Author name: Ricky Vasquez

Nations chase US trade deals as Bessent hints at extension

Major US trading partners hurried over the weekend to secure trade deals or lobby for extra time, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that some countries lacking an agreement by the deadline Wednesday will have the option of a three-week extension to negotiate. READ MORE: NAHB’s top economist weighs tariffs, immigration, economics “We’re going to […]

Nations chase US trade deals as Bessent hints at extension Read More »

US jobs data eases pressure on Fed

Fresh US jobs figures took pressure off the Federal Reserve to consider an interest-rate cut later this month, likely leaving the central bank on hold at least until the fall. While employers added more jobs in June than forecast and the unemployment rate ticked lower, growth in private payrolls weakened. US job growth exceeded expectations in June as an

US jobs data eases pressure on Fed Read More »

Armando Falcon on the FHFA’s move toward crypto mortgages

It’s been just over a week since Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to start preparing for the use of cryptocurrency in single-family mortgages. With limited guidance beyond the FHFA’s directive, mortgage originators and industry experts are working to assess how cryptocurrency could be applied to mortgages.

Armando Falcon on the FHFA’s move toward crypto mortgages Read More »

State AGs oppose HUD’s plan to roll back fair housing marketing rules

California Attorney General Rob Bonta — along with a coalition of 20 other attorneys general — is urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to abandon a proposed rule that would eliminate federal requirements prohibiting discriminatory marketing of affordable housing. In a letter sent to HUD on Thursday, the attorneys general argued

State AGs oppose HUD’s plan to roll back fair housing marketing rules Read More »

Texas independent brokerages join Compass

Compass continues to welcome agents to the firm, this time via two independent brokerage integrations in Texas. Vista Real Estate and Halo Group Realty are joining Compass, according to an announcement on Thursday.  Vista Real Estate serves clients in central Texas and has more than 60 agents, while Halo Group Realty serves clients in the Dallas-Fort

Texas independent brokerages join Compass Read More »

One ‘Big Beautiful’ win: House advances budget bill for Trump’s signature

President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is about to become law. The House of Representatives on Thursday voted to advance the budget reconciliation bill by a razor-thin margin, echoing the 50-50 tie in the Senate that required Vice President JD Vance’s vote in order to advance the legislation. The White House has scheduled

One ‘Big Beautiful’ win: House advances budget bill for Trump’s signature Read More »

Survey: Down payment concerns delay homeownership for many

Despite strong interest in home-buying, affordability challenges and misconceptions about down payments are deterring many potential buyers, according to a new survey from NeighborWorks America. The nonprofit organization reports that 27% of U.S. adults say they plan to buy a home within the next year. However, among those who are postponing or not planning to

Survey: Down payment concerns delay homeownership for many Read More »

Century 21 expands in North Carolina with new rural affiliation

Century 21 Real Estate is expanding its footprint in northeastern North Carolina through the affiliation of Carolina Land and Home Realty — a full-service brokerage based in Ahoskie. The office will now operate as Century 21 Land and Home Realty. Broker-owner Clay Revelle, a native of Northampton County, purchased the brokerage in 2021. He holds

Century 21 expands in North Carolina with new rural affiliation Read More »

LeadingRE adds The Training Academy to preferred vendor program

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) has added The Training Academy LLC to its Solutions Group — a curated program of preferred business resources available to its global network of 550 real estate firms. The Training Academy, based in Florida and led by founder Dan Elzer, provides leadership development and operational strategy consulting

LeadingRE adds The Training Academy to preferred vendor program Read More »

Title Resources Group hires Kevin Wall as CEO

Title Resources Group (TRG) has named industry veteran Kevin Wall as its new CEO, effective July 28. Wall will also join the company’s board of directors. J. Scott McCall, the company’s current CEO, will transition to vice chairman of the board. Wall brings more than 30 years of experience in title insurance and settlement services.

Title Resources Group hires Kevin Wall as CEO Read More »