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As AI in housing grows, buyers demand transparency and to keep humans in the loop

Three in four homebuyers assume artificial intelligence already plays a role in the homebuying process, but most still want humans making or verifying key decisions, according to a new global survey from property data firm Cotality. Its AI in Housing 2026 Report, released Thursday, finds that 75% of buyers expect AI to be embedded somewhere […]

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IMB profits rise to $785 per loan in 2025 as servicing keeps more lenders in the black

Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks earned an average profit of $785 on each loan they originated in 2025, up from $443 per loan in 2024, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s 2025 Annual Mortgage Bankers Performance Report, released Thursday. MBA reported that the average net production profit reached 21

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Plaintiffs push back on NAR’s bid to settle Tuccori commission lawsuit

The Batton homebuyer commission lawsuit plaintiffs have unsurprisingly taken a stand against the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) decision to settle the homebuyer antitrust claims by opting-in to the Tuccori homebuyer commission lawsuit settlement.  Due to the settlement, which was announced last Friday, NAR filed a motion to stay the Batton litigation, in which it

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Dark Matter promotes Vikas Rao to CEO, announces layoffs

Dark Matter Technologies on Thursday appointed Vikas Rao as CEO, elevating him from the role of chief technology officer as the mortgage technology firm is poised to accelerate its AI-driven strategy and growth plans. Rao succeeds Sean Dugan and will lead the company’s next phase with a mandate to translate its technology investments into stronger

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REMAX agents get Zillow Preview, Showcase in Marketing Studio

Zillow has signed an agreement with REMAX that makes its Zillow Preview and Zillow Showcase listing products available to REMAX agents nationwide through the REMAX Marketing Studio, according to an announcement on Tuesday.  Zillow had previously announced REMAX as one of the original firms to sign up for Zillow Preview, its pre-marketing platform for coming soon

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Sweeping residential zoning reform becomes law in Idaho

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law a sweeping set of housing reforms as lawmakers sought to avoid a piecemeal legislative approach to the state’s housing affordability problem. The legislation gave local governments more power to implement plans on missing middle housing, but took control away in some zoning. Like Sun Belt states, Mountain West

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Sue Woodard joins HousingWire as strategic advisor

Mortgage industry leader Sue Woodard has joined HousingWire as a strategic advisor, bringing decades of experience in origination, fintech and lender advisory work to the company’s growth strategy. Woodard will work with HousingWire’s executive team to help shape content, events and product direction for mortgage and real estate professionals, with a focus on connecting industry

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Age matters in home equity decisions

A borrower’s age should shape every financing recommendation, yet it is often treated as a secondary detail when a senior wants, or needs, access to a portion of their equity. Consider that most mortgage advice is built on the assumptions that the borrower will continue working and has time and resources to recover from financial

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Will new tax on ultra-luxury NYC homes derail red hot demand?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is reversing course and throwing support behind a proposed annual tax on high-end second homes in New York City. Hochul, who had previously resisted the measure, now says affluent property owners — particularly those with multimillion-dollar second homes — should help shoulder the burden of growing revenue gaps. The proposed

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Self-care plans for real estate agent burnout

There is a special flavor of exhaustion that only independent contractors know. It is not the regular tired that comes from a long day. It is the deep-space fatigue of being your own boss, HR department, marketing team, IT help desk, billing office, custodian, and emotional support animal. You do not clock out. Then layer

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