HW+ provides career-making insights and analysis for those in Mortgage, Real Estate and FinTech. This long-form digital content provides members with news nowhere else and digs deeper into the “why” behind the daily news cycle. To join the HW+ community, click here.
ICE: Lower mortgage rates open the door to $11.2T in home equity access
Declining mortgage rates are creating new volume opportunities across the mortgage industry, according to the November 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor Report.
Propy acquires Delta South Title, marking entrance into Alabama
The company said this acquisition is part of its recently announced acquisition and AI-makeover strategy aimed at achieving a $1B evaluation.
Zillow faces lawsuit alleging illegal kickbacks in mortgage business
Zillow sued for allegedly using illegal kickbacks to steer buyers to Zillow Home Loans in violation of RESPA and consumer protection laws.
Rental payment reporting boosts mortgage eligibility
Incorporating on-time rental payments into credit reports can improve credit scores and unlock mortgage eligibility, VantageScore says.
NewDay USA names executives to head up new mortgage program
NewDay USA appoints Ken Harthausen and Neil Brooks to lead NewDay Home, a program empowering veterans with no-down-payment home purchases.
Finance of America’s Q3 loss contrasts with sharp rise in adjusted income
Finance of America reported a Q3 net loss but saw a sharp rise in adjusted income, driven by home equity lending growth.
Century 21 merger creates tri-state service net
With the merger, the combined company totals 11 offices and approximately 275 independent agents across three states.
Zillow, MRED at odds over listing policy
MLS giant MRED says Zillow’s restrictions could violate its agreement and threaten the city’s private listing network.
Why these 10 overlooked real estate niches are goldmines
Explore 10 real estate niches that most agents overlook. Learn how focusing on these areas can boost your business and build lasting relationships.
Westcor CEO Mary O’Donnell dies
O’Donnell passed away suddenly earlier this week after a brief illness. Terry Wright has been named interim CEO.
Tara Smith is First American’s latest executive vice president
Smith, who joined the firm in 2024, was named First American Title’s EVP of enterprise growth and multi-brand strategy
ALTA throws support behind Fidelity in FinCEN lawsuit
In a proposed amicus brief, ALTA echoes Fidelity’s arguments that the new reporting rules will be a harmful burden on title companies.
Win some, lose some: Appraisers wrestle with the CFPB’s dismantling
Appraisers have mixed feelings about the status of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. They welcome the end of the PAVE Task Force, but a potential closure means the agency won’t issue final rules in a fight against appraisal management companies.
Class-action law firm opens investigation into appraisal fees, AMCs
The law firm of Morgan & Morgan is investigating the role of appraisal management companies (AMCs) in driving up the cost of appraisals.
PAVE seems to be disappearing. What else is next?
As the Trump administration continues its crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, it appears that the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) policies are being swept away amid a laundry list of actions.
