Construction News Today — September 29, 2026

The real estate and construction landscape is seeing significant shifts on multiple fronts. In the residential sector, major players are navigating changes in commissions and operations. A $120 million commission fund tied to the Sitzer settlement has withstood another challenge, but the dispute over the funds continues to play out. Meanwhile, a homebuilder with a $100 million valuation is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to build its own operating system, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and traditional construction.

These developments come as the mortgage industry also undergoes changes. Benchmark has announced the shutdown of its wholesale division, Eleven Mortgage, and will instead focus on retail operations. According to ICE's First Look report, mortgage delinquencies increased while prepayments decreased in August, suggesting a shifting market. Additionally, questions around transparency and disclosure are being raised, with some arguing that agents should be required to inform clients about restricted real estate licenses. Amidst these changes, some lenders like Luminate Bank are finding growth opportunities in areas such as reverse mortgages, and are pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions.

Today's signal:
• Sitzer settlement survives another challenge as attorneys fight over $120M commission fund (housingwire.com)
• Can a $100M homebuilder build his own operating system with AI? (housingwire.com)
• Benchmark shuts down wholesale division Eleven Mortgage, says it will focus on retail (housingwire.com)
• ICE First Look shows delinquencies up, prepayments down in August (housingwire.com)
• Should agents disclose restricted real estate licenses to clients? (housingwire.com)
• Eric Lovins on Luminate Bank’s reverse mortgage growth, M&A strategy (housingwire.com)