News Archives — RISMedia

Senators Call For FTC Investigation Into Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices in Homebuying

Claudia Larsen — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 20:28:16 +0000

Just two months after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled its lawsuit with Zillow and Redfin over the two portals’ alleged anti-competitive agreement, two U.S. Senators have issued a new letter petitioning the organization to take aim at alleged anti-competitive practices on the home-buying side of portals. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker penned the…

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‘A Chilling Effect’: Rates Linger at Near Three-Year High

Beth McGuire — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:51:57 +0000

Mortgage rates held steady this week, remaining unchanged from last week but still lingering at a near three-year high–a level one economist says is having a “chilling effect” on the housing market. The latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey® released Thursday shows the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate remaining at 7.40%, the same level…

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Five Terms Buyers Must Discuss With You Before Signing

Desirae Sin — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:55:11 +0000

New 2026 research suggests that written buyer agreements have made fees and representation more visible, but commissions themselves have not necessarily fallen. A Zillow survey of 366 U.S. real estate agents found that 89% believe written agreements outlining compensation and services benefit buyers. It also found that 77% said fee negotiation benefits buyers, compared with…

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Pending Sales Bottom Out as Mortgage Rates Return to 7% Range

Claudia Larsen — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:31:56 +0000

The Iran War continues to weigh heavily on the economy and the housing market, with mortgage rates returning to the 7% range as inflation remains elevated. With rates now peaked at nearly a three-year high, a new report from Redfin found that housing affordability is once again being eroded and home sales are paying the…

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DIY for AI: How One Team Leader Snowballed Data and Trust Into ChatGPT Referrals

Jesse Williams — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:21:20 +0000

Editor’s note: This is the third of a three-part series on how agents earn recommendations and referrals from AI. Read part one here and part two here. When a prospective buyer or seller asks someone they trust to recommend a real estate agent, you want your name to be the first one mentioned. What happens…

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Coldwell Banker Expands Global Presence With Korea Launch

Claudia Larsen — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:15:11 +0000

Coldwell Banker Real Estate has announced the launch of master franchises Coldwell Banker Korea and Coldwell Banker Commercial Korea, expanding the brand’s international presence. The companies will be led by CEO Myoung-Sik Kim. Based in Seoul’s Gangnam district, Coldwell Banker Korea and Coldwell Banker Commercial Korea will provide residential and commercial real estate services to…

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Rethinking the Agent Team Concept

Desirae Sin — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:02:32 +0000

The classic idiom, “there is no ‘I’ in team” isn’t part of Phil Sexton’s philosophy. In fact, on his team, the “I”—the individual agent—is everything. Launching his Scottsdale, Arizona-based HomeSmart NEXT team earlier this year, Sexton drew upon his 20 years of technology and real estate experience to create the next evolution of the agent…

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Op-Ed: AI Will Deliver Maximum Exposure. The Aggregators Won’t Survive It

Desirae Sin — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:51:26 +0000

The environment I’m mini golfing with my kids on a day off when a request comes in from one of my agents. She needs market data to present to a client. After 20 years in this business, I know where the market stands. Years ago, a presentation this big would have taken me hours to…

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Rebecca Thomson to Lead Coldwell Banker’s Learning and Development

Claudia Larsen — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 16:22:41 +0000

Coldwell Banker has announced the promotion of Rebecca Thomson to Vice President of Professional Development. She will now oversee the professional development and success of tens of thousands of real estate agents across Coldwell Banker Affiliates, Coldwell Banker Realty and Coldwell Banker Commercial. Thomson brings more than 20 years of experience spanning real estate sales,…

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What Is Industry Evolution Doing to Your Wallet?

Beth McGuire — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:18:01 +0000

Many people pursue real estate because it offers them independence, connections, a chance to build skills and help people achieve the dream of homeownership. But in the end, if you aren’t making a living, you won’t be able to pursue these goals, or any of the aspirations you have for your career. With a sharp…

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