Alexander twins face new charge ahead of federal trial

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

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

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

Vija Williams named Chief Growth Officer at Realty.com

As the company continues to expand its proprietary technology, data infrastructure and industry relations, Realty.com is formalizing its long-term strategy with the new role and Williams’ appointment. Continue reading

Fed chair responds to ‘political pressure, intimidation’ by Trump’s Justice Department

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell issued a rare warning in a video statement on Sunday that the Fed’s independence was under threat of political intimidation, as evidenced by grand jury subpoenas served to the bank on Friday by the DOJ under what Pow… Continue reading

The deal is done: Compass and Anywhere have officially merged

Less than four months after Compass and Anywhere — two of the biggest companies in real estate — announced a planned merger, the firms closed the $1.6 billion deal on Friday after receiving a majority of shareholder approval. Continue reading

Rentspree’s Landlord Pro targets fragmented rental operations

The company hopes Landlord Pro will appeal to rental operators burdened by fragmented marketing, leasing, and financial services products. Costs are harder to manage and predict when spread thin across a range of disconnected vendors. Continue reading

With mortgage rates down, home payments hit lowest level in 2 years

The 4.7 percent annual drop in monthly payments has yet to bring buyers or sellers back to the market in a significant way, but this may largely be due to seasonality, economists say. Continue reading

Trump seeks to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes

The president’s announcement was made against the backdrop of high inflation, which Trump blamed on former President Biden and Democrats in Congress. Continue reading

Dermot Buffini makes way for brother Brian as coaching firm’s chief executive

After 13 years as CEO, Dermot Buffini will now serve as a board advisor and international brand ambassador at the well-known real estate coaching company. Continue reading