Jan. pending sales rose 8.1% month-to-month as mortgage rates fell and affordability increased; however, pending sales were still down 24.1% year-to-year.

The U.S. House passed a bill to allow remote notarizations, a move NAR says it “has strongly supported … since 2018.” It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

RESPA prohibits giving or receiving a thing of value for the referral of settlement service business for some mortgage loans. The law can be complicated, but it’s important to understand all of it to avoid potential future fines.

Not revealing known property defects to a buyer – a common problem in real estate, studies show – can land you in court. Follow these best practices to avoid liability.