2026

A new WalletHub study compares all 50 states to identify where retirees may find the most favorable balance of affordability and quality of life — with Wyoming taking the top spot. The analysis highlights wide disparities between states, with some offering budgets that stretch much further than others. Following closely behind Wyoming were Florida, South Dakota, Colorado and Minnesota....

The House of Representatives approved legislation last week to bolster customer service efforts at the Social Security Administration (SSA), advancing a broader funding package aimed at avoiding a government shutdown at the end of this month. Lawmakers paired the funding increase with oversight requirements, instructing the SSA to avoid closing field offices or cut direct service, and to submit monthly...

Austin Niemiec will take the helm of Rocket Pro following the departure of Dan Sogorka, according to people familiar with the transition who spoke to HousingWire. Niemiec will retain his title as chief revenue officer of Rocket Mortgage but will focus exclusively on the broker and correspondent channel through Rocket Pro. He will report to Heather Lovier, chief operating officer of Rocket Companies, who...

There’s a version of this market where “buying sales” becomes the default operating system for nearly everyone. When that happens, the question stops being whether incentives rise. They do. The real question becomes: who has the operational and balance-sheet self-control to decide where to lean in—and where to hold the line—even if it means slower near-term volume. The even bigger question...

A Zillow spokesperson has confirmed to HousingWire that the real estate listing portal giant has terminated approximately 200 employees or roughly 3% of the firm’s total workforce in recent weeks. The company confirmed that the cuts were widespread throughout the company and not concentrated to any particular business segment. According to the company, these were “performance-related cuts,” and...

A renovated home can look beautiful on the surface and still quietly reveal where corners were cut. Designers aren’t looking for luxury finishes so much as consistency, planning, and how thoughtfully changes were executed. Shortcuts tend to show up in the same places again and again, especially when a renovation was rushed, budget-driven, or focused on fast resale instead of long-term living. Most...

One of Clearwater Beach’s most recognizable waterfront estates — the longtime home of late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan — is officially set to hit the market this coming Monday. Located on Eldorado Avenue, the Gulf-front residence is being offered for $10.989 million, positioning it among the most significant listings to come to Clearwater’s white-sand shoreline in recent years. The price does...

These seven stylish new living rooms are designed for easy hanging out, game nights and conversation. Comfortable sectionals, layered seating and flexible furniture arrangements create spaces that feel welcoming and adaptable. Warm materials and textured finishes add depth, while artful...

Investors are preparing to deploy fresh capital into U.S. commercial real estate in 2026, encouraged by stabilizing asset values, improving operating fundamentals and growing confidence that borrowing costs are nearing a peak, according to a new survey from CBRE Group Inc. CBRE's 2026 North America Investor Intentions Survey, which spans all major property types, found that 95% of respondents plan to...

PennyMac Financial Services reported its full-year and fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on Thursday, telling investors and analysts that higher mortgage production helped offset pressure on servicing income from increased prepayment activity. The California-based company posted a solid quarter and a strong 2025, but its growth in loan production is doing the heavy lifting. Servicing profitability is under...