The hidden housing cost Washington can’t ignore: real estate fraud
Fraud risk is a housing affordability factor, with 2024 losses near $175m and average claims above $143,000, per FBI data.
Opinion
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Judge Valderrama’s ‘roadmap’ for successful antitrust litigation in affordable housing crisis
A federal judge’s dismissal of a manufactured housing antitrust case offers a clear roadmap for future litigation—and raises broader questions about consolidation and affordability.
The spreadsheet trap: Why investor reporting still operates like it’s 2005
Manually updating spreadsheets. Dealing with paper jams in the printer. Remember what office life was like in 2005? If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can find many of the same practices still in place in the investor’s reporting offices of loan servicers today.
But why haven’t these offices evolved with changing technology?
But why haven’t these offices evolved with changing technology?
Why AI alone can’t maximize renovation ROI for home sellers
AI supports home renovation planning, but expert guidance is key for budgeting, ROI, and navigating emotional decisions.
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%.
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.