VA updates appraisal rules, adjusts fees in some regions
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated several home loan appraisal requirements, removing and revising certain Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), the agency announced Thursday. The changes are now in effect and reflected in the revised VA Lenders Handbook. The agency said in a n
Portals and brokerages escalate real estate vertical integration race
The modern battlefield offers a lesson in real estate vertical integration. Look around. Rocket bought Redfin. Compass combined with Anywhere to become the country’s largest brokerage, north of 340,000 agents. Zillow is fighting over listing access. Homes.com is still buying its way to portal releva
ARA adds REMAX president Chris Lim to board
The American Real Estate Association (ARA) has added REMAX president and chief growth officer Chris Lim and investor Andrew Dodge to its board of directors, expanding its leadership, according to an announcement on Thursday. As part of the move, ARA will provide all REMAX agents in the United State
Americans Across Party Lines Back Policies to Improve Housing Affordability: Redfin Survey
Most Republicans and Democrats believe there should be federal policies in place to make housing more affordable, according to a recent Redfin survey. For instance, 85% of Democrats say there should be first-time buyer tax breaks, and so do 77% of Republicans. These survey results align with broad
