Mon.Sep 30, 2024

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First-time buyers hampered as starter homes become much less affordable

Housing Wire

Starter homes are more affordable to the average American than they were a year ago, but they have become significantly less affordable over the past decade. That’s the conclusion Redfin reached in a data report released Monday. The national real estate brokerage analyzed household income levels and monthly housing payments to calculate its affordability metric.

Mortgages 441
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A double dose of good news for housing affordability

Real Estate News

Home Price Index went up 4.1%, while starter homes are more affordable than they’ve been in four years — in part due to a shift in perspective.

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Most Americans say weather events are increasing the risk to their homes

Housing Wire

Slightly more than half of Americans say that weather events are becoming an increasing risk factor for their homes, while nearly one in five report difficulties in accessing homeowners insurance. This is according to results of a survey conducted by NeighborWorks America , a congressionally chartered community development organization. The heightened concern reflects “a growing recognition of climate change and its direct implications for housing security,” NeighborWorks said.

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Newly ID’d opt-ins will add $30 million to NAR settlement fund

Real Estate News

Plaintiffs in the Sitzer/Burnett commissions case are seeking preliminary approval for deals with 15 non-Realtor MLSs and 13 real estate brokerages.

Brokerage 242
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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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Record numbers of seniors living alone could be prone to isolation

Housing Wire

More than 16 million Americans who are 65 or older are living alone, but the depth of their experiences is largely unknown. This is according to a recent story published by KFF Health News. “This slice of the older population has significant health issues: Nearly 4 in 10 seniors living alone have vision or hearing loss, difficulty caring for themselves and living independently, problems with cognition, or other disabilities, according to a KFF analysis of 2022 census data,” the story explained.

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Mortgage leaders talk rates, capital markets and fresh origination strategies

Housing Wire

In the newest episode of the Power House podcast, host Clayton Collins chats with Robert Pieklo, chief operating officer of American Financial Resources (AFR), and Adam Carmel , CEO of Polly. They discuss the latest developments in the mortgage market, along with key dynamics and growth strategies for lenders as interest rates continue to fall. The conversation also covers cost-to-completion metrics, new technology and tactics strategies for making customers happy in today’s market.

Mortgages 382
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Law professor creates contract with buyer interests in mind

Inman

University of Buffalo contracts law professor Tanya Monestier's sample form makes clear the buyer is on the hook for buyer broker compensation so long as they successfully close a deal.

Closing 187
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Compass continues push into Dallas with addition of luxury agent

Housing Wire

Compass has announced yet another addition to its team in Texas. Adrian Jacobs, a luxury agent who has sold more than $29 million in volume over the past year, has rejoined Compass’s Dallas office from Douglas Elliman. Coming with him is Genna Skolnik, the leader of The Venture Group. She rejoined Compass last year from The Agency. “Understanding quality real estate opportunities requires both a broad marketplace context and a detailed understanding of asset types,” Jacobs said in a statement.

Agents 377
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Meet the outmatched agents living through a post-deadline ordeal

Inman

Most real estate professionals say little has changed since new commission rules went into effect in August. But for a smaller group, the changes have unleashed a completely different experience.

Agents 184
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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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Howard Hanna launches new AI home search tool

Housing Wire

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is jumping into the artificial intelligence (AI) technology game. On Monday, the family-owned firm announced the launch of HomeFinder AI through a partnership with technology firm ListAssist. HomeFinder AI users can type their exact search parameters into the platform — including phrases like a “modern kitchen with tons of natural light” or a “spacious backyard with a pool” — and they will be matched with properties.

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Ready to thrive in 2025? Feed your white wolf

Inman

As 2025 approaches, Ophir Adar writes, many real estate agents are wondering how to thrive in a rapidly changing market. The key to success lies with your focus, mindset and ultimately, your results.

Agents 179
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The Agency forms a joint venture and enters the mortgage world

Housing Wire

Mauricio’s Umansky’s The Agency is getting into the mortgage business. The brokerage has entered into a joint venture with Barrett Financial Group to offer what the companies believe will be a wide range of mortgage products and streamlined underwriting to The Agency’s luxury clients. Dubbed Aclara Lending, the joint venture will start in Southern California with plans to expand in the near future.

Mortgages 372
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US housing turnover rate hits 30-year low as lock-in effect lingers

Inman

In the first eight months of 2024, only 25 out of every 1,000 U.S. homes changed ownership, marking the lowest housing turnover rate since 1994, according to an analysis by Redfin released Monday.

Mortgages 176
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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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loanDepot closes $300M warehouse securitization 

Housing Wire

California-based loanDepot on Monday announced it has closed a $300 million offering of notes backed by a revolving warehouse line of credit and secured by mortgages. loanDepot said this is the 10th time it has closed a transaction of this kind. It follows other strategies to strengthen its financial position, including selling mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and extending debt.

