. It was the slowest May for existing home sales since 2009 and the fourth consecutive month with a year-over-year decline in sales. Unsold inventory also continues
Inventory is rising, but existing home sales remain in a major slump Read More »
Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) will incorporate Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) data into two of its credit scores set to launch in Fall 2025. The company, which owns the rights to the market’s most widely adopted consumer credit risk assessment methodology, announced the move on Monday. The change will provide mortgage brokers, loan officers and
FICO to add Buy Now, Pay Later data to credit scores Read More »
After the weekend’s global events, many expected that the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities would influence bond yields, either up or down, today. However, the real surprise came from Michelle Bowman, Federal Reserve Vice Chair of Supervision, who talked about a potential rate cut in July. In a speech she gave at a research conference
Fed Vice Chair Michelle Bowman supports July interest rate cut Read More »
Though more than half of Americans believe Medicare will cover long-term care expenses (58%), coverage is actually limited and short-term. Many families will need to adapt to rising healthcare costs, and it is a particular challenge as they seek to age-in-place in their home. That’s according to insurance company Nationwide‘s 2025 Nationwide Retirement Institute Long-Term
The concerning math behind aging-in-place Read More »
I’ve been in this business long enough to know the truth that most agents don’t want to hear: The road to real estate success isn’t paved with hacks or shortcuts. It’s built on consistency, accountability, and the willingness to do what’s hard, especially when you don’t feel like it. So let’s talk about what’s hard,
No hacks, just hustle: The truth about real estate success Read More »