Fri.Mar 15, 2024

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NAR settles commission lawsuits for $418 million

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to pay $418 million in damages to settle the commission lawsuits. The story was first reported by the New York Times. NAR’s legal counsel approved the settlement agreement early Friday morning. It has yet to be filed in court. Lawyers for the trade organization told the Times that they anticipate the settlement will be filed in the coming weeks, however it will still be subject to court approval.

Agents 540
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What agents need to know about commission rule changes

Real Estate News

As a part of its proposed settlement, NAR agreed to significant policy changes that will impact how all agents do business — and how buyer agents get paid.

Agents 358
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‘Find buyers before agents!’ Mortgage industry reacts to the NAR settlement

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement of commission lawsuits nationwide is expected to force mortgage lenders and loan officers to find new ways of approaching listing agents and borrowers, give LOs a more significant role in the home-buying process, and encourage housing professionals to pursue dual-licensing, industry experts told HousingWire.

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94 brokerages left out of NAR commissions deal. What’s next?

Real Estate News

Top companies and MLSs outside the settlement can take part in a streamlined process to pay into a fund — but it could cost millions.

Brokerage 354
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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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New listings surge as the spring buying season approaches

Housing Wire

Prospective homebuyers have more options to choose from in the housing market, which could help spur sales this spring. Mortgage demand has been on the rise for two weeks in a row. Inventory has been trending upward for the last two years despite persistently high mortgage rates, Mike Simonsen, president and founder of Altos Research , wrote on Monday.

Mortgages 487
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Strong reactions to NAR commissions deal

Real Estate News

Opinions on the settlement range from concern that it will “spell disaster” for buyers to optimism that the quality of agent services will improve.

Agents 322

More Trending

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The Latest Trends in Housing [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

With the number of new listings going up and average days on market going down, buyers may have more options, but will still want to move fast.

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Average IMB lost $2,109 per loan in Q4 2023

Housing Wire

Independent mortgage banks (IMBs) and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks reported an average net loss of $2,109 on each loan they originated in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The loss is almost double the reported loss o f $1,015 per loan in the third quarter and marks the seventh consecutive quarter of net production loss.

Loans 459
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NAR reaches $418 million deal to settle commissions lawsuits

Real Estate News

The settlement, which still requires court approval, adds a new rule prohibiting offers of broker compensation on the MLS.

MLS 325
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Senior-held home equity falls to $12.84 trillion in Q4 2023

Housing Wire

Homeowners 62 and older saw their collective home equity levels drop in the fourth quarter of 2023 by roughly $119 billion to $12.84 trillion, the third quarterly fall in the last year. This is according to the Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI), a measure of senior-held home equity from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) and data analytics firm RiskSpan.

Equity 449
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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 commissions settlement details revealed

Real Estate News

Court documents outline a payment schedule and a series of rule changes, including the elimination of offers of compensation through the MLS.

MLS 268
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ICE Mortgage Technology’s Sara Holtz joins Optimal Blue as CMO

Housing Wire

Optimal Blue has brought on Sara Holtz, former vice president of demand marketing and communications at ICE Mortgage Technology , as chief marketing officer (CMO). Holtz will drive unified marketing and communications strategies to advance Optimal Blue’s business priorities and further extend the company’s influence, Optimal Blue said on Friday. Sara Holtz “I am energized by the opportunity to build on the company’s momentum to drive meaningful transformation for Optimal Blue’s valued clients an

Mortgages 435
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WATCH LIVE: Ed Zorn, NextHome CEO on the $418M NAR settlement

Inman

NextHome CEO James Dwiggins, Strategic Officer Keith Robinson and Ed Zorn, the California Regional MLS general counsel, tackle NAR's big settlement. Stream it live, exclusively at Inman.

MLS 203
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Opinion: Why aren’t more commercial brokerages seeking affiliated arrangements?

Housing Wire

Let’s face it: joint ventures (JVs) and affiliated business arrangements (ABAs) are all the rage in the residential real estate space right now. And why not? In times of depressed revenue, it makes sense to seek any and all reasonable paths to revenue. In fact, there aren’t many mortgage lenders, builders or real estate brokerages that haven’t at least fleetingly entertained the notion.

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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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5 ways luxury real estate balances tradition and innovation

Inman

Finding the harmony between tradition and innovation in luxury real estate, Mauricio Umansky writes, is about tapping into time-honored practices while still leaving room for improvisation and creativity.

