Texas, Florida are affordability havens for homebuyers: Zillow

Rising inventory and slowing home price growth have made Austin, San Antonio, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville some of the best markets for buyers, according to Zillow’s latest Market Heat Index. Continue reading

RentSpree, UtahRealEstate.com ink software union

RentSpree has more than 300 associations and MLSs in its partner network, who primarily use its ApplyLink solution, a single browser experience that automates application collection, screening, approval and other property management operations critical… Continue reading

While banks pull out, investment funds double down on real estate

Multiple funds told Reuters they planned to increase their credit exposure to property as banks back off from commercial real estate. Continue reading

Ullman Group launches into luxury with aid from Christie’s Real Estate

A collaboration with Christie’s International Real Estate Sereno has helped Ullman Group founder Cody Ullman get his new niche luxury brokerage off the ground and gain a foothold in California Continue reading

Back in growth mode, Better is hiring again but still in the red in Q1

The lender boosted mortgage volume 25 percent from Q4 but suffered a $51 million loss, according to Q1 earnings data on Tuesday. CEO Vishal Garg said Better’s future “lies in Uberizing the loan officer.” Continue reading

Woodward Realty Group merges with Corcoran Baer & McIntosh

With the merger, 26 agents will join Corcoran Baer & McIntosh, bringing the combined firms’ agent count to 130 across seven offices in parts of New York and New Jersey. Continue reading

Sitzer judge indicates his support for proposed NAR settlement

Judge Stephen R. Bough said payouts and practice changes in NAR’s deal, added to those in the Keller Williams, Anywhere and RE/MAX settlements, represent “substantial benefits” for sellers. Continue reading

Finaya acquires Nexme in bid to create a homebuyer ‘super app’

The mobile solution merges home shopping with mortgage, insurance, title search and escrow management to offer a comprehensive home transaction experience, among other features. Continue reading

Agents say their brokerage has their back amid commission chaos

The NAR settlement shook the industry, but agents overwhelmingly told the Inman Intel Index they believe their brokerage has been an effective ally. It’s a big win for brokerage training efforts. Continue reading

NAR seeks innovative real estate startups for 6th annual Pitch Battle

NAR announced the annual competition on Monday with an appeal for applications from startups seeking an opportunity to pitch themselves to investors, real estate pros and tech enthusiasts. Continue reading