Realtor group agrees to cut commissions. Here's the financial impact.
The landmark deal, which goes into effect Saturday, could cause real estate fees to drop by as much as 30%, experts say.
Homeowners
New rules for buying a home
Americans will soon be able to negotiate how much they want to pay realtors in commission as part of a National Association of Realtors settlement with a nationwide group of homeowners. Medora Lee, a money and personal finance reporter with USA Today, joins CBS News with more details.
How zombie mortgages haunt homeowners
Zombie debt refers to long-forgotten or old debts that resurface, often with accumulated interest and fees, threatening the financial stability of unsuspecting homeowners and sometimes leading to foreclosures. CBS News national consumer correspondent Ash-har Quraishi reports.
California mom had no idea she owed thousands
Teresa modified her home mortgage back in 2009 during the financial crisis, and thought she was making payments on her second mortgage every month. She's discovered she's overdue on thousands of payments for this "zombie debt," and fears losing her home.
Man says zombie mortgage led to foreclosure
Jose Arzate of Santa Maria, California, says he was taken by surprise when sheriff's deputies evicted him. He says he never knew he owed tens of thousands of dollars in "zombie mortgage" debt.
Veteran could lose home due to zombie mortgage
Laverne Simmons of Inglewood, California, says she never got bills for a decade-old debt. Now this "zombie mortgage" could cost her the home she loves.
How to protect your home from a hurricane
With meteorologists predicting an above normal hurricane season, here's what residential construction experts say you can do to harden your home.
Amid flooding, many in Minnesota lack flood insurance
Heavy flooding has inundated several parts of Minnesota over the past two weeks. However, a vast majority of Minnesotans lack flood insurance, leaving some with extensive property loss and an uncertain future. Tom Hanson reports.
Minnesota homeowners react to historic flooding
Some Minnesota homeowners have lost everything in this week's severe flooding and more rain remains in the forecast. Tom Hanson has more.
How property owners and lawmakers are turning the tables on squatters
New anti-squatting laws in several states are giving more power back to homeowners, but the issue persists.
Owners enlist "Squatter Hunter"' to get back homes
"Squatters' rights" laws often protect those who are illegally occupying a property. Carter Evans shows who some property owners are turning to when the law is no help.
Some homeowners left in limbo waiting on anti-squatting laws
Squatters' rights go back to the British legal system, but good intentions have led to some modern-day nightmares.
How property owners are dealing with squatters
Squatters' rights were designed to make sure vacant property didn't go to waste, but many property owners say the laws are hurting them and preventing them from clearing out their own land. Carter Evans takes a look at what's being done about the issue.
Many burdened by spiking home insurance rates
As U.S. home prices remain stubbornly high and many parts of the nation are seeing more extreme weather, homeowner insurance premiums have spiked in response. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Here's how much you have to make to afford a starter home in the U.S.
The annual income needed to afford even a basic home in the U.S. has risen sharply since the pandemic, a new report shows.
State Farm won't renew homeowners coverage for 72,000 California dwellings
State Farm says it will discontinue coverage for 72,000 houses and apartments in California starting this summer, nine months after announcing it wouldn't issue new home policies there.
Changes to real estate agent commissions
The National Association of Realtors' agreement to resolve all claims against the group by home sellers related to broker commission may lead to homeowners paying a lot less to sell their homes. Tomasz Piskorski, a professor at Columbia Business School, joins CBS News with more.
New data on minority homeownership
Homeownership among minority groups in the U.S. rose in 2022, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors, but headwinds remain for all people trying to buy a home. Jessica Lautz, vice president of research for the National Association of Realtors, joined CBS News to discuss the report and the hurdles stopping people from buying a home.
Mortgage rates expected to fall slightly
Mortgage rates are expected to fall slightly this year, according to real estate experts looking at the data. Jessica Lautz, the deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of REALTORS, joins CBS News to discuss if homeowners should refinance their mortgages.
Rents fall nationwide for third straight month as demand cools
Rent across the U.S. is dipping as vacancies rise and property managers struggle to fill homes, new data shows.
Single women in the U.S. own more homes than single men
American women have pulled ahead of men when it comes to building wealth through homeownership, according to LendingTree.
Young Americans and the economy
38% of Gen Z and millennials say they are having a harder time growing financial wealth compared to their parents at the same age, according to a new survey from Bankrate. Sarah Foster, an analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss the findings.
