Hometown Lenders eyes national expansion with 14 new branches

While other mortgage lenders are laying off workers, Huntsville, Alabama-based Hometown Lenders is advertising more than 40 jobs for loan originators, processors and other positions. Continue reading

Man arrested for bomb threat that prompted Realtor.com evacuation

Police have arrested an Illinois man who they say called in a false threat of a bomb that led to evacuations of more than 1,000 workers at nine call centers across five states in late March. Continue reading

Lower partners with Orchard to offer Power Buyer services

As rising interest rates curb mortgage refinancings, Lower will also target homebuyers through a strategic partnership with iBuyer powerhouse Opendoor. Continue reading

Newly launched Pairadime is betting on the future being fractional: Tech Review

Pairadime is an extensive educational resource on fractional home buying, or co-ownership. Continue reading

Insurance agency says REX is still operating, praises tech

PIUS CEO tells Inman the company is operating ‘on a smaller scale,’ but a former REX agent says those operations no longer include handling real estate transactions. Continue reading

Flueid gears up to support purchase and home equity loans

Title and escrow software-as-a-service provider’s tech platform, Flueid Decision, can now detect solar panels and liens. Continue reading

Bright first MLS to hire a chief economist

Dr. Lisa Sturtevant will help Bright with “critical business decisions around the company’s data assets” such as evaluating products and partnerships. Continue reading

Where is Anywhere headed? Toe-to-toe with Zillow

A week after announcing Realogy’s rebrand as Anywhere, CEO Ryan Schneider shared his plan for beating Zillow at direct-to-consumer business on Thursday at Inman Connect Now. Continue reading

Propy launches new blockchain-based title and escrow product

The new service is meant to make closing on a real estate deal faster, easier and more secure. Continue reading