Tue.Aug 06, 2024

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Opportunity unlocked: Mortgage rates drop to 2024 low point

Housing Wire

The downward movement in mortgage rates over the past few months accelerated last week as a cooler-than-expected jobs report and indications of a Federal Reserve rate cut led to a steep drop in loan pricing. At HousingWire ‘s Mortgage Rates Center on Tuesday, the 30-year conventional loan rate averaged 6.8% — a new low point for 2024 that was just below the 6.83% figure to start the year.

Mortgages 505
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Negotiate dollar-amount commissions, consumer watchdog urges

Real Estate News

The Consumer Federation of America has rolled out new guidance and is discouraging the practice of paying agents based on a percentage of a home’s sale price.

Agents 279
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Will homebuyers jump at cheaper mortgage rates?

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates are dropping fast. Will potential homebuyers jump at newly cheaper payments? Or, will they wait to see if rates drop further before taking action? Mortgage rates are now the lowest they’ve been in over a year. Last year at this time, mortgage rates were rising, eventually peaking at 8% in October 2023. That late year rise in costs really slowed the housing market.

Mortgages 482
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Redfin is ramping up for a rebound

Real Estate News

CEO Glenn Kelman says the company's lower-fee model will attract consumers who are now more aware of commissions: "We can use price as a weapon to gain share.

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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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UWM sells MSRs, invests in origination to prep for a refi wave

Housing Wire

UWM Holdings Corp. , the parent of United Wholesale Mortgage , has adopted a strategy that differs from its peers to take advantage of a business landscape that is expected to include lower mortgage rates and more refinance activity. The Pontiac, Michigan-based company has opportunistically sold mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) with higher coupons to deleverage its balance sheet and invest in the origination business — for example, by offering incentives on some refi loans.

Loans 476
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Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market.

Marketing 310

More Trending

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Settlement in the works in buy-side commissions case

Real Estate News

A court filing indicates that Chicago-based At World Properties is nearing a deal in a lawsuit brought by an Illinois homebuyer.

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Home-price growth starting to cool: CoreLogic

Housing Wire

Home prices continue to rise even as low inventory and high mortgage rates are keeping first-time and repeat homebuyers out of the market, but the pace of appreciation is starting to cool. That’s according to CoreLogic ’s Home Price Index report, released Tuesday, which shows that annualized home-price growth in June slipped below 5% for the second consecutive month.

Mortgages 478
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Consumer watchdog advises buyers to pay agents ‘2% or less’

Inman

The Consumer Federation of America also tells consumers not to agree to pay an agent just to see a home, but to sign a touring agreement with no financial obligation instead.

Agents 193
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Opinion: The Consumer Federation of America’s stance will harm future homebuyers 

Housing Wire

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and its former CEO, Steve Brobeck, have a long history of advocating for policies that protect consumers. However, in recent efforts to curb real estate professionals, the CFA has seemingly lost sight of its core purpose: advocating for those most in need of consumer protection. Ending broker cooperative compensation unfairly favors wealthier sellers and buyers.

Agents 458
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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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NAR settlement still an enigma for some ahead of big Aug. 17 deadline

Inman

Last week, the brightest minds in real estate converged at Inman Connect to set agents, brokers and MLS members straight on the finer points of the new rules taking effect in less than two weeks.

MLS 186
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Mortgage execs on alert mode for lower rates — and their side effects

Housing Wire

Mortgage industry executives are on alert amid the global stock-market meltdown caused by fears that the Federal Reserve may have kept the federal funds rate too high for too long, which could bring the U.S. economy into recession. Tensions in the bond markets have provoked a decline in mortgage rates, which is good news for originators since they could have more demand for loans.

Mortgages 447
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Is student housing the right investment strategy for you?

Inman

Thinking about student housing as a multifamily strategy? MZ Capital Partners’ Michael H. Zaransky, who wrote a book on investing in student housing, shares the pros and cons to consider.

Agents 183
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Redfin CEO reacts to housing market with ’Twilight Zone’ conditions

Housing Wire

Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman said Tuesday on the company’s second-quarter 2024 earnings call that he expects business to improve when the housing market speeds up after mortgage rates come down. But what is the alternative if rates don’t come down? “Great question — Plan B is drink our own urine or our competitors’ blood,” Kelman said in response to an analyst’s question during the call.

Marketing 469
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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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UWM shares at 3-year high on prospect of refi ‘mini boom’

Inman

In Q2 earnings, the nation's largest mortgage lender posted a healthy $76 million profit, paid down debt, and said it's in prime position to capitalize and grow as mortgage rates drop.

