Global Spotlight: From Naval Base to Creative Hub—How Porto Montenegro’s New Residences Redefine Waterfront Living

Above, poolside retreat.  As a proud member of the Destinations program, Porto Montenegro introduces its latest residences, setting a new global standard for waterfront living at the crossroads of heritage, luxury and innovation. Porto Montenegro, long established as the Adriatic’s leading luxury waterfront destination, has unveiled the next chapter of its evolution with Vero and… …more

Industry Reaction to 50-Year Mortgage Proposal: Probably Not a ‘Game Changer’

As mortgage rates saw little shifts during this past week, President Donald Trump and members of his administration have floated an idea to galvanize new homebuyers: the 50-year mortgage. In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared a photo comparing the proposal to how President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the federally backed 30-year mortgage during… …more

MRED Doubles Down on Private Listings Despite Zillow Pressure

A little over a week after Zillow sought to clarify its discussions with Chicago-based Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) over restrictions on private listings, the MLS appears to be digging in, as this week MRED CEO Rebecca Jensen sent an emotional open letter to members defending its private listing network against a “one-size-fits-all model.” With… …more

Century 21 Expands into Orlando’s Western Suburbs With New Affiliation

Century 21 Real Estate LLC has announced its latest affiliation of Hancock Realty Group in Clermont, fortifying the brand’s presence in the Orlando Metropolitan area. Founder and current broker/owner Matthew L. Mobley brings over 20 years of real estate experience to the firm, as well as 24 years of experience living in the area, according… …more

Pssst…AI Is Making Us Dumber. Pass It On.

Despite the dizzying pace of adoption and the breathless prognostication of the enormous benefits to humanity of artificial intelligence (AI), I can’t escape the sinking feeling that AI is actually making us…well, dumber.   The problems with AI aren’t what you think AIs are programmed by humans–which means that just like those little genetic DNA markers… …more

Judge Strikes Class Certification Motions in Buyer Case in Win for NAR, Brokerages

A judge has ruled in defendants’ favor over the class certification dispute in the largest homebuying commission case: Batton vs. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR).  Judge LaShonda A. Hunt granted a motion by defendants in the case, who include big brokerages along with NAR, ruling that the plaintiffs’ motions for Class Certification “stricken without… …more

Relocating a Humanoid: A New Frontier for Corporate Relocation

Above: Phantom, a humanoid designed for advanced manufacturing, on scene of the Reindustrialize Summit. When dealing with corporate relocation, most moves typically involve people, their families and household goods. But earlier this year, RELO Direct®—Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®’s (LeadingRE) full-service relocation management company—was asked to relocate something entirely different: a humanoid robot.… …more

Bright MLS Partners With ICE Mortgage Technology to Bring Paragon Connect to Its Ecosystem

Bright MLS announces that it will integrate ICE’s Paragon Connect MLS platform into its technology ecosystem to support its future growth. Paragon Connect is a mobile-first MLS platform created to allow real estate professionals to research, collaborate and manage listings from anywhere. The platform offers API integrations, advanced collaboration tools and powerful customization tools that… …more

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Honors Agent With Award for Service

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance announced Melissa Young as the recipient of the Drew Griffin Beacon of Light Award at the conclusion of last week’s Presidential and Cabinet Inauguration. The Beacon of Light Award honors the late PFLAG Pacific Northwest Regional Director Drew Griffin, who served on the Alliance’s original Steering Committee, and annually recognizes… …more

In Court Brief, Zillow Again Asserts Legality of Private Listing Rules

In a legal filing Nov. 12 in New York’s U.S. District Court ahead of a high-stakes hearing starting Nov. 18 to address Compass’s preliminary injunction motion, Zillow defended its new rules around private listings amid its ongoing court battle with Compass. The standards, which took effect in June, prohibit listings on Zillow that are publicly… …more

Mortgage Rates See Little Movement This Week

Mortgage rates saw little movement this week, reflecting a overall market pause related to the government shutdown these past weeks and related uncertainty, economists say. According to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) released by Freddie Mac Thursday, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) moved up 2 basis points this week to 6.24% from… …more

MarketWatch Names eXp Realty CEO Leo Pareja to The 2025 MarketWatch 25

eXp Realty® announced that CEO Leo Pareja has been named to The 2025 MarketWatch 25, the outlet’s annual list celebrating influential leaders driving innovation and progress across industries. MarketWatch recognized Pareja for his leadership in redefining modern real estate through transparency, accessibility and empowerment according to a release. Since being appointed CEO in 2024, eXp… …more

Top Rhode Island Agent Allegedly Calls I.C.E. on Buyer While Under Federal Investigation for a Foreclosure Rescue Scheme

Rhode Island-based top agent Kyle Seyboth is facing intense scrutiny over allegations that he called U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) on a buyer after a deal turned sour.  Seyboth is also under a federal investigation by the Attorney General’s Office for allegedly conducting a foreclosure rescue scheme targeting vulnerable homeowners—also immigrants—based on an incident… …more

Safe at Home: Holiday Tips That Keep Risks and Hazards to a Minimum

Keeping in touch with homeowner clients from the past is a no-brainer. Maintaining relationships can often lead to new business and referrals. There are certain times of the year when communicating comes naturally, and the holiday season is probably No. 1. Getting back in touch through emails or notes can provide a subtle reminder that… …more

Design, Drama and Timeless Washington Views

Property Highlights: Location: Arlington, Virginia Sold For: $3,850,000 Features: Three-level triplex with in-unit elevator, 13-foot ceilings, multiple terraces and Juliet balconies, wood-burning fireplace, skylight, gourmet kitchen, wine room, office and family room. Added Appeal: Panoramic views, three underground parking spaces, two storage units and full-service building amenities. There are great views, and then there’s Residence… …more

Supporting Agents Through Technology, Training and Culture

Above, Hakan Karahan  Hakan Karahan President/Broker of Record HomeSmart First Advantage Realty Voorhees, New Jersey https://www.homesmartnewjersey.com    Region served: South and Central New Jersey, Philadelphia Years in real estate: 29 Number of offices: 11 Number of agents: 700 Favorite part of your job: Solving problems How is your brokerage using technology to better serve clients?  We… …more

Fed Governor Reiterates Views on Current ‘Restrictive’ Monetary Policy

Since taking office on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in September, Stephen Miran has pushed for a looser monetary policy. At both the September and October Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, Miran dissented from the majority vote to cut interest rates by a quarter point, in favor of a higher cut by half… …more

How to Give Back and Gain Clients This Holiday Season

Editor’s Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia’s Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. Being a local expert in real estate is not just about knowing the ins and outs of your market, it’s about being a pillar of your community. You… …more

NAR Honors 2025 Good Neighbor Award Winners for Community Impact

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recently announced the five winners of the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards. Celebrating its 26th year, these awards spotlight NAR members who make extraordinary differences in their communities through volunteer work by giving time, money, energy and expertise to uplift people, according to a release. 2025 Good Neighbor Awards winners… …more

Conventional, FHA, VA Loan Applications Increase Despite Rate Uptick

Applications for home purchases hit their fastest pace since September this week, despite a recent uptick in mortgage rates. Borrowers continue to shop for homes especially in markets where inventory has increased and price growth slowed, mortgage data watchers said.  The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that the market composite index—the measure of mortgage loan… …more