Mon.Apr 22, 2024

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Prices for pending home sales reach record high

Housing Wire

After a couple weeks of big jumps for mortgage rates , we’re still seeing relatively surprising strength in the housing market. In fact, some measures of home prices are now at their all-time highs, having surpassed the previous peak of two years ago. We’re watching a few key factors to see if homebuyers are backing off in the face of increased mortgage rates.

Sales 525
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What You Really Need To Know About Home Prices

Keeping Current Matters

According to recent data from Fannie Mae, almost 1 in 4 people still think home prices are going to come down.

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Some baby boomers are finding homeownership to be less beneficial

Housing Wire

Even homeowners who have paid off their mortgage may be finding that their available equity is not enough to downsize, according to a story published Saturday by The New York Times. The article also notes that reverse mortgages are a potentially valuable tool for seniors in the current housing environment. Roughly 80% of older adults live in the homes they own, but housing costs and interest rates have combined to create a challenging scenario for some older people seeking to downsize into a mor

Equity 457
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CoStar acquires Matterport — and all its data

Real Estate News

The move gives the Homes.com parent company access to a massive amount of digital property information as it looks to strengthen its residential presence.

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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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6 best real estate schools in Washington (WA) for 2024

Housing Wire

We’ve researched the best Washington State real estate schools for every budget, schedule, and learning style. From Seattle and Spokane to Redmond and Coastal Washington, our guide will help you choose the best Washington real estate school and course package for your needs. The best real estate classes in Washington will equip you with the knowledge and skills to pass the state exam and confidently begin a new career. 6 best real estate classes in Washington State: At-a-glance First, some basi

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Brokerages, MLSs not covered under NAR deal face 60-day deadline

Real Estate News

Sitzer/Burnett plaintiffs filed preliminary approval docs on Friday, triggering a countdown to opt in to the agreement process outlined by NAR and the courts.

Brokerage 200

More Trending

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Home sellers make another bid for consolidation in Missouri

Real Estate News

Plaintiffs in Umpa and Gibson have asked the court to merge the two lawsuits. The antitrust cases cover similar ground and name several of the same defendants.

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Former agents continue to file lawsuits against Keller Williams

Housing Wire

Last week, Keller Williams was named to an additional class-action lawsuit, which also takes issue with alterations made to the brokerage’s profit-sharing program. In the past few weeks, 12 agents formerly affiliated with Keller Williams — Jerri Moulder, David Bueker, Robert Hill, Kevin Ortiz, Edward Fordyce, Paul Davis, Penny Alper, Jana and Dennis Caudill, Eric Mendoza, Jack Levine and John Exnicios — took legal action against the real estate brokerage by filing a host of class-action lawsuits

Agents 443
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CoStar to acquire 3D scanning company Matterport for $1.6B

Inman

Matterport's board of directors unanimously approved the deal, which will be finalized later this year. CoStar purchased its outstanding stock for $5.50 per share, reflecting a value of $1.6 billion.

Brokerage 195
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Now is a great time for brokerage acquisitions: RealTrends Consulting

Housing Wire

Scott Wright and Steve Murray of RealTrends Consulting. (Photo Credit: AJ Canaria) Between inflation , an uncertain interest rate environment and legal challenges , the real estate industry is facing unprecedented challenges. While merger and acquisition activity has quieted amid the uncertainty, RealTrends Consulting’s Scott Wright and Steve Murray say now is the perfect time for firms to lay the groundwork for future deals.

Brokerage 441
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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 ways AI and blockchain will bring more deals to real estate agents

Inman

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, embracing the transformative potential of AI and blockchain technology to gain a competitive edge.

Agents 212
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Norcom Mortgage’s core reverse team elects not to join CMG Financial

Housing Wire

Earlier this month, California-based multichannel mortgage lender CMG Financial announced that it had acquired Norcom Mortgage ’s retail assets to expand its operations in the Northeast. The deal, however, will not include core members of Norcom’s well-known team of reverse mortgage professionals, including John Luddy , Norcom’s senior vice president of reverse lending.

Lending 433
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60-day clock begins for brokerages seeking to opt into $418M NAR deal

Inman

Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs on Friday asked the court to preliminarily approve the proposed deal. Brokerages and MLSs that were left out initially will have to take action by June 18 to be covered.

Brokerage 192
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Download these 9 real estate prospecting letter templates that actually work

Housing Wire

Do you remember the last time you received a letter in the mail, in an envelope, that was hand-addressed to you? People remember snail mail simply because we don’t receive much of it. Emails are easily forgotten, end up in the spam folder, or are never opened at all — but a letter in the mail ensures you occupy your audience’s mindshare for much longer.

Brokerage 433
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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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Flat-fee brokerage Homie makes remarkable pivot amid upheaval

Inman

The Utah-based disruptor "moved our real estate agents from W2 to 1099" while other "non-Homie" agents were laid off last week due to "role redundancy," a Homie spokesperson confirmed to Inman.

Brokerage 191
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14 powerful tips to master networking as an introvert in real estate

Housing Wire

Imagine walking into a room teeming with 200 strangers. Scary, right? As an introverted real estate agent and coach, I know firsthand how challenging networking can be. I started Move Over Extroverts to teach other agents how to face their fears and clear this common hurdle. As introverts, being around others drains our energy, and we recharge our energetic batteries in solitude.

Agents 427
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Lamacchia: ‘Nothing’s changed’ about mortgage commission rules

Inman

Anthony Lamacchia thinks some agents are reading too much into guidance issued by mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac confirming sellers can continue to pay buyer's agents' commissions.

Mortgages 181
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Brokerage executives double down on their lead generation strategies

Housing Wire

With home sales still at historically low levels and uncertainty over the commission lawsuits , real estate brokerage executives prize good leads more than ever. Anthony Djon, CEO of Anthony Djon Luxury Real Estate , said his company gets 90% of its leads from listing portals Zillow and Realtor.com. To convert these leads into business, the brokerage developed teams — also called units — headed by captains who are successful agents with high lead conversion rates.

Brokerage 425
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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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Tim Rodland launches new Bahamas luxury brokerage

Inman

Rodland Real Estate, which operates across the archipelago, provides clients a private members portal with access to off-market properties. With the network Rodland has built over the years, the firm is particularly well-suited to aid newcomers to The Bahamas.

Brokerage 175
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Rick Roque departs CrossCountry Mortgage to join Sierra Pacific 

Housing Wire

Industry veteran Rick Roque has resigned from his position as corporate vice president at retail mortgage lender CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) to join multichannel player Sierra Pacific Mortgage as executive vice president of retail. The transition was announced on Monday afternoon during a session at The Gathering, HousingWire ’s real estate and mortgage conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mortgages 419
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Real estate brokers didn’t fear the lawsuits — until NAR settled: Intel

Inman

Anxiety around commissions leaped to the top of the worries brokerage leaders face, pushing down concerns around inventory and competition, according to Inman Intel Index survey results.

Brokerage 175
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CoStar to acquire 3D scanning firm Matterport

Housing Wire

CoStar Group is continuing to focus on expansion. The firm announced Monday that it has acquired 3D scanning company Matterport. The Andy Florance -helmed CoStar purchased all of Matterport’s outstanding shares for $5.50 each, representing a value of $2.1 billion. Through the terms of the deal, stockholders will get $2.75 per share in cash and $2.75 in shares of CoStar Group.

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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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Schwarzenegger, Pratt slammed for razing historic LA mansion

Inman

The couple bought the home in an off-market transaction in January 2023, months after the previous owner passed away. The plot is located across the street from the home of Schwarzenegger's mother, Maria Shriver.

Marketing 167
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Andy Florance discusses Matterport acquisition, lead diversion portal models

Housing Wire

Just hours after announcing his firm’s acquisition of 3D scanning firm Matterport , CoStar Group CEO Andy Florance took to the stage in Scottsdale, Arizona, at HousingWire ’s annual conference, The Gathering , to discuss the news. “Photography is so 1989,” Florance said. According to Florance, the capabilities Matterport offers real estate agents, which are not just limited to floor plans, will allow homebuyers to view properties without staging or with their own furniture in the property.

Branding 404
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BHGRE’s 2nd largest franchise signs 10-year contract renewal

Inman

Amid an industrywide recruitment war, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has secured its largest contract renewal of 2024 with Atlanta-based BHGRE Metro Brokers. The 45-year-old brokerage is the second-largest franchise in the BHGRE network, with more than 2,400 agents across 27 offices. In 2023, BHGRE Metro Brokers closed 4,738 transactions worth $1.665 billion, a performance that earned it a top 200 ranking on Real Trends' 2024 transaction sides and volume lists.

Brokerage 144
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Proof introduces new product to enhance security in online notarization

Housing Wire

Remote online notarization (RON) platform Proof , formerly known as Notarize , has launched Proof Certificates, which aims to enhance certainty and security surrounding the identity of online notaries. A digital certificate is like a unique private key assigned to an individual and enables notaries to digitally sign a document using cryptography. If a digital certificate falls into the wrong hands, however, it can lead to fraud and potentially significant financial losses and liability.

As-is 400
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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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Land tells a story. Sell it with Land id: Tech Review

Inman

The web and mobile application offers users exceptionally in-depth information on the one global resource that can no longer be produced — land.

Land 159
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Should You Invest for Cash Flow or Appreciation? Let’s Reevaluate in an Era of High Interest Rates

Bigger Pockets

For real estate investors, the question of cash flow versus appreciation is as old as time. However, in an era of high interest rates, buying properties for cash flow isn’t easy.

Investor 132
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Lesson Learned: Become an inventory expert

Inman

Find out how newlywed, outdoor enthusiast and former CPA Billy Davidson has launched his career — and what he plans to do next.

Agents 160
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Unpaid rent in low-income housing skyrocketed, evictions may be next

Seattle Times Real Estate

Tenants in low-income housing are struggling to pay rent — or refusing, depending on whom you ask. Either way, the debt could hurt affordable housing long-term.

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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.