ICE sees $13B Black Knight merger surviving antitrust concerns

Black Knight is reportedly looking to spin off its Empower loan origination system to placate regulators’ antitrust concerns as critics raise market power, data privacy issues. Continue reading

US lawmakers demand DOJ probe into RealPage’s YieldStar software

Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have accused RealPage of anticompetitive practices. Calls for an inquiry come a month after a sweeping and critical report into the company. Continue reading

What haunts MLS leaders? Politics, commissions and their own demise

At the Council of Multiple Listing Services’ annual conference, CEOs discussed being ready for the possible death of the commission structure and why MLSs should be run as businesses. Continue reading

Mortgage relief operation allegedly bilked homeowners out of $6.3M

Los Angeles-based operation allegedly promised to help hundreds of distressed homeowners negotiate with lenders to lower their interest rates, monthly payments or principal amounts. Continue reading

Breaking down the Zillow-Opendoor partnership: An ex-Zillow guy’s take

It’s the matchup of two erstwhile rivals and bitter foes to many in the real estate industry. Zillow veteran Jay Thompson offers insights into the partnership that has tongues wagging and agents shaking their heads. Continue reading

‘This is not a blip’: Antitrust experts warn RE leaders to work with DOJ

The Council of Multiple Listing Services panelists warned real estate leaders and MLS members, “It’s better to be part of the process … than having the rules written for you.” Continue reading

Zillow wraps ShowingTime deal as feds continue FTC investigation

The $500 million deal was first announced in February, and it prompted a heated debate among ShowingTime users. Despite the deal closing, the FTC is reportedly still seeking information from the companies. Continue reading

Opendoor and FTC still at odds over iBuyer’s advertising

Regulator threatened “enforcement action” related to allegedly “inaccurate” or “inadequately substantiated” advertising claims if settlement talks fail. Continue reading

Redfin-owned RentPath names ParkMobile chief exec as new CEO

Jon Ziglar, formerly the CEO of ParkMobile, will lead the newly acquired RentPath’s growth strategy, product expansion and listing integration into the Redfin platform. Continue reading

Dueling NAR and REX op-eds hint that DOJ will target commissions

National Association of Realtors: “The Administration has publicly signaled a lack of understanding about the MLS system and the associated commission structure.” Continue reading