Insurers end coverage for thousands of luxury homes in California
State regulator doesn't allow home insurance companies to set rates based on estimated future losses from climate change risks
by Andrea V. Brambila Jan 20
Oregon love letter ban now in full effect — at least for a month
Listing agents in Oregon now have to comply with a new ban on homebuyer love letters in the state. However, a lawsuit by the libertarian Pacific Legal Foundation seeks to undo it
by Daniel Houston Jan 4
Fannie and Freddie must factor in climate change risks: FHFA
Climate change is seen as 'an emerging and increasing threat to US financial stability,' according to guidance issued by the Federal Housing Finance Agency
by Matt Carter Jan 3
Title rep surrenders license over alleged real estate agent perks
The former employer of the California marketing representative, First American Title, agreed to pay $1.185M in fines and costs to settle inducement allegations
by Matt Carter Dec 29
The biggest mortgage, lending and housing finance stories of 2021
The rise of Power Buying, regulatory battles, Fed tapering and big acquisitions rattled lending decisions and homebuyer game plans during a momentous year for the mortgage industry
by Matt Carter Dec 29
New York state makes remote online notarizations permanent
As more states allow RON, California and North Carolina are among notable holdouts
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 28
The biggest questions and answers about portals ditching crime data
Redfin, Trulia and realtor.com have all vowed to not use crime data going forward. The companies' stands are now prompting a debate in the industry
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 23
NYC Council quashes bill to end tenant criminal background checks
The New York City Council refused to vote on Fair Chance for Housing Act, which would prevent landlords from denying tenants based on their criminal records. The bill may go back up for a vote in 2022
by Marian McPherson Dec 16
Biden picks Sandra Thompson to lead Fannie and Freddie regulator
Questions about the future of the mortgage giants remain, but lending industry welcomes veteran regulator to lead FHFA
by Matt Carter Dec 14
Real estate in 2021 was weird, wild and always unpredictable
The year saw explosive rivalries, wild stock market performances and plenty of rage
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 13
The million-dollar question: Do $1M Freddie Mac mortgages conflict with affordable housing mission?
Redwood Trust, which issues 'jumbo' loans that are off limits to Fannie and Freddie, said in a new critique that costlier markets are better served by private lenders
by Matt Carter Dec 8
It's the end of the road for LIBOR mortgages
Regulators spell out rules for transitioning ARM borrowers to other indexes by 2023
by Matt Carter Dec 7
More booster shots, testing and other measures coming in response to Omicron variant
President Biden laid out a COVID-19 response plan Thursday that will push more people to get vaccinated and attempt to keep businesses open
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 2
'Is the Bible hate speech?' NAR hate speech provision faces first big test
Realtor Brandon Huber is under fire for pulling his church's support of a food bank during Pride Month. Now, the Missoula Organization of Realtors has to determine if it's religious freedom or hate speech
by Marian McPherson Dec 2
'Highly uniform' commissions designed to thwart competition: study
The Consumer Federation of America pushes for an end to the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers to spur price competition
Record increase in Fannie, Freddie loan limits fuels debate
An 18% increase in conforming loan limit, to $647,200, is the biggest leap in records dating to 1970
by Matt Carter Nov 30