Tue.Sep 17, 2024

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Fed policy is set to change. How will mortgage rates respond?

Housing Wire

Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to lower the benchmark interest rate on Wednesday for the first time in more than four years. But it appears to be anyone’s guess as to how large the cut will be. Interest rate traders were giving shorter odds on Tuesday afternoon to a cut of 50 basis points (bps), which would trim the Fed’s target range to 4.75% to 5%.

Mortgages 458
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It’s decision time for the Fed, but it may be coming too late

Real Estate News

While a rate cut — which could further drive down mortgage rates — would help homebuyers, there are other headwinds at play in the final months of 2024.

Mortgages 263
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UMortgage CEO: “Our veterans deserve better,” following the news of recent veteran lending malpractices

Housing Wire

Anthony Casa, President & CEO of UMortgage , isn’t mincing words when it comes to the lending practices that often victimize our veterans. “Our veterans deserve better. Unfortunately, it’s far too common for lenders to prioritize their own profits over the financial well-being of those who have served our country,” Casa shares. “These lenders take advantage of the profit margins on VA loans to charge veterans inflated fees and higher interest rates.

Lending 435
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Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half

Keeping Current Matters

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half.

Mortgages 352
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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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’Where the rubber meets the road’: New Hampshire brokers reflect on the NAR settlement

Housing Wire

For agents in New Hampshire , this week marks two months since PrimeMLS , the state’s multiple listing service , implemented the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors’ nationwide commission lawsuit settlement agreement. In these two months, one overwhelming trend has emerged — everyone is handling the changes a bit differently.

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Clear Cooperation: A lawsuit looms as the conversation continues

Real Estate News

Mauricio Umansky pledges a court fight against NAR, while Compass and Redfin CEOs take opposite sides on the policy.

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Mortgage payments cheaper than rent in nearly half of all US metros

Inman

Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since 2023 in 22 of the 50 largest U.S. metros — even as rent prices continue to rise, according to a new analysis from Zillow released on Monday.

Mortgages 191
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Unison unveils ‘hybrid’ home equity sharing loan

Housing Wire

Home equity solutions provider Unison launched a new product on Tuesday that combines the features of traditional mortgage financing and emerging home equity investment (HEI) options. The San Francisco -based Unison calls its new offering the Equity Sharing Home Loan. The company explained that the product operates as a ”hybrid between debt and equity.

Equity 447
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Attorneys request $226M from NAR and HomeServices deals

Inman

Law professor estimates the plaintiffs' law firms are asking for only 3 percent of the total value of the deals when 'historic' business practice changes are taken into account.

MLS 177
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‘Combative’ Portland housing market is having post-pandemic growing pains

Housing Wire

To get a sense for what the mood is among real estate agents right now, look no further than Portland , Oregon. Like the vast majority of the country, the city’s housing market has been stymied by high mortgage rates, low inventory and mismatched expectations between buyers and sellers. But now that the new rules related to the National Association of Realtors ‘ (NAR) settlement have taken effect, there’s added confusion, anxiety and uncertainty, leaving agents to wrestle with tensions at

Marketing 438
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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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6 must-have safety tools to protect and boost your business

Inman

If you want to add to your safety and security toolbox, build value, protect your clients and stay safe in the field, check out these recommendations from Tracey “The Safety Lady” Hawkins.

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Highly leveraged loans on the GSEs’ books are a real fiscal danger, Calabria argues

Housing Wire

The spread on mortgage-backed securities (MBS) trouble many industry professionals, and at a recent roundtable discussion, it spurred an interesting discussion on the degree of risk being absorbed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. At policy panels held by the Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) on Monday in Washington, D.C., former Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) director Mark Calabria made the argument that a larger credit box has caused the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to

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Pennymac joins Rocket in boosting conforming loan limit to $802,650

Inman

Lenders have gotten into the habit of helping some homebuyers avoid jumbo loans by raising their limits before an official announcement by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's federal regulator.

Loans 167
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Curbio settles fraud case; NAR partnership remains in place

Housing Wire

Curbio, a home renovation startup that specializes in pre-sale work, has agreed to settle fraud allegations made by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. As part of the settlement, Curbio agreed to pay $7.5 million. The company denied wrongdoing and said in a statement that it agreed to the settlement because “the time and money we would spend over the next two years to clear our good name would be better spent doing what we do best.

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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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How can I really be sure sellers will pay the buyer’s agent (me)?

Inman

The new commission rules are confusing. Compliance expert Summer Goralik unpacks whether it’s possible to confirm if a seller is willing to compensate buyer’s agents.

Agents 169
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Carlyle to buy up to $300M of equity sharing home loans from Unison

Housing Wire

Global investment firm Carlyle has agreed to purchase up to $300 million of equity sharing home loans from home equity solutions provider Unison. Carlyle also made a strategic investment into the San Francisco-based Unison, enabling it to launch its Equity Sharing Home Loan product. “We are excited to partner with Unison to provide an attractive solution for homeowners to access their appreciating home equity,” Akhil Bansal, Carlyle’s head of credit strategic solutions, said in a st

Equity 404
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Michael Jordan’s Northern Chicago mansion scores potential buyer

Inman

After 12 years on the market, Jordan’s Highland Park mansion is finally in contingency following price cuts totaling nearly $15 million. In the end, the final list price clocked in at $14.855 million.

