Tag Archives: News Brief

Improving rates just drove a ‘big week’ for mortgages

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The latest numbers from the Mortgage Bankers Association show that applications for loans increased last week. Rates for a 30-year fixed rate loan averaged 6.16 percent Continue reading →

Washington agent sues Zillow for alleged mortgage steering

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Another class-action lawsuit, this time from a Washington state real estate agent, has accused Zillow of illegally steering business to Zillow Home Loans. Continue reading →

Sellers outnumber buyers as home prices barely inch up

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There were roughly 47 percent more homesellers than buyers in the market in December as home prices ticked up by just 2.2 percent year over year, according to new data from Redfin. Continue reading →

Long Island attorney accused of gambling away $750K earmarked for his client’s home purchase

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Lawyer Peter Giattino is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing $750,000 from a real estate client. He’s accused of spending the funds on gambling and other personal expenses. Continue reading →

Need a mortgage? Have crypto? Now you’re in luck

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Mortgage lender Newrez announced this week that it’ll let would-be borrowers count their crypto assets when qualifying for a loan. The company said it’s the first major lender to make such a move. Continue reading →

20 major metros primed for affordability this year

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Slowed home price growth, declining mortgage rates and rising incomes will contribute to the typical mortgage payment becoming affordable in 20 out of 50 of the country’s largest metro areas this year, the most since 2022. Continue reading →

New academy seeks to prep real estate pros for public speaking

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Founded by eXp Realty team leader Kendall Bonner, Industry Speaks Academy provides real estate professionals with structured training and feedback to ready them for speaking opportunities at events, podcasts and more. Continue reading →

Alexander twins face new charge ahead of federal trial

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Former luxury broker Oren Alexander and his ex-security executive twin brother, Alon Alexander, have been charged with a new count of sexual abuse by physical incapacitation in advance of their sex trafficking trial scheduled for Jan. 26. Continue reading →

Mortgage firm Lower acquires Acopia Home Loans

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Lower previously acquired residential portal and tech firm Movoto, and struck up a marketing partnership with HomeSmart. The Acopia deal helps the company expand in the Southeast. Continue reading →

Latest Consumer Price Index data leaves door open for March rate cut

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The Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 2.7 percent in December, leading many to believe the Fed will hold rates steady this month. But if market conditions cool in upcoming months, a March rate cut may be in the cards. Continue reading →