Tue.Nov 05, 2024

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Two years after fleeing to the suburbs, homebuyers have flocked back to cities

Housing Wire

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the housing market like no event since the 2008 financial crisis, but some of the trends induced by the pandemic are starting to reverse. That’s evident in the annual profile of home buyers and sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which provides data on dozens of real estate trends. When the pandemic began in the spring of 2020, wealthy residents of urban centers like New York City and San Francisco packed their bags for rural areas and small to

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4 more brokerages file preliminary settlements

Real Estate News

The combined deals, which total nearly $5 million, are the next step in resolving litigation for the four firms with regional and national footprints.

Brokerage 233
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Here’s what buyers and sellers want from their real estate agent

Housing Wire

The role of the real estate agent has been under the microscope of late as a result of class-action litigation over agent commissions, but the feedback agents want most about their practices comes from two sources — home buyers and sellers. A new report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed buyers and sellers on what they want from their real estate agents.

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‘Unfiltered’: Buyers are ‘DIYing themselves down the funnel’

Real Estate News

Watch the conversation with Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman as he explains why savvy shoppers are better for agents, and why private listing networks are “just bad.

Agents 217
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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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Arizona has become a top choice for those fleeing California

Housing Wire

In efforts to escape “sky-high real estate prices” and rising costs of living, California residents are favoring Arizona as a top relocation destination behind only Texas. That’s according to a report released Monday by StorageCafe , a national marketplace for storage space and an affiliate of real estate data provider Yardi. The report reviewed U.S.

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Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

You’ve probably noticed one thing if you’re thinking about making a move: the housing market feels a bit unpredictable right now.

Marketing 220

More Trending

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NAR asks court to toss antitrust lawsuit from Michigan brokers

Inman

Trade group says plaintiffs' complaint over "compulsory" Realtor membership to access the MLS is "nothing more than a desire to have membership benefits without membership.

MLS 163
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loanDepot returns to profitability, announces new strategic plan 

Housing Wire

loanDepot achieved profitability in the third quarter of 2024, ending an 11-quarter streak of financial losses. Cost reductions and revenue growth drove this turnaround amid lower interest rates, which boosted refinancing activity. As a result, loanDepot is retiring its Vision 2025 strategic plan, which began in July 2022 to help the company reduce its non-volume expenses by more than $730 million.

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Lead quality, Facebook behind latest REDX release

Inman

The latest iteration of REDX's ad builder introduces customizable ad templates and an easier, more direct connection to Facebook accounts so campaigns can be created and launched in less time.

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New LO survival 101

Housing Wire

I remember in 2007 when I told a neighbor I was about to become a loan officer. I had been working at Washington Mutual for a few months when I was offered the opportunity to go into a mentorship under the two top loan officers in the county. She looked me dead in the eyes and said, “You will never make it.” I was taken aback at the time and thought she was a horribly negative person whose life must have gone sideways for her to say that to me, her sweet neighbor.

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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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LoanDepot is back in the black for the first time since Q4 2021

Inman

Beleaguered lender ekes out $2.67 million third quarter profit, with loan originations up 9 percent from a year ago as refinancings bounce back on retreat in rates.

Loans 159
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Fathom acquires Arizona-based My Home Group

Housing Wire

Fathom Holdings , the parent company of Fathom Realty , is expanding its footprint in Arizona. The firm announced Monday that it had acquired Scottsdale-based My Home Group , adding more than 2,200 agents to its headcount. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the company will be discussing the acquisition on its third-quarter earnings call on Thursday, according to its announcement.

Branding 355
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The 2024 ballot measures that stand to impact homeowners

Inman

Across 10 states, ballot measures ask voters to weigh in on changes to property taxes, veterans benefits and more. One even considers whether or not to abolish property taxes altogether.

Marketing 145
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Appraisers say it’s business as usual despite the NAR settlement changes

Housing Wire

The removal of offers of buyer broker compensation from most MLSs across the country — as mandated by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) commission lawsuit settlement agreement — was a massive change for real estate agents and brokers. But they aren’t the only housing professionals impacted by these changes. Real estate appraisers also rely on MLS data, including information about buyer broker compensation and seller concessions, in order to accurately appraise properties for homebuyers

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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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In latest Gibson ruling, judge offers clues on fate of NAR settlement

Inman

Judge Stephen R. Bough, who ruled on Sitzer | Burnett, said Gibson deals "provide a significant financial recovery to the Settlement Class in light of the strengths and weaknesses of the case.

Brokerage 141
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Liberty Reverse parent Onity touts higher profitability, solid servicing performance

Housing Wire

Onity Group , the recently rebranded parent company of top-10 lender Liberty Reverse Mortgage , posted improved earnings results in the third quarter of the year — with particular attention given to the profitability of its forward and reverse mortgage servicing segments. Onity CEO Glen Messina led the Tuesday morning earnings call by saying that the company recorded its “highest adjusted pretax income and return on equity in the last three years,” which came in at $35 million.

