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Nar

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December Existing-Home Sales Jump 5.1% as Rates Ease and Inventory Tightens
real-estate1 month ago

December Existing-Home Sales Jump 5.1% as Rates Ease and Inventory Tightens

December existing-home sales rose 5.1% month-over-month to a 4.35 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, but were down 1.4% from December 2024; inventory fell to 1.18 million (3.3 months’ supply) while the median price rose 0.4% year-over-year to 405,400. Single-family sales climbed 5.1% to a 3.95 million SAAR with a $409,500 median, and condos/co-ops rose 5.3% to 400,000 with a $364,400 median. Regions all posted MoM gains (Northeast +2.0%, Midwest -2.0%, South +6.9%, West +6.6%). The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, down from 6.24% in November. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says conditions improved in Q4 thanks to lower rates, but inventory remains tight and more listings are expected in February.

Top 10 Housing Markets to Watch in 2025 Revealed
real-estate1 year ago

Top 10 Housing Markets to Watch in 2025 Revealed

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has identified the top 10 housing markets for 2025, highlighting areas with favorable economic and demographic conditions, such as affordable inventory and low mortgage rates. These markets include Boston, Charlotte, and Phoenix, among others. NAR predicts mortgage rates will stabilize around 6% in 2025, encouraging more homebuyers and increasing market activity. Home prices are expected to rise modestly by 2%, with a median price of $410,700. Inventory levels are improving, driven by new construction and more homeowners listing properties.

NAR Settlement Approved Amidst Ongoing Broker Fee Disputes
business1 year ago

NAR Settlement Approved Amidst Ongoing Broker Fee Disputes

The US Department of Justice has raised antitrust concerns over a recent $418 million settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which mandates new rules for real estate broker commissions. The DOJ's objections focus on a requirement for written buyer-broker agreements, potentially leading to further legal challenges. Despite a Missouri judge approving the settlement, real estate professionals remain worried about future lawsuits and the impact on their industry. The settlement aims to change how commissions are negotiated, but the DOJ's late intervention has left many Realtors uncertain about compliance and potential legal risks.

DOJ Challenges NAR Settlement Over Commission Rules
real-estate1 year ago

DOJ Challenges NAR Settlement Over Commission Rules

The U.S. Department of Justice has expressed concerns over the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement in the Sitzer/Burnett case, emphasizing that the deal should not shield NAR from future antitrust enforcement. The DOJ's filing highlights issues with buyer agent agreements, suggesting they may limit competition and urging the court to clarify that the settlement does not provide antitrust immunity. This comes ahead of the final hearing for the $418 million settlement, with implications for real estate practices nationwide.

"NAR President Resigns Amid Blackmail Allegations"
real-estate2 years ago

"NAR President Resigns Amid Blackmail Allegations"

National Association of Realtors President Tracy Kasper resigned, citing a "threat" of blackmail, and NAR's president-elect Kevin Sears has taken over. The organization declined to provide details about the threat, but Kasper reported it to law enforcement. This follows a series of leadership changes and turmoil within NAR, including the resignation of former president Kenny Parcell amid sexual harassment allegations. Kasper's resignation marks another significant development for the organization, which is facing ongoing challenges and calls for leadership accountability.

"NAR President Resigns Amid Blackmail Threat Allegations"
business2 years ago

"NAR President Resigns Amid Blackmail Threat Allegations"

National Association of Realtors President Tracy Kasper has resigned after receiving a blackmail threat related to a personal matter, prompting her to report it to law enforcement and step down. The trade group appointed President-elect Kevin Sears to take over immediately. Kasper's resignation comes amid a series of scandals at NAR, including the departure of former President Kenny Parcell and CEO Bob Goldberg. Critics have expressed concern over the circumstances of Kasper's resignation and emphasized the need to prosecute any individuals involved in threats, intimidation, or harassment.

Implications of NAR Lawsuit Verdict on Home Buyers, Sellers, and Real Estate Agents
real-estate2 years ago

Implications of NAR Lawsuit Verdict on Home Buyers, Sellers, and Real Estate Agents

A federal jury's ruling against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several large brokerages could lead to reduced real estate agent fees and lower costs for home buyers and sellers. The ruling may result in greater transparency in real estate transactions, as well as potential changes to the payment structure for agents. The Department of Justice is also investigating real estate agent compensation practices, which could trigger a broader overhaul of how agents are paid. However, industry experts caution that the final judgment in the case is still pending, and any changes may not have a significant impact on the industry.

FHFA Cancels Controversial Mortgage Fees for Homebuyers.
real-estate2 years ago

FHFA Cancels Controversial Mortgage Fees for Homebuyers.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has cancelled its proposed loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) upfront fee on borrowers with debt-to-income ratios greater than 40 percent that was slated to go into effect August 1st, following significant urging from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). NAR had previously written the FHFA urging it to require factors such as higher credit scores or larger down payments to offset this risk in lieu of higher fees that would only raise the borrower’s risk of default. The FHFA also announced that it will conduct a request for information on other new fees, such as those imposed on borrowers with higher credit scores and moderate down payments.