Thu.Dec 19, 2024

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Existing-home sales take a sleigh ride to the sky with highest jump since 2021

Housing Wire

The housing industry is getting an early Christmas gift. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that existing-home sales in November rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.15 million, a 4.8% increase over the revised October number and a 6.1% increase year over year. The annualized rate is the highest seen since the tally of 4.22 million in March 2024 , and its the highest year-over-year increase since a 23% gain in June 2021.

Sales 459
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NAR hits Phoenix Realtors with cease-and-desist over MLS Choice

Real Estate News

The option lets brokers access the MLS outside the traditional three-tier membership system. NAR says it is maintaining standards for the Realtor brand.

MLS 318
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All those 2025 mortgage rates forecasts are now wrong

Housing Wire

Its late December so all the 2025 mortgage rate forecasts have been published. Unfortunately, all of them are already wrong. Most housing market analysts expect mortgage rates to spend the year with a 6 handle. The most optimistic predictions assume 2025 will see mostly low 6s for the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. And yet with pesky inflation data not falling as quickly or as far as expected, Fed chair Jerome Powell suddenly changed his language in the Fed meeting on Dec. 19.

Mortgages 488
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The Ten: Real’s dynamic president, and the firm’s stellar year

Real Estate News

As other brokerages stumbled in 2024, Real saw enviable growth in agent count, transactions and share price with President Sharran Srivatsaa setting the tone.

Brokerage 274
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The 2025 Real Estate Roadmap to Success

Don’t just react to changes, plan for them, so you can approach the new year with confidence, direction, and a competitive edge for your business. Having a well-defined business plan helps you chart a clear course, navigate challenges, and set a foundation for growth. This workbook gives you the key steps to outline what matters and will ensure you’re moving ahead.

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Housing inventory is down everywhere except in pandemic hotspots. Here’s why.

Housing Wire

The COVID-19 pandemic turned previously sleepy cities into boomtowns.Expanded or permanent work-from-home policies gave people more flexibility in where to live, and those in uber-expensive markets like San Francisco and Manhattan took advantage by moving to areas where they could get more space for less money. This created incredibly competitive housing markets in smaller cities that pushed sales and prices sky high.

Sales 468
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Struggling To Sell Your House? Read This.

Keeping Current Matters

When you sell your house, ideally, you want it to go something like this: your house sells for top dollar, you get it sold quickly, and it all goes down without a hitch.

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Home sales rally — but that may not last as rates rise

Real Estate News

Existing home sales rebounded in November, pushing annual sales past the 4 million mark. A big jump in mortgage rates may quash momentum, however.

Sales 192
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Why did existing home sales grow with higher mortgage rates?

Housing Wire

Some people might have been surprised by existing home sales growth for the last two months, but they would have known what was happening if they followed our weekly Housing Market Tracker data. Not only has sales data improved, but home prices have firmed up so much that months ago, I believed my forecast for national home price growth of 2.33% for 2024 would come in too low.

Sales 493
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NAR threatens Phoenix Realtors over MLS Choice membership

Inman

NAR sent the cease-and-desist letter to Phoenix Realtors over its MLS Choice option, which gives brokers access to state-compliant forms and legal aid but may also violate its three-way agreement.

MLS 167
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eXp Realty expands again, adding high-producing Caldwell team in Colorado

Housing Wire

There’s a reason why eXp Realty regards itself as the “the most agent-centric brokerage on the planet.” This week, the company embodied that mindset with yet another major affiliation that expands its agent network. eXp announced this week the affiliation of Kris Caldwell, a veteran real estate leader with expertise in Colorado ‘s Front Range and leading mountain communities.

Brokerage 397
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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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Existing-home sales surge to highest level in more than 3 years

Inman

Existing-home sales rose 6.1 percent annually in November while three out of four U.S. regions saw increases from 2023, according to new data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

Sales 173
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FHFA says it prevented 43K foreclosures in Q3, but new cases rose 27%

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Thursday announced that it initiated 43,459 foreclosure prevention actions in the third quarter of 2024, bringing the total number of homeowners helped to more than 7 million since the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) entered conservatorship in 2008. But the number of foreclosure starts spiked by 27% to 22,025 during the quarter.

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Broker Spotlight: Michelle Valverde, BHGRE Viridis Properties

Inman

Find out how this young, first-generation Filipino-American entrepreneur worked her way up from receptionist to broker-owner.

Brokerage 158
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Reinventing MLSs: Embracing collaboration and seizing the rental opportunity in 2025

Housing Wire

In a rapidly evolving real estate market, Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) face a pivotal moment. Amid industry-wide challenges, such as commission lawsuits and post-pandemic housing market shifts, MLSs must embrace reinvention. As Eben Moran of Stellar MLS aptly stated on RentSprees Its Closing Time podcast, the future lies in collaboration: How can we come together to make the industry better overall?

MLS 394
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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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2025 Housing Market Predictions: What Economists Expect for the Year Ahead

RIS Media

Ask any real estate or mortgage professional what housing has been like in 2024, and the answer is likely chaotic. Ask consumers the same question, and theyll probably sum it up in one word: unaffordable. A continued trend of higher-for-longer mortgage rates will continue into 2025 accompanied by high home prices, but slight improvements are… The post 2025 Housing Market Predictions: What Economists Expect for the Year Ahead appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 130
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Real Brokerage adds 400-agent Urban Nest Realty in Las Vegas

Housing Wire

As 2025 approaches, The Real Brokerage is heading into the new year with more growth-centered momentum. The digital brokerage platform announced another major affiliation this week to strengthen its presence in the luxury market. Real announced this week the affiliation of Urban Nest Realty , a Las Vegas -based brokerage. The move will add 400 agents to Real’s network and strengthen its presence in Las Vegas’ luxury real estate scene.

