Inflation rises to 3.2% in February, raising doubts about soft landing

Inflation rose 0.4 percent in February to an annual rate of 3.2 percent, with shelter and gas costs contributing substantially to the uptick, according to the the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Continue reading

OJO acquires The LEAD Syndicate, rebrands around Movoto

The acquisition will help OJO launch Lever by Movoto, which the company describes as an all-in-one technology platform for individual agents. Continue reading

8 secrets to creating a truly impactful personal brand

Personal branding is more than just self-promotion, luxury consultant Chris Pollinger writes. It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives and inspiring them to live better. Continue reading

Quality over quantity: What you should NOT be blogging

By focusing on creating valuable content that resonates with your audience, David Marden writes, you can set yourself apart from the competition. Continue reading

Rent prices post highest annual increase in over a year: Redfin

The median asking rent in the United States rose 2.2 percent year over year to $1,981 in February, the largest annual gain since January 2023 and a 0.9 percent increase compared to the month before. Continue reading

Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge stepping down March 22

The surprise announcement comes as the Biden administration rolls out a $7.3 trillion budget proposal that would provide $258 billion to expand access to affordable housing. Continue reading

Housing affordability will influence vote in 2024 presidential race: Poll

In a new survey released Monday, Redfin revealed more than half of U.S. homeowners and renters “feel negatively” about housing affordability and want a 2024 presidential candidate who can fix it. Continue reading

Want to avoid AI pitfalls? Think like a compliance officer

Real estate professionals would be wise to think like regulators and prioritize compliance when evaluating the potential use of AI in their business, compliance expert Summer Goralik writes. Continue reading

Biden’s relaxed new Freddie, Fannie refi requirements irk title industry

In a pilot program announced last week, the Biden administration cleared the way for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to let some homeowners refinance mortgages without paying for title insurance. Continue reading