Rocket Homes Faces CFPB Allegations, U.S. Expands Homelessness Initiatives, and Hiring Managers Show Strong Optimism for 2025 Growth

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Rocket Homes Faces CFPB Allegations

Rocket Homes, a division of Rocket Companies, is facing serious allegations of participating in an illegal kickback scheme aimed at steering mortgage business to its affiliates. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, claims Rocket Homes and The Jason Mitchell Group—a major real estate brokerage—collaborated to offer financial incentives to agents in exchange for referring clients to Rocket’s mortgage services.

According to the CFPB, Jason Mitchell allegedly provided $250 “dog bone” gift cards to agents who made the most referrals to Rocket’s affiliated companies, including Rocket Mortgage and Amrock, which handles title and settlement services. The bureau argues that this practice discouraged homebuyers from comparing mortgage offers, ultimately driving up housing costs.
CFPB Director Rohit Chopra criticized the scheme, stating, “Rocket engaged in a kickback scheme that discouraged homebuyers from comparison shopping and getting the best deal… at a time when homeownership feels out of reach for so many.”

In response, Rocket Homes rejected the allegations, calling the lawsuit “flimsy.” The company also pointed to data showing that one-third of consumers who had already begun their loan application with Rocket Mortgage chose to close with a different lender.
This is the third major enforcement action by the CFPB in recent days, following lawsuits against several major banks and Walmart over fraud-related issues.
The Jason Mitchell Group has not yet commented on the charges.

Source: Link

U.S. Expands Homelessness Initiatives

The U.S. government is taking new steps to combat homelessness across the nation, with a series of initiatives designed to connect people to safe, stable housing. One key measure includes streamlining the use of surplus federal properties for affordable housing and homelessness services, making over 140 properties available for repurposing.

Additionally, a new partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services will help states reduce homelessness by addressing health-related social needs, including connecting older adults and people with disabilities to affordable housing options.

In a further effort to support veterans, the government is awarding nearly $40 million through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, which offers rental assistance and services to homeless veterans. This comes as the number of veterans experiencing homelessness reaches its lowest level on record.

These initiatives reflect a continued push to tackle the root causes of homelessness, expand housing options, and provide wraparound services to help individuals maintain stable housing.

Source: Link

Hiring Managers Show Strong Optimism for 2025 Growth

Optimism is strong among U.S. hiring managers as we head into 2025. A new survey from Express Employment Professionals and Harris Poll reveals that 84% of hiring managers are positive about their company’s hiring outlook for the first half of next year. This includes 52% feeling optimistic and 46% hopeful about workforce growth.

The survey shows that 63% of hiring managers plan to increase their workforce, with 19% expecting significant increases and 44% anticipating more modest growth. Key factors driving this optimism include handling increased workloads, filling newly created positions, and addressing employee turnover.

While most companies plan to maintain or grow their teams, 30% intend to keep their workforce at current levels, and just 6% expect cuts, mainly due to cost-cutting or restructuring.

Despite this positive outlook, hiring experts warn businesses will still face challenges, including worker shortages, return-to-office mandates, and wage pressures. However, the overall sentiment is one of resilience and strategic planning for 2025.

Source: Link

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