Wed.Mar 13, 2024

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Opinion: In a digital world, do real estate agents serve a purpose?

Housing Wire

In a world enamored with all things digital and AI , one would think that real estate agents don’t serve any purpose, but it’s totally untrue. Moreover, the concept remains a central theme of some arguments contained in the plethora of lawsuits that are now carpet bombing the real estate industry. Despite the claims, a critically important truth is missing.

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Your Home Is a Powerful Investment

Keeping Current Matters

Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash.

Marketing 336
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As insurance costs rise, real estate agents have more buyer concerns to assuage

Housing Wire

As recently as five years ago, homeowners insurance was certainly not top of mind for most homebuyers and their real estate agents , but the rapidly rising cost of insurance premiums is changing that. “Before, insurance was kind of an afterthought. It was just a box to check off,” said Paul Scalone, a San Diego-based Compass agent and the owner of Dignified Insurance Services.

Agents 481
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Twice as many sellers are looking to relocate in 2024

Real Estate News

A Coldwell Banker survey found a big increase in the number of sellers willing to move to another city or state as price considerations now outweigh location.

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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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Mortgage demand rises for a second straight week 

Housing Wire

A decline in interest rates buoyed mortgage demand for another week. Mortgage applications increased by 7.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis during the week ending March 8, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association ’s (MBA) weekly mortgage applications survey. It was the second increase in a row. “Mortgage rates dropped below 7% last week for most loan types because of incoming economic data showing a weaker service sector and a less robust job market, with an increase in the unemployment ra

Mortgages 475
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Realtor.com listings now display 5 climate risk factors

Real Estate News

Buyers can see heat, wind and air quality ratings in addition to the existing flood and wildfire ratings, which can “help reduce surprise costs.

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More Trending

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eXp paid out more than $230M in rev share and stock last year

Real Estate News

In a new compensation report, eXp said it paid agents and brokers nearly $198 million in revenue share and $34.7 million in EXPI shares.

Agents 211
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Realtor.com reveals new tools to evaluate climate risk exposure 

Housing Wire

Amid escalating climate concerns , Realtor.com has launched enhanced tools to help homebuyers and sellers evaluate the climate risk exposure of a property, according to a company announcement on Wednesday. Realtor.com is leveraging data from First Street , a climate technology company, and will offer three new risk factor scores — heat, wind and air — to complement existing fire and flood assessments.

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‘Million Dollar Listing’ star Josh Flagg leaves Elliman for Compass

Inman

The high-profile luxury agent has worked with Douglas Elliman since 2021 and served as a longtime agent with Rodeo Realty before that. He will now align with Compass’s Beverly Hills office.

Agents 182
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Luxury Realty Group launches new AI avatar to assist homebuyers

Housing Wire

Luxury Realty Group , a subsidiary of Luxury Realty Group Holdings , launched the beta testing for its conversational AI services website vuHome.ai, the company announced on Tuesday. The product will be available across its brokerage operations in Las Vegas. Luxury Realty Group’s clients will be able to interact orally with an avatar, listing the criteria of their home of choice, with the platform subsequently generating tailored listings to match these preferences.

Brokerage 466
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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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Born into real estate royalty, Farrah Brittany makes the tough look easy

Inman

Brittany started out as an assistant at The Agency when it first opened its doors in 2011 and is now one of the firm's most rock-solid agents. She said her family's connections and her own work ethic have helped shape her career.

Agents 184
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Judge grants response for MLS PIN, Nosalek plaintiffs

Housing Wire

Boston-based U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris will allow the Nosalek commission lawsuit plaintiffs and MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) defendants to file a response to the Department of Justice’s statement of interest. In late February, MLS PIN and the plaintiffs filed a joint motion asking Saris for permission to file separate responses to the DOJ’s mid-February filing.

MLS 465
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As corporate DEI is scaled back, real estate needs to double down

Inman

New Inman contributor Anita Legacy Blue, president of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, writes that despite a move away from corporate DEI, real estate can't afford to move backward.

As-is 178
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DataDigest: Rosy economic news could prolong elevated rates

Housing Wire

Good news: The national economy is growing, unemployment is low and corporate revenues are up. For housing and mortgage professionals, however, these apparent boons spell trouble. They signal that economy is still running hot — or at least more than lukewarm — and that inflation may still need more cold water from the Federal Reserve to slow down. The cold water comes in the form of the Fed continuing its presently high federal funds rate, which indirectly produces higher mortgage rates.

Mortgages 464
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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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Homebuyers made hay while mortgage rates were down

Inman

Purchase loan applications surged for the second week in a row last week, but now rates are headed back up as worrisome inflation data casts doubts on timing of Fed rate cuts.

