The DOJ Takes Aim at Real Estate Commissions The Department of Justice has fired a new salvo in the battle over real estate agent commissions. In a recent court filing, the DOJ argued that longstanding industry rules continue to keep commissions artificially high. This move directly supports the plaintiffs in the high-profile Burnett and Moehrl…
Compass-Anywhere Deal May Exceed DOJ Market-Share Limits in Some Cities The proposed merger between real estate giants Compass and Anywhere Real Estate is sending shockwaves through the industry. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying as analysts project the combined entity could command over 30% of residential brokerage sales in several major metropolitan areas. The Anatomy of a…
The U.S. Housing Market in 2025: A Year of Normalization After years of unprecedented volatility, the U.S. housing market has finally turned a significant corner in 2025. Data reveals a market undergoing a profound shift, characterized by a substantial 16.4% rise in inventory, which is flattening prices and extending the time homes sit on the…
Compass, NWMLS Clash Over Document Production in Antitrust Suit The legal battle between real estate disruptor Compass and the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) has entered a contentious new phase. At the heart of the dispute is a fight over the pace of evidence sharing, with Compass accusing the listing service of deliberate delay tactics….
Why Didn’t Double-Digit Growth in Purchase Apps Lead to More Home Sales in 2025? The 2025 housing market presented a puzzling contradiction for economists and homebuyers alike. Mortgage purchase applications surged with double-digit growth for much of the year, yet existing home sales saw only a modest uptick from 2024 levels. The Chasm Between Application…
10 Biggest Reverse Mortgage Myths — And the Truth Behind Them Reverse mortgages are one of the most misunderstood financial tools available to older homeowners. Misinformation can prevent seniors from accessing a viable option for retirement funding. Myths About Ownership and Debt A cloud of fear often surrounds reverse mortgages, starting with the fear of…
The recent dip in mortgage rates offers a breath of fresh air for weary homebuyers and owners. But is this the start of a sustained downward trend, or just a temporary pause in a volatile market? All eyes are now turning toward January 2026 for potential signals from the Federal Reserve. The Current Rate Landscape:…
Mortgage Applications Fall 5% Despite Rate Decline The housing market is presenting a confusing picture for economists and potential buyers alike. New data shows a surprising 5% weekly drop in mortgage applications, even as average interest rates saw a slight decline. The Core Contradiction: Lower Rates, Fewer Applications Typically, a dip in mortgage rates acts…
