Wed.Aug 07, 2024

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Real Brokerage continues to add agents at a rapid pace

Housing Wire

The Real Brokerage isn’t tapping the brakes on its rapid expansion. During its second-quarter 2024 earnings call on Wednesday, the company said it added almost 3,000 agents from April through June, a 70% year-over-year rise and a 250% increase compared to Q2 2022. The ballooning agent count pushed brokerage revenue to $340 million, an 84% year-over-year improvement.

Brokerage 441
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Zillow’s new CEO on what’s next as Rich Barton moves upstairs

Real Estate News

Barton and Jeremy Wacksman speak exclusively with Real Estate News about the leadership transition at the top of the influential home-search site.

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More senior households are carrying high levels of debt: EBRI

Housing Wire

More households led by older Americans who are either in or near retirement are carrying higher levels of debt. This has major implications for the nation’s retirement readiness posture, according to an issue brief published last week by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). “While improving in many respects in the most recent years, the overall trends in debt are troubling in terms of retirement preparedness, in that American families just reaching retirement or those newly retired ar

Finance 458
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Real ‘surpassed expectations’ as revenue, agent count soars

Real Estate News

The company reported strong Q2 numbers, noting that its rev share model and tech will continue to give it an edge, while “traditional models may struggle.

Agents 287
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Ready for the Post-NAR Lawsuit Landscape? Get the Broker Action Plan

Now more than ever, agents need 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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Refi activity picks up to highest level in two years

Housing Wire

Refinance applications picked up as mortgage rates fell last week, but purchase loan activity had only a small gain, according to data released Wednesday by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The MBA’s survey — which covers 75% of all retail residential mortgage applications in the U.S. — found that the seasonally adjusted refinance index increased 16% for the week ending Aug. 2 compared to the previous week.

VA loan 450

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FOA reports loss in Q2 but notes improved performance

Housing Wire

Industry-leading reverse mortgage lender Finance of America (FOA) recorded another loss in the second quarter of 2024, but it managed to move closer to profitability while also expanding its dollar volume of loans through other business metrics that show improvement. This is according to the company’s Q2 2024 financial results, as well as statements given to analysts, during a Q&A portion of its earnings call this week.

Loans 421
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‘Unfiltered’: Why NAR advocacy is ‘the envy’ of D.C. and beyond

Real Estate News

Watch the conversation with NAR’s top lobbyist as she discusses what advocacy really means for members and some of the big wins the association has achieved.

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Zillow Group names Jeremy Wacksman as CEO

Housing Wire

Zillow Group has promoted Jeremy Wacksman from chief operating officer to CEO, according to an announcement on Wednesday. The firm made the announcement less than an hour before its second-quarter 2024 earnings call with investors and analysts. In addition to being named as the firm’s CEO, Wacksman has also joined the company’s board of directors. Wacksman is replacing Zillow co-founder Rich Barton as CEO.

Branding 421
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Are consumers giving up on homebuying?

Real Estate News

The latest sentiment survey from Fannie Mae shows declining optimism, with more consumers now saying they plan to rent when they make their next move.

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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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Plaintiffs respond to brokerage defendants’ motions to dismiss Batton 2 suit

Housing Wire

A little over a month after the Batton 2 commission lawsuit defendants filed motions to dismiss the suit brought by homebuyers in Illinois, the plaintiffs have shot back. In responses filed on Monday, the plaintiffs argue that the court should not grant the defendants’ motions. The motions filed by Compass , eXp World Holdings , Redfin , Weichert Realtors and United Real Estate claim that the homebuyer plaintiffs are simply trying “to parrot the allegations they made in an amended complaint,

Brokerage 420
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Zillow continues to outperform industry, beat expectations

Real Estate News

Revenue was up 13% in Q2, and the company — now with a new CEO — said it's in a strong position: “We have the most customers, we work with the best partners.

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Zillow Group names Jeremy Wacksman as new CEO

Inman

After five years back at the helm, Zillow Group co-founder Rich Barton steps down as CEO. Former COO Jeremy Wacksman takes the reins as the company charges past what Barton calls the "Portal 1.0" experience.

MLS 194
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Transforming Commercial Real Estate Ownership for Small Business Owners

GeekEstate

[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of GEM Diamond. Today’s showcase: Withco] Withco is a property ownership platform operating a rent-to-own model in partnership with sellers and brokers to offer small businesses institutional support in owning their property–a win-win-win for small business owners, commercial real estate, and capital markets.

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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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Most Americans weren’t expecting the big drop in mortgage rates

Inman

Fannie Mae survey shows would-be homebuyers grew even more frustrated with elevated home prices and mortgage rates in July, but 7 in 10 didn't think mortgage rates would come down.

Mortgages 186
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Housing Market 2024: Cities Where Supply Has Grown Post-Pandemic

Marco Santarelli

As the housing market continues to evolve post-pandemic, many homebuyers are looking for answers to the pressing question: Which cities have more housing stock than before the pandemic? In a surprising turn of events, a dozen major metropolitan areas have reported greater availability of homes compared to the levels seen from 2017 to 2019, according to a recent analysis by Realtor.com.

