Small lenders oppose combining Fannie, Freddie into single entity

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should continue to operate as separate companies rather than merged into a single entity, and be regulated like utilities with a cap on excessive fees and prohibitions on backing risky loans. That’s the perspective of a… Continue reading

Mortgage rates drop sharply as Powell shifts stance on rate cuts

Investors pushed bond yields and mortgage rates down Friday after Fed chair says policymakers are starting to see unemployment as a bigger risk to the U.S. economy than inflation. Continue reading

NYC luxury agent accused of biting child over concert free T-shirt toss

Compass agent Gail Bomze was arrested after allegedly biting a 7-year-old child during a free T-shirt toss at East Hamptons’ Tuesdays on Main beach concert series. Bomze denies the allegations and says she was pushed to the ground by teenagers during t… Continue reading

Yes, inventory’s up, but de-listings and expireds slow growth

Windermere Economist Jeff Tucker looks at inventory levels and writes that, while sellers are willing to list, they won’t bend on price. Continue reading

Why every real estate agent ought to care about urban design

Understanding the principles of urban design can help you help your clients find more than a home; they’ll find the setting for a new lifestyle, Jason Haber writes. Continue reading

Data confirmation, compensation, Opendoor resignation: Top 5

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers. Continue reading

Pulte dismisses claims he is ‘weaponizing’ mortgage fraud

A “Wall Street Journal” editorial calls Pulte’s criminal referral of Federal Reserve governor “an ominous turn in political lawfare” and warns that “weaponizing” Fannie and Freddie’s federal regulator “won’t build confidence in America’s institutions o… Continue reading

Next question for Opendoor: ‘Kill agent partnership,’ or work with real estate pros?

After a stock rally and CEO ouster, investors are turning their attention to what’s next for Opendoor. Some say the company must work with agents. Others disagree. Continue reading

What today’s skills-based market demands of real estate agents

The market has shifted. If you’re working the same way you did a year ago, you’re likely getting half the results, coach Verl Workman writes. Talent is rewarded over timing. Continue reading

How ‘pig butchering’ financial scam puts real estate agents at risk

Scammers prey on the loneliness epidemic and desire for genuine connection, security expert Robert Siciliano writes, a feeling that even the most successful among us can experience. Continue reading