House unanimously backs VA home loan fix By making permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs' temporary rule change on compensation for real estate agents, the VA Home Loan Reform Act (H.R. 1815) would ensure an even playing field for buyers using their VA home loan entitlement. It also would create a partial claims program to assist veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. Full Story: REALTOR® Magazine (5/27)
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Answers About Multiple Listing Options for Sellers
What do these recent MLS policy changes mean for home sellers?
Home sellers who want to limit the marketing of their property through IDX and syndication will have more options and choice when marketing a property. Find more answers about NAR's new policy statement, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, at facts.realtor.
Educate buyers on assistance programs With rising costs and student debt, buying and keeping a home has never been more financially challenging. Assistance programs can give buyers a leg up. Use NAR's latest consumer guide to help explain how they work, who they can help—including before and after the purchase—and how they affect the loan process. Get all the guides, also available in Spanish, at facts.realtor.
Adapt to AI-driven search to maintain visibility The increased use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini is reshaping how audiences discover brands, diminishing the effectiveness of traditional digital touchpoints such as organic search and social sharing, writes Lauren Hill of PAN. Marketers must adapt by focusing on earned media, thought leadership and strategic content that aligns with AI's preference for clarity and authoritative sources. Full Story: O'Dwyer's (5/27)
Real Estate Trends
Luxury home sales see decline as prices, rates climb Luxury home sales dropped 10% in April, according to data from Redfin. The median sale price is up nearly 7% year over year to $1.35 million, but rising prices and jumbo mortgage rates have deterred buyers. The decline is most pronounced in tech-heavy cities such as San Francisco, where economic uncertainty and corporate layoffs have made wealthy Americans more cautious. Full Story: Quartz (5/27)
Chinese buyers shop online for South Florida real estate China has overtaken Colombia as the leading country where people search online for South Florida properties. In April, Chinese users accounted for 13% of searches on the Miami Association of REALTORS® site. Colombia accounted for 9%. Full Story: The Real Deal (5/27)
Designers embrace Swiss Coffee for versatile elegance Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore is a favored white paint among designers for its versatility and warmth. The shade complements various textures and styles, from modern kitchens to traditional exteriors. Designers such as Shandy Arend and Lauren Robbins showcase the color's adaptability in different settings, highlighting its ability to enhance both interior and exterior spaces. Full Story: Real Simple (5/26)
Fair & Equitable Housing
Delaware lawmakers introduce bills to boost affordable housing Delaware lawmakers have introduced bills to boost affordable housing following a report by the Affordable Housing Production Task Force. The proposed legislation seeks to expand funding opportunities and streamline processes for affordable housing development. Full Story: Cape Gazette (Lewes, Del.) (5/27)
Legislation & Regulation
Trump plans to keep guarantees for Freddie, Fannie President Donald Trump indicated that he wants a public offering for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac but that the government will maintain an oversight role and mortgage guarantees. "These agencies are now doing very well," Trump noted. Full Story: Reuters (5/27),Bloomberg (5/28)
Index: U.S. consumer confidence rebounds in May Americans' confidence in the economy rebounded in May after five months of decline: The Conference Board reported its sentiment index rose to 98, gaining 12.3 points from the prior month. An agreement with the U.K. and a pause on most tariffs with China may have contributed to the increase. "The rebound was already visible before the May 12 U.S.-China trade deal but gained momentum afterwards," said Stephanie Guichard, the organization's senior economist. Full Story: The Associated Press (5/27)
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The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of NAR, bringing expert insight to real estate trends, tools, and business strategies.
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