Marketing 111
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Real Brokerage sees new highs in revenue, gross profit during Q2

Inman

The cloud-based brokerage saw surprisingly positive second-quarter earnings results during a tough market. Real chairman and CEO Tamir Poleg said the results were a testament to the firm's business model.

Brokerage 172
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Consumer Advocate Group Highlights ‘Opportunities and Risks’ of NAR Settlement

RIS Media

With just over a week before the changes agreed to by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in its lawsuit settlement go into effect, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a non-profit that has been sharply critical of the real estate industry, released guidance aimed at consumers ostensibly meant to help buyers and sellers through… The post Consumer Advocate Group Highlights ‘Opportunities and Risks’ of NAR Settlement appeared first on RISMedia.

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Need Curated Pre-foreclosure Lists to Generate New Real Estate Leads? Trellis Has the Data!

Trellis is a state trial court research and analytics platform that provides Real Estate Professionals (Buyers, Foreclosure, Loan Modification, etc.) with LEADS on Pre-Foreclosures, Lis Pendes, Distressed Assets and more — to help uncover **new** opportunities and grow their business. The process is quick and easy — and all in real time. Trellis will supply you with a link to the relevant dockets, a Leads sheet and access to its UI where applicable.

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Mortgage rates bounce back before homebuyers can pounce

Inman

The big drop in mortgage rates did more to spur refinancing than homebuying, according to a weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association, and now rates are rising again.

Mortgages 182
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Fannie Mae Update Says Potential Homebuyers are Frustrated by Market

RIS Media

Fannie Mae has released its latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI), tracking changes in consumer attitude over the month of July 2024. That month, the index decreased 1.1% to 71.5, suggesting an overall lack of enthusiasm. Changes in consumer responses are minute but indicative of a negative trend. Key details: 17% of respondents said that… The post Fannie Mae Update Says Potential Homebuyers are Frustrated by Market appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 123
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Hanna fights back against homebuyer commission suit

Inman

Parent company of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services argues plaintiff agreed to a mediation clause and, as a buyer, doesn't have standing to sue under federal and state antitrust laws.

Brokerage 182
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Less Competition, More Opportunity: Why Homebuyers Should Act Before the Election

Lighter Side of Real Estate

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, there’s a good chance you’re wondering if it makes sense to wait and see who ends up getting elected as president in November. According to a recent survey , 60% of buyers are taking the election into consideration, concerned about how the results may impact the housing market, and nearly 40% of buyers claimed they’re actually waiting until after the election results are in to buy a house!

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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.

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Zillow Q2 revenue exceeds expectations, grows 13% to $572M

Inman

Better-than-expected residential segment results bolstered Seattle-based portal Zillow's Q2 performance, which saw growing revenues and slimming losses as they zero in on creating a 'fully-integrated' homebuying experience.

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Clinton Hill Neo-Grec Brownstone With Mantels, Pier Mirror, Reno’d Kitchens Asks $4.9 Million

Brownstoner

On leafy Clinton Avenue, this 1870s brownstone has the benefit of windows on three exposures and some fine interior details, including wood floors, pocket doors, and mantels. At 419 Clinton Avenue, the two-family dwelling has been updated with renovated kitchens and baths and central air. Built in 1878, it is… Read More > The post Clinton Hill Neo-Grec Brownstone With Mantels, Pier Mirror, Reno’d Kitchens Asks $4.9 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Douglas Elliman sees revenue tick up in Q2 2024

Inman

The company's improved financial results no doubt came as a sigh of relief, as Elliman faced increasing pressure from shareholders in recent months because of its shaky performance over the past few quarters.

Brokerage 178
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Will Housing Market Crash in Florida: Supply Soars to 7-Year High

Marco Santarelli

In a startling turn of events, the housing market crash looms in Florida as residential property supply skyrockets to its highest level in seven years. For potential buyers, sellers, and investors alike, this shift in the marketplace has generated both excitement and concern. As the state's economy and real estate domain undergo drastic changes, experts warn of the potential risks and rewards that come with this significant market transition.

Marketing 104
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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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‘Hidden’ homeownership costs locking potential buyers in place

Inman

Households have deferred moving, partially due to high "hidden" homeownership costs such as property taxes, insurance and climate change, according to a report.

Banks 172
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New Trees, Mature-Tree Care Help Green-Wood Cemetery Buck Climate Change

Brownstoner

By Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper A tree grows in Green-Wood Cemetery — or, it will soon. An infusion of federal funds allocated to improve access to green spaces and fight climate change will allow the graveyard to plant 1,500 new trees over the next three years and care for 140 mature trees… Read More > The post New Trees, Mature-Tree Care Help Green-Wood Cemetery Buck Climate Change appeared first on Brownstoner.

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REACH Commercial announces latest proptech class

Inman

The seven startups that are part of REACH Commercial's latest class each promise to advance the way commercial brokerages service the industry, ranging from a green building resource solution to a pro-small business engine to help entrepreneurs own their real estate.