Wed.May 15, 2024

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Why jobs data is more important than inflation for lower mortgage rates

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates have been slowly dropping recently, which has caught some people off guard. With inflation data that is still higher than the Federal Reserve ‘s target, the recent decrease has left many intrigued. Was it the recent inflation reports or the last batch of labor data that played a significant role in this shift? The Fed’s recent hawkish stance, refraining from rate cuts and advocating for extended higher rate language, adds to the mystery.

Mortgages 103
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Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home

Keeping Current Matters

Having a hard time finding a first home that's right for you and your wallet?

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Freddie Mac’s controversial gambit into home equity: Is more liquidity a bad thing?

Housing Wire

Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) Freddie Mac has put its finger on the scale of an emerging loan market that has been the domain of the private-label securities market, which has nurtured its reemergence in recent years. Last month, Freddie Mac announced a plan to begin purchasing single-family closed-end second (CES) mortgages from lenders, a proposal now subject to a public comment review period before adoption.

Equity 492
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Housing Market Decoded: The mortgage rate 'lock-in' effect

Real Estate News

Rates have gone up considerably in the past few years, but is the fear of losing a low-rate mortgage really keeping homeowners from selling?

Mortgages 273
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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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Inflation eases for the first time in three months

Housing Wire

The most anticipated economic report of the month showed that inflation cooled down a little in April, bringing relief to investors and housing industry professionals. Consumer prices in April were up 3.4% from a year earlier, down from 3.5% in March , according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Wednesday. The reading, which came on the heels of the past three stronger-than-expected CPI releases, aligned with economists’ forecasts.

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Builder confidence takes a hit as rates, costs remain high

Real Estate News

Sentiment drops for the first time since November, with persistent inflation and concerns about new federal rules dampening builders’ outlook.

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Mortgage rates headed under 7% on encouraging inflation data

Inman

Homebuyers have yet to respond in force to drop in rates, which have been in retreat from 2024 highs for three consecutive weeks following Fed easing and soft jobs and CPI reports.

Mortgages 193
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How builders can support baby boomers in their second phase of life

Housing Wire

A lot has been said about the ‘silver tsunami,’ with predictions that baby boomers will move in droves , suddenly unlocking tons of inventory for younger homebuyers. After all, boomers own almost 10 million homes and are likely considering a lifestyle change. Our data supports this prediction: 85% of baby boomers who are planning to sell their homes in the next 5 years will actually do so in the next three.

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A missed opportunity at NAR midyear

Inman

On the heels of the National Association of Realtors’ midyear meeting, broker-owner Teresa Boardman wonders why NAR doesn’t livestream (and engage) more members.

Brokerage 183
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VantageScore releases new credit-scoring model

Housing Wire

VantageScore has released a pilot of its latest credit-scoring model , VantageScore 4 Plus, for banks, fintechs and government lenders. The new model combines alternate open banking data with traditional credit data , which it claims gives lenders a “substantial predictive lift of up to 10% compared to the industry leading VantageScore 4.0 credit score, which itself has up to an 8% lift over conventional scoring models.” VantageScore said its new pilot is compatible with all major ag

Lending 459
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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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Back in growth mode, Better is hiring again but still in the red in Q1

Inman

The lender boosted mortgage volume 25 percent from Q4 but suffered a $51 million loss, according to Q1 earnings data on Tuesday. CEO Vishal Garg said Better's future "lies in Uberizing the loan officer.

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The mortgage rate lock-in didn’t start in 2022

Housing Wire

This is an excerpt of a HousingWire Research report titled: What Everyone Needs to Know about Mortgage Rate Lock-in, by Altos President Mike Simonsen. In the 24 months beginning March 2022, the U.S. housing market saw dramatic changes in affordability as mortgage rates skyrocketed 500 basis points. After an initial rush to get to market in Q2 2022, new listings volume fell precipitously.

Mortgages 459
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Flagstar exiting warehouse business to bolster parent NYCB

Inman

JPMorgan Chase Bank has agreed to buy about $5 billion in mortgage warehouse loans from NYCB. Flagstar will continue retail and wholesale mortgage lending and servicing operations.

Lending 178
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Consumers fear the long-term consequences of renting on their financial future

Housing Wire

Many prospective U.S. homebuyers fear missing out on the perks of owning a home. According to the newest Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report , 72% of respondents worry about potential rent hikes impacting their finances. The report also reveals growing uncertainty about whether to rent or buy, with 57% of survey respondents unsure if now is a good time to purchase a home, compared to 48% last year.