Marketing 164
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Foreclosures decline, but Attom says to watch for ’potential housing market instability’

Housing Wire

Higher mortgage rates and related affordability challenges are putting the squeeze on homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments, but foreclosure activity took a step back in August. According to the monthly foreclosure report from Attom , foreclosure filings fell 5.3% compared to July and completed foreclosures dropped by 12%. A total of 30,227 homes faced foreclosure filings, a far cry from the 300,000 per month seen during the 2008 financial crisis.

Marketing 404
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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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Umansky threatens to sue NAR as pocket listing pressure mounts

Inman

The Agency CEO and founder said he plans to revive a lawsuit against NAR over a pocket listing network. The threat came days after NAR officials convened to reevaluate Clear Cooperation.

MLS 161
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FOA announces amendment and update for bond exchange offer

Housing Wire

Industry-leading reverse mortgage lender Finance of America (FOA) on Tuesday announced updates and new details for a previously announced exchange offer , which would swap current investor bonds due in 2025 with new bonds due one to four years later. The current unsecured notes, due in 2025 with an interest rate of 7.875%, could be swapped for one of two new bond options — those with the same interest rate due in 2026 (with a company option to extend into 2027), or new bonds with a 10% interest

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How to limit the cost of the nibble (and win the negotiation)

Inman

Whether it’s buyers trying to nickel and dime your sellers or sellers asking for a piece of your commission, trainer Bernice Ross writes, the key is to put your foot down and say no.

Agents 162
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Lone Wolf launches new tools designed to help buyer agents

Housing Wire

The role of the buyer’s agent has been turned on its head and Lone Wolf Technologies wants to help. The real estate software company is launching a “Buyer’s Agent Club” that is designed to assist agents in navigating an uncertain time in the industry through resources, tools and training. “For decades, Lone Wolf has been a pillar in real estate technology, and for good reason,” Lone Wolf CEO Jimmy Kelly said in a statement. “We’ve always made it a priority to innova

Design 381
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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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Tongo’s agent-focused finance app ready for market

Inman

A new solution to help brokers administer financial benefits to agents is now available from Tongo, a company that “builds financial products that cater to the needs of the commission economy.

Finance 159
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Atlas Merchant Capital, A&D Mortgage announce JV partnership 

Housing Wire

Global investment firm Atlas Merchant Capital and Florida-based lender A&D Mortgage have announced a joint venture (JV) to expand A&D’s $7 billion mortgage securitization platform. The JV, which will draw from a combination of internal and third-party capital sources, will purchase mortgages originated and serviced by A&D and other lenders.

Mortgages 324
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Oregon real estate brokerages merge under RE/MAX banner

Inman

Announced Friday, the merger will unite RE/MAX Key Properties and West + Main Homes Oregon. The new company will tout the RE/MAX name and resume operations with nearly 90 agents.

Brokerage 156
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Fathom Settles Commission Suits, Will Pay $2.95M Over Two Years

RIS Media

Fathom Realty is the latest brokerage to strike a settlement in the seller-filed commission lawsuits, agreeing to pay $2.95 million over the next two years, according to an SEC filing as the company seeks to ensure “our agents continue to have the opportunity to excel in their service to clients.” “Fathom Realty was founded on… The post Fathom Settles Commission Suits, Will Pay $2.95M Over Two Years appeared first on RISMedia.

Brokerage 119
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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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Frustrated? Here’s why leaving NAR won’t solve the problem

Inman

Despite its problems, brokerage CEO Sean Frank writes, NAR membership is still the logical option for real estate professionals.

Brokerage 176
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Home Price Growth Sees No Monthly Change for the First Time in a Decade

RIS Media

Home prices have continued to slow their annual appreciation, however their monthly appreciation appears to have come to a halt, according to the latest data from CoreLogic. CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index found that July’s home price data was the 150th consecutive month of annual growth, however the rate continues to cool as it has… The post Home Price Growth Sees No Monthly Change for the First Time in a Decade appeared first on RISMedia.

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Mariah Carey has racked up $18.6M in mortgage debt

Inman

After buying a Tribeca penthouse for $9 million cash in 1999, the pop star has borrowed millions in loans on the pad's equity in order to fund her lavish lifestyle.

Equity 158
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Data: The Fuel for Success

RIS Media

In 2024 and beyond, data is the new oil. In the ever-evolving real estate market, brokers need access to seamless data integration to stay competitive. REsides, Inc., an independent property network, is here to provide brokers with the modern tools and data security they need to thrive. Data transparency It is important that brokerage data… The post Data: The Fuel for Success appeared first on RISMedia.

Brokerage 128
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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.