‘I blundered’: Better CEO apologizes to workers after layoffs go viral

Better CEO Vishal Garg has apologized to the mortgage company’s staff, saying he failed to show adequate respect for the 900 former employees who were let go last week. Continue reading

Hometap raises $60M to bankroll growth of its home equity business

The growing business allows homeowners to access their home equity as their property values rise — without taking on more debt. Continue reading

Better CEO under fire after Zoom call layoffs go viral on TikTok

The online mortgage company is facing scrutiny from former employees and on social media, where a video of CEO Vishal Garg firing employees over Zoom drew thousands of reactions. Continue reading

Jobs report disappoints, but real estate hiring keeps rolling along

Homebuilders and real estate firms posted strong hiring trends even as a federal jobs report came up far short of expectations for November. Continue reading

Digital yachts and $2.4M virtual plots: Power brokers to sell the metaverse

Oren and Tal Alexander, two of Douglas Elliman’s top luxury agents, are extending their reach into the metaverse of virtual real estate. Continue reading

After rocky November, rates for 30-year mortgages stabilize above 3%

The average rate for a 30-year mortgage has been climbing in recent months and now rests 17 percent higher than its all-time low in January, according to Freddie Mac’s latest lender survey. Continue reading

Despite rumors, new USC football coach seeks buyers for 2 mansions

Lincoln Riley, the newly announced University of Southern California head football coach, is seeking buyers for his two Oklahoma residences, contrary to rumors that said the school bought his homes as part of a hiring deal. Continue reading

Home price hikes persisted in Q3 as September signaled growth decline

Prices rose 4.2 percent in the third quarter of 2021 and were up 18.5 percent over the same time last year, according to the latest House Price Index by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Continue reading