Tue.Apr 09, 2024

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Gen X is already looking for housing appropriate for aging in place

Housing Wire

Baby boomers are exhibiting an overwhelming desire to age in place in their own homes, but their children — largely members of Generation X — are also making their desires felt by seeking out homes that can accommodate their needs as they get older, according to a recent report from the New York Times. Citing 2021 data from the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies that showed 88% of adults 65 and older are aging in place, many members of the following generation — primarily born b

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The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home

Keeping Current Matters

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions.

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Opinion: Agencies are key to fixing housing affordability

Housing Wire

It’s an election year, and housing affordability appears to be a big concern for voters. So, it’s not surprising to see the administration and members of Congress announcing big-ticket legislative initiatives to boost homeownership — like a first-time homebuyer tax credit and the Neighborhood Investment Act to fix up older homes. The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) applauds these initiatives.

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Investors feeling optimistic, buying record share of homes

Real Estate News

A pair of new reports look at the role investors played in the housing market last year and offer insights into their current outlook and pain points.

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Avoiding Lease Accounting Pitfalls in 2025: Lessons Learned from Spreadsheet Errors

Speaker: Abdi Ali, Sr. Lease Accounting Consultant

Join this insightful webinar with industry expert Abdi Ali, who will discuss the challenges that can arise from managing lease accounting with spreadsheets! He will share real-world examples of errors, compliance issues, and risks that may be present within your spreadsheets. Learn how these tools, while useful, can sometimes lead to inefficiencies that affect your time, resources, and peace of mind.

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Lamacchia Realty acquires family brokerage of NAR President Kevin Sears

Housing Wire

Lamacchia Realty is expanding its presence in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts. On Monday, the independent brokerage announced that it had acquired Springfield, Massachusetts-based Sears Real Estate. Founded in 1971 by Paul Sears, Sears Real Estate is owned and operated by the family of current National Association of Realtors president Kevin Sears.

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Buyers are adjusting to a higher-rate environment

Real Estate News

While consumers are feeling less enthusiastic about the direction of mortgage rates, they “appear to be moving past the hurdle of last year’s sharp jump.

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More Trending

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NAR president talks ‘stability’ — and dollars and cents

Real Estate News

During a podcast, Kevin Sears said interim CEO Nykia Wright will remain through the end of the year, and shared the financial realities behind NAR’s settlement.

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Rocket launches patented AI-driven tech platform

Housing Wire

Rocket Mortgage ’s bet on artificial intelligence (AI) has resulted in a patented platform called Rocket Logic, which can automatically process nearly 90% of data points extracted from documents in a month and reduce by 25% the number of times a professional interacts with a mortgage loan year over year, the company claims. The launch is part of the decision of its parent firm, Rocket Companies, to put AI at the center of its business strategy.

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Investor or agent? 5 moneymakers share why agents should be both

Inman

Five investor-agents, each of whom has achieved success on both sides of the equation, shared their actionable insights and winning formulas for nailing a pivotal but tricky professional shift.

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UWM offers legal support to brokers, accuses Rocket of ‘connections’ with Hunterbrook report

Housing Wire

In a message to mortgage brokers, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) defended itself from the Hunterbrook Media report that claims the lender orchestrated a scheme to steer loans. The wholesale lender said it’s offering legal support to partners in case they are sued and once again accused Rocket Mortgage of being behind the report, which the rival denies.

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Driving Profit: 4 Pillars for Growing Your Real Estate Brokerage

In the rapidly changing real estate landscape, achieving profitability requires a strategic approach beyond traditional methods. Our guide, "The 4 Pillars to Brokerage Profitability," outlines four essential pillars for scaling your real estate business: a seamless lead-to-close technology ecosystem, tailored integrated solutions for teams and agents, value-added success services and community support, and consumer-centric operations throughout the full homeownership lifecycle.

