Key Housing Takeaways from the Joint Congressional Address

Realtor.com
by Realtor.com on 4th March 2025

Realtor.com Senior Economist Joel Berner shared the following commentary on President Trump’s March 4, 2025 Joint Congressional address:

“President Donald Trump’s speech didn’t address housing affordability. Apart from a passing comment about how the DOGE efforts to reduce government waste will bring down mortgage rates, the speech made no mention of the inventory and affordability crisis facing prospective homeowners. Even when cutting regulations was the topic, there was no specific construction or land development callout. Building new homes had been a feature of the administration’s early agenda, so it was disappointing to find that missing. … Continue reading “Key Housing Takeaways from the Joint Congressional Address”

Renting during a crisis: What you need to know to stay informed and protected

Realtor.com
by Realtor.com on 29th January 2025

Emergencies like wildfires or other natural disasters can make finding a rental home extra challenging, with issues like housing instability, price gouging, and scams popping up. Price gouging—when landlords unfairly hike up rent prices during a crisis—is illegal in many states, including California, where the recent Los Angeles fires have left many hunting for a rental and place to live.

At Realtor.com, we’re here to help renters navigate these tough situations by providing tools and information to make finding secure housing easier. Here’s what you need to know during the current state of emergency caused by the Los Angeles wildfires: … Continue reading “Renting during a crisis: What you need to know to stay informed and protected”

Holiday Greetings from Realtor.com’s CEO Damian Eales

Realtor.com
by Realtor.com on 20th December 2024

As the year draws to a close, Realtor.com’s CEO Damian Eales shares a thoughtful message of gratitude and optimism with our valued partners. We hope you’ll join us in working together to make the year ahead one of progress, resilience, and success for all.

Watch Damian’s message below, and read the full transcript for key takeaways.

A holiday greeting from Damian Eales

… Continue reading “Holiday Greetings from Realtor.com’s CEO Damian Eales”

Simplifying the rental application process on Realtor.com

Ben Bartels
by Ben Bartels on 3rd December 2024

If you’ve ever tried to rent a home, you know the process can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, background checks, and long approval timelines, securing a rental property often feels like a race against the clock. 

But here’s the good news: that process just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a new collaboration between Realtor.com and Rental Beast. Renters now have access to a streamlined application process for some rental homes with a new solution that simplifies everything from start to finish, helping renters secure their dream home faster and with less hassle. … Continue reading “Simplifying the rental application process on Realtor.com”

Underrepresented Homebuyers Need More Protections, Not Less

Damian Eales
by Damian Eales on 28th August 2024

The law of unintended consequences is about to hit the real estate industry. And no one is likely to suffer its effects worse than low-income homebuyers.

A nationwide antitrust settlement between the National Association of Realtors and groups of homesellers just went into effect on August 17. The settlement, originally reached in federal court on April 24, will prompt buyers to negotiate a commission independently with their agent instead of both agents splitting a seller-paid commission, which typically averages just over 5% of a home’s purchase price. While the new rules may be intended to serve homebuyers well by causing agents to compete harder on price, no group stands to lose more than low-income and first-time buyers, which frequently include communities of color, non-English speakers, and veterans.  … Continue reading “Underrepresented Homebuyers Need More Protections, Not Less”

Realtor.com and #MissionZero: Helping Veterans Find Their Way Home

Rachel Schneider
by Rachel Schneider on 10th November 2023

For those who’ve served our country with honor, finding a pathway to homeownership is more than the American dream—it’s a gesture of gratitude they’ve rightfully earned. To that end, zero down loans for veterans aren’t just a benefit; they’re a statement of thanks from a nation they’ve protected, and a vital step in ensuring that the service and sacrifices of our veterans are acknowledged with more than just words. 

Zero down loans remove the barrier of large down payments, making it easier for veterans to plant roots and secure a piece of the land they’ve defended. However, awareness is another barrier that must be removed – only one in three veterans know they can apply for zero down loans. … Continue reading “Realtor.com and #MissionZero: Helping Veterans Find Their Way Home”

Fundraising on Foot: Realtor.com Participates in the “Mother of All Relays”

Rachel Schneider
by Rachel Schneider on 19th September 2023

Imagine raising money for cancer research as you race nearly 200 miles from the top of Oregon’s scenic Mount Hood to the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Impossible? Not for Realtor.com’s team of intrepid employee athletes.

The Hood to Coast Relay 

In August, Realtor.com team members Tricia Smith, Amanda Pattillo, Brian Garlock, Wendy Dudas, Colleen Coyle, Rachel Shields, Kevin Lisk, and Bryan Charap participated in The 41st annual Providence Health & Services Hood to Coast Relay Race (aka “Hood to Coast”). This is the largest relay race in the world, with nearly 1,200 teams, including participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states. Each team runs nonstop for over a day and a half (some faster, some slower), most with 12 runners, two vans, multiple drivers, logistical wizards, supporting teammates . . . all across nearly 200 miles of beautiful Oregon scenery. … Continue reading “Fundraising on Foot: Realtor.com Participates in the “Mother of All Relays””

Considering Listing Your Home on Airbnb? Find Out Your Income Potential on Realtor.com

Jeremy Han
by Jeremy Han on 7th September 2023

Ever stayed at an Airbnb? You’re in good company! Short-term vacation rentals are quickly becoming a popular alternative to hotels, giving travelers the ability to enjoy the comforts of home while they’re away from home—and that’s a big opportunity for homeowners.

Nearly 63 million Americans will be using short-term vacation home rentals by 2027. Vacation rentals in the U.S. are projected to generate $1.9 billion in revenue in 2023 alone, and the market for these rentals is expected to reach $19 billion.

If you’re considering renting out your home to generate some extra income, Airbnb is a great place to start. Since 2007, over 4 million hosts have welcomed more than 1.4 billion guests globally and today, Airbnb has more than 7 million listings. … Continue reading “Considering Listing Your Home on Airbnb? Find Out Your Income Potential on Realtor.com”

Compete to Win Free Rent and More at the Realtor.com Great Rental Search Party

Brooke Sugovic
by Brooke Sugovic on 17th July 2023

Update: The party is over, but we can still help you find your next great rental at realtor.com/rentals.

Did you know you can search for apartments and homes for rent on Realtor.com®?  It’s true, and even as the renting season hits its summer peak, we’ve got oodles of rental listings to help you find your perfect home.

And to make searching Realtor.com more fun and rewarding, we’re excited to invite you to put your searching skills to the test and join us for a chance to be a winner in the first-ever rental scavenger hunt on Realtor.com. Our Great Rental Search Party is the summer shindig you won’t want to miss, starting today, Monday, July 17, 2023, and running through Sunday, July 23, 2023. 

… Continue reading “Compete to Win Free Rent and More at the Realtor.com Great Rental Search Party”

Win $50,000 toward a down payment on a new home

Lori Poticha
by Lori Poticha on 15th June 2023

The home buying market has been challenging for many, with still-rising home asking prices and mortgage interest rates on top of other affordability challenges leaving some would-be buyers feeling locked out. While 8 in 10 home shoppers expect to be priced out of the market if prices and rates continue to rise, the majority of active home shoppers (88%) say that they still hope to buy a home this year, even though rising prices and high interest rates have made it much more difficult. … Continue reading “Win $50,000 toward a down payment on a new home”