Has homeownership become a luxury good?
First-time buyers now make up only 21% of home purchases, with the median age rising to 40 and the under-35 homeownership rate at 37.1%.
Opinion
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The originator’s playbook: Competing and growing in a shifting market
As interest rates continue to ease and borrower confidence rebuilds, originators are operating in a market that demands both adaptability and creativity.
To better understand how mortgage professionals are approaching today’s environment, I asked four experienced originators to share how they’re guiding clients, leveraging non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) solutions, and refining their playbooks to stay competitive. What emerged was a shared message of optimism and resilience, as well as a renewed focus on client education and relationships, two cornerstones of long-term success in our business.
Making the 7-day refi reality: Modernizing mortgage appraisals
For many borrowers, the appraisal is the most stressful step in a refinance: part mystery, part high-stakes hurdle. Will the home appraise high enough? Will it delay closing? What actually determines the final value?
The new battlefront in lending: Payment intelligence, buyer retention, and the capital rails that will decide 2026 purchase winners
For the past decade, rate marketing has been the dominant gravitational force in mortgage acquisition. Whoever shouted the lowest 30-year fixed rate the loudest won the most attention. But attention has never been the same as intent, and intent has never been the same as a closed loan.
What real estate can learn from LEGO’s reinvention
Just in time for the holidays, Troy Palmquist looks at how this legacy manufacturer bounced back from a market downturn and how agents can, too
A few weeks ago, on a podcast, I was asked which brands I admire most. Without hesitation, I said LEGO. The toy company has an incredible comeback story, from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the world’s most beloved and profitable brands.
A few weeks ago, on a podcast, I was asked which brands I admire most. Without hesitation, I said LEGO. The toy company has an incredible comeback story, from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the world’s most beloved and profitable brands.
Helping heroes home: how real estate pros can better serve veterans
Real estate pros can make a difference by guiding veterans through VA loans and community resources for homeownership.
Former Zillow Flex agent on who benefits from Premier agent class action lawsuit
The Zillow class-action lawsuit sparks debate on buyer agent disclosures.
Top 5 IMB priorities for GSEs in a post-conservatorship world
Given the Trump administration’s goal of releasing the GSEs from conservatorship, the CHLA outlines five key priorities for IMBs.
The HELPER Act promises to open up housing opportunities and give the real estate business a much-needed lift
A firefighter and his pregnant wife were unable to buy a two-bedroom home in the neighborhood where they grew up; two teachers had dashed dreams of owning their bungalow near the school where they work. These are just two examples of the heartbreaking scenarios you hear about in the real estate business.
Florida’s single-family rental market is resilient, but not without risk
Florida’s single-family rental market is impacted by a persistent shortage of housing inventory.