Wed.Jul 17, 2024

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International buyers purchase fewest existing homes on record: NAR

Housing Wire

International homebuyers purchased the fewest number of existing homes for any year since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) began tracking the data in 2009. On Wednesday, the trade group reported in its 2024 International Transaction in U.S. Residential Real Estate Report that the number of existing homes purchased by international buyers had fallen 36% year over year to 54,300 homes during the year ending in March 2024.

Sales 516
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Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices.

Agents 357
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Will mortgage rates drop in time to help single-family construction? 

Housing Wire

Higher mortgage rates have increased recession risk by targeting the one sector that always falls before every recession: residential construction workers. And higher rates are also impacting the future supply of homes, as housing permits have been in a downtrend for a while. Single-family permits fell again in today’s housing starts report. Of course, the one solution that can change the tide for this concerning downtrend is lower mortgage rates.

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Dancing with Mauricio: On NAR, commissions and what scares him

Real Estate News

The TV star and founder of The Agency says running an association is “a pain” but sees opportunities to improve the agent experience and “fragmented” MLS space.

MLS 293
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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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Opinion: Brokers should consider a new model for post-Burnett world

Housing Wire

There is no escaping the reality that the recent NAR/Sitzer/Burnett settlements is already changing the real estate world as we know it. Amongst the most substantial terms of that agreement is a blanket ban on the requirement that agents subscribe to MLSs to offer or accept compensation for their work. There has been quite a bit of discussion already about how this will impact the traditional residential purchase.

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Regulators give green light to final AVM rules

Housing Wire

Six U.S. regulators announced on Wednesday that they have approved a final rule that requires mortgage originators and secondary market issuers to impose quality control standards for their automated valuation models (AVMs). In June , the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) announced their approval of the final rule.

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Tech Bytes: News from VestaPlus, NEO, zavvie, Reliance

Real Estate News

Staten Island MLS adds Checkmate software; lender NEO leverages zavvie's cash-offer platform; Reliance adds AI-powered marketing tools.

MLS 261
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Real estate investor optimism is rising: RCN Capital

Housing Wire

Real estate investor sentiment rose 16% from the prior quarter and 60% of surveyed investors view the current housing market more favorably than a year ago. That was the key conclusion of the Summer 2024 Investor Sentiment Survey released Wednesday by Connecticut-based mortgage lender RCN Capital and conducted by business advisory firm CJ Patrick Co.

Investor 468
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FCC looks to tighten rules on AI-generated robocalls

Real Estate News

The proposed regulation — the first of its kind — comes at a time when the real estate is already dealing with lawsuits over unsolicited texts and calls.

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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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Refi business picks up as mortgage rates fall

Housing Wire

Mortgage applications increased 3.9% on a seasonally adjusted basis during the week ending July 12, due mainly to borrowers taking advantage of a decline in rates to refinance their home loans, according to data released Wednesday by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). “Mortgage rates declined last week, as recent signs of cooling inflation and the increased likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year pulled them lower,” Joel Kan, MBA’s vice president and deputy chief economist,

Mortgages 468
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Ed Zorn: Why mandatory buyer contracts are a ‘big consumer win’

Inman

California Regional MLS's general counsel talks offers of compensation, seller concessions, steering and buyer agency agreements ahead of his appearance at Inman Connect Las Vegas.

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Housing completions are bright spot in mixed bag of data

Housing Wire

Despite a 3% monthly increase , the pace of new housing construction was 4.4% slower in June 2024 than a year prior, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In June, privately owned housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.353 million units.

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Swing state housing costs have skyrocketed since 2020 election

Inman

Housing affordability will remain an issue at the forefront of the upcoming presidential election, where swing states will determine the next president and the future of housing costs.

Brokerage 198
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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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HUD proposes permanent program for sale of seriously delinquent mortgages 

Housing Wire

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday proposed a new rule that would implement a permanent program to sell seriously delinquent single-family mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These sales have been tested by HUD since 2002, but HUD said that the proposed rule will improve community stability and expand the availability of affordable homes for families as the market faces a supply challenge.

Sales 464
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How to break down the pros and cons of buying down interest rates

Inman

Interest rate buydowns involve a trade-off between upfront costs and long-term affordability. Clever CEO Luke Babich offers strategies to help clients make the choice.

Banks 190
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‘Real Estate Insiders’ role play buyer and seller objections

Housing Wire

A newly released episode of the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast explores the future state of buyer and seller relationships in the housing market after the National Association of Realtors ‘ (NAR) business practice changes take effect Aug. 17. Co-hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson chatted with industry expert Ed Zorn to address key questions that real estate agents may have in the wake of recent Department of Justice investigations targeting several organizations, including th

MLS 459
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A CEO’s perspective on leading through constant change

Inman

Leading during times of change is undoubtedly challenging, new Inman contributor Justin Bailey writes, but it also presents an opportunity to propel education, build stronger teams and enhance relationships.

Brokerage 183
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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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Half of older Americans are rethinking their retirement status: survey

Housing Wire

Survey data released Wednesday by F&G Annuities & Life Inc. shows that economic realities and other considerations are driving Americans to either delay or come out of retirement. F&G’s newly released Retirement Reconsidered survey , which was conducted in May across a sample of 2,048 respondents ages 50 and older, found that 51% of this cohort are thinking of reentering the workforce or pushing back their retirement plans.

Finance 448
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Tell us about your biggest communication blunder: Pulse

Inman

As the Aug. 17 post-settlement implementation deadline approaches, it's more important than ever to get your verbal and written ducks in a row.

Agents 183
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Compass welcomes more top agents in Florida

Housing Wire

Compass continues to welcome top-producing agents to the firm. Earlier this month, the brokerage announced that it was welcoming 30 agents in South Florida from the Engel & Völkers -brokered SWF Premium Real Estate Team. The team will be part of Compass’ newly opened office in downtown Naples. “We are thrilled to announce Compass’ new real estate office in Downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue,” Adam Vellano, managing director at Compass, said in a statement.

Agents 448
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Big drop in mortgage rates fuels refis, but homebuyers unmoved

Inman

One issue for would-be homebuyers seeking jumbo mortgages is that rates haven't come down as dramatically as they have for conforming mortgages eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Mortgages 178
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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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The biggest reverse mortgage marketing moves from the first half of 2024

Housing Wire

Reverse mortgage marketing can be an exacting process. Due to ongoing reputational challenges stemming from years (and loans) past, lenders have to consider the ways they can effectively recontextualize the product for some clients while broadening its appeal, compensating for misconceptions and acknowledging current realities around things like interest rates, retirement savings levels and access to equity.

Mortgages 448
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Market headwinds stifled new construction growth in June

Inman

High mortgage rates, slowing homebuyer activity and weakening homebuilder sentiments created the perfect storm in June, keeping new residential construction from posting annual gains.

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These Are the Passive Investments I’m Most Excited About Right Now

Bigger Pockets

With so many ways to invest in real estate today, finding the right path for you can be tough. Take a look at what Brian is considering.

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Ultra-luxury agent boomerangs from Compass to Keller Williams

Inman

Maria Avellaneda rejoins KWNYC after six years at Compass. She will focus on ultra-luxury transactions and lead the franchise’s luxury market in the Hamptons.

Agents 174
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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.