Nonprofit seeks to give building materials new life
If historic homes are the fabric of Savannah, Georgia, Mae Bowley is the thread salvaging precious materials from those about to be torn down. Janet Shamlian has the story.
Mortgage rates starting to slowly drop
Sky-high mortgage rates that scared off some potential home-buyers this year are slowly starting to drop. Rates are now at their lowest level since June after hitting a 23-year high in October. Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, joined CBS News to discuss how much lower rates might go.
Texas-based developer accused of targeting Hispanic borrowers
Prosecutors said the Houston-area developer served as a "one-stop shop for discriminatory lending."
HHS freezes all child care payments to Minnesota after viral fraud allegations
The Department of Health and Human Services says it has frozen federal child care funding for the state of Minnesota, citing viral fraud allegations.
New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives Down Under
New Zealand and Australia were the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of JFK, dies at 35
Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of late President John F. Kennedy, has died after announcing a terminal cancer diagnosis in late November.
Court order suggests officials pushed to prosecute Abrego Garcia after deportation
A court order suggests the Trump administration pushed to prosecute Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he challenged his deportation, with one top DOJ official calling it a "top priority."
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, when crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Trump issues his first vetoes of this term
President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bills linked to a Colorado water pipeline and a tribal village in the Everglades.
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite feds' threat
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several day of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs denies charges of strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
U.S.
More U.S.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
Body found amid search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos
The body has not yet been identified, Texas officials said at a Tuesday news conference.
Black bear living underneath Altadena house shows no sign of budging
The 550-pound black bear has taken up residence in the crawlspace underneath Ken Johnson's home in California for a month.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Is anything open on New Year's Eve 2025? See which stores are operating.
Most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on New Year's Eve, although some will have reduced hours.
Fed meeting minutes reveal deep splits on December rate cut decision
The minutes released Tuesday indicate that some Fed officials who supported the rate cut had reservations.
Silver is rebounding after its worst trading day in four years
Silver prices have more than doubled in 2025, outpacing this year's surge in gold prices, as investors seek safe haven investments.
Judge blocks White House from defunding CFPB as its funds were about to run out
A federal judge has ruled that the White House cannot stop funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Politics
More Politics
California delays yanking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses
In light of a suit by immigrants groups, California says it will delay the revocations of 17,000 commercial driver's licenses despite a federal threat to withhold $160 million in funding.
Former Republican Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona says he has dementia
Former Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona announced his withdrawal from public life following a dementia diagnosis.
Democratic win in Iowa special election denies GOP a Legislature supermajority
Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate in a year-end special election, keeping Republicans from reclaiming two-thirds control of the chamber and Legislature.
Trump issues his first vetoes of this term
President Trump used his veto power this week for the first time since returning to the White House, rejecting a pair of bills linked to a Colorado water pipeline and a tribal village in the Everglades.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former U.S. senator and Native American, dies at 92
Former Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne tribal chief who became a prominent American politician, has died.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Flu cases spiking this holiday season, CDC data shows
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 32 jurisdictions are showing "high" or "very high" levels of flu.
New California tortilla law aims to decrease birth defects in Latino babies
Mom-and-pop shops will be exempt from this change, but big manufacturers in California will need to start adding folic acid to tortillas beginning January 1.
Advances in treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease is expected to double from 7 million in 2020 to 14 million by 2060, according to the CDC. However, advances in treatment options are giving more people hope in slowing the decline. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
Flu cases skyrocket across the U.S
Nearly five million flu cases have been reported nationwide, the CDC estimates, and at least 1,900 people have died from the virus. "CBS Saturday Morning" has more on why this year's strain is breaking records.
Baby defies all odds after growing outside his mom's womb
Suze Lopez, a 41-year-old nurse who lives in Bakersfield, California, didn't know she was pregnant with her second child until days before giving birth.
World
More World
New Year's Eve celebrations kick off as 2026 arrives Down Under
New Zealand and Australia were the first to welcome 2026, but in Sydney and some other cities, the festivities are tinged by grief.
Women Japanese lawmakers point to unique shortage — toilets for them
Nearly 60 women lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building to match their improved representation.
Iran cracks down, detaining protesters after several day of unrest
As the U.S. and Israel back Iranians' right to protest against their leaders, authorities in Tehran detain students and declare a sudden holiday.
