Monthly Archives: March 2024
NAR Submits Comments to VA on Allowable Fees; Urges GSEs and Regulators to Confirm Support for Buyer Financing
In ongoing efforts to address housing policy and lending concerns surrounding the recent National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) settlement, NAR issued two letters this week to both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), GSEs and regulators. The let... Read More
Q&A With Rocket Homes CEO Doug Seabolt: Is the Industry Changing?
Above, Doug Seabolt Doug Seabolt, CEO of Rocket Homes, spoke to RISMedia in the days before the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) chose to settle seller commission lawsuits and make significant changes to real estate compensation practices. While... Read More
MBA: New-Home Mortgage Applications Surge Nearly 16% in February
Homebuyers are continuing to turn to new construction as the antidote for a continued lack of existing homes for sale. Mortgage applications for newly built homes jumped 15.7% in February from a year ago, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Ass... Read More
Why a Shift From ‘I Have to’ to ‘I Get to’ Can Make All the Difference
In our industry and world right now, there’s a lot that feels heavy and/or overwhelming. And for many, that can mean a dip in motivation and a slide into “I don’t want to” thinking. That’s never going to help anyone succeed or lead a better life, right... Read More
Mortgage Rates Drop Slightly This Week
Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) on March 28, showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.79%, down 8 basis points from the previous week—one basis point is equal to one hundredth of a percentage po... Read More
Panel of Judges Appear Open to Consolidating Commission Cases
Charleston, SC—Today, a panel of federal judges heard arguments from both plaintiffs and remaining brokerage defendants regarding whether the many disparate commission cases should be consolidated under one judge in one district—a decision with wide-ra... Read More
Newsmakers Spotlight: Ashley Dane on Understanding and Embracing AI in Real Estate
Ashley Dane, regional director of RE/MAX of Michigan, is a strong advocate and supporter of new and emerging technology in the real estate landscape. From educating agents to implementing new strategies, she has made significant contributions to the re... Read More
Pending Home Sales See Slight Increase in February
Pending home sales increased 1.6% in February, with the Midwest and South each posting monthly gains in transactions, while the Northeast and West posted losses. All four U.S. regions saw year-over-year decreases, however, according to a March 28 repor... Read More
Permit Declines in 2023 Point to Possible 2024 Slowdown
The home construction market—despite seeing some growth from the lack of existing inventory—has been struggling overall and in the building permit segment. The data is pointing toward a possible slowdown coming this year, especially as there are still ... Read More
Mortgage Mix: Execs Map Out 2024; Fed Calls for 3 Rate Cuts
Editor’s Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia’s weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. -Top brass from some of the largest and most influential lenders in the country told RISMedia this wee... Read More