DOJ launches criminal probe into RealPage amid rent-fixing scandal

The DOJ opened its investigation into the property management software firm as well as several multifamily building operators who authorities believe collaborated in a “price-fixing combination.” Continue reading

New-home sales fall abruptly in February for first time in 3 months

Sales of newly built homes slipped a modest 0.3 percent between January and February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 662,000, according to data released Monday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading

Trump son-in-law Kushner pursues overseas real estate deals

Jared Kushner, husband of Ivanka Trump, is pursuing deals in Albania and Serbia even as his father-in-law runs for president. Some observers say the situation raises red flags. Continue reading

Housing starts leap in February as homebuilders become optimistic

Housing starts rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.52 million in February — 10.7 percent higher than in January, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading

Blackstone president: Now it’s time for real estate investors to pounce

Jon Gray described the current market as a “bottoming period” that should inspire investors to get moving on new purchases and said investors who move fast stand to be rewarded once prices recover. Continue reading

Douglas Elliman doles out Ellie awards for top NYC producers

Douglas Elliman unveiled its annual Ellie Awards this week, singling out brokers who performed well despite challenging economic conditions. Continue reading

Hilton heads back to campus with $210M Graduate Hotels acquisition

Hilton Worldwide Holdings has agreed to pay $210 million for the Graduate Hotels brand, a 10-year-old company that operates hotels in some of the nations biggest college towns. Continue reading

‘Million Dollar Listing’ star Josh Flagg leaves Elliman for Compass

The high-profile luxury agent has worked with Douglas Elliman since 2021 and served as a longtime agent with Rodeo Realty before that. He will now align with Compass’s Beverly Hills office. Continue reading