1 killed, dozens injured in head-on train collision near Peru's Machu Picchu
The head-on collision occurred between two trains on the line that services the historic Peruvian site Machu Picchu.
Spanish woman known for botched fresco restoration dies at 94
Cecilia Giménez's botched restoration of a century-old painting of Jesus Christ captured global headlines more than a decade ago.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Here's who's performing on New Year's Eve to ring in 2026
Here's what to know about the lineup of performances scheduled for New Year's Eve, when crowds gather in Times Square to ring in 2026.
Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Veep," dies at 71
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
George Clooney, his wife and their twins granted French citizenship
France's government says that George Clooney, his wife Amal and their eight-year-old twins Ella and Alexander have been awarded French citizenship.
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes
The Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé became the fifth musician to achieve the wealth milestone, Forbes said Monday.
Actor accusing Tyler Perry exchanged texts with him years after alleged assault
Actor Mario Rodriguez alleged in the lawsuit filed last week in California that Tyler Perry sexually assaulted him during encounters between 2014 and 2019.
Technology
More Technology
OpenAI hiring for head safety executive to mitigate AI risks
The company's investment in safety prevention comes amid growing concerns over the potential harm of artificial intelligence.
Instacart ending AI price tests for retailers
Instacart says its ending its controversial system of using AI price tests for retailers. Earlier this month, an investigation by Consumer Reports and progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative found that Instacart's algorithmic pricing charged various prices for the same item from the same store. Jo Ling Kent reports.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Tech companies push for data centers
Massive tech companies wanting to build more data centers in the U.S. are lobbying for support among Americans, according to a recent report by POLITICO. Gabby Miller joins CBS News with more on her reporting.
Top tech gadgets of 2025
Timothy Werth, a tech editor at Mashable, joins "CBS News 24/7" to discuss the best gadgets of 2025.
Science
More Science
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
D.C. bomb suspect to stay detained for now
The man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before Jan. 6, 2021, will remain in custody for now. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane has the details.
DHS probes fraud at MN day care centers
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating after conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a video that has gone viral, alleging potential fraud at a dozen day care centers in Minnesota. Jonah Kaplan reports.
Latest on proceedings against Tyler Robinson
A Utah judge ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in the case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of murdering Republican political influencer Charlie Kirk. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs charged with strangulation, assault and battery
Stefon Diggs, a star wide receiver with the New England Patriots, is facing criminal charges after an incident in Massachusetts earlier this month.
Police compare Germany bank vault robbery to an "Ocean's Eleven" heist
Thieves apparently spent much of the weekend plundering deposit boxes inside a German bank vault after tunneling through from a parking garage.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA's search for next lunar rover
NASA astronauts took their first drive on the moon 54 years ago. Now, three companies are competing for a NASA contract to build a new lunar rover for use starting with the Artemis 5 mission in 2030. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Artemis 2 astronauts rehearse countdown for upcoming moon launch
NASA is gearing up to send four Artemis astronauts on looping test flight around the moon in 2026.
Woman is first wheelchair user launched into space
A German aerospace engineer made history Saturday, becoming the first wheelchair user to go into space when she took a 10-minute trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket.
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back
German engineer Michaela Benthaus is the first person with a significant physical handicap to reach space.
Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Key political issues poised to shape 2026
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe breaks down the major political stories likely to dominate 2026, from the economy to the midterms.
HHS freezes child care funds to Minnesota
Federal officials say they're freezing payments to child care centers in Minnesota while they investigate fraud claims. It comes after a conservative influencer posted a video claiming empty day care centers are receiving taxpayer funds. CBS News obtained surveillance video from one center showing kids being dropped off the same day the influencer filmed at that day care. Jonah Kaplan reports.
NYPD readies for massive New Year's Eve crowd
Security measures are in place at some of the most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations, including New York City's Times Square, where more than one million people are expected to gather on Wednesday. Elaine Quijano looks at how the New York City Police Department is preparing.
Eye Opener: New Year's Eve security
Get an inside look at how the NYPD is preparing for the country's biggest New Year's Eve celebration. Plus, parts of the Northeast are digging out after an intense storm. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
We asked people to reflect on 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, Jericka Duncan asks people to reflect on the past year and look toward the next.