Mon.Jan 13, 2025

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How do you put a price on the wildfire damage in LA?

Housing Wire

Youre bound to find variability in the total cost estimates related to the damage and destruction caused by the wildfires in Southern California , but some of the variations are exacerbated by what is included versus what is excluded in these estimates. According to CoreLogic , the total damage cost estimate for the Los Angeles wildfires as it relates to insured properties is currently at $30 billion.

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Supreme Court denies NAR request to review DOJ case

Real Estate News

The decision is a blow for the association, which has spent years trying to prevent the Justice Department from reopening its investigation into NAR policies.

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More home sellers but fewer home sales

Housing Wire

There were 45,000 new listings for single-family homes across the country this week, which is a big jump. That’s 12% more sellers than a year ago. This is the trend that will be the theme for 2025. It seems more sellers are coming out every week and that will keep inventory pushing upward. Mortgage rates pushed this week close to 7.25%. Its only two weeks into January and mortgage rates have hit the high end of the range we forecasted for the entire year.

Sales 418
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How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You

Keeping Current Matters

Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner?

Equity 299
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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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Where the Los Angeles housing market stands and where the wildfires could take it

Housing Wire

The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused unspeakable damage, heartbreak and loss of life. As of Monday, the five major fires have burned about 60 square miles in the LA area and 24 people have been killed. While the current focus is rightfully on containing the blazes and protecting residents, its worth taking stock of where housing markets stand in the affected parts of the Los Angeles metro area.

Marketing 387
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What buyers are looking for in their next home

Real Estate News

In a recent survey, would-be buyers were most interested in finding a turnkey home close to work, but they're willing to compromise on some features.

Closing 287

More Trending

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Trends 2025: The ‘New Way’ to make the new rules work for you

Real Estate News

The NAR settlement has changed the way compensation is communicated, but getting real with clients can ensure that deals get done and agents get paid.

Agents 262
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California wildfire victims could have up to 12 months of mortgage forbearance

Housing Wire

Government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are aiming to remind homeowners and renters impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles of various relief options. These include forbearance and other payment deferral plans, as well as disaster recovery counseling programs through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Mortgages 397
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Cyberbacker CEO arrested for giving 8-year-old son edibles

Inman

Former Keller Williams team leader and virtual assistant company CEO Craig Goodliffe is facing child endangerment and intoxication charges after officers found nine boxes of marijuana in his home.

Brokerage 167
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Over 400K mortgages may be underinsured for flood risk: CFPB

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has found that homeowners facing flooding from rivers and creeks are more likely to be underinsured against flood risk than homeowners in coastal areas, according to a repor t published on Monday. The report is based on a sample of mortgage applications from 2018 to 2022, and it examines flood risk in the southeast and central southwest census regions of the United States, according to flood risk data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F

Mortgages 370
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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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ADUs take center stage as Los Angeles housing goes up in smoke

Inman

As wildfires rage across California, destroying over 9,000 homes and displacing thousands of residents, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have emerged as a critical housing solution five years after being approved in Los Angeles.ADUs, also known as granny flats, in-law apartments, or casitas, are independent living spaces attached to or located on the same property as single-family homes.

Staging 158
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Mr. Cooper announces retirement of Xome CEO Mike Rawls

Housing Wire

Mr. Cooper Group named former vice chairman and President Chris Marshall as the new CEO of subsidiary real estate solutions firm Xome. Marshall will replace former CEO Mike Rawls, who is set to retire effective June 30. Marshall will work will Rawls over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of power, the company explained. He will then collaborate with Xome’s leadership team to focus on market share and new revenue opportunities going forward.

Banks 368
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The time to prepare for a potential disaster is NOW

Inman

No one can predict exactly where the next major disaster may strike, so the time to prepare is now, trainer and author Bernice Ross writes.

Brokerage 158
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eXp must provide Gibson court with settlement negotiation docs

Housing Wire

Although eXp World Holdings i s hoping to move past the commission lawsuits thanks to the proposed nationwide settlement it negotiated with the Hooper suit plaintiffs in Georgia, other courts are not so sure. Last Wednesday, Judge Stephen R. Bough, who oversaw the Sitzer/Burnett trial and is also overseeing the Gibson suit, ruled after oral arguments that eXp must turn over all documents related to the negotiation of its settlement by this coming Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Brokerage 365
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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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10 FREE tools every real estate agent should check out for 2025

Inman

This year isnt about working harder its about working smarter, coach Darryl Davis writes. Its about learning new skills and fine-tuning your solutions.

Agents 158
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Expired listings: A Realtor’s goldmine

Housing Wire

Expired listings can be a goldmine of opportunity for Realtors. What I love about expireds is that they wanted to sell, and they were willing to work with an agent. Many sellers of expired listings are still motivated, despite their previous setbacks and often relist within 18 months. What is your mindset around working expireds? They are mean. Their price was way too high.

