Report: Average Buyer’s Agent Commission Up Slightly Since New NAR Rules

by Phil Hall | Dec 8, 2025 | Current News & Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

The average buyer’s agent commission during the third quarter was 2.42%, up from 2.36% one year earlier, while commissions were virtually flat compared to the previous quarter. According to a new data report from Redfin, commissions are at roughly the same level they...

New York State Raises Property Tax Exemption for Seniors to 65%

by Phil Hall | Dec 8, 2025 | Current News & Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a bill into law that allows localities to provide seniors with up to a 65% property tax exemption. Legislation S5175A/A3698A replaces the previous 50% maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer...

Report: Refinance Retention at 3.5-Year High

by Phil Hall | Dec 8, 2025 | Current News & Events, Mortgage Information, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

Refinance retention reached a 3.5-year high (28%) during the third quarter with servicers retaining more than half of borrowers refinancing out of 2024 vintage loans, according to the newly published December 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor Report. Rate-and-term retention...

Dollar General Plans to Open 450 New Stores

by Phil Hall | Dec 8, 2025 | Commercial Real Estate News, Current News & Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) announced expansion plans for 2026 that will include the creation of roughly 450 new stores. In a statement highlighting its third quarter earnings, the Goodlettsville, Tennessee-headquartered discount retailer declared, “For the...

Texas AG Paxton Sues EPIC City Developers for Securities Fraud

by Phil Hall | Dec 8, 2025 | Current News & Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners (CCP), and several of their executives, accusing them of violating Texas securities law by engaging in an illegal development scheme. The...