Prices and politics drag pending home sales down to new low in July

Homebuyer anxiety around prices and the election precipitated the fall as the National Association of Realtors’ Pending Home Sales Index declined 5.5 percent, to 70.2, the lowest index reading in 23 years. Continue reading

DC-area title companies settle agent steering scheme with AG

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb found that four title companies gave financial and other perks to real estate agents in return for homebuyer referrals. The companies have agreed to pay $3 million. Continue reading

First window-washing robot debuts in Manhattan, with more on the way

The Skyline Robotics robot will be tasked with maintaining the windows of a Durst Organization-owned 45-story Class A office tower on Sixth Avenue in New York City, it was announced this week. Continue reading

Industry vet Nick Bailey joins T3 Sixty as chief real estate officer

The announcement comes about six months after Bailey was replaced as RE/MAX president by Amy Lessinger. At T3 Sixty, he will focus on business development, consulting and representing the firm at industry events. Continue reading

Broker Spotlight: Meghan Pachas, MAP Property Solutions

Find out how this third-generation broker’s passion for all things real estate-related informs her work with clients and colleagues. Continue reading

7 procedural components to make eminent domain seizures more fair

Procedural fairness pertains to the just treatment of the processes and methods used to make eminent domain decisions and resolve disputes, real estate educator Lee Davenport writes. Continue reading

Accelerate results with 8 one-on-one secrets (and a bonus secret)

Take a new, unconventional approach to one-on-ones that emphasizes the needs, preferences and goals of your agents, luxury consultant Chris Pollinger writes. Continue reading

Real estate safety abroad: Lessons from the tragic deaths of 2 agents

On the eve of Realtor Safety Month, safety expert Tracey Hawkins shares strong reminders to keep safety top of mind. Continue reading

Official’s co-founder split: Alleged threats and a scramble to rebrand

As Nicole Oge, Richard Jordan and Andrew Wachtfogel sought to start fresh, Oren and Tal Alexander allegedly threatened legal action if they were to be voted out of the firm, The Real Deal reported. The Alexanders deny the allegation. Continue reading

Homebuyers still waiting for more listings and lower mortgage rates

The Fed doesn’t have direct control over mortgage rates, but they’ve been coming down as investors are increasingly convinced that policymakers will be cutting rates at their three remaining meetings this year. Continue reading