Brokerage 397
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News Knockout Final: Your favorite 2 stories of the year duke it out

Inman

Commission lawsuits and industry practice changes will face off in our final bracket challenge. Inman readers, vote now and let us know what you think is the most important story of 2024.

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Better.com hires Misti Snow as SVP of operations

Housing Wire

Better.com announced Thursday that it has hired Misti Snow as its new senior vice president of operations. Snow, who has more than 30 years of operations experience in the financial services industry, officially started her new role on Dec. 16. In an exclusive interview with HousingWire , Snow said that her prior partnership and longstanding professional relationship with Better President Chad Smith was a draw for taking on the new role. “He and I worked at LendingTree together, so the tru

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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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Existing-Home Sales See Strongest Year-Over-Year Increase Since 2021

RIS Media

Existing-home sales continue to rise year-over-year for the second month as economists say buyers are feeling more positive about their market prospects. Total existing-home sales improved 4.8% in November, rising from Octobers rate of 3.96 million to 4.15 million. Novembers sales data saw a large jump of 6.1% year-over-year, more than double Octobers year-over-year increase… The post Existing-Home Sales See Strongest Year-Over-Year Increase Since 2021 appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 105
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New Hampshire’s hot housing market has the state in crisis mode

Housing Wire

Known for its rural communities, quaint towns, scenic lakes and mountain vistas, New Hampshire is probably not where you would expect to find one of the nations hottest housing markets but the data says otherwise. According to Zillow , the city of Manchester , New Hampshire, was the most popular market on the listing portal in 2024 in terms of page views, home-price appreciation and time on market.

Marketing 397
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What Buyers & Sellers Really Think about the 2025 Housing Market

BAM Media

BAM Key Details: Clever Real Estates latest report reveals that 49% of sellers and 41% of buyers believe 2025 will be a seller’s market, while 68% of buyers worry rising home prices will delay their purchase. With buyers expecting to spend $386,507 on average and sellers aiming for $413,976, a $27,000 gap underscores the affordability challenges shaping next year’s housing market.

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Longbridge parent issues $243M private reverse mortgage securitization

Housing Wire

Ellington Financial , the parent company of major reverse mortgage lender and servicer Longbridge Financial , announced this week that it has issued a $243 million proprietary reverse mortgage securitization backed entirely by Longbridges Platinum product line. The loans will also continue to be serviced by Longbridge, according to the announcement of the securitization.

Mortgages 397
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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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Be the Encyclopedia: How to Apply 5 Niche Interests to Real Estate

RIS Media

While every agent knows how important market and local expertise is, it might be hard to imagine how certain interest and knowledgehowever deep or important to youhave any applicability to real estate. Of course it is entirely possible that your favorite subject in school or lifelong hobby will never have much to do with your… The post Be the Encyclopedia: How to Apply 5 Niche Interests to Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 114
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Origins: When a reverse mortgage saved a client from bankruptcy

Housing Wire

After initially entering the mortgage business in 2003 following a career change from accounting, Rick Rodriguez was reading a book about mortgages that included a chapter on the reverse mortgage product. He remembered thinking the chapter was intriguing and flagged it in his mind so he could look into the product further. After asking his colleagues if it was a product they offered, he was told that they doubted hed ever be in a position to sell reverse mortgages.

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Not another trust fall: 5 team-building tactics for 2025

Inman

The key to successful team building, coach Verl Workman writes, is creating experiences that are engaging, purposeful and reflective of real-world challenges.

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HousingWire Spotlight: Mortgage Mavericks, The People of Polly

Housing Wire

What drives the secondary market and mortgage industrys top innovators? This series unveils the personal and professional moments shaping Pollys executive team and their vision for a better mortgage future. Dive into the lives of Pollys executive team in this 4 episode docuseries. Inspired by ESPNs 30 for 30, these four short episodes explore the personal journeys, career-defining moments, and unique purpose driving the leaders shaping the future of housing.

Mortgages 392
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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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Power Broker Insights: Elevating Professionalism and Service

RIS Media

Above, Chris Trapani VITALS: Christies International Real Estate Sereno Years in business: 34 Size: 19 offices, 650-plus agents Regions Served: San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Sierra Foothills 2023 Sales Volume: $5B-plus 2023 Transactions: 2,965 [link] Real estate is in Chris Trapanis blood. In the 1940s, his grandfather ran a brokerageTrapani… The post Power Broker Insights: Elevating Professionalism and Service appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 111
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Planet Home Lending adds Candice McNaught to its executive team

Housing Wire

Planet Home Lending announced Thursday that it has hired Candice McNaught as senior vice president of business development and strategic initiatives for its distributed retail channel. McNaught, a 2023 HousingWire Woman of Influence , brings more than 16 years of experience to the role. She formerly held posts at Supreme Lending and NFM Lending. In her previous role at Supreme, McNaught oversaw 200 branch locations and a national network of more than 700 loan officers.

Lending 396
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Huddle Up: Building connection and culture at Heyler Realty

Inman

By investing in growth and well-being, Heyler Realtys team leads demonstrate that success is about much more than closing deals its about building relationships, coach Melanie Klein writes.

Closing 111
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Asking price reductions are at a record high – but who is at fault?

Estate Agent Today

Almost one million price reductions have been recorded throughout 2024 - the largest number on record, research shows.

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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.