Verification technology company Xactus on Monday announced the launch of its open API portal, which allows partners to access integration rules that enable a faster, easier way to integrate their own tools or platforms with Xactus360, an Intelligent Verification Platform (IVP). “Launching our open API portal is a major milestone in Xactus’ journey to becoming a true fintech. We are setting a new...

Fluctuating interest rates have been a feature of the housing market over the last three years. As mortgage rates rose, homebuyer demand slowed and inventory grew. In 2025, mortgage rates have stayed stubbornly high for yet another spring buying season. Today, home sales still remain super slow. Our 2025 housing market predictions are based on the assumption that lower mortgage rates will spur demand...

Not wasting any time following his Senate confirmation last week, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte made a series of major changes to the boards of government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The news was first reported by Inside Mortgage Finance. Based on the SEC filings, the Freddie Mac...

More state attorneys general are getting in on the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) action. In mid-January, Pennsylvania’s former attorney general Michelle Henry filed a kickback lawsuit against Barry Newhart and six mortgage entities he controls: Bright Financial Group, Conquest Mortgage, Flagship Home Loans, Legacy Mortgage Partners, Nittany Home Loans, MCT Financial, Conquest Holdings and...

A growing problem is preventing condominium owners from selling their properties. Many condos are being added to a “blacklist” by Fannie Mae due to the properties not having enough insurance or needing major repairs. If a condo is on this list, it’s significantly harder for prospective buyers to get a mortgage, making it nearly impossible to sell. Recent coverage from the Wall Street Journal...

What’s better than a luxe waterfront home in one of Coral Gables’ best neighborhoods, with impeccable interiors by the luxury specialists at IMG? One that bakes in a Maritimo X50 yacht into the listing price! The unique offer comes with an $11,995,000 price tag, and it seems it may have already found a taker: the property was already marked as Pending Sale within less than a week after hitting...

These furniture pieces and outdoor accessories will infuse your patio with effortless summer...

Countertop and other surface materials and styles are constantly evolving. Many new applications, integrated features and dramatic looks were on display at the recent Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas. To see the latest innovations, check out these exciting surface trends appearing now....

According to HVS' annual Hotel Valuation Index (HVI), hotel values in Europe saw a consistent 2.0% increase in 2024, driven by lower interest rates, modest RevPAR growth, and sustained demand for European travel from international visitors. The growth in hotel values, with some markets surpassing 2019 levels, was supported by a return to pre-pandemic occupancy rates, improved food and beverage revenues,...

The Trump administration was set to release millions in federal grants to New York City organizations that house formerly homeless individuals on Friday, but recent court orders are delaying the effort, according to a report from Gothamist. To get the funding, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initially required grant recipients to pledge they would not support “gender...