Appraisal Industry Warns Against GSE Waiver Updates from FHFA

by Phil Hall | Oct 30, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

The Appraisal Institute has criticized the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) updates to several appraisal policies for the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) and Freddie Mac (OTCBQ: FMCC). In a press statement, Appraisal Institute...

Meritage Homes Expands to Gulf Coast with Acquisition of Elliott Homes

by Phil Hall | Oct 30, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH), a Scottsdale, Arizona-based homebuilder, has expanded into the Gulf Coast markets through the acquisition of Elliott Homes. Elliott Homes operates in Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle. With this acquisition, Meritage will...

Family of Missing Texas Real Estate Agent Warns Against Fake Online Fundraisers

by Phil Hall | Oct 29, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

The family of the missing Texas real estate agent Suzanne Clark Simpson is warning the public against phony online fundraisers claiming to seek funds on behalf of her children. The San Antonio Express News reported Simpson has four children – ages 20, 18, 15 and 5....

Sharena Ali Named CEO at Cinch Home Services

by Phil Hall | Oct 29, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Cinch Home Services, a Boca Raton-headquartered home warranty company, announced the appointment of Sharena Ali as its new CEO. Prior to her appointment, Ali served as president at Connect, powered by American Family Insurance, a partnership insurance distribution...

Report: Chicago Mayor Johnson to Propose Property Tax Hike to Fix Budget Gap

by Phil Hall | Oct 29, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is reportedly planning a major policy switch with a proposal to raise property taxes as a strategy to address the city’s budget problems. The Chicago Tribune, citing input from three unnamed alderman, said officials in Johnson’s...

Dream Finders Homes Acquires Alliant National Title Insurance

by Phil Hall | Oct 29, 2024 | Industry Updates, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Dream Finders Homes (NYSE: DFH), a homebuilder based in Jacksonville, Florida, announced its acquisition of Alliant National Title Insurance Company Inc. and a related affiliate. Based in Longmont, Colorado, Alliant National is a title insurance underwriter with more...