Thu.Oct 31, 2024

article thumbnail

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s spread awareness about real estate wire fraud

Housing Wire

Over the last decade, real estate transactions have increasingly become a prime target for cybercrime. Far from slowing down, the scams are becoming more prevalent, sophisticated, and difficult to recognize as fraudulent. With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is important that the real estate industry and consumers speak up and spread the word about how to prevent these real estate cybercrimes.

Title 476
article thumbnail

Trying to Save Money When Hiring a Real Estate Agent? Avoid These 4 “Questionable” Qualities

Lighter Side of Real Estate

According to a recent CNBC article , 33% of homeowners are willing to hire a “questionable” contractor in order to save money, defining it as “someone who isn’t exactly honest with the price, may be overestimating their skills, doesn’t do high quality work, or simply doesn’t show up for the project.” As you can imagine, doing so comes with the risk of “getting what you pay for” in the form of shoddy work… if the project gets done at all.

Agents 119
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

ClearValue teams with Restb.ai to bring computer vision to appraisal process

Housing Wire

The real estate industry is racing to find ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve business practices. ClearValue Consulting thinks it’s found a way. The firm has partnered with Restb.ai to bring computer vision to its valuation review platform called Certainty. The companies hope Restb.ai’s technology can help ClearValue’s appraisal review clients improve efficiency and quality control while also reducing costs.

article thumbnail

How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving

Keeping Current Matters

Feeling a bit unsure, or even afraid, to move with everything going on right now?

Agents 305
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Year of change: Real estate pros reflects on anniversary of Sitzer/Burnett verdict

Housing Wire

It’s been one year since the Sitzer/Burnett verdict was rendered in Missouri. What has changed for real estate brokerages since then? (Image generated by AI in Midjourney) Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles that will explore the effects of the landmark Sitzer/Burnett case, which was decided on Oct. 31, 2023, and has since reshaped the business practices for real estate brokerages and agents across the country.

Brokerage 448

More Trending

article thumbnail

FOA lowers rate, expands HomeSafe Second reverse mortgage into new states

Housing Wire

Reverse mortgage industry leader Finance of America (FOA) announced updates on Thursday to the interest rate for HomeSafe Second, its proprietary second-lien reverse mortgage product. It will also be available in four new states, bringing the total to 10 with more planned for 2025. The new states are Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Utah. The interest rate on the loan has been lowered from 9.99% to 9.49%.

Mortgages 434
article thumbnail

How to Sell My House Fast in Syracuse: Cash Offer Options

HomeLight

Selling your home in the bustling city of Syracuse can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re on a tight deadline. If you’re a homeowner facing the need to sell fast — whether it be for financial reasons, a job relocation, or another unexpected life event — you may be weighed down by questions and uncertainty without knowing the right place to start.

article thumbnail

Purchase mortgage applicants are seeing more reasons to smile

Housing Wire

By at least one measurement, affordability is improving for prospective homebuyers, even as home prices continue to rise and mortgage credit availability remains relatively low. According to data released Thursday by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the median payment for purchase loan applicants declined by 0.8% from August to September. The median payment for these prospective borrowers dropped to $2,041 last month.

FHA loan 448
article thumbnail

BREAKING: Judge Approves Copycat Settlements for Nine Brokerages

RIS Media

A federal judge today gave a final stamp of approval to settlement agreements struck by nine large brokerages, confirming immunity from seller-filed commission lawsuits despite objections from some other plaintiffs. Judge Stephen R. Bough of the Western District of Missouri oversaw a final “fairness hearing” for the agreements struck by Compass, The Real Brokerage, Realty… The post BREAKING: Judge Approves Copycat Settlements for Nine Brokerages appeared first on RISMedia.

Brokerage 122
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

CubiCasa launches AI tool that creates virtual home tours in minutes

Housing Wire

Interior property data company CubiCasa announced the launch of an interactive touring product for listing agents. The new CubiCasa Tour product will create interactive, virtual property tours within minutes. The new product uses similar software to CubiCasa’s Floor Plans, another virtual listing tool that builds floor plans in five minutes or less.

article thumbnail

The fall housing rally may have come and gone

Real Estate News

September’s low rates gave pending sales a boost, but as mortgage rates climb for a fifth straight week, enthusiasm is expected to wane.

Mortgages 284
article thumbnail

Howard Hanna acquires two independent brokerages

Housing Wire

It has already been a busy week for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (HHRES) and it is only Thursday. The family-owned brokerage firm announced the completion of two acquisitions on Wednesday. The financial terms of the deals are not being disclosed. While Ohio is already a stronghold for the Pennsylvania -based firm, Howard Hanna strengthened its position in the buckeye state through its recent acquisition of Dayton-based Big Hill Realty.

