The US housing market faces a severe shortage, estimated over 4 million homes, due to a decade of underbuilding. Differing reports highlight the persistent gap, while geopolitical events caused mortgage rates to jump, despite an overall downward trend.
In 2025, the U.S. saw a significant drop in MLSs (under 500) and local Realtor organizations, a trend driven by smaller groups' vulnerability. Consolidation, like mergers, is a key response, with large entities growing despite the overall decline.
The real estate sector sees leadership changes at Harry Norman Realtors, key agent hires at Douglas Elliman & Coldwell Banker, global expansion by Engel & Völkers, and major affiliations for Argent ERA, Unique Residences, and Bachman Realty.
eXp Realty's Q4 EBITDA dropped to $2.1M ($33.2M annually), while annual revenue increased 4% to $4.77B. Net loss worsened to $12.9M in Q4 ($22.7M annually). CEO attributes success to leaner operations, agent retention, and tech efficiency.
CoStar reported $900M Q4 income (27% boost) and $47M take-home pay. Execs highlight Homes.com growth (31k agents, $100M annualized revenue) and AI's potential in home search. They plan a $700M stock buyback in 2026, signaling strong M&A appetite.
Fannie Mae adjusts home sales projections downward as high mortgage rates impact buyer demand. While housing inventory shows signs of growth, affordability and low consumer confidence remain significant market barriers.
REMAX appoints Chris Lim as president to drive global growth while Offerpad adds AI expert Tela Gallagher Mathias to its board, signaling a major strategic focus on technology and international expansion.
Despite lower credit costs in late 2025, US home builders faced high land prices and labor shortages. Experts predict a cautious start to 2026 as the industry balances supply issues with buyer affordability concerns.
Roshani Sheth appeals the dismissal of her discrimination case against NAR. Meanwhile, the FTC challenges the $100 million Zillow-Redfin rental partnership, alleging it violates antitrust laws and harms competition.
The UK housing market shows tentative recovery, with RICS reporting less negative sentiment and stabilizing house prices (-10% net balance). Despite subdued activity, a gradual recuperation is expected, though political uncertainty and mortgage rates remain key influences.
Highlights key appointments in residential real estate, including Mike Inman's NAR & Bluegrass Realtor roles, Riordan's impactful board contributions, Lang's luxury marketing at Howard Hanna, and Meyer's proptech and sales leadership at Zillow & Compass.
An Intense MLS report shows Americans identify low income and high mortgage rates as primary factors in the housing crisis, differing from expert views focused on supply shortages and construction issues.
Navab takes expanded leadership at Compass, focusing on strategy & agent experience. Muller joins Fathom Realty as president, succeeding Giuggio, emphasizing agent empowerment & inclusive culture in real estate.
Prospective 2026 home buyers are recalibrating their strategies as mortgage rates remain volatile. Many are holding out for rates below 6%, while others consider alternative 50-year loan options.
The UK housing market shows resilience as wage growth outpaces property inflation, benefiting buyers. However, significant and deepening regional price differences, especially between North and South, continue to pose affordability challenges for those aiming to enter the housing ladder.
To boost profitability, brokerages need engaged leadership, structured training, operational efficiency, smart hiring, and strong agent support, leading to 5-7% returns. This blueprint addresses common profit challenges.
Lacey Conway is President of Long & Foster Realty. Stacey Soleil joins Cloze as Head of Community to boost AI-driven tools. Bright MLS appoints Rajeev Sajja as Chief AI Officer, signaling a major push for AI integration in real estate.
