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Lower inks marketing deal with HomeSmart 

The agreement gives more than 25,000 HomeSmart agents access to Lower’s mortgage products and technology tools.

ARM, refinance activity buck the trend of declining mortgage demand 

Mortgage applications fell 0.3% last week, but refinance activity surged 4% as mortgage rates hit a monthly low.

Are you ready for it? Realtor.com hit with Taylor Swift copyright claim 

Realtor.com posts showcasing Travis Kelce’s estate allegedly used photos copyrighted by Brynn Burns without permission.

Mortgage rates move closer to 6% — and the forecast is getting sunnier 

The housing market forecast for 2025 improves as mortgage rates decline. Bank of America reports increased buyer optimism with 75% expecting lower prices and rates in coming months.

Social Security warns beneficiaries to switch from paper checks by Sept. 30 

The Social Security Administration has alerted beneficiaries that paper checks will no longer be issued after Sept. 30, urging anyone still receiving them to switch to electronic payments

Idaho Housing and Finance Association adopts Sagent’s Dara Claims 

IHFA partners with Sagent to automate claims processing, allowing the non-profit to reinvest savings into expanding housing access.

Real estate veteran launches Best of Raleigh lifestyle platform 

Best of Raleigh will feature recommendations on dining, wellness, design and cultural events, along with profiles of local businesses.

‘It’s complicated:’ brokers talk navigating MLS relationships at CMLS 

At CMLS 2025, industry leaders stress that MLSs must support broker success, streamline rules, and prioritize efficiency over add-on tools.

Compass-Anywhere deal sparks MLS reckoning 

With compensation rules changing and mega-brokers growing, MLSs must deliver more than just listings to stay competitive.

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Updated 10 months ago