Real Estate Broker/Agency News

Realogy’s Charlotte Simonelli: The future looks bright

It’s financial leaders like Realogy’s Charlotte Simonelli who inspired HousingWire’s latest award Program, HW Finance Leaders. This newest award recognizes the top finance executives in mortgage origination and real estate who are driving financial performance, expanding margins, improving liquidity and helping their businesses access the capital markets.  Simonelli took over

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Rising mortgage rates push applications lower

For the second week in a row, mortgage applications decreased – this time, down 4.1% for the week ending Jan. 22, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. The 30-year-fixed rate rose to 2.95%, its highest level since November 2020, according to Joel Kan, MBA associate vice president of

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Biden calls on HUD to address racial equity

President Joe Biden signed several new executive orders on Tuesday that address racial equity, including a memorandum that directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to both mitigate racial bias in housing and advance fair housing laws. “The nation is ready to change. But government has to change as

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The home inspection process: Should you skip it?

People often confuse the home appraisal with the home inspection.  Appraisals are estimates of a home’s value — and they’re typically required before you can close on your mortgage loan. Inspections, on the other hand, are designed to assess the condition of the home, and they’re 100% optional for the

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Industry mourns death of PennyMac’s Stanford Kurland

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust announced that company founder and Non-Executive Chairman Stanford Kurland died at age 68 due to complications from COVID-19. Kurland had also been battling brain cancer. The company and industry leaders alike mourned his passing, calling him an “esteemed industry leader, visionary and friend.” “I am deeply

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