Banks 459
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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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Last call: Nominations for the Innovator Awards close Friday

Inman

Don't miss your opportunity to celebrate success and innovation. Submit nominations in 13 categories by Friday before winners are announced this August.

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The long road to remote reverse mortgage counseling in Massachusetts

Housing Wire

From 2010 to 2024, the reverse mortgage industry sought to allow remote reverse mortgage counseling in the state of Massachusetts, citing an insufficient number of actual counselors and logistical challenges for senior clients. But as time dragged on and state lawmakers seemed unwilling to seriously entertain the proposal, the ravages of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic helped to change the dynamics of the situation.

Mortgages 459
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How are you preparing for upcoming industry changes? Pulse

Inman

With settlement approvals and impending rule changes, we're wondering, what steps are you taking (if any) to get ready?

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CHLA: Here’s how to modernize ‘short-changed’ Ginnie Mae

Housing Wire

The Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA) on Wednesday released a plan that it says would “modernize” Ginnie Mae , the government-owned company that manages the securitization of government-sponsored loans. The CHLA argues that Ginnie Mae has not been given sufficient budget authority by the congressional appropriations process despite the value it generates.

Banks 456
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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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While banks pull out, investment funds double down on real estate

Inman

Multiple funds told Reuters they planned to increase their credit exposure to property as banks back off from commercial real estate.

Banks 167
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Reducing risk bynhancing organizational cybersecurity

Housing Wire

In the contemporary digital landscape , one of the principal threats to an organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure stems from sophisticated email phishing attacks. The increasing complexity of these tactics necessitates a strategic approach to arm employees with essential skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing their ability to recognize and neutralize such threats.

Principal 448
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Ullman Group launches into luxury with aid from Christie’s Real Estate

Inman

A collaboration with Christie's International Real Estate Sereno has helped Ullman Group founder Cody Ullman get his new niche luxury brokerage off the ground and gain a foothold in California

Brokerage 162
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Freddie Mac’s plan to enter the home equity market draws mixed reviews

Housing Wire

Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) Freddie Mac has put its finger on the scale of an emerging loan market that has been the domain of the private-label securities market, which has nurtured its reemergence in recent years. Last month, Freddie Mac announced a plan to begin purchasing single-family closed-end second (CES) mortgages from lenders, a proposal now subject to a public comment review period before adoption.

Equity 447
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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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Texas, Florida are affordability havens for homebuyers: Zillow

Inman

Rising inventory and slowing home price growth have made Austin, San Antonio, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville some of the best markets for buyers, according to Zillow's latest Market Heat Index.

Marketing 161
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Proof launches AI-powered fraud detection tool

Housing Wire

Remote online notarization (RON) firm Proof has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered fraud detection tool called Defend. According to the company’s announcement on Tuesday, the tool is built into the Proof platform. The firm said it was inspired to create the tool due to a desire to stop the $81 billion in annual losses in the U.S. caused by falsified records, forged signatures and identity theft.

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Last call: Nominations for Inman’s Golden I Club Awards close Friday

Inman

Honor your top performers with a Golden I Club nomination. Simply being nominated for a Golden I award affirms your team's commitment to excellence in a fiercely competitive market.

Closing 160
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Inflation Eases Slightly in April But Still Holds Above 3%

Bigger Pockets

The April CPI report came out Wednesday morning, and the results aren’t encouraging for those hoping for a Fed rate cut any time soon.

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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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5 real estate marketing campaigns that don’t cost a thing

Inman

Gaining traction in your market isn’t solely based on budget, The Agency’s Rainy Hake Austin writes. Prioritize creativity, authenticity, strategic thinking and these free marketing ideas.

Marketing 155
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Wineries, Ski Lodges, Farms, and Driving Ranges: Alternative Real Estate Investments to Consider

Bigger Pockets

From $500,000 to several million dollars, you can get into incredible alternative real estate assets that aren't subject to the regular housing swings.

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Woodward Realty Group merges with Corcoran Baer & McIntosh

Inman

With the merger, 26 agents will join Corcoran Baer & McIntosh, bringing the combined firms' agent count to 130 across seven offices in parts of New York and New Jersey.

Agents 144
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Meme Stocks Surged Again This Week—But I’m Not Buying the Hype

Bigger Pockets

Gamestop and AMC are up significantly over the past five days. Are they headed to the moon, or is this just a temporary blip?

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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.