David Stevens, influential leader in mortgage finance, dies at 66

The former FHA commissioner also held executive positions at World Savings Bank, Freddie Mac, and The Long and Foster Companies before leading the Mortgage Bankers Association. Continue reading

Woman-led brokerage LUX Denver moves to ERA Real Estate

Boutique firm LUX Denver is now affiliated with ERA Real Estate. Broker-owner Emily Duke co-founded the company in 2014, which has a lifetime sales volume of more than $200 million. Continue reading

PR firm Lion & Orb launches annual membership plan for agents

Lion & Orb Agent Memberships will become available beginning on Jan. 24. The company calls its model “a groundbreaking annual subscription service that transforms how agents access public relations and marketing services to promote themselves and … Continue reading

Compass recruits influencer (and Corcoran agent) Randy Baruh

Baruh works in New York City and brings with him three other agents and one administrator. His move comes as brokerages compete intensely for top talent. Continue reading

Christie’s International Real Estate expands into Curaçao with affiliate

The luxury brand’s Aruba affiliate, Bold Properties, has expanded into the Caribbean island of Curaçao as demand remains strong among buyers and investors in the wake of the pandemic. Continue reading

Want to work for Baird & Warner? There’s a website for that

To accommodate agents seeking a new place to hang their license, the notable Midwest independent has launched a new website, joinBW.com, to highlight the advantages of working for Illinois’ largest family-owned real estate company.  Continue reading

Shamed developer withdraws floor plans ‘honoring’ Tubman, Frank

Albuquerque-based homebuilder Abrazo Homes drew the ire of social media users over the weekend for their floor plans named after Harriet Tubman and Anne Frank. The builder has edited the descriptions to remove historical facts about the women’s lives. Continue reading

AI mortgage tech provider Gateless beefs up integrations

New integrations with The Work Number and Informative Research are aimed at helping lenders speed underwriting approvals and reduce human error. Continue reading

Homeseller sues Nevada Realtors, NAR after $40K commission bill

Las Vegas resident Nathaniel Whaley alleges the National Association of Realtors, the Northern Nevada Regional MLS and state and local Realtor groups conspired to inflate broker commissions. Continue reading