Wed.Feb 05, 2025

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The state of US homeownership: Younger buyers hold the key

Housing Wire

Today, the Census Bureau reported the homeownership rate at 65.7%. Are we becoming a renter nation like many people are saying? Lets look at the data. Household formation Let’s first talk about household formation. I have a simple model (even more appropriate before Valentines Day). My American housing demographic model shows that Americans: Rent Date Mate Get married 3.5 years after marriage, we have kids and dual-income households buy bigger homes to live in.

Loans 478
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Better waiving $995 origination fee for repeat mortgage customers

Inman

"Better Forever" incentive is not offered on HELOCs, nor to borrowers who apply through third-party platforms like LendingTree, CreditKarma, Bankrate or Nerdwallet.

Mortgages 164
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Climate risk could take $1.5 trillion out of U.S. real estate

Housing Wire

Recent natural disasters such as the LA wildfires show that climate change risks can shift the real estate and mortgage industries on a dime. And these changes could be extremely costly. According to a new study, climate-induced shifts could significantly lower property values over time. But this could have a double-edged effect, depending on the market.

As-is 420
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How to create a financial plan as a brand new team leader

Inman

With careful planning and strategic execution, you can achieve your financial objectives and lead your real estate team to long-term success, Verl Workman writes.

Branding 141
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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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We just had the strongest refi week in months

Housing Wire

Mortgage applications increased 2.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis from last week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association s (MBA) weekly mortgage applications survey for the week ending January 31, 2025. On an unadjusted basis, the index measuring applications increased 19% compared with the previous week. The refinance index increased 12% from the previous week and was 17% higher compared to the same week one year ago.

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Austin Realtors to give non-Realtors access to Unlock MLS

Housing Wire

For the first time, the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) is opening up access to its Unlock MLS platform to non-Realtors. Starting June 1, real estate agents who are not certified Realtors will be able to subscribe to Unlock MLS without joining the 20,000-member ABoR. Non-Realtor members will pay the same MLS access fee as Realtors of $47.97 a month, or $575.64 a year.

MLS 359
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The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now

Keeping Current Matters

If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key.

Agents 276
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Redfin: Single people struggle the most in today’s housing market

Housing Wire

Expensive mortgages, rents and other housing expenses are already challenging for many Americans. But facing things alone presents a bigger challenge for single individuals, according to a report released Wednesday by Redfin. The report from the Seattle-based real estate brokerage highlighted household capabilities for handling mortgage and rent payments.

Marketing 372
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Commissions rebound following post-settlement decline

Real Estate News

Two recent studies found that real estate agent commission rates fell after industry practice changes took effect, but they have largely recovered.

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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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New college grad earns $565K using these two key strategies

Housing Wire

The formula for success in real estate couldnt be more straightforward. Do simple things every day and do them 10% better than the average agent. Fancy fails. Simple scales. Why only 10% better and not 60% better? Let’s not sugarcoat reality. Seventy percent of Realtors in your market are terrible at their jobs. They get shiny object syndrome and burn time, money and precious energy chasing glamorous marketing strategies that dont increase their income.

Agents 365
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WATCH: Harnessing AI to Boost Productivity and Lead Generation in Real Estate

RIS Media

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like a complex, futuristic concept to some real estate professionals, but it is rapidly becoming a transformative tool in the industry. Just as technology revolutionized marketing through email and social media, AI is now reshaping how agents generate leads, create content and streamline their daily tasks. By embracing these advancements,… The post WATCH: Harnessing AI to Boost Productivity and Lead Generation in Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

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Better announces ‘Better Forever’ borrower loyalty program

Housing Wire

Digital mortgage lender Better on Wednesday announced the launch of a loyalty program dubbed “Better Forever.” The program is designed to reward customers by waiving origination fees on future refinance or purchase loans. Customers who previously funded a loan through Better on or after Jan. 1, 2019, are automatically enrolled in the program.

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Mortgage Applications Increase This Week Following 6-Week Low in Rates

RIS Media

While mortgage rates are still hovering just under 7%, the average fixed rate hit a six-week low this past week, leading the path to a bump in mortgage applications as February gets underway. In the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA), mortgage applications increased 2.2% from the previous weeks 2.0%… The post Mortgage Applications Increase This Week Following 6-Week Low in Rates appeared first on RISMedia.

Mortgages 104
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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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Daily Links: Business Drops in Little Haiti as Even Legal Immigrants Fear Raids

Brownstoner

In the News Brooklyn Celebrates Black History Month With Events [BP] New Restaurant Nerina Brings Greek Hospitality to Greenpoint [amNY] Residents Rally Against High-Rises in Park Slope [BK Reader] NYC Could See L.A.-Level Housing Loss in Floods: Report [The City] Nobodys in the Streets Now in Brooklyns Little Haiti [The City] Brooklyn Diocese Priests Allegedly Abused… Read More > The post Daily Links: Business Drops in Little Haiti as Even Legal Immigrants Fear Raids appeared first on

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Another Elliman CEO Could Leave Company as Shakeup Continues

RIS Media

An ongoing shakeup at Douglas Elliman may have swept up another long-time company executive. Stephen Kotler, who serves as CEO of Elliman’s western region, is facing a possible ouster, according to Bloomberg News. Citing unnamed sources, the outlet said Kotler could remain with Elliman in some capacity. Representatives for Douglas Elliman did not immediately respond… The post Another Elliman CEO Could Leave Company as Shakeup Continues appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 104
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How to Sell My House Fast in Gainesville, GA: Cash Offer Options

HomeLight

As a homeowner in Gainesville, Georgia, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to sell your house faster than anticipated. Whether due to a job transfer, unexpected financial circumstances, or simply the desire for a lifestyle change, navigating the local real estate market for a quick and efficient sale can often seem like an impossible task.

Sales 89
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Holly Parker joins Compass after 25 years at Douglas Elliman

Inman

Luxury real estate powerhouse Holly Parker is making a big move after 25 years with Douglas Elliman, she's taking her team to Compass in New York, the brokerage announced Wednesday.

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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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Broker Spotlight: LeadingRE Affiliate Managing Partner Alicia Cervera Lamadrid

RIS Media

Above, Alicia Cervera Lamadrid Alicia Cervera Lamadrid Managing Partner Cervera Real Estate, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Miami, Florida [link] Region served: Southeastern Florida Years in real estate: 45 Number of offices: 10 Number of agents: 350 Favorite part of your job: Working with the people, both agents and clients.… The post Broker Spotlight: LeadingRE Affiliate Managing Partner Alicia Cervera Lamadrid appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 104
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Mortgage Applications Increase Marginally in January

Eye on Housing

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) weekly survey, increased by 3.1% month-over-month on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis, primarily driven by purchasing activity. Compared to January last year, the index is higher by 3.4%. The Market Composite Index which includes the Purchase and Refinance.

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NAR’s iOi Evolves Into a Year-Round Collective for Real Estate Innovation

RIS Media

The National Association of REALTORS has announced the evolution of its Innovation, Opportunity & Investment (iOi) initiative, shifting from an annual summit into a continuous engagement platform designed to empower real estate professionals with tools, insights and networking opportunities. Instead of a once-a-year event, iOi is now a year-round collective for real estate technology and… The post NARs iOi Evolves Into a Year-Round Collective for Real Estate Innovation appeared first o

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eXp pushes back on ‘sweetheart deal’ allegations

Real Estate News

The brokerage denied using a reverse auction strategy to reach its $34 million settlement, arguing that the amount is comparable to what other firms paid.

Brokerage 172
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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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CENTURY 21 Expