Tue.Oct 29, 2024

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Case-Shiller home-price index slows, but rising mortgage rates could speed it up again

Housing Wire

Is home-price growth finally cooling? That’s a question raised by the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index for August, which showed deceleration on a year-over-year basis and a slight dip relative to July. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, the national home price index posted a 4.2% gain year over year, less than the 4.8% gain from July. The monthly index fell by 0.1%.

Mortgages 461
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NAR settlement doesn’t pass the ‘real world’ test

Real Estate News

A law professor filed a lengthy objection calling it “the worst of all possible worlds,” raising concerns about “chaos and frustration” as well as legal fees.

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FOA claims 98% participation in bond exchange offer

Housing Wire

Industry-leading reverse mortgage lender Finance of America (FOA) announced this week that nearly all of the holders of outstanding senior notes that were set to mature in 2025 will participate in a new bond exchange offer that was first announced in June and amended last month. Under the amended offer, 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 t

Finance 452
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Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

Keeping Current Matters

With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market.

Sales 219
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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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Property data collection-based appraisal waivers, UPD and the future of appraisals

Housing Wire

In today’s mortgage landscape, appraisals are a critical component of the loan origination process. To stay competitive, lenders need to adopt a comprehensive approach to collateral management that reduces risk and provides value to their customers and partners in the mortgage ecosystem. Scot Rose from Class Valuation explores current trends and offers strategies to help lenders thrive in 2025.

Loans 441
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Agents see a brighter sales outlook ahead

Real Estate News

Two new surveys point to increasing optimism despite mortgage rate and election uncertainty, a sign that post-settlement anxiety could be waning.

Sales 200

More Trending

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eXp rolling out rev share changes

Real Estate News

The company is responding to “a critical time for agents,” said founder Glenn Sanford. New incentives will take effect Nov. 1.

Agents 216
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Objections abound as NAR settlement approaches final approval date

Housing Wire

There’s less than a month until the final approval hearing for the commission lawsuit settlement agreements reached by the National Association of Realtors , HomeServices of America , and other brokerages and non-Realtor-affiliated MLSs that opted in to NAR’s settlement. Ahead of that date, the objections have started to roll in. In addition to the objection filed by law professor Tanya Monestier on Monday, objections were recently filed by attorneys at Knie & Shealy , who represent th

Brokerage 425
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US home prices rise modestly amid affordability strains

Inman

CoreLogic Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp told Inman, “despite much-needed optimism, brought by a sharp decline in mortgage rates in August, the boost was short lived and not enough to renew homebuyers’ interest.

Mortgages 180
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Property preservation firm MCS sees reverse channel as a growth opportunity

Housing Wire

Earlier this year, Lewisville, Texas-based property services company MCS announced that it acquired Five Brothers Asset Management Solutions , a deal that brought MCS into the reverse mortgage industry for the first time. Soon after, CEO Craig Torrance offered an early look at what he hoped to achieve with the move. Roughly six months later, Torrance and Chad Mosley, the company’s president of mortgage services, attended the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) Annual Meeting an

Mortgages 417
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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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‘Not done’: Antitrust litigation in real estate is just warming up

Inman

In a recent webinar, Spencer Rascoff, James Dwiggins and Jack Miller discussed the future of commissions and why agents and brokers should pay attention to their legal risk.

Agents 181
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Amy Stockberger explores her brokerage’s quest for ’lifetime home support’

Housing Wire

In the latest episode of the RealTrending podcast , Amy Stockberger — broker-owner of Amy Stockberger Real Estate — joins Tracey Velt for a tantalizing conversation that covers her teamerage’s unique “Lifetime Home Support” model and other ways that agents can provide value to home buyers and sellers. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Agents 415
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Association-drafted forms protect consumers and members: CAR

Inman

Despite the rhetoric of some in the industry, shifting away from using association-developed forms is the opposite of consumer-friendly, CAR President Melanie Barker writes for Inman.

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It’s time we put the guardrails up and protect consumers from abusive trigger leads 

Housing Wire

While we can’t share their names, we can share their stories. It’s the same one, over and over again. An individual, often for the first time, is engaging in one of the most important transactions of their lifetime: homeownership. Already intimidated by the multitude of financial requirements that come with securing a mortgage, the borrower becomes even more overwhelmed by the hundreds, sometimes thousands, of emails, calls and texts they receive from an unaffiliated third-party vendor after th

HR 396
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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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Compass releases ‘reverse prospecting’ marketing tool

Inman

The marketing tool provides insights and data on likely buyers who have engaged with properties listed by Compass agents. It may also help Compass' ongoing push against Clear Cooperation.

Marketing 170
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October jobs report will influence Fed policy, mortgage rates path

Housing Wire

Employment data for October is set to be released Friday, and it will go a long way in determining the path for mortgage rates, which have surged upward in the past month. At HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center on Tuesday, the average rate for 30-year conforming loans was 6.72%. That’s up 10 basis points (bps) from one week ago and 41 bps higher than on Sept. 18, when the Federal Reserve lowered benchmark rates by half a percentage point.

