"January 2026" Archives

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How real estate brokerages are reducing risk in buyer representation

Buyer-broker agreements continue to take a prominent role in residential real estate transactions following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) commission lawsuit settlement and related practice changes. Brokerages say they have invested heavily in training, compliance systems and dispute resolution pathways. Consumer advocates argue contracts remain complex, inconsistent and potentially unfair. Still there is confusion…

Planet Home Lending grows its western US team with Kris Kehl hire

Planet Home Lending, a national mortgage lender and servicer, has expanded its retail operations in the western U.S. with the addition of Kris Kehl as a senior loan officer in California. Kehl, who brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, will focus on serving homebuyers and real estate agents as part of…

Mortgage applications drop 8.5% after slight rate increase

Mortgage applications decreased 8.5% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending Jan. 23, 2026. On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 16% compared with the previous week. MBA noted that the results include an adjustment for the Martin Luther King Jr….

Bright MLS appoints first chief artificial intelligence officer to lead AI strategy

Bright MLS is welcoming its first-ever chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO). The firm announced the appointment of Rajeev Sajja as its CAIO on Wednesday.  The MLS says the new role will accelerate its transformation as “an AI‑native, enterprise‑scale technology and data platform powering the future of real estate.” Bright MLS added that Sajja’s appointment reflects…