Buyers Are Gaining Market Power as Mortgage Rates Dip Another Week
The sour outlook from consumers, and the consistent "wait-and see" policy from the Federal Reserve, helped push interest rates lower, including mortgage rates dipping to 6.77% for a 30-year fixed home loan. The dip was housing-friendly but small, so its impact will be modest. Inflation, which showed the Fed's preferred gauge, rose 2.3% in the year even as the index excluding food and energy prices edged a bit higher.
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Pennsylvania Realtors Sound Alarm on Rising Title and Deed Fraud, Urge Homeowner Vigilance
The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® has issued a strong warning to property owners across the state concerning the rise of title and deed fraud, a growing threat to homeowners and their most valuable assets. The organization is urging Pennsylvanians to take proactive steps to protect their homes and properties. A 2025 National Association of Realtors® survey reveals troubling statistics, with 63% of Realtor® association leaders reporting incidents of deed or title fraud in their markets over the past year.
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Compass files lawsuit against Zillow over home listings policy
Real estate brokerage company Compass has filed a lawsuit against Zillow, claiming the popular real estate website is refusing to accept home listings for properties that have been initially advertised for sale elsewhere. In a filing with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Compass claims that "Zillow has sought to rely on anticompetitive tactics to protect its monopoly and revenues in violation of the antitrust laws."
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First American Title co-president leaves the company in sudden shake-up
Kevin Wall has left his position as co-president of First American Title Insurance Co. and head of the company's agent/lender group, a corporate spokesperson confirmed in a statement provided to Scotsman Guide. No reason was given for his departure. "Kevin Wall has departed the company," the statement read. "First American is grateful for his many contributions over the years and wishes him all the best in his next chapter."
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