Mortgages 178
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Ginnie Mae fires back at TCB over venue claims in reverse mortgage case

Housing Wire

Attorneys for Ginnie Mae have responded to Texas Capital Bank (TBC) over the government’s motion to move the case to a different venue. They say that the bank’s own filing on the matter avoids the key issues that the government sought to raise regarding the original clause that specifies where any related legal actions should take place. Separately, the government has been granted additional time in court to respond to the bank’s motion for a partial summary judgment in favor of TCB , according

Mortgages 449
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Maui reaches $4B settlement as wildfire anniversary nears

Inman

More than 10,000 plaintiffs, including homeowners and businesses, have reached a $4 billion settlement that comes less than a year after a devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island.

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Seniors seem more receptive to roommates as they tackle housing costs

Housing Wire

Older Americans who seek out younger roommates to stay on top of high housing costs is not a new concept, but there is evidence to suggest that the trend is growing more popular. This is according to a recent podcast episode hosted by Boston-based NPR affiliate WBUR. Jennifer Molinsky, director of the Housing an Aging Society Program at Harvard University ‘s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), described how the idea of baby boomers seeking out roommates could be gaining favor among an

Finance 448
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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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10 top takeaways from Inman Connect Las Vegas

Inman

These Inman Connect Las Vegas panels highlighted the immense value of community and collaboration in driving our industry forward, Inside Real Estate's Stacey Soliel writes.

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Lower taps TLOP’s Dustin Owen as SVP of growth

Housing Wire

Lower continues to make moves designed to support its expansion efforts, hiring former Waterstone Mortgage executive Dustin Owen as its new divisional sales leader and senior vice president of growth. Owen, who is based in the Orlando area, spent the past 16 years at Waterstone, most recently as its vice president of Eastern division sales. In joining Lower, he will report to chief production officer Randell Gillespie to execute plans for “transforming the modern mortgage experience for consumer

Lending 437
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Travelers spent $21.2B booking through Airbnb last quarter

Inman

The leading short-term rental platform told investors that its share of revenue grew by 11 percent to $2.75 billion in the second quarter of this year. Travelers made 125.1 million total bookings in three months.

Investor 170
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Implementation deadline for appraisal review policy pushed to Oct. 31

Housing Wire

A policy designed for lenders to review and respond to borrower-initiated reconsideration of value (ROV) requests for appraisals — originally scheduled to be implemented between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 — has been pushed back to Oct. 31, 2024. That’s according to announcements from Fannie Mae , Freddie Mac and a new Mortgagee Letter (ML) published by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Equity 431
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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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8 key ways our team is preparing for Aug. 17

Inman

Here's how team leader Carl Medford is being proactive and prepared as his team gears up for the changes that will follow the implementation of the National Association of Realtors' settlement agreement.

As-is 167
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loanDepot sells MSRs, improves margins in Q2

Housing Wire

California-based mortgage lender loanDepot reduced its financial loss in the second quarter of 2024 while still feeling the impacts of a January cyberattack. During the three-month period, the company increased its volumes and margins while implementing an efficiency program and selling mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). On Tuesday, loanDepot reported a non-GAAP adjusted net loss of $16 million from April to June, compared to a $39.5 million loss in the previous quarter and a $36 million loss in

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Florida Realtor association keys in on partnership with SentriLock

Inman

Orlando Regional Realtor Association, one of the nation’s top 10 largest multiple listing services, has made its decision on an official lockbox partner by selecting SentriLock, one of two primary industry providers.

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Compass adds top-performing team in Dallas-Fort Worth

Housing Wire

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin promised on the company’s most recent earnings call to expand market share in its top 30 markets — and the brokerage made a big move in that direction. Faisal Halum Group , a small team in Dallas, has joined Compass and adds a high-performing team to a metro area that has been very active since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brokerage 408
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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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LoanDepot boosts revenue, sells servicing to restructure debt

Inman

Pending $25 million settlement of January cyberattack adds to $66 million second-quarter net loss, but executives say they're in a better position to grow after selling $29 billion in mortgage servicing rights.

Mortgages 160
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20 Best Places to Buy a House in the US (2024)

Marco Santarelli

When it comes to finding the perfect home, the best places to buy a house in the U.S. can vary widely based on numerous factors—affordability, quality of life, and investment potential among them. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to invest, choosing the right location is crucial. With today's fluctuating market conditions, knowing where to look can make all the difference.

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Matterport revenue grows, losses improve during Q2

Inman

Total revenue grew to $42.2 million during the second quarter of 2024, up from $39.6 million the previous year, as the company worked to increase its market share.

Marketing 167
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Best Places to Buy a House in the USA for Investment (2024)

Marco Santarelli

Tired of watching your money sit idle while property values soar? You're not alone. The allure of real estate investment is undeniable, promising substantial returns and financial freedom. But with countless markets vying for your attention, where do you even start? Fear not, aspiring landlord! This guide is your compass through the complex world of real estate investment.

Investor 122
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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.