Better reports $22.9M in annualized savings as Compass raises agent standards

Better reported $22.9 million in annualized savings from its turnaround efforts, with $6.6 million attributed to reductions in staffing and vendor expenses, according to HousingWire. The company’s weekly financial update underscores cost containment as a core component of its recovery plan. Compass increased its requirements for new agents by 30% and appointed a new chief marketing officer, with President Neda Navab revealing the changes at RETREAT in New Orleans, where approximately 1,500 agents were present, HousingWire reported. Mortgage executives from Freedom, Rocket and Redwood identified liquidity as their primary concern amid prolonged elevated interest rates, stating that disciplined balance sheets and targeted acquisitions are essential for growth, according to HousingWire. Northpointe has agreed to sell its mortgage distribution channels to CMG, with CMG set to pay 0.15% on first-lien originations through the end of 2028, and the transaction is expected to close next month, HousingWire reported. Zillow Home Loans introduced a new FHA-backed loan product that provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price as supplemental funding, with the additional amount eliminated after five years of consistent payments by primary residents, HousingWire reported. The national median home value was $366,157 in September 2026, a 1.2% increase from the previous year, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. In two California markets, a recent rise in price reductions did not reflect a broader market trend, HousingWire noted, highlighting the limitations of short-term indicators.