Freedom Mortgage to pay $1.75M to settle agent kickback scheme
Regulators claim marketing agreements with more than 40 real estate brokerages including Realty Connect USA were a conduit for kickbacks for 1,000+ mortgage referrals
by Matt Carter Aug 18
Newzip helps mortgage lenders connect borrowers to agents
Former Keller Williams Realty exec's startup enables virtually any mortgage lender to emulate programs offered by bigger rivals, such as Rocket Mortgage, loanDepot and Better
by Matt Carter Jun 22
Mortgage rate gap among lenders wider than previously understood
A homebuyer taking out a $300K loan could end up overpaying by $1,200 a year — and even more if they're in the market for a jumbo, FHA or VA mortgage, according to a new CFPB analysis
by Matt Carter May 26
Zillow settles shareholder lawsuit over co-marketing program
Zillow has maintained its agent-lender co-marketing program is RESPA compliant, and admitted no wrongdoing while agreeing to pay $15M, which was granted preliminary approval Monday
by Matt Carter Apr 4
Rocket Homes is target of 'ongoing law enforcement investigation'
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau launched an investigation into Rocket's real estate brokerage arm in 2020 on eve of the company's IPO. Three years later, the probe is ongoing
by Matt Carter Apr 4
Disparity in mortgage rates offered by lenders doubled in 2022: Study
Homebuyers can potentially save $600 to $1,200 a year by applying for a mortgage with multiple lenders, according to a new analysis released Thursday by mortgage giant Freddie Mac
by Matt Carter Feb 21
Regulators fire warning shot over bow of mortgage comparison sites
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said operators of mortgage comparison-shopping platforms may be violating RESPA if they manipulate search results to coerce kickbacks
by Matt Carter Feb 7
Real estate transfer tax hikes create headaches for mortgage lenders
Federal regulations provide 'zero tolerance' for miscalculating real estate transaction taxes when providing TILA-RESPA integrated disclosure to borrowers, Black Knight warns
by Matt Carter Dec 19
Nations Lending launches mortgage alliance with Carpenter Realtors
After announcing new branch openings and executive hires this year, Nations Lending is seeking to grow by forming a joint venture with an Indiana brokerage that employs more than 600 agents
by Matt Carter Nov 15
Zombie hands
A revised version of shareholder lawsuit accusing the real estate giant of violating anti-kickback RESPA laws is allowed to proceed
by Andrea V. Brambila Apr 25
Realogy and PHH agree to pay $17M over alleged kickbacks
The settlement will be dispersed among 32,217 co-plaintiffs who closed on mortgages originated by PHH Corporation, PHH Mortgage Corporation and PHH Home Loans
by Marian McPherson Sep 5
Another angry investor sues Zillow over co-marketing
Law firms circle the real estate giant, seeking damages for alleged federal securities law violations
by Andrea V. Brambila Sep 18
Investor alleges Zillow lied about co-marketing program
Lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of shareholders
by Andrea V. Brambila Aug 31
CFPB investigates Zillow's co-marketing program: What agents should know
How the results of this probe could affect the industry, portals and real estate professionals
by Andrea V. Brambila May 11
Agent fined $5K by Minnesota Department of Commerce for alleged title company ties
The alleged 'kickbacks' involved meals, a shared hotel room and an event for mutual clients
by Amber Taufen Mar 23