Law Office of Michael J BelleReal Estate News | Law Office of Michael J Belle

Fathom Realty agrees to pay $2.95M to settle commission suit

The company denied wrongdoing and said it had agreed to settle with plaintiffs in an attempt to move on and continue growing the business.
Mariah Carey has racked up $18.6M in mortgage debt

After buying a Tribeca penthouse for $9 million cash in 1999, the pop star has borrowed millions in loans on the pad’s equity in order to fund her lavish lifestyle.
GreenLite’s permitting software approved, earns $28.5M Series A

Construction permitting software company GreenLite has closed on a Series A round of funding of $28.5 million.
Mortgage payments cheaper than rent in nearly half of all US metros

Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since 2023 in 22 of the 50 largest U.S. metros — even as rent prices continue to rise, according to a new analysis from Zillow released on Monday.
Tongo’s agent-focused finance app ready for market

A new solution to help brokers administer financial benefits to agents is now available from Tongo, a company that “builds financial products that cater to the needs of the commission economy.”
How can I really be sure sellers will pay the buyer’s agent (me)?

The new commission rules are confusing. Compliance expert Summer Goralik unpacks whether it’s possible to confirm if a seller is willing to compensate buyer’s agents.
Frustrated? Here’s why leaving NAR won’t solve the problem

Despite its problems, brokerage CEO Sean Frank writes, NAR membership is still the logical option for real estate professionals.
How to limit the cost of the nibble (and win the negotiation)

Whether it’s buyers trying to nickel and dime your sellers or sellers asking for a piece of your commission, trainer Bernice Ross writes, the key is to put your foot down and say no.
6 must-have safety tools to protect and boost your business

If you want to add to your safety and security toolbox, build value, protect your clients and stay safe in the field, check out these recommendations from Tracey “The Safety Lady” Hawkins.
The Obamas’ former Hyde Park condo lists for $550K

The Obamas lived in the apartment from 1993 to 2005. The home is now being sold by Grammy-award-winning jazz singer Kurt Elling and his wife, Jennifer Elling.
A ‘Skinny House’ built out of spite? Maybe not, archives show

The super-narrow house in Boston’s North End has long been associated with lore of two brothers fighting over property rights around the Civil War, but newly scrutinized archival documents shows that the tall tale may be erroneous.
Just letting off steam? Agents lash out at NAR in post-deadline survey

In the wake of the Aug. 17 deadline, a rising share of agents told the Inman Intel Index that they were frustrated with industry trade groups and have considered leaving the industry. But will this all blow over?
10 proven secrets for negotiating face-to-face

Whether you’re negotiating on behalf of buyers or sellers, face-to-face or on Zoom, these 10 tips will help you be a better negotiator in a time when negotiation has never been more critical, Bernice Ross writes.
Need a productivity reset? Try these time management tactics

This September, generate a supernova of change, and prepare to thrive well before 2025 arrives using these time management strategies from trainer Rachael Hite.
5 myths about real estate teams debunked

Real estate teams are here to stay. Follow Up Boss cuts through the confusion and offers clarity through customer-led education.
How risky is it to be a real estate agent? The Download

From wire fraud to cybercrime to personal safety, this Realtor Safety Month it’s a good idea to ask the question, “How safe are you, really?”
Investors’ expectations for big Fed rate cut rise on new data releases

Investors who fund most mortgages have already priced in several rate cuts, so further declines could depend on what next week’s “dot plot” says about expectations for the pace of future cuts.
Trump allies formulating plans to privatize Fannie and Freddie

A new “Wall Street Journal” report reveals that talks about privatization have been taking place since the spring and have included Trump confidants Larry Kudlow and John McEntee.