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.
The Fed could cut rates in September. Mortgage pros are skeptical of the impact
While many expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at its September meeting, mortgage professionals caution that even if it happens, it won’t significantly impact the industry.
Tucson-based independent merges with United Real Estate Specialists
KMS Realty is merging with United Real Estate Specialists. KMS’s designated broker Suzanne Rothman will serve as the firm’s managing broker
Home insurance rates are cooling — but they’ve jumped 45% since 2022
Affordability remains a top concern, with climate events, deductibles and aging roofs all playing a role in shaping the current landscape.
Homebuyers are taking more risks in an obstacle-filled market
With affordability shrinking, buyers are acting boldly to secure homes, according to HomeLight’s 2025 Lender Insights & Predictions survey.
Tariff uncertainty is making the Fed’s job harder
The president’s desire to overhaul the federal government and his “America First” policies that include hefty tariffs against some of the nation’s largest trade partners are making it more challenging for the 12 members of the FOMC to chart where the U.S. economy is headed.
FHA loans dominate delinquencies in ICE’s ‘first look’ report
The LA wildfires earlier this year resulted in 4,100 homeowners being past due on their mortgages, adding to the delinquency rate.
What’s the fuss over Realtor-owned MLSs opening the door to all agents?
Realtor-owned MLSs have long been able to open their platforms to non-Realtors, so why are groups in Phoenix and Austin making headlines?
Redfin to lay off 450 employees in its rental division
The layoffs come after Redfin and Zillow announced a deal to syndicate Zillow rental listings on Redfin’s rental sites.
Zillow is still in the red, but its major revenue streams are rising
On its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call on Tuesday evening, Zillow announced a partnership with fellow Seattle-headquartered firm Redfin that will make Zillow the exclusive provider of multifamily listings on Redfin, Rent.com and ApartmentGuide.com.
