Seattle Bans Rental Housing Junk Fees

by Phil Hall | Aug 14, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

The Seattle City Council unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Mayor Katie Wilson that will end “junk fees,” the add-on fees charged to rental housing tenants. King5.com reports the new law goes into effect on July 1, 2027, and will prevent landlords from...

American Real Estate Association Hires John Blount as Chief Lobbyist

by Phil Hall | Aug 14, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

The American Real Estate Association (ARA) has appointed John Blount as its chief lobbyist, a newly created position. Blount runs Blount Strategic Initiatives, a Washington, DC-focused lobbying firm representing corporations and trade associations. From 1983 to 1991,...

Better Pushes Back at Attempt by Ex-CEO Vishal Garg to Regain Control of the Company

by Phil Hall | Aug 14, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Better Home & Finance Holding Company (NASDAQ: BETR) is fending off an effort by former CEO Vishal Garg to gain control of the company one week after he was stepped away from the leadership position. In a Thursday press release, Garg (who retains a seat on the...

REMAX and Golfweek Partner on Real Estate and Lifestyles Destination

by Phil Hall | Aug 14, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

Golfweek, the digital media outlet and golf publication produced by USA Today Co. (NYSE: TDAY), has partnered with REMAX (NYSE: RMAX) on the launch of Golf Real Estate, a dedicated golf course real estate and lifestyles destination. According to the companies, this...

Reality TV Star Arrested in Florida Real Estate Fraud Scheme

by Phil Hall | Aug 14, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

Salome Jackson, who gained prominence as Betty Idol on the reality television series “Love & Hip-Hop” and “Cartel Crew,” was arrested for her role in an alleged real estate fraud scheme in Florida. WFTV reports Jackson’s arrest followed an 11-month investigation...