Watchdog report misrepresents transaction brokerage, Florida broker says
Opinion
The Consumer Federation of America criticizes transaction brokerage in Florida. Here's why this Florida-California broker says it's way off
by Cara Ameer Feb 28
It's only business: Watchdog says Florida agents aren't loyal to clients
Most Florida agents are transaction brokers who don't have to disclose they have no obligation to look out for customers' best interests, according to the Consumer Federation of America
From hate speech to antitrust: The year in MLSs and associations
2021 came with Realtor misbehavior, rising legal and regulatory scrutiny and MLSs becoming tech investors after Zillow's acquisition of ShowingTime
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 17
Court tosses REX antitrust suit against Oregon anti-rebate law
Judge said discount brokerage had made 'compelling arguments' that law hurts consumers and artificially inflates home prices, but that states are immune from federal antitrust laws
by Andrea V. Brambila Dec 10
'Highly uniform' commissions designed to thwart competition: study
The Consumer Federation of America pushes for an end to the sharing of commissions between listing and buyer brokers to spur price competition
Consumer watchdog: The real estate industry regulates itself
A report from the Consumer Federation of America found that the vast majority of seats on state real estate commissions are held by industry members and not one is held by a consumer or housing advocate
by Andrea V. Brambila Oct 21
New Fannie Mae rule may help renters qualify for a mortgage
Consistent rent payments can boost prospects of borrowers with thin credit files
by Matt Carter Aug 11
Redfin
The National Association of Realtors countered that the Consumer Federation of America's assertions are 'wrong and misleading' and 'commissions are very much negotiable'
With new FTC chair, expect greater scrutiny on the real estate industry
Lina Khan's appointment at the Federal Trade Commission last week appears to indicate the Biden administration plans to take an aggressive approach to antitrust regulation
by Andrea V. Brambila Jun 29
'Double-dipping agents' overcharge consumers billions in commissions
The Consumer Federation of America says dual agency should be banned, but double-ending should not be so long as agents discount their commission and act as facilitators
by Andrea V. Brambila May 27
5 big challenges for REX Real Estate in 2021
The well-connected discount brokerage is trying to raise more funding and grow its business as it takes on industry behemoths NAR and Zillow
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 29
Consumer groups support REX suit against anti-rebate law
The Consumer Federation of America and the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group argue that prohibiting rebates to buyers and sellers stifles commission competition and harms consumers
by Andrea V. Brambila Mar 16
Nearly half of real estate regulatory agency websites ignore consumers
41% of state real estate regulatory agency websites present 'poor' information to homebuyers and sellers while devoting themselves entirely to real estate professionals, according to a new report by the Consumer Federation of America
by Andrea V. Brambila Feb 24
5 things to watch for as Redfin heads into 2021
Redfin's iBuying program and ancillary services should continue to be important parts of the company's expansion. It'll also have to contend with flashy rivals and a fair housing lawsuit
by Jim Dalrymple II Dec 7
Zillow's agent profiles are the most useful, according to new study
The study, released Monday by the Consumer Federation of America, also warns consumers to be skeptical of agent ratings.
by Patrick Kearns Jul 13