Mortgages 174
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Divvy launches new product aimed at homeownership readiness

Housing Wire

Proptech startup Divvy is starting 2024 with a new product launch. Known for its rent-to-buy product — which provides homebuyers with an all-cash offer and allows them to rent a property until they are ready to buy — the company is launching a homeownership readiness program, DivvyUp , according to an announcement on Wednesday. “We spent a lot of time talking to our current customer base and trying to figure out exactly what they needed, and what they wanted to feel more supported from Divvy,” C

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Realtor.com the latest portal to include climate risk data

Inman

The climate’s toddler-like, harder-than-ever-to-predict behavior is having a measurable impact on the housing market, a reality that led to Realtor.com partnering with First Street, a non-profit organization that provides data and critical resources on climate change.

Marketing 174
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14 indispensable AI tools for real estate agents

Housing Wire

Vetted by HousingWire | Our editors independently review the products we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools equip real estate agents with unprecedented capabilities. While ChatGPT has become a go-to tool for many of us, predictive analytics tools offer a more efficient, data-driven approach to generating new client leads.

Agents 439
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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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Jail ahead for ‘worst landlord on this planet’ over squalid rentals

Inman

The sheriff has been ordered to arrest a landlord twice named worst in New York City and bring him to Rikers Island for up to 60 days over hundreds of building violations.

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RMF parent obtains Chapter 7 bankruptcy status

Housing Wire

The presiding judge in the bankruptcy case involving Reverse Mortgage Investment Trust (RMIT) — the parent company of former leading reverse mortgage lender Reverse Mortgage Funding (RMF) — has approved a request to transfer the company’s bankruptcy status to Chapter 7 from its current Chapter 11 status. This is according to court documents reviewed by RMD.

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Get a handle on visionary syndrome so you can put ideas into action

Inman

A lack of focus, prioritization and patience can undermine your best ideas and keep them from coming to fruition, writes marketing expert Molly McKinley.

Marketing 177
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Guild earnings show more reverse mortgage activity after Cherry Creek acquisition

Housing Wire

Guild Mortgage released its fourth-quarter and full year 2023 earnings report this week, showing that it narrowed its focus on purchase originations and increased its market share on the forward lending side, but it still sustained a loss. After its acquisition last year of Cherry Creek Mortgage , Guild increased its involvement in the reverse mortgage industry due to Cherry Creek’s well-developed reverse lending apparatus.

Mortgages 429
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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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Guild Mortgage shrugs off 2023 loss as it pursues acquisitions

Inman

The San Diego-based lender has completed five acquisitions in the past 18 months, unfazed by a 21 percent drop in mortgage originations and $39.1 million 2023 net loss.

Mortgages 161
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U.S. News Listed Its 20 Hottest Real Estate Markets—Should You Invest in Any of Them?

Bigger Pockets

U.S. News released its annual list of the hottest real estate markets for the year. Here's a look at what's included and our take on the rankings.

Marketing 134
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Agents temper hopes for better 2024 as buyers sit out: Intel survey

Inman

Real estate agents are optimistic their client pipelines will improve from last year's lows — but it may take longer than hoped, according to shifting sentiments in the latest Inman Intel Index.

Agents 152
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Living Overseas Can Help You Earn More Money in Real Estate Over the Long Run—Here’s How

Bigger Pockets

The cost of living has been rising steadily over the last several decades, especially with inflationary pressures over the past couple of years. At this rate, is it easier to invest in U.S. real estate from overseas? The answer might surprise you.

Marketing 124
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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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Zenlist to power mobile search for Midwest Real Estate Data

Inman

Members of multiple listing service Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) will have enhanced, collaborative functionality with clients and listings in the mobile environment because of a partnership with business app Zenlist.

MLS 140
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Curbio Denies Lawsuit Claims That It Engaged in Schemes Targeting Elderly

RIS Media

Late last year, Washington, D.C. Attorney General (AG) Brian L. Schwalb announced the filing of a lawsuit against Curbio, a national pre-sale home renovation platform, for allegedly taking part in a scheme targeting the elderly and financially disadvantaged. Curbio is a fix now, pay-at-closing home improvement solution for real estate professionals, operating in more than… The post Curbio Denies Lawsuit Claims That It Engaged in Schemes Targeting Elderly appeared first on RISMedia.

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Illinois Supreme Court says Chicago tax hike can move ahead

Inman

A fiscal watchdog also released a report warning that Chicago leaders may not have studied the issue thoroughly before putting it on the March 19 ballot.

MLS 147
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Staying Ahead of the Market

RIS Media

Above, Eileen Doherty Eileen Doherty Sales Associate Lamacchia Realty, Inc. Woburn, Massachusetts [link] Region served: Middlesex County Years in real estate: 40 Favorite part of your job: Making the deal and seeing my seller happy. Motto/work philosophy that you live by: Treat others the way you want to be treated. What is the most significant… The post Staying Ahead of the Market appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 119
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Maximizing Your Online Presence: Tips for Real Estate Agents on Social Media

Speaker: Sarah Santa Ana, Real Estate Coach, Move4Free Realty

Networking is one of the crucial elements in every real estate organization's success. Both agents and real estate companies need to maintain robust networking links. This is why social media is essential for any real estate professional! Social media enables you to stay in touch with your present clients, maintain connections with your past clients, and engage potential customers and investors.