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Hooper commission lawsuit settlements granted preliminary approval

A federal judge has granted preliminary settlement approval in the Hooper commission lawsuit that involves several high-profile real estate brokerages — including eXp World Holdings, Mark Spain Real Estate, Weichert of North America and Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage. The order signed by U.S. District Court Judge Mark H. Cohen grants early approval for the settlement […]

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Partner Real Estate unveils $5K model for agent support

California-based Partner Real Estate has announced a new business model that offers real estate agents access to tools, coaching and operational infrastructure for less than $5,000 per year. “The industry is at a turning point,” CEO Rudy Lira Kusuma said. “Agents shouldn’t have to spend six figures to perform like a top producer. Our mission

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Potential picks for CFPB director after McKernan nomination pulled

With notable bumps in the road and quickly changing priorities, the road ahead for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) during the second Trump administration remains clouded. The White House previously nominated someone for the CFPB’s director position who is largely seen as ideal by housing organizations across party lines. But that nominee, Jonathan McKernan,

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NAR weighs speech code changes as industry pressure grows

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is considering major revisions to its Code of Ethics and policy statements, citing legal risks and the need for clarity. Meanwhile, a proposed law in Texas could complicate enforcement of its current rules. An agenda for NAR’s upcoming legislative meetings — which are scheduled for May 31 to June

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Mortgage Bankers Association removes DEI pages from website

Since the new administration took over in January, government agencies have systemically rolled back federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, with the Trump administration framing the move as a way to cut costs and eliminate waste. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the largest mortgage trade group, removed several webpages related to diversity, equity, and inclusion,

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Prefab tiny homes: Here’s what you need to know – Part 1

Prefab Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are revolutionizing the way homeowners are considering their living space. Whether you’re looking to create a rental property, a guesthouse, or a private retreat for family members, prefab tiny home ADUs offer a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional construction. But are they the right fit for your needs? From

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How agents can support first-time sellers in an uncertain market 

We’ve entered the busiest season in the real estate industry at the same time that markets are more uncertain than ever. Nearly 40% of annual home sales happen between May and August, and we’re quickly approaching the most popular day to list your home: June 1*. Meanwhile, the economic landscape is shifting — mortgage rates,

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Global readiness: Preparing for the luxury summer selling season across markets

Preparing for the summer season — typically a peak period in most real estate markets —requires strategic planning and a keen focus on the client experience. Competition can heat up quickly and as a global brokerage, here’s how we’re preparing for a successful luxury summer selling season across the markets we serve — and how

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How AI is already transforming—and improving—the mortgage underwriting process

AI-based tools are now substantially reducing both the time and labor of routine mortgage processing. Traditional procedural steps—such as employment proofing, income verification, fraud detection and title checks—have long resulted in an unnecessarily lengthy time for a mortgage application’s approval.  But the potential benefits of the AI revolution in mortgage lending aren’t just speculation; they are

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FHFA Director Pulte calls on Powell to lower interest rates

On Monday, FHFA Director Bill Pulte called on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates. His exact tweet was: “Jay Powell needs to lower interest rates – enough is enough. President Trump has crushed Biden’s inflation, and there is no reason not to lower rates. The housing market would be in much better

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