Author name: Ricky Vasquez

California revokes City of Fresno’s ‘pro-housing’ designation

In a move seen as a blow to the city’s plans to develop affordable housing, the mayor of Fresno, California, announced during a city council meeting that the city has lost a pro-housing designation from the state due to perceived failures in expanding its affordable housing stock. In April 2023, Fresno was announced as one […]

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Hooper commission lawsuit settlements granted preliminary approval

A federal judge has granted preliminary settlement approval in the Hooper commission lawsuit that involves several high-profile real estate brokerages — including eXp World Holdings, Mark Spain Real Estate, Weichert of North America and Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage. The order signed by U.S. District Court Judge Mark H. Cohen grants early approval for the settlement

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Partner Real Estate unveils $5K model for agent support

California-based Partner Real Estate has announced a new business model that offers real estate agents access to tools, coaching and operational infrastructure for less than $5,000 per year. “The industry is at a turning point,” CEO Rudy Lira Kusuma said. “Agents shouldn’t have to spend six figures to perform like a top producer. Our mission

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Potential picks for CFPB director after McKernan nomination pulled

With notable bumps in the road and quickly changing priorities, the road ahead for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) during the second Trump administration remains clouded. The White House previously nominated someone for the CFPB’s director position who is largely seen as ideal by housing organizations across party lines. But that nominee, Jonathan McKernan,

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NAR weighs speech code changes as industry pressure grows

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is considering major revisions to its Code of Ethics and policy statements, citing legal risks and the need for clarity. Meanwhile, a proposed law in Texas could complicate enforcement of its current rules. An agenda for NAR’s upcoming legislative meetings — which are scheduled for May 31 to June

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Mortgage Bankers Association removes DEI pages from website

Since the new administration took over in January, government agencies have systemically rolled back federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, with the Trump administration framing the move as a way to cut costs and eliminate waste. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the largest mortgage trade group, removed several webpages related to diversity, equity, and inclusion,

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Hildene Capital closes new non-QM deal

Hildene Capital has closed its fourth nonqualified mortgage securitization of 2025 with Crosscountry Mortgage, continuing what has been fairly consistent issuance amid policy shifts this year. The $453.9 million transaction that Goldman Sachs structured with JPMorgan acting as joint lead received top AAA ratings from Fitch and KBRA for 99.5% of its underlying loans. The

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Next Level Education acquires Summit Mortgage Training

Looking to expand its operation on the East Coast, Next Level Education, a provider of continuing education for the mortgage industry, has acquired Summit Mortgage Training. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Summit is headquartered in Hanover, New Jersey and in addition to its home state, operates in Pennsylvania and Florida. Andrea Gagliardi, who

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Trustmark gets early exit from redlining consent order

Trustmark National Bank is enjoying an early exit from a consent order stemming from a Biden-era redlining investigation.  The Jackson, Mississippi-based lender and servicer is free of the settlement with regulators 17 months early, following a federal judge’s approval last week. The Department of Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the

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