Invitation Homes to pay $48M to settle tenant ‘junk fee’ claims

The FTC alleges the company advertised monthly rental rates that did not include mandatory “hidden” fees that could add up to more than $1,700 per year. Continue reading

Lofty changes reflect structure of ‘modern brokerage’

Lofty offers a wide-ranging selection of solutions for the real estate space, offering web-based experiences for agents, teams and standalone brokerages alike to automate marketing, better nurture leads and manage deals. Continue reading

Homebuyers get a break as big lenders redefine ‘jumbo mortgage’

CrossCountry Mortgage joins Rocket, Pennymac, UWM and Rate in raising conforming loan limit above current $766,550 cap for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ahead of an official announcement. Continue reading

There’s another rewards card aimed at homeowners: Mesa

Austin, Texas-based startup won’t have the space to itself, but partner Visa and backers providing $7.2 million in seed funding led by Streamlined Ventures like the company’s odds. Continue reading

Brett Miles returns to Brown Harris Stevens after exiting Official

The broker and new development expert first started his real estate career at Brown Harris Stevens. In March, he had been tapped by Official to serve as a founding agent in New York City. Continue reading

6 business basics every real estate agent must learn

Running a successful business isn’t just about the big things, coach Verl Workman writes. Often, it’s about the small, incremental habits that add up over time. Continue reading

Top-producing agent Duane Richins brings RealD2D to Real

Drawing on his expertise in door-to-door sales, Richins founded RealD2D, a team offering coaching and training programs. These services focus on building client relationships, developing sales strategies and guiding decision-making. Continue reading

Home prices remained relentless in July, even as growth slowed

Home prices continued to break records in July, according to reports released by S&P Dow Jones and FHFA on Tuesday. Some economists said lower rates may fuel demand, pushing prices even higher. Continue reading

Solid Earth deal arms 60,000 Miami Realtors with Ezement identity tool

The partnership allows Miami Association of Realtors members access to Solid Earth’s Ezement Dashboard, which aims to heighten security while eliminating passwords, executives said Friday. Continue reading