Closing 360
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Figure now using OpenAI’s GPT to speed HELOC doc review process

Inman

When combined with a newly launched chatbot powered by Google Gemini, Figure says AI-powered doc review will save $8 million while raising customer satisfaction scores.

Lending 175
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Reverse mortgage lender Longbridge Financial sues competitor over deceptive marketing accusations

Housing Wire

Two of the top five lenders in the reverse mortgage industry are now engaged in a legal skirmish over marketing practices that one lender calls deceptive. Longbridge Financial , a top five reverse mortgage lender and servicer based in New Jersey, is suing Mutual of Omaha Mortgage over a series of websites maintained by the latter. Longbridge alleges that these websites are both deceptive and in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) as well as guidance from the Federal Tr

Mortgages 338
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Howard Hanna leaps into AI-powered home search game

Real Estate News

The nation’s largest independent brokerage has launched a new natural language search experience on its website, powered by ListAssist to rival portals.

Brokerage 161
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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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Increasing competition in private lending: How to stand out

Housing Wire

According to a recent report by Forbes, over half of all real estate investors are now turning to private lenders. With this comes a more crowded marketplace, which means that existing lenders need to consider ways to stand out from the crowd, to survive. The rise of private lending Private lenders disrupted the monopoly of traditional banks and the private lending market has since seen a remarkable rise, reaching $1.5 trillion in assets under management globally at the start of 2024.

Lending 336
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Realtor.com’s Danielle Hale talks an ‘even bigger’ 2025 as rates drop

Inman

Ahead of Inman Connect Austin, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale talks mortgage rates, affordability, and when agents and consumers might reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

Mortgages 170
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Property Insurance Is Changing—Here’s What to Expect Next Year

Bigger Pockets

Depending on the area of the country you’re investing in, property insurance costs can add many thousands to your annual costs—and in some areas of the country, these are rising rapidly.

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‘Vote, it is so important’: Incoming 2025 LGBTQ+ Alliance President

Inman

In the midst of the LGBTQ+ Alliance’s third annual in-person conference, incoming 2025 President Justin “JZ” Ziegler talked with Inman about the anti-LGBTQ+ political climate, the organization’s future and how to become an ally.

Brokerage 170
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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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Petition to End Clear Cooperation a ‘Collective Effort’ Says NAR-Alternative Organization

RIS Media

An idea to draw attention to a flashpoint issue in residential real estate while also potentially gaining new members for the American Real Estate Association (AREA, our acronym usage, not theirs) has worked out well, thanks to the group’s co-founder, Jason Haber. Haber, an agent with Compass in New York, who created the American Real… The post Petition to End Clear Cooperation a ‘Collective Effort’ Says NAR-Alternative Organization appeared first on RISMedia.

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How empathy can lead the way to a 5-star client experience

Inman

Team lead Jen Berbas writes that taking into account the client perspective and experience at every stage of the transaction allows you to optimize their process and outcome.

Staging 170
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Cloze Names Real Estate Veteran Simon Chen to Board of Directors

RIS Media

Cloze—a provider of AI-powered sales and marketing software for real estate brokerages—has announced the addition of proptech leader Simon Chen to its Board of Directors. In addition to his current role as CEO at Arrival Home Loans, Chen is a well-known industry executive with experience in the review and application of solutions that drive productivity… The post Cloze Names Real Estate Veteran Simon Chen to Board of Directors appeared first on RISMedia.

Brokerage 111
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The Agency launches Aclara Lending mortgage brokerage

Inman

The national brokerage is making its start in Southern California and has been created through a partnership with mortgage service provider Barrett Financial Group, The Agency has informed Inman.

Brokerage 170
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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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Court Report: Settlements Discussed in Buyer Cases; United Mortgage Lawsuit Dismissed

RIS Media

Editor’s note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia’s weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. The last week of September was far from the bumpiest the real estate industry has experienced in recent memory, with lawsuit updates coming in the form of existing suits winding down or ending.… The post Court Report: Settlements Discussed in Buyer Cases; United Mortgage Lawsuit Dismissed appeared first on RISMedia.

Mortgages 111
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Howard Hanna, ListAssist team up on natural language search tool

Inman

The tool will let real estate consumers search using everyday language. It's also designed to provide better, more insightful leads to Howard Hanna.

Design 175
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Murdoch’s REA Group Gives Up After 4th Rejection Trying to Acquire UK Portal

RIS Media

It’s strike four, over and out, for Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group, as its continuing, months-long effort to acquire Rightmove has come to an end. Its fourth offer of $8.3B was rejected by the UK portal’s board of directors Sept. 30, and Murdoch’s Sydney-based News Corp subsidiary said there will not be another offer. News Corp… The post Murdoch’s REA Group Gives Up After 4th Rejection Trying to Acquire UK Portal appeared first on RISMedia.