Brokerage 434
article thumbnail

Howard Hanna expands its presence in Ohio, South Carolina

Real Estate News

The major independent firm announced a pair of deals this week that support its strategy of steady growth across the eastern U.S.

284
284
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Real estate agent commissions are holding steady, except at this price point

Housing Wire

Real estate agent commissions have held steady since August, but there’s a divergence at different price points. That’s the conclusion of new data from Redfin , which shows that the average commission between August and October dropped by 1 basis point to 2.34%. The data is derived from sales by Redfin agents who have closed a transaction in October or are scheduled to by the end of the month.

Agents 375
article thumbnail

Cloze Appoints Jose Perez as General Manager, Partnerships

RIS Media

Above, Jose Perez Cloze, a provider of AI-powered sales and marketing software for real estate brokerages, has announced the appointment of Jose Perez as the company’s new General Manager of Partnerships. Perez will draw upon his 30-year career at both notable real estate brands and proptech companies to expand Cloze’s reach within regional, national and… The post Cloze Appoints Jose Perez as General Manager, Partnerships appeared first on RISMedia.

Branding 111
article thumbnail

FHFA to affordable housing sponsors: We hear you on FHLBank financing

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Thursday said it will aim to simplify the process of funding affordable housing projects through the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). The advisory bulletin came in response to comments by sponsors that have called the process too cumbersome. “Each of the 11 FHLBanks operates an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) providing grants or subsidized advances to fund rental housing and homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households,” the

Finance 344
article thumbnail

I Need to Sell a House Fast in Albuquerque: What Are My Options?

HomeLight

As a homeowner in Albuquerque, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to sell your house fast. Whether it’s an unexpected life change, a sudden job relocation, or a planned move with an impending deadline, navigating New Mexico’s real estate market swiftly and efficiently can seem like a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll provide expert insights to help you understand your fastest-selling options in Burque.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Judge approves brokerage settlements totaling $110 million

Real Estate News

Defendants including Compass, Redfin and seven other large firms can now move on from litigation in the sell-side commissions cases.

Brokerage 268
article thumbnail

Are Closing Costs Tax Deductible When Selling a House?

HomeLight

When selling your home, it’s likely you’ll focus on the proceeds you’ll earn and the taxes you may need to pay. But there are expenses involved that may be tax deductible. In this post, we explore the question: Are closing costs tax deductible? Let’s take a look at which fees might qualify for tax deductions and which can reduce your capital gains taxes.

article thumbnail

What’s spookier, ghosts or mold? Owners and buyers weigh in

Real Estate News

In the “spirit” of Halloween, a new survey finds that many people would settle for a haunted house over one with maintenance issues or political neighbors.

260
260
article thumbnail

How Much Does It Cost to Level a House?

HomeLight

If your home feels unsteady or you’re spotting new cracks in walls and ceilings, it might be time to consider house leveling. Foundation issues can creep up gradually, especially in older homes, leaving homeowners facing structural concerns and potential safety risks. When it comes to selling, an uneven foundation can impact your home’s value and marketability.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Compass Sees MLS’s Stop Enforcement of Clear Cooperation as Reffkin Continues to Speak Out

RIS Media

Compass Founder and CEO Robert Reffkin continues to hold his stance against NAR’s Clear Cooperation policy, and reported that the company has seen no “meaningful change” in business since NAR’s practice changes went into place. In the company’s recent earnings call for Q3 2024, Reffkin stated that the company had trained over 90% of its… The post Compass Sees MLS’s Stop Enforcement of Clear Cooperation as Reffkin Continues to Speak Out appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 115
article thumbnail

Freddie Mac House Price Index Increased in September; Up 3.6% Year-over-year

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Note: The Freddie Mac index is a repeat sales index using only loans purchased by Fannie and Freddie and includes appraisals. See FAQs here. Freddie has data for all states and many cities. For house prices, I’m currently following Case-Shiller, FHFA, CoreLogic, ICE, the NAR median prices, and this Freddie Mac index. Freddie Mac reported that its “National” Home Price Index (FMHPI) increased 0.28% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis in September.

Loans 80
article thumbnail

4 Key Strategies to Get Homes Sold Faster and for Top Dollar

RIS Media

As a REALTOR®, it is known that there are different strategies for different market conditions. Homesellers these days face challenges in the current market they may not have just a few years ago. Here are four strategies to suggest they employ to get client properties sold quickly and for the prices they desire. Have a… The post 4 Key Strategies to Get Homes Sold Faster and for Top Dollar appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 116
article thumbnail

Commissions held steady after Aug. 17, Redfin study shows

Inman

Commissions have been slowly declining over the last decade, but since the NAR settlement terms went into effect this summer, buyer's agent commissions have seen little impact.

Agents 193
article thumbnail

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.