Key takeaways Open houses are a powerful tool for generating fast buzz, maximizing visibility, and driving high-volume traffic in a short window of time. Private showings are best reserved for serious, pre-qualified buyers and offer a targeted, personalized experience that
A rising threat to homeownership: How heirs’ property undermines affordable housing
A 2021 NPR podcast segment painted a picture of the American Dream turned Nightmare: a Louisiana family faced the loss of their five-generation-home that had been owned by the family’s great, great, great grandfather, Jacob Loud, who was formerly enslaved.
Is NAR’s move to allow non-Realtors MLS access a nothing burger?
Starting in January, local MLSs will have a lot more control over things like disciplinary actions and even who can access the MLS. These changes are the result of an 18-policy update approved by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR)
Foreclosure activity up nearly 20% in October
ATTOM released its October 2025 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, showing 36,766 properties with foreclosure filings — including default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — a 3% increase from September and more than a 19% increase from a year ago.
Should I Sell My House Now?
Key takeaways: It’s a good time to sell your house if you price correctly and are open to negotiation. Mortgage rates are rising but in line with recent lows, leaving the door open for priced-out buyers to re-enter the market.
Bright MLS to integrate ICE’s Paragon Connect platform
ICE Mortgage Technology and Bright MLS, the nation’s largest multiple listing service (MLS), announced that Bright will integrate ICE’s Paragon Connect MLS platform into its technology ecosystem as part of its long-term growth strategy. Paragon Connect is a mobile-first MLS
When land strategy meets AI: homebuilders gain a new edge
Strategic paralysis in a buyer-stuck market If land is the lifeblood of homebuilding, then today’s land strategy is a pressure test of a company’s core strength. But how do you act when the market offers no clear signal? After a
How to Find Off-Market Properties: A Buyer and Investor Guide
Key Takeaways: Though off-market properties are homes not listed on the MLS, they can provide buyers and investors with exclusive opportunities. Networking, direct outreach, and online platforms are common strategies. Real estate agents often have insider access to upcoming listings.
Townhouse vs Condo: A Buyer’s Guide to Lifestyle and Costs
Picture yourself house hunting. You walk into a sleek downtown condo with floor to ceiling windows and a rooftop pool. The next day, you tour a row of townhouses where kids ride bikes along the sidewalk and each home has
3 Tips for Using Power of Attorney for a Real Estate Closing
If you plan to use a power of attorney for a real estate closing, preparation is key. From making sure the document is legally valid under your state’s laws to coordinating with your title company and choosing the right agent,
Can I Get an FHA Loan if I Already Own a Home? Rules and Exceptions
For many buyers, FHA loans make homeownership more accessible thanks to lower down payment requirements and flexible credit guidelines. But what if you already own a home? Can you still get an FHA loan? The short answer is yes, it’s
What is a Virtual Open House? The Modern Way to Show Your Home
In today’s digital world, more buyers are starting their home search online. This has led to the rise of the virtual open house, an innovative way for sellers and real estate agents to connect with potential buyers without the need
Urban vs Suburban Living: Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it shapes your daily life more than you might realize. Some people thrive on the constant buzz of the city, enjoying the excitement and convenience at
Divorce Home Appraisal: How Do They Work and Who Foots the Bill?
Divorce can be both emotionally and financially complex, with one of the significant issues to resolve being what happens to the marital home. To divide assets fairly, a divorce home appraisal must provide an objective assessment of the property’s fair
Today’s Mortgage Rates September 30, 2025: 30-Year FRM Slightly Higher, Refinance Rates Jump
As of September 30, 2025, mortgage rates have slightly increased for 30-year fixed loans but show mixed trends across other loan types. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose by 3 basis points to 6.62%, while the 15-year fixed rate marginally
Big Jump in Mortgage Rates Today: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 62 Basis Points
If you’re thinking about refinancing your home, you need to know that mortgage rates today have seen a significant shift. According to Zillow, the national 30-year fixed refinance rate has climbed a substantial 62 basis points, moving from an average of 7.03% to
Mortgage Rates Predictions This Week: September 28 to October 4
This week, from September 28 to October 4, 2025, the mortgage rate outlook suggests a period of relative calm, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed loan likely hovering around the 6.3% to 6.4% mark. While we might see minor ups
Mortgage Rates Predictions for the Next 6 Months: October 2025 to March 2026
Thinking about buying a home or perhaps refinancing your current one? If so, you’re probably wondering what’s going to happen with mortgage rates over the next six months. My best guess, looking at all the expert chatter and economic signs,
No. 1 eXp mega team Pemberton Homes branches out on its own
When much of the real estate industry is consolidating, Parker Pemberton, who runs the No. 1 team globally at eXp Realty, has decided it is time to strike out on his own. “I think that the marketplace needs strong local
Automate half your real estate business, keep all your humanity
Most real estate agents think automation means replacing people with cold, robotic systems. I get it —your buyers and sellers want you, not a machine. But here’s the truth: when used right, AI doesn’t replace your humanity, it amplifies it. By
Elevate your value with clear communication of real estate professional fees
With the NAR settlement behind us and new rules on professional fees in place, conversations with clients have shifted. MLSs no longer display offers of compensation, and most buyers are signing Buyer Agency Agreements that spell out how their real
Estimated damages in Batton commission lawsuit come in at over $10 billion
Almost five years have passed since the original Batton homebuyer commission lawsuit was filed, and the plaintiffs are finally asking for certification of their proposed class. Filed in U.S. District Court in Illinois, the lawsuit alleges that the National Association
Mortgage rate shift turns fall into a ‘new spring’ for lenders
Recent moves in mortgage rates have industry experts predicting that this fall could feel like a “new spring” for originations — even as the threat of a federal government shutdown looms. On Tuesday, HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, which tracks locked
Trump administration plans deep cuts to homeless housing program
The Trump administration is preparing to slash funding for permanent housing programs aimed at addressing homelessness and shifting billions toward transitional housing that requires work or service participation, according to a report from Politico. The Department of Housing and Urban