FHFA raises conforming loan limits to $484,350

The Federal Housing Finance Agency gives 2019 homebuyers a break with a 6.9 percent increase in the max loan amount Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchase. Homebuyers will be able to afford a little more house at a slightly cheaper rate next year than… Continue reading

Homeless good Samaritan who returned $10,000 check is now on his way to becoming a Realtor

One year after Elmer Alvarez returned a $10,000 check made out to a broker, the once-homeless man is on his way to becoming a full-time Realtor. Continue reading

Keller Williams, realtor.com top Newsweek customer service rankings

Keller Williams has been crowned the top real estate agency for customer service in Newsweek’s new survey, America’s Best Customer Service 2019, while realtor.com beat Zillow for the top real estate database spot. Continue reading

Santa Claus’s North Pole estate is worth $764,000: Zillow

The 196-year-old main cabin went through a major renovation in 2013 and perfectly reflects the Claus’s appreciation for Old World style with a modern touch. Continue reading

‘This blows my mind’: Agents balk at return of Zillow unvetted leads

A decision announced by Zillow to reinstate unvetted leads to its Premier Agent platform has divided agents, some of whom say conversion rates were too low. Continue reading

Home price growth slowed again in September: Case-Shiller

Home price gains slowed to 5.5 percent in September, year-over-year, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Index. Continue reading

Utah flat-fee brokerage agrees to end political campaign-style ads

Homie first made headlines in October when voters in Maricopa County noticed teal signs encouraging them to “vote for homie.” Continue reading

My CPAP Machine and Me

My dentist discovered it. As we chatted, instead of looking me in the eye, she was focused on my mouth. “Your front teeth,” said Dr. Cynthia Brattesani. “You’ve got that pirate look again.” Telling her it was just a chipped tooth, she reminded me that … Continue reading