Redfin’s new agent-free service hits regulatory snag

Redfin Direct, a pilot program that allows consumers to make direct offers on homes listed by real estate brokerage Redfin online without being represented by a buyer’s agent, is violating a regulation regarding agency disclosure, according to a Massac… Continue reading

Company that eliminates security deposits ‘locks’ in new partner

LeaseLock replaces security deposits with monthly fees and believes its new insurance partnership shows that the industry is embracing its business model. Continue reading

HUD Secretary slammed for confusing REO with Oreo cookies

Despite the controversy that has swirled around his tenure, following the Oreo incident, Ben Carson attempted to downplay his apparent confusion. Continue reading

Compass poaches entire 22-person Coldwell Banker team

Los Angeles-based WSA Real Estate operates in the tony western half of Los Angeles. Team members are now decamping for Compass, which is not acquiring the entity itself. Continue reading

Trulia founder Pete Flint’s venture firm NFX raises $275M

NFX splits its investments equally between business-to-business companies and business-to-consumer companies, but said that out of 3,000 firms seeking money this year it will ultimately only fund 0.5 percent. Continue reading

Airbnb launches partnership with DNA testing company 23andMe

The partnership comes amid what Airbnb says is a rise in “heritage travel,” or trips people take to connect with their ancestors’ homelands. Continue reading

Meet the man behind the viral Amazon tiny home

The DIY homes have been reimagined as art galleries, chapels and Airbnb rentals since going viral last week. No one is more surprised than Allwood Outlet CEO Tapani Pekkala. Continue reading

Best friends 4ever? Redfin strikes deal with Zillow to list in 4 cities

Long-time rivals Zillow and Redfin have finally made peace — over one issue at least — and struck a deal that allows the former to directly host the latter’s listings in four U.S. cities. Continue reading