Agents 366
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Feds find explicit hard drive at Tal Alexander’s NYC apartment

Inman

The incriminating evidence gives new weight to the dozens of allegations Tal and his brothers, Oren and Alon, have received in the last several months claiming that they serially raped and sexually assaulted women.

Agents 158
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Fairway eyes reverse mortgage expansion in 2025

Housing Wire

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation , a large mortgage lender and a top 10 lender in the reverse mortgage industry , will aim to expand its focus on its reverse mortgage arm in 2025 owing to the efforts of David Lazowski, the companys new president of national recruiting and growth. Emboldened by its efforts in the purchase mortgage arena and hoping to replicate it with its use of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage ( HECM ) for Purchase (H4P) program, Fairway is seeking to expand its rever

Mortgages 365
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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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Clear Cooperation, embraced by agents, divides real estate clients

Inman

In a world without Clear Cooperation, real estate agents who believe in the value of multiple listing services would have more convincing to do, an Intel survey of 3,000 US consumers finds.

Agents 158
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loanDepot promotes Bart Evans to Southeast regional vice president

Housing Wire

Top 20 U.S. mortgage lender loanDepot announced the promotion of regional sales director Bart Evans to regional vice president for the Southeast region. Evans will help manage retail business in states like Alabama , Arkansas and Tennessee. He will report directly to senior vice president of production Paul Ramos. The new regional vice president brings a bit more to his role than executive mortgage experience.

Lending 369
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6-year Restb.ai study: white kitchens, islands dominate

Inman

In its latest study of homes for sale analyzing six years of kitchen pictures, AI company Restb.ai learned that white kitchens with islands are the market's most sought-after, among other regional findings.

Sales 156
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7 Time-Wasting Traps Real Estate Agents Fall Into (and How to Avoid Them)

RIS Media

In the fast-paced world of this business, it feels like theres always something demanding your attention. But lurking in the background are those sneaky time-wasters that rob you of productivity and, ultimately, success. While mastering time management may sound easy, its actually one of the hardest skills to nail down, especially when agents find themselves… The post 7 Time-Wasting Traps Real Estate Agents Fall Into (and How to Avoid Them) appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 111
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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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LA agents implore government to pause ULA Tax in wake of wildfires

Inman

Authored by Jason Oppenheim and Ben Belack, the letter, signed by 45 agents, also asks government officials to increase California FAIR Plan wildfire insurance coverage, make an exception for building codes, pause property taxes and more.

Agents 167
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Propertymark Trust launches qualification scholarships

Estate Agent Today

The Propertymark Trust has launched a new series of scholarships to support agents who cannot cover the financial cost of obtaining qualifications.

Agents 123
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Supreme Court denies NAR’s appeal request in DOJ case

Inman

The Supreme Court didn't explain its reasoning for the decision, which will now allow the Department of Justice to reopen its investigation into the association's cooperative compensation rule.

MLS 138
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Supreme Court Denies NAR Appeal Against DOJ Investigation

RIS Media

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 12:05 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 with a comment from NAR. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) appeal to the Supreme Court to block the Department of Justices (DOJ) investigation was denied today without comment, allowing law enforcement to continue with its inquiry into NAR rules and practices.… The post Supreme Court Denies NAR Appeal Against DOJ Investigation appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 111
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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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Countdown to Connect: Spotlight on Agent Connect

Inman

Inman Connect New York is renowned for gathering the brightest minds in real estate, offering unparalleled access to expert insights and networking opportunities. This January, join industry leaders at the Hilton Midtown for transformative discussions on technology, branding, and market strategies to propel your business into 2025. Discover how to leverage this premier event to enhance your professional growth and adapt to the ever-changing real estate landscape.

Agents 148
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Crown Heights Affordable Housing Lottery Debuts With $1,161 Two-Bedrooms

Brownstoner

An affordable housing lottery has launched for an under-construction 17-story, 569-unit development dubbed Loden, with units starting at $914 a month for a studio. Rising half a block from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Crown Heights south, and overlooking the S shuttle train tracks, the complex at 54 Crown Street… Read More > The post Crown Heights Affordable Housing Lottery Debuts With $1,161 Two-Bedrooms appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Rising Above Price Gouging: How One AAOA Member Brings Hope to Displaced Families Amid L.A. Fires

AAOA

As Southern California faces one of its most devastating fire seasons in recent history, the rental housing market in Los Angeles has seen troubling trends. Thousands of families displaced by the fires are struggling to find housing, and in some cases, rents are spiking alarmingly in areas affected by the destruction. A recent investigation revealed a Bel Air home listed at $29,500 per monthnearly double its September price of $15,900.

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Mortgage rate gap drops but pricing remains high

Estate Agent Today

The pricing gap between the average two- and five-year fixed rate mortgage has fallen to its lowest margin in two years.

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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.