Brokerage 180
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David Peskin to purchase ownership stake in HighTechLending

Housing Wire

David Peskin, formerly from Senior Lending Network and Reverse Mortgage Funding (RMF), has purchased an ownership stake in top 10 reverse mortgage lender HighTechLending (HTL) and will lead the company’s new pursuits alongside co-owner and COO Erika Macias. Peskin spoke to RMD about the move. He shed light on why now was the right time to move into an ownership role at the lender, what he hopes to accomplish and the place the reverse mortgage product will continue to play in the company’s

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Mastering listing presentations: Your guide to consistent success

Inman

Watch the latest Inman Access class to hear top performers share their best practices for listing presentations and how to consistently win listings and build lasting relationships with clients.

Agents 178
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The Housing Shortage Will Only Get Worse—Here’s What Investors Need to Know

Bigger Pockets

The U.S. is short several million housing units, and the situation is only getting worse. Supply gaps continue to widen on a national and regional level, and 73 out of the largest 100 markets are experiencing shortages. What should investors expect going forward?

Investor 128
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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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MoxiCloud welcomes RealReports to its network

Inman

RealReports uses artificial intelligence to curate and categorize listing documents, data and insights, pulling from a wide range of sources for consumer-facing use in an array of sales environments, but especially listing presentations and home search.

Sales 176
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Strong Rebound in Single-Family Permits at the Start of 2024

Eye on Housing

Over the first month of 2024, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 75,906. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, this is an increase of 43.1% over the January 2023 level of 53,062. Year-to-date ending in January, single-family permits were up in all four regions. The range of permit increase spanned 67.0%.

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27% of agents are now considering joining new trade group: Intel

Inman

Ahead of the National Association of Realtors' commission settlements Friday, some agents are reevaluating their memberships and considering the American Real Estate Association instead.

Agents 174
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NAR Settles Commissions Suits For $418 Million, Removes Commission Offers from MLS

RIS Media

In what will certainly be one of the most important moments and choices in the history of organized real estate, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has chosen to end its legal fight against a flood of commission lawsuits that have roiled the industry over the last five years, paying $418 million in damages and… The post NAR Settles Commissions Suits For $418 Million, Removes Commission Offers from MLS appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 122
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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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Dog attacks are on the rise. 8 tips for agents to prevent the next one

Inman

Two dog attacks just weeks apart have highlighted the danger agents face. Before you knock, safety trainer Tracey Hawkins says you need a safety plan.

Agents 182
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5 Flat Fee MLS Companies in California

HomeLight

If you’re contemplating selling your California home on your own terms, a flat fee MLS listing service could be your gateway to the vast market or potential buyers without engaging a traditional real estate agent. These companies offer for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) sellers the advantage of listing their properties on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), broadening their reach to potential buyers efficiently.

MLS 114
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How women in real estate can provide collaborative leadership

Inman

Broker-owner Karen Shanahan Garrett writes that women in real estate have a role to play in filling the leadership and communication vacuum that currently exists in the industry.

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What Is a Kickback in Real Estate? Legal vs. Illegal

HomeLight

Selling and buying a home takes faith — faith that you’ll find a buyer who will offer you a fair price, or faith that you’re buying a home worth its price. You also need to have faith in the real estate professionals you select to guide the transaction. But what if you see something that might be considered an illegal kickback in real estate? What’s legal and what’s not, and why is it important for you to know?

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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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NAR agrees to settle commission lawsuits for $418M

Inman

NAR would agree not to create rules that allow listing agents to set compensation for buyer brokers as part of the settlement. HomeServices of America not included in the deal.

Agents 161
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5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in San Jose

HomeLight

If you’re a San Jose homeowner needing to sell your house fast — whether due to a new job opportunity in another city or division of property during a divorce — “We Buy Houses” companies can help you move on quickly. They can also offer relief for homeowners with properties in disrepair who lack the time, expertise, or resources to get them into selling shape.

Closing 111
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Resignation, requirements, reputation: Here’s Inman’s Top 5

Inman

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Brokerage 172
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Century 21 Agent Installed as 2024 NAHREP President

RIS Media

Century 21 Real Estate celebrates the appointment of Nora Aguirre—CEO of The Aguirre Team at Century 21 Americana—as the 2024 National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) President. The award-winning industry veteran was installed at the organization’s annual Homeownership and Wealth Building Conference in Washington D.C. last week.

Agents 116
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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.