National News

MBA: Mortgage applications fall almost 13% on interest rate surge

The average 30-year mortgage saw its contract interest rate jump to 6.90% from 6.81% the week before, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. 

New-home construction drops more than expected in March

The surprisingly large decline in the pace of housing starts comes as builder sentiment remains depressed by tariff worries and high prices. 

eXp Realty challenges other brokerages to adopt new seller advisory form warning of private listings

Parejo added that eXp’s recent decision to adhere to Zillow’s anti-private listing policy is not exclusive to the online portal.

Redfin joins the Clear Cooperation fray; won’t publish listings until they’re on the MLS

In a statement, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman also asked MLSs to create a “coming-soon” designation that precludes search sites from showing listing history. 

Zillow prohibits privately-marketed listings, eXp commits to sharing within 24 hours

eXp Realty was the first brokerage to publicly join Zillow, announcing its commitment to ensuring eXp listings are available on Zillow within 24 hours of marketing to consumers.

Homeowners are remodeling for their own joy — not for resale value

The upgrades that brought homeowners the most joy in 2024 were primary bedroom suites, kitchens and new roofing.

Once again, baby boomers make up the largest share of homebuyers

“In a plot twist, baby boomers have overtaken millennials — the largest U.S. population — to become the top generation of homebuyers,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research.

Rocket to acquire Mr. Cooper for $9.4 billion

The acquisition of the mortgage servicer comes on the heels of Rocket’s $1.75 billion deal for Redfin. 

Compass clients seek class-action lawsuit against NWMLS

A new website encourages home sellers in Washington state to join a potential class-action lawsuit against NWMLS.

NWMLS responds in support of Clear Cooperation

NWMLS’s statement, penned by President and CEO Justin Haag, comes just days after NAR’s recent decision to keep its Clear Cooperation Policy, but introduce a new listing option that allows sellers to delay broader marketing of their properties.

NWMLS launches Data Partners program

The program also makes NWMLS listings available to brokers from participating MLSs, including partners in California, Colorado, the Midwest and the East Coast.

Pending home sales post surprise gain in February but remain sluggish

The National Association of REALTORS’® Pending Home Sales Index rose 2% month over month in February, topping an expected 0.9% gain. 

NAR keeps Clear Cooperation but adds delayed-marketing option

The new policy allows sellers to put off marketing their properties for a period of time to be determined by their local MLSs. 

Seattle home sales rise year over year in February

Nationally, home sales were down 2.6% year over year and up 8.4% month over month, RE/MAX said. 

NAR: Existing-home sales rise in February; market ‘flashing encouraging signs’

The median existing-home price was also on the upswing last month, providing homeowners a bit of refuge as the stock market undergoes a correction, Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said in the monthly report. 

Housing starts post surprisingly big jump in February

The pace of new-home construction was higher than economists expected, even as homebuilders expressed concern about the impact of tariffs and supply-side challenges. 

Oops! We could not locate your form.