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Spain to eliminate ‘golden visa’ program for foreign investors

Inman

The program, which allows non-European Union citizens who invest at least 500,000 euros in Spanish real estate three years of residency, will soon be eliminated amidst affordability concerns, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

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Mortgage rates change little ahead of big inflation report

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates remained unchanged last week despite the release of the stronger-than-expected jobs report. HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center showed the average 30-year fixed rate for conventional loans at 7.16% on Tuesday, unchanged from one week earlier. At the same time one year ago, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.46%. Meanwhile, the 15-year fixed rate averaged 6.42% on Tuesday, down from 6.51% one week earlier.

Mortgages 452
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Title data is helping real estate agents and lenders prospect

Inman

DataTrace, which now operates more than 1,800 U.S. title plants, says the remarkable granularity of its data can help identify renters who are getting ready to buy, empty nesters and fix-and-flip investors.

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Opinion: Is the time ripe for a third way to tap home equity?

Housing Wire

Homeownership is a bedrock for the American Dream, in no small part because it is also a durable, reliable long-term investment. The time-tested resiliency of home values highlights home equity’s importance to American households and its significance for residential real estate investors alike. Yet, this type of wealth — often an individual’s largest single asset — too frequently remains illiquid.

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Tech-Forward Strategies for Scaling Agent Efficiency & Accelerating Growth

As the real estate market evolves, technology has become essential for success. According to NAR, only 26% of agents feel their brokerage provides the necessary tech tools and, as a result, agents seek teams and brokerages who prioritize technology investments! Whether you manage an established team or are forming a new one, this guide outlines key considerations and necessary applications to thrive.

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WATCH: How agent compensation works in a post-lawsuit world

Inman

James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson discuss the shifting landscape of agent compensation following the proposed NAR settlement with Ed Zorn, vice president and general counsel for California Regional MLS.

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Heartland MLS joins forces with Down Payment Resource

Housing Wire

Kansas City -based Heartland Multiple Listing Service ( MLS ) has announced a strategic integration with Down Payment Resource (DPR) to enhance accessibility to homeownership for residents across the Greater Kansas City area. DPR, known in the housing industry for its database and homebuyer assistance program solutions, will provide support to Heartland MLS’s network of 12,000 agents.

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Building a team is a delicate balancing act. Here’s where to start

Inman

Thinking of starting a real estate team? Broker Zak Shellhammer helps you get ready for the time, energy and expertise it takes to build something worthwhile.

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Opinion: Will AI usher in real estate’s “Model T” moment?

Housing Wire

It’s not often that we can draw a parallel between the automobile industry and the mortgage and real estate industries. And yet, our space may be on the verge of its own “Model T” moment. The Model T, you’ll recall, represented the first successful dive into mass production and assembly. Ford’s game-changing assembly-line approach turned the automotive industry (really, every industry) on its head.

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The Broker Action Plan for the Post-NAR Lawsuit Landscape

Now more than ever, brokers need to provide agents with the right tools, strategies, and training to effectively demonstrate their expertise, negotiate successfully, and foster strong client relationships. So – what should brokers do to ensure this? Invest in the right technology, continuous education, and innovative marketing strategies that empower agents to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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Amid Seattle growth debate, map shows walkable neighborhoods in King County

Seattle Times Real Estate

Nat Henry wanted to know where he could build his life around walking and biking. Turns out a lot of other people were wondering about 15-minute neighborhoods, too.

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WSFS president talks motivation for reverse mortgage survey, potential future action

Housing Wire

Last month, Northeast regional lender WSFS Mortgage released the results of a survey that measured reverse mortgage product sentiments. It found that more people seem to be aware of the potential value that a reverse mortgage could provide for older homeowners, including as a tool to age in place and to provide greater cash flow in retirement. Despite the more regional focus of WSFS Mortgage’s reverse mortgage offerings — which offers the loans through its brokerage — the survey itself was condu

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State GOP chair files 3 new initiatives to WA voters

Seattle Times Real Estate

If successful, the three initiatives could join an already crowded November ballot in Washington, including three other GOP-backed petitions.

