Treasury finalizes new rules for luxury cash sales reporting

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the new reporting rules will “close critical loopholes in the U.S. financial system” that had allowed criminals to launder money through all-cash residential real estate transactions. Continue reading

New York’s Flatiron Building to be transformed into 60 luxury condos

The iconic Flatiron Building in Manhattan is set to undergo a transformation from outdated office spaces to luxury residences and retail, according to new building plans revealed earlier this week. Continue reading

Agent safety startup Tether RE wins 2024 NAR Pitch Battle

Tether RE’s platform includes 24-hour safety monitoring, client verification, SOS alerts, proximity safety times and fall and crash alerts. Agent social MLS app Tuesday won Crowd Favorite. Continue reading

NAR to fight DOJ investigation all the way to the Supreme Court

The case dates back to a 2020 settlement between NAR and the DOJ, and to the DOJ’s 2021 attempt to withdraw from that settlement — something NAR is trying to block. Continue reading

Reputation manager Real Grader lands Anywhere enterprise deal

Real Grader, a 2023 member of NAR REACH, offers a solution that measures the social reach of agents, as well as their impact on business research sites like Google My Business and LinkedIn. Continue reading

DC-area title companies settle agent steering scheme with AG

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb found that four title companies gave financial and other perks to real estate agents in return for homebuyer referrals. The companies have agreed to pay $3 million. Continue reading

First window-washing robot debuts in Manhattan, with more on the way

The Skyline Robotics robot will be tasked with maintaining the windows of a Durst Organization-owned 45-story Class A office tower on Sixth Avenue in New York City, it was announced this week. Continue reading

Industry vet Nick Bailey joins T3 Sixty as chief real estate officer

The announcement comes about six months after Bailey was replaced as RE/MAX president by Amy Lessinger. At T3 Sixty, he will focus on business development, consulting and representing the firm at industry events. Continue reading

US homebuyer down payments reach new record, outpace prices

According to Redfin, the typical U.S. homebuyer’s down payment hit the highest level in over a decade, at 18.6 percent of the purchase price in June, up from 15 percent the previous year. Continue reading

Karlie Kloss, Joshua Kushner make waves with $29.5M Malibu home

The supermodel and her husband are the proud new owners of the iconic $29.5 million Malibu, California, “Wave House,” sold for the first time in 36 years. Continue reading