Mortgages 389
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Fannie and Freddie will let more buyers off the hook for an appraisal

Inman

Appraisal waiver programs that rely on automated valuation models will be expanded next year to allow participation by homebuyers putting less than 20 percent down.

Finance 176
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Affordable Housing Lottery Opens for Seniors in Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Brownstoner

An affordable housing lottery has opened for seniors on Prospect Lefferts Gardens’ Winthrop Street in a new eight-story development that has taken the place of an old wood frame house with a large yard. The complex at 250 Winthrop Street has a total of 49 units and 27 are included… Read More > The post Affordable Housing Lottery Opens for Seniors in Prospect Lefferts Gardens appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Kris Lindahl Real Estate featured in ‘Call of Duty’ ad campaign

Inman

Twin Cities broker-owner Kris Lindahl has been making headlines with a one-of-a-kind collaboration for Call of Duty's latest game. Here's how solid branding — and intellectual property protections — made the deal happen.

Branding 164
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Lawler: Mortgage Rates Have Surged Since the Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates Last Month

Calculated Risk Real Estate

From housing economist Tom Lawler: Folks who expected that mortgages rates would decline when the Federal Reserve began cutting its federal funds rate target range have been dazed and confused over the last month and a half. Since the day before the Fed’s 50 bp reduction in its funds rate target on September 18, 30-year MBS yields have surged by 84 to 96 bp, while mortgage rates have jumped by 72 to 89 bp.

Mortgages 112
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Matthew Perry’s LA home sells for $8.55M in off-market deal

Inman

The property has been acquired by Arizona real estate developer Anita Verma-Lallian, who completed the purchase through a trust. The transaction was facilitated by Brooke Elliott Laurinkus from Christie's International Real Estate Southern California.

Marketing 163
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Harvard Study Indicates Immigration Not Driving Housing Crisis

RIS Media

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” While the United States’ attitude toward immigration is far uglier and more complex than the sentiment expressed in the Emma Lazarus poem emblazoned on the Statue of Liberty, most Americans continue to believe that immigration is a good thing for the country.… The post Harvard Study Indicates Immigration Not Driving Housing Crisis appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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Inman expands coverage of built world with Blueprint acquisition

Inman

Inman plans to invest further into Blueprint to continue its growth in advance of the next Blueprint Vegas, Sept. 16-18, 2025.

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FHFA, HUD Add FHA Data to Appraisal Database to Reduce Home Appraisal Bias

RIS Media

DENVER, Colo.—The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Monday the expansion of public appraisal data to include Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. That’s according to Naa Awaa Tagoe, deputy director for the Division of Housing Mission and Goals at FHFA, who shared the news Monday… The post FHFA, HUD Add FHA Data to Appraisal Database to Reduce Home Appraisal Bias appeared first on RISMedia.

FHA loan 105
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The No. 1 challenge new agents face (and how to overcome it)

Inman

Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, Darryl Davis writes, pushing you to grow, adapt and, ultimately, succeed in real estate.

Agents 169
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Weichert® Holds National Leadership Event for Affiliated Brokers, Owners and Managers

RIS Media

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has announced that nearly 200 franchise brokers, owners and managers from offices throughout the United States attended its national Leadership Retreat, held on October 14-17 at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. According to a release, the event was focused on helping attendees navigate the current… The post Weichert® Holds National Leadership Event for Affiliated Brokers, Owners and Managers appeared first on RISMedia.

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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.

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World Series of Luxury: 8 Dodgers’ and Yankees’ pads duke it out

Inman

Eight luxury homes of some of the world's most elite athletes remain in the running for swankiest of all. Cast your vote as the competition continues.

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12 Typical Closing Costs for Seller in Alabama

HomeLight

If you’re about to close on your Alabama home sale, you’re likely wondering how much you’ll owe in closing costs. Nationally, sellers typically pay between 6% to 10% of the property’s sale price in closing costs. Since Alabama’s average sale price sits around $228,283 , sellers pay $13,697 to $22,828 in closing costs on average. To help you get a clearer picture of the closing costs for sellers in Alabama, HomeLight interviewed a leading Alabama real estate agent to put together this comprehensi

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Home Prices Hit Another High, but Pace of Growth Slowing

RIS Media

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index, a key measure of U.S. home prices, recorded a 4.2% annual gain in August, a slight decrease from previous levels in 2024. The 10-City Composite saw an annual increase of 6%, down from a 6.8% annual increase in the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a year-over-year increase of 5.2%,… The post Home Prices Hit Another High, but Pace of Growth Slowing appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 101
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Starbucks tells Seattle HQ workers to return to the office, or else

Seattle Times Real Estate

Starbucks' ultimatum to corporate employees comes more than a month after Amazon tightened its in-person work policy.

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The 4 Most Impactful Actions to Take in Real Estate in 2024

Strategic real estate professionals know that the name of the game right now is to stay informed, adaptable, and ready to make confident decisions. In this free download, Inside Real Estate CEO, Joe Skousen, shares what he believes are the top 4 most impactful actions in real estate right now. We've been actively engaging with industry experts, analyzing data, and listening intently to the experiences of our agents on the ground.