Equity 351
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What The Opportunity Report says about commission compression

Inman

The sequel to the 2015 "DANGER Report" details 20 opportunities in a changing industry. In the first of a 2-part series, Carl Medford applies its findings to agents, teams and brokerages.

Brokerage 140
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Fitch downgrades — then upgrades — FOA issuer default rating

Housing Wire

Credit rating agency Fitch announced this week that its long-term issuer default rating for Finance of America was downgraded to “restricted default” status following its recently publicized debt exchange plan. The rating was then upgraded to “CCC” following the completion of the exchange agreement. Fitch explained its rationale for the whipsaw of ratings by characterizing FOA’s move as a “distressed debt exchange.

Finance 334
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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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EXp punches back over criticism of ‘sweetheart’ commission deal

Inman

The virtual brokerage argued Tuesday that it's settlement wasn't too small, and asked a court to reject attempts to force it back to the negotiating table.

Brokerage 149
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In Q2, almost 20% of Units Started Built-for-Rent were Single Family

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Along with the monthly housing starts report for September released last month, the Census Bureau also released Housing Units Started by Purpose and Design through Q2 2024. The first graph shows the number of single family and multi-family units started with the intent to rent. This data is quarterly and Not Seasonally Adjusted (NSA). Although the majority of units built-for-rent’ are still multi-family (blue), there has been a significant pickup in single family units started built-for-re

Design 110
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Former California indie brokerage Lyon rebrands to Windermere

Inman

The Sacramento-based company will operate using the name "Windermere Signature Properties" nearly four years after its acquisition. The firm boasts more than 700 agents, as well as 14 offices.

Brokerage 138
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Stunning Growth as United Wins Georgia

RIS Media

Above: Jamie Mertz and Steve Wagner It’s been an industrywide challenge to achieve company growth within the residential real estate realm the last few years, but someone forgot to tell Virtual Properties Realty (VPR) that. The Atlanta, Georgia-based brokerage recently hit a significant milestone, crossing over the 5,000-agent mark to 5,177 active agents, posting an… The post Stunning Growth as United Wins Georgia appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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LoanDepot adds to its stable of homebuilder joint ventures

Inman

Partner in Ridgeland Mortgage, Smith Douglas Homes, went public in January and targets price-conscious entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers in the South and Southeast.

Mortgages 136
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Lyon Real Estate Officially Rebrands to Windermere Real Estate

RIS Media

Lyon Real Estate—a leader in the Northern California real estate market for over 78 years—has announced its official rebrand to Windermere Real Estate. This marks the culmination of a transition that began with Lyon being brought into the Windermere network in 2021. Now, the company is taking on the Windermere name, officially uniting its 14… The post Lyon Real Estate Officially Rebrands to Windermere Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 105
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Realtor.com CEO pleads with US leaders to save homeownership

Inman

Realtor.com launched the latest chapter of its eight-month buyer agency campaign on Tuesday with a passionate open letter from CEO Damian Eales. In the letter, Eales urged local, state and federal legislators to use their upcoming terms to meaningfully address housing affordability — or risk the collapse of a major pillar of the American Dream.

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Aging Population, Immigration Surge to Shape Future Housing Markets

RIS Media

The aging of the baby boomer generation and a surge in immigration will shape the future household growth in the U.S., according to new projections from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University. In a presentation, “The Decades Ahead: Projecting Household Growth and New Housing Demand in 2025-2045,” JCHS Senior Research Associate… The post Aging Population, Immigration Surge to Shape Future Housing Markets appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 111
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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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The 12-point open house checklist every real estate agent needs

Inman

From the pristine cleanliness of the home to the personalized touches that make buyers feel welcome, Darryl Davis writes, small efforts can lead to big results.

Agents 143
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Fathom Holdings Expands with Acquisition of My Home Group

RIS Media

Fathom Holdings, Inc, has announced the acquisition of My Home Group, a top-producing brokerage based in Arizona. The acquisition expands Fathom’s market reach, strengthens its agent network and supports its commitment to delivering real estate solutions nationwide, the company said. According to a release, My Home Group brings over 2,200 agents and completes approximately 12,000… The post Fathom Holdings Expands with Acquisition of My Home Group appeared first on RISMedia.

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Gibson commission case sees 4 more settlements

Inman

NextHome, the Keyes Company, John L. Scott Real Estate and the K Company Realty have agreed to pay a combined total of nearly $5 million.

Brokerage 143
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Brooklyn Real Estate Listings Six Months Later: Three Sold, One Still Available

Brownstoner

This week, a look back at four of our featured listings from six months ago focuses on homes in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, and Flatlands. How did they fare? An 1850s Brooklyn Heights row house got a redo inside and out that added period-inspired details to the exterior and transformed the… Read More > The post Brooklyn Real Estate Listings Six Months Later: Three Sold, One Still Available appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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.