December 2025

Out-of-state investors keep sizable stake in single-family homes

Out-of-state investment in U.S. single-family homes remains elevated in 2025, even as the housing market continues to cool from pandemic-era extremes, according to new data from SFR Analytics. Nonresident investors accounted for 5.56% of single-family home purchases nationwide this year. That share is slightly below 2024 levels and well under the 2021 peak, but it […]

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Why AI alone can’t maximize renovation ROI for home sellers

When it comes to home renovation, it’s never been easier to pop a few images of your kitchen into an AI tool and ask it to paint the walls a new color or change the cabinets. These tools are fun and helpful for inspiration, but like an unused Pinterest board, often leave users without any

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Judge blocks key Hometap defenses in Massachusetts HEI lawsuit

A Massachusetts judge has barred home equity contract provider Hometap from arguing that state regulators previously approved or implicitly sanctioned the company’s business model — strengthening the attorney general’s consumer protection lawsuit against Hometap. In a Dec. 19 decision, Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Debra Squires-Lee ruled that such fairness-based arguments cannot be used to

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Home price growth slows, affordability pressures persist

U.S. home price growth remained muted in October as high mortgage rates and affordability constraints continued to weigh on the housing market, according to data released Tuesday by S&P Dow Jones Indices. The S&P Cotality Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rose 1.4% from a year earlier — up slightly from a 1.3% annual increase

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Loan officer mental health: How to recognize & prevent burnout

Over the past few years, the mortgage industry has seen a significant decline in the number of loan originators. Loan officer burnout is a constant reality of the job, and what starts as long hours or a stressful month can gradually evolve into exhaustion, irritability, detachment and a loss of passion for work that once

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Will stable mortgage rates and home prices set the table for a strong 2026?

Mortgage rate movement remains stuck in neutral as 2025 comes to an end, but the U.S. housing market has shown signs of life during a traditionally slow period. On Monday, Mortgage News Daily reported an average 30-year fixed rate of 6.19%, down 5 basis points from a week earlier. And on Tuesday, HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates

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Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate affiliate expands in Nebraska

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Good Life Group has acquired Don Peterson and Associates — bringing together two established real estate firms serving eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The transaction expands The Good Life Group’s footprint in the greater Omaha metropolitan area and results in a combined operation of 10 offices and nearly

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The 6 best real estate schools in Texas for 2026

Ready to start a new career in Texas real estate? Completing 180 hours of prelicensing coursework required by the state is your first step toward getting licensed. We’ll explore the best real estate schools in Texas to help you pass the Texas real estate exam and to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary

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AI drives efficiency in title and settlement at WFG in 2025

Technology adoption in the title and settlement industry continued to speed up in 2025, with Williston Financial Group (WFG) and its subsidiaries focusing heavily on technology that delivers measurable gains in speed, accuracy and risk reduction. In this HousingWire Q&A, Marty Frame, president of WFG subsidiary MyHome, and Ryan Ozonian, senior director of innovation and

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