What sets journalism apart from the reporting done by influencers, commentators, pundits and PR professionals is not a journalism degree from a fancy university. It is not a better understanding of ethics, style and sourcing, or a public promise to always be fair. What makes journalism different is more about how it happens—and the systems…
After announcing that it would be scaling back its investment in Homes.com this past January, CoStar Group appears to be thriving as of Q2 as it beefs up investments in other segments of its business, such as Apartments.com. Andy Florance—CEO of CoStar—touted the success of the portal during the company’s earnings call yesterday, stating that…
Despite near annual highs of the 30-year average mortgage rate, home-purchase application activity had been holding steady or even modestly increasing in recent weeks, attributed to the rise in home inventory. That trajectory flipped this week with a dip in mortgage applications as rates hit another record high since last August. The latest Market Composite…
After recently aligning with REMAX in June for its first major coup, the American Real Estate Association (ARA) announced on July 28 that Compass International Holdings has officially joined the organization. As with REMAX, agents affiliated with Compass’s portfolio of brands will have the choice to become members of ARA. This landmark move gives agents…
Home-price growth saw a slight uptick in the latest report, but the trend does not yet appear to be a concern among economists as growth remains down historically and affordability continues to see some marked improvement. The S&P Cotality Case-Shiller National Home Price Index saw home prices grow 1.1% year-over-year in May, up from the…
U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough has appointed two “special masters”—third parties granted significant authority over witnesses, evidence and testimony—to audit JND Legal Administration’s billing in the Burnett and Gibson commission lawsuits against the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), capping months of scrutiny over the settlement administrator’s finances. The July 27 order names Chris T.…
A judge dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Zillow and a real estate brokerage, saying that lawyers representing homebuyers who used Zillow’s mortgage services or were referred to agents through the portal’s lead-selling service did not meet the legal standard to move forward. Plaintiffs had alleged that Zillow’s practices were deceptive, violating RESPA, racketeering and consumer…
Editor’s note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia’s weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Federal lawmakers investigate MRED-Compass partnership A federal congressional committee sent letters to Compass CEO Robert Reffkin and MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen in relation to their partnership, scrutinizing the relationship between the nation’s largest…
In today’s frazzled residential real estate market, with mortgage rates stubbornly high and inventory issues in many parts of the land dovetailing high prices for homebuyers, it is always nice to see some data favorable to buyers. Namely—builders have overestimated the demand for their finished houses and are slashing prices in many cities, according to…
The battle over private listings is playing out nearly everywhere—from statehouses and courthouses to brokerage offices and Wall Street boardrooms. As opponents and supporters of the practice make their cases, the debate looks vastly different depending on the venue. But one tool that is nearly always effective is data. And as the practice draws more…
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