Wed.Apr 16, 2025

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The evolution and future of appraisal regulation 

Housing Wire

For centuries, property ownership has played a foundational role in human society. In the U.S., homeownership has come to symbolize financial stability and economic opportunity. Real estate is both a tangible asset and a vehicle for wealth creation. Following the Savings & Loan Crisis of the 1980s, Congress recognized the systemic risk posed by flawed property valuations and enacted the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) in 1989.

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New eXp disclosure form warns sellers of pre-marketing risks

Real Estate News

Anytime we limit access, it limits opportunities, an eXp exec said during a livestream highlighting ethical issues with the push into private inventory.

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Class Valuation names Chris Flynn chief data officer

Housing Wire

Real estate appraisal management company Class Valuation has appointed Chris Flynn as its chief data officer. In the newly created role, Flynn will oversee the companys data strategy and lead efforts to expand the use of analytics, artificial intelligence and automation in property valuation. Chris brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on innovation, said John Fraas, CEO of Class Valuation.

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Fair Housing Training: Your Financial Safety Net in a Tight Economy

AAOA

When recession fears rise, budget cuts often followand education directors are being asked to make hard choices. Training programs frequently top the list of cuts, especially those perceived as non-essential or deferrable. At first glance, trimming fair housing training may seem like a logical decision. But beneath the surface, that cut often becomes a costly shiftmoving risk and liability into a companys blind spot.

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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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Top Connecticut agent joins Coldwell Banker Realty

Housing Wire

Michele Isenberg, a top-producing real estate agent in Danbury, Connecticut, is affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty , the company announced Wednesday. She joins the firms Danbury office after leaving William Raveis. According to data from RealTrends Verified , Isenberg closed 57 transaction sides for $28.6 million in sales volume in 2023, the most recent data available.

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ARM applications reach their highest level since November 2023

Housing Wire

Mortgage demand decreased 8.5% for the week ending April 11, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly applications survey a stark contrast to the 20% increase seen a week earlier. Last week’s application news was dominated by the quick buzz that resulted from lower rate movement. But this week’s data revealed that the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 9.6% of all applications the highest level recorded since November 2023.

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Laws Banning REALTOR® Membership Requirements Defeated in 2 States

RIS Media

Last month, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill that explicitly bans any requirement that homebuyers sign an agreement with an agent before touring a home, essentially repealing a change made by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) settlement agreement. While the settlement was crafted to defer to state laws, the bill would appear to… The post Laws Banning REALTOR Membership Requirements Defeated in 2 States appeared first on RISMedia.

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Rocket Pro TPO joins ARIVE platform

Housing Wire

Rocket Companies made a major move this week by integrating Rocket Pro TPO with ARIVE , a leading software platform used by mortgage brokers. The integration, announced on Wednesday, connects Rocket to a network of approximately 28,000 active users, including 21,000 loan officers who source mortgage offers from multiple wholesale lenders including Rockets chief rival, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) all within a single system.

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Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First

Keeping Current Matters

Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: Is the housing market about to crash?

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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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American Financial Resources appoints new CEO and COO

Housing Wire

American Financial Resources (AFR) on Wednesday announced the promotions of Robert Pieklo to CEO and Michael Brenning to chief operating officer. The leadership changes follow the company’s record-breaking first quarter in which AFR said it quadrupled its Q1 2024 loan origination volume, including a nearly 700% increase in production in the wholesale channel alone.

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Today’s Mortgage Rates April 16, 2025: Big Drop in Rates as Treasury Yields Fall

Marco Santarelli

If you're planning to secure a mortgage or refinance your existing loan, today's mortgage rates – April 16, 2025 have dropped significantly across multiple loan types. The average national interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is now 6.78% , down eight basis points from previous rates, while the 15-year fixed rate has fallen to 6.09% , experiencing a larger drop of ten basis points, according to Zillow data.

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eXp Realty unveils seller disclosure form for delayed listings

Housing Wire

eXp Realty is no stranger to the forms business. The company was one of the first to come up with its own buyer broker agreement in response to the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nationwide commission lawsuit settlement agreement. Given this, it should come as no surprise that the company is launching its own seller advisory form in order to comply with NARs new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers (MLOS) policy.

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Homebuyers get cold feet as mortgage rates rebound

Inman

Mortgage rates are climbing back toward 7 percent on fears that tariffs could reignite inflation, but Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warns policymakers would be challenged if unemployment also rises.

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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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Why most broker owners don’t turn a profit

Housing Wire

Owning a real estate brokerage may seem like a lucrative business, but in reality, many brokers struggle to turn a profit. Despite the appeal of running their own operation, most find themselves facing financial challenges due to high overhead costs, intense competition, agent commission structures, and ineffective business strategies. Well break down the key reasons why most broker-owners dont see the financial success they anticipated. 1.

