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.
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.
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.
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.
Tracy Kasper, president of the National Association of Realtors, is stepping down after receiving a blackmail threat related to a personal matter, which she reported to law enforcement.
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.
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.
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.
