Technology

According to Redfin's Real-Time Home Price Tracker for October 2012, home sales increased 9.8 percent across 19 major U.S. markets from September to October, an unusual gain in a month that commonly sees monthly declines of at least 5 percent. Prices also increased in October, though on a more modest scale. The tracker reported price increases of 8.4 percent year-over-year and 0.4 percent month-to-month. Seventeen of the 19 cities covered in the report saw higher prices than in 2011.

After a tumultuous divorce, Grammy-winning singer Usher is selling his Georgia mansion, recently listing the property for $3.2 million. According to Zillow, the 12,544-square-foot home still serves as the main residence for the star's now ex-wife, and the website noted that, as per their settlement agreement, Usher is allowed to place the abode on the market with only 60-days notice.

As issues related to compliance regulations continue to escalate, Connecticut-based Norcom Mortgage is preparing to meet the challenges ahead by hiring accordingly. The company recently announced the addition of Jeremy Potter, who will join Norcom as chief compliance attorney.

Capsilon's revenue in this year's third quarter was double that of the same period last year, the company announced. The San Francisco-headquartered provider of cloud-based document sharing, imaging, and collaboration solutions for mortgage lenders reported its revenue for the first nine months of 2012 is also double that of the first three quarters of 2011.

Since the IRS will soon allow electronic signatures on Form 4506-T, Equifax has enhanced verifications services in anticipation of the change.

Hope LoanPort announced the availability of free local housing counselor resources through its Homeowner Connect website. Additionally, the organization encourages homeowners impacted by Sandy to reach out to their insurance company, servicer, and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For homeowners wishing to discuss options such as forbearance with their servicer, Homeowner Connect provides a localized map of free, nonprofit housing counselors available to help.

Redfin announced that as of mid-November, it has saved customers more than $100 million in real estate fees and reached more than $8 billion in home sales. According to Redfin, customers have saved more than $25 million on fees in 2012 alone. The company also boasts a satisfaction rate of 97 percent.

The holiday season has arrived, and for potential homebuyers hoping to celebrate winter in high style, a recently listed home in Aspen, Colorado, gives those seeking luxury properties the opportunity to own - or rent - the good life. Located in the tony Starwood area, the 13,500-square-foot estate is on the market for $18.5 million, but the owners are cashing in on Aspen's busiest time of year, also offering the home for rent at $90,000 per month.

WFG National Title Insurance Company is bolstering its leadership line up, recently adding a new company VP. Announcing the appointment of Rick Diamond, WFG is gaining a new VP of information technology for agency operations.

Zillow, Inc., a leading real estate information marketplace based in Seattle, Washington, announced that 33 additional real estate brokerages have signed on to participate in Zillow Pro for Brokers. In total, the number of participating brokerages is at 48.