Mortgage rates remain below the 50-year average, but most homebuyers see them as unusually high — a perception that is driving stress, delaying purchases, and reshaping major life decisions, according to a nationwide survey conducted in August. The survey of more than 1,000 buyers, released this week by Tomo Mortgage, highlights the gap between economic […]
Homebuyers strained by costs, confused about mortgage market Read More »
With the oldest members of Generation X set to turn 60 by the end of 2025, many are approaching retirement with financial concerns. Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study, released this week, found that more than half (54%) of Gen Xers born between 1965 and 1980 don’t believe they’ll be financially ready when retirement
Most Gen Xers doubt their retirement readiness Read More »
When it comes to real estate, the best outcomes rarely happen by chance. The buyers who succeed are usually the ones who prepare early, long before they walk into their first showing. Preparation starts with understanding what a lender is willing to offer, and that can take one of two paths: a simple pre-qualification or
The quiet advantage in real estate: Pre-approval Read More »
Artificial intelligence is elbowing its way into real estate, promising efficiency while threatening the very thing agents trade on: human connection. For Jeff Funk in Orlando and Michael Franco in New York City, the daily experiment isn’t whether to use AI, but how far to lean in without losing authenticity. Funk, leader of eXp Realty-affiliated
Avoiding a ‘sea of sameness’: Small real estate teams talk AI Read More »
Cost optimization is key to creating success in the world of mortgage servicing. Mortgage servicers have dedicated significant resources in pursuit of optimized processes and prices, as every fraction of the cent saved contributes to the bottom line. Servicers are laser-focused on enhancing throughput efficiency, applying advanced technology to automate and streamline every step from
Uncovering the hidden costs of investor reporting in mortgage servicing Read More »
Opendoor Technologies announced Wednesday that it has named Kaz Nejatian, the former chief operating officer of Shopify, as its new CEO. Nejatian will also join Opendoor‘s board of directors as he takes over for Carrie Wheeler, who stepped down last month. The San Francisco-based iBuyer also announced two other personnel moves as co-founders Keith Rabois
Opendoor hires Kaz Nejatian as new CEO Read More »
Borrowers rushed to refinance in August as mortgage rates eased, pushing rate-and-term refi lock volume up 70% from July, according to Optimal Blue’s Mortgage Market Advantage report released Wednesday. “Borrowers are responding quickly to rate improvements, driving the strongest month for rate-and-term refinances we’ve seen this year,” Mike Vough, head of corporate strategy at Optimal
Optimal Blue: Rate-and-term refis soar 70% in August Read More »
U.S. Reps. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) introduced the Streamlining Manufactured Housing Standards Act on Wednesday, which clarifies that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the sole authority to establish energy efficiency and safety standards for manufactured housing. “America has been grappling with a housing crisis and cutting red
Bipartisan House bill would strengthen HUD’s grip on manufactured housing standards Read More »
Tennessee-based homebuilder Clayton Homes presented the first official single-section CrossMod manufactured homes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2025 Innovative Housing Showcase this past weekend. The event allowed the public, policymakers and housing leaders to tour the model, which was introduced following the expansion of conventional financing options by Fannie Mae and
Clayton debuts CrossMod manufactured homes at HUD showcase Read More »
The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) has named 109 individual agents and 64 teams to its annual A-List of top producers. Honorees closed 7,743 transaction sides and recorded $8.49 billion in sales volume in 2024. The top 50 agents and 25 teams will be recognized at AREAA’s national convention in Santa Monica, Calif.,
AREAA releases 2025 A-List of top-producing agents and teams Read More »