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Mortgage Applications Take a Hit Under Consumer Uncertainty

RIS Media

Mortgage applications took a hit this week as the consumers remain on edge due to a wavering economy. The Market Composite Index (a measure of the volume of mortgage applications) fell 8.5% from one week earlier, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) for the week ending April… The post Mortgage Applications Take a Hit Under Consumer Uncertainty appeared first on RISMedia.

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9 expert tips to close real estate deals faster & easier

Housing Wire

Since our income is (usually) tied directly to closings, many real estate agents wonder how to close deals faster. Faster sales not only allow us to help more clients each year, they also help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that come with a commission-only career. Keep reading for expert tips on how to close real estate deals faster, plus ways to make your real estate transactions more seamless. 1.

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Locals and City Continue Legal Fight Over Fort Greene Park Reno

Brownstoner

By Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper To tree, or not to tree? That is the question at the center of the third lawsuit targeting the citys long-planned overhaul of Fort Greene Park. The lush but aging greenspace was chosen as one of eight city parks to be overhauled by the Parks Without Borders… Read More > The post Locals and City Continue Legal Fight Over Fort Greene Park Reno appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Rents remain above pre-pandemic levels in nearly all major metros

Housing Wire

Rent prices declined for the 20th consecutive month across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. But the cost of renting remains well above pre-pandemic levels, according to the newest Realtor.com rent report released Wednesday. The median asking rent in March was $1,694, down $65 from the 2022 peak. But compared to March 2019, the median rent is still 20.2% higher, rising from $1,409 over the six-year period. “While the median asking rent is down $65 monthly or over $700 annually, in nearly ev

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Daily Links: Roof of Park Slope Brownstone Now Home to 12,000 Bees

Brownstoner

In the News Subway Surfer Dashes Across J Train in Burg in Shocking Video [NYP] Park Slope Residents Install Rooftop Hive With 12,000 Honey Bees [BP] Advocates, City Continue Legal Battle Over Fort Greene Park Revamp [BP] Haitian Culture Day Parade Returns to Brooklyn [BK Reader] Scrappleland Officially Opens in Former Beer, Ale Space [Greenpointers] Fashion… Read More > The post Daily Links: Roof of Park Slope Brownstone Now Home to 12,000 Bees appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Equity Smart Home Loans cuts ties to UWM, partners with Rocket

Housing Wire

Equity Smart Home Loans made a splash Wednesday by announcing it is severing ties with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) and partnering with Rocket Pro. In an interview with HousingWire, longtime CEO Pablo Martinez said that the contract termination occurred last week. “It just comes down to pricing. It’s like when you go to Costco, you see people spending 20, 30, minutes in line to save 30 cents on gas.

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Jane’s Walk Tours Give Insider Look at Brooklyn and Beyond

Brownstoner

Jane's Walk NYC returns this year with tours exploring New York City from a local point of view led by fellow New Yorkers. The annual weekend of free walking tours takes place the first weekend in May and the calendar of events has launched. Hosted by the Municipal Art Society (MAS)… Read More > The post Jane’s Walk Tours Give Insider Look at Brooklyn and Beyond appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Credit.org rolls out new reverse mortgage e-learning platform

Housing Wire

The reverse mortgage education ecosystem has long struggled to push back against the tide of what the industry views as bad information about its products and business model. Nonprofit counseling agency Credit.org is aiming to offer more prospective reverse mortgage borrowers a source of information. It has created a new e-learning course that aims to demystify reverse mortgages for interested parties.

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Supporting One Another on the Path to Success

RIS Media

Rene Gonzales CEO Long Companies, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Tucson, Arizona [link] Region served: Arizona Years in real estate: 23 Number of offices: 12 company owned, 15 franchises Number of agents: 1,000 company agents and about 700 franchisee agents Favorite part of your job: Helping agents achieve success, whatever… The post Supporting One Another on the Path to Success appeared first on RISMedia.

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US home equity has reached $35 trillion. It’s a blessing and a curse

Housing Wire

Home equity levels among U.S. homeowners is at record levels, having hit $35 trillion, according to Federal Reserve data. But with this added wealth on paper, those holding it aren’t necessarily feeling more financially secure. This is due to the upward march of property taxes , persistently high interest rates and other restrictions some families may not anticipate.

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Compass scoops up Douglas Elliman agent Patty LaRocco

Inman

LaRocco is based in New York City and comes to Compass as a top agent from Douglas Elliman. She hopes to expand her team after jumping to Compass, according to an announcement.

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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.