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The opportunity cost of modern-day redlining

Housing Wire

Modern-day redlining persists, and it’s costing lenders millions in legal fees. Recently, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a strong stance on redlining, taking direct legal action against bad actors and thrusting the topic into the national spotlight. Last October, Ameris Bank had to pay $9 million to settle a redlining case. More recently, Patriot Bank paid $1.9 million , and First National Bank was hit with a $13.5 million settlement to resolve claims it practiced redlining in North C

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Accelerating Real Estate Sales Pipelines to Streamline Buyer Journeys

Navigated 360° tours, like YourVRTours, advance pipelines by engaging clients further along the sales funnel. These immersive experiences provide comprehensive property insights, increasing buyer intent and readiness. By embracing navigated tours, agents can optimize property exposure, better qualify leads, and streamline the sales process. Stay ahead in the ever-evolving real estate landscape with innovative technology that elevates buyer journeys and progresses pipelines more effectively.

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Your Guide to Finding Reputable Cash Home Buyers in Miami

HomeLight

If you’re a homeowner in Miami who wants to sell quickly without the hassle of traditional market listings, finding a cash buyer might be the straightforward solution you need. Thanks to its vibrant culture. white-sand beaches, and favorable tax rates, The Magic City attracts a diverse group of cash investors looking for promising opportunities.

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Households May Finally Be Adjusting to Higher Mortgage Rates

RIS Media

Despite continued pessimism surrounding mortgage rates, home buyers and sellers are feeling a bit more confident in the housing market lately, according to recent data from Fannie Mae. The latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) decreased 0.9 points in March to 71.9, its first decline since November 2023. The slight decrease is mainly… The post Households May Finally Be Adjusting to Higher Mortgage Rates appeared first on RISMedia.

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5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Idaho

HomeLight

“We Buy Houses” companies offer an alternative solution for Idaho homeowners looking to sell quickly without the hassle of traditional market preparations. These companies are known for making all-cash offers for homes, typically on properties requiring some repair or renovation. This option can be particularly appealing for homeowners who lack the time, expertise, or resources to undertake necessary home improvements.

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Social Skills: Advancing Your Socials With ChatGPT

RIS Media

Editor’s Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia’s Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. In real estate, social media marketing is one of your top ways to gather business in the modern age, but it’s not always easy to keep your momentum… The post Social Skills: Advancing Your Socials With ChatGPT appeared first on RISMedia.

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Boldtrail Backoffice - Take The Quiz to See What Package Is Right For You

BoldTrail BackOffice provides a single, streamlined solution to manage agent onboarding and billing and commission tracking and disbursements, along with agent management, reporting, and accounting - so your brokerage can run smoothly & profitably. Our #1-rated back office solutions have exactly what your business needs to deliver a seamless experience for your clients and your team.

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Understanding New York Transfer Tax: A Quick Guide

HomeLight

Are you selling your New York home? You might not have considered the cost of transfer taxes, which can account for a sizeable portion of your final closing costs. What are transfer taxes? Transfer taxes are one-time fees levied by government entities when transferring property ownership from one party to another, such as when selling your home. These taxes will vary based on where you live and are typically proportional to your home’s value.

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Remote Work Trends After the Pandemic

Eye on Housing

The COVID-19 pandemic created dramatic changes in the share of people working from home, which has remained elevated even after the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, only 5.7% of the U.S. workforce was working from home. This figure jumped to 17.9% in 2021 during the peak of the pandemic and decreased slightly to 15.2% in.

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Seattle economic forecast offers little relief for City Hall

Seattle Times Real Estate

The city’s budget is approaching a roughly $240 million deficit for 2025. A mix of factors are making City Council remain on the hook to find budget solutions.

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15 Best Places to Live in the US in 2024

Marco Santarelli

As we move further into the decade, the landscape of the United States continues to evolve, offering a variety of places that stand out as exceptional living destinations. The year 2024 is no exception, with cities across the nation boasting unique qualities that make them desirable places to call home. From bustling tech hubs to serene coastal towns, this list explores the 15 Best Places to Live in the US in 2024.

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Maximizing Your Online Presence: Tips for Real Estate Agents on Social Media

Speaker: Sarah Santa Ana, Real Estate Coach, Move4Free Realty

Networking is one of the crucial elements in every real estate organization's success. Both agents and real estate companies need to maintain robust networking links. This is why social media is essential for any real estate professional! Social media enables you to stay in touch with your present clients, maintain connections with your past clients, and engage potential customers and investors.