Dan Gilbert's Rocket Companies to buy real estate brokerage firm Redfin in $1.75B deal

https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2025/03/10/dan-gilberts-rocket-companies-buy-redfin/82222197007/

created by Outside-Degree1247 on 10/03/2025 at 14:23 UTC

196 upvotes, 12 top-level comments (showing 12)

Comments

Comment by cjgozdor at 10/03/2025 at 14:26 UTC

89 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Maybe they’ll open some tech jobs in Detroit. We could certainly use the additional opportunities

Comment by dumbass-ahedratron at 10/03/2025 at 14:38 UTC

78 upvotes, 8 direct replies

I'm torn about Danny G. On one hand, I hate the percentage of real estate he owns and would prefer iconic Detroit properties to have a more diverse base of ownership. I'm not keen on the tax breaks and he's done some questionable things I don't always agree with.

On the other hand I feel like he's generally doing the best he can and is doing better than most billionaires at balancing the needs for his profit seeking ventures with the needs of the city. We could have a much worse billionaire in this position. I also appreciate his balance for revitalizing existing properties and new construction.

Unfortunately/fortunately what is good for Bedrock and Dan Gilbert is good for Detroit.

Comment by MGoAzul at 10/03/2025 at 15:50 UTC

11 upvotes, 1 direct replies

This is an interesting move. Puts Rocket as lender, financial planning via true bill, and now finding real estate as a more vertically integrated solution. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them get into online banking (acquire ally or a smaller solution (Chime?)) or investment management in the future.

Never forget that Chase was once a fledging Midwest bank when Jamie Dimon took over, and now look at what it is w/ the eventual combination with JPM.

Comment by Calzonieman at 10/03/2025 at 16:23 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Ha! I used to work in that building when it was NBD. Hated my job, but loved working downtown.

It was 79-81, when Detroit had bottomed out, but still a lot of fun to go out at lunch, visit RebCen (when it was new) or events at Hart Plaza.

Comment by Inquiring_Barkbark at 10/03/2025 at 14:48 UTC

11 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Great. Now, not only will Rocket be applying extreme high pressure tactics to give you a less than ideal mortgage deal *after* you buy a house, now they'll be doing it right from the start.

Comment by No_Telephone_6213 at 10/03/2025 at 15:25 UTC

10 upvotes, 3 direct replies

I am all for capitalism but at some point we're going to all be working, paying rent to like the same 10-20 billionaires because they'll own everything 🤷‍♂️

Comment by dishwab at 10/03/2025 at 15:15 UTC

17 upvotes, 2 direct replies

No matter what you think of Gilbert and/or Bedrock, this type of monopolization and “vertical integration” isn’t good for consumers. This will only continue to drive up real estate prices.

Comment by Both-Pickle-7084 at 10/03/2025 at 16:17 UTC

4 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I found it telling when he was under investigation he donated a bunch of $$ to the Neighborhoods project and the investigation seemed to quiet down. Also, he seems to be sitting on some of these properties for a while--shades of Illitch.

Comment by PureMichiganChip at 10/03/2025 at 18:33 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I often think about how Detroit can diversify its economy. It’s difficult to launch new ventures here that aren’t automotive related. I suppose this is one way. Hopefully this results in some local jobs.

Comment by MyBrainReallyHurts at 10/03/2025 at 15:56 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

This feels conflict of interesty.

Comment by WaterFriendsIV at 10/03/2025 at 17:12 UTC

0 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I guess anti-trust laws and preventing monopolies are antiquated ideas. Oh well, Americans. Enjoy working for, renting from, and buying products from 5 or 10 companies in 10 years.

Comment by [deleted] at 10/03/2025 at 15:20 UTC

-6 upvotes, 1 direct replies

[removed]