Doug Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 to simplify consumers' mortgage loan search. He led the company through several busts and booms, growing its market value to more than $750 million.

As the government shutdown reaches the end of its second week, some student loan borrowers are saying they plan to skip their next payment. Although some borrowers don't mind the credit ding, real estate professionals are urging borrowers who want to purchase a home this fall to keep paying — or risk derailing their homeownership journey for another year.

Charting a new course beyond turmoil, Nykia Wright vows transparency and tells NAR’s 1.5 million members the organization is on the cusp of unveiling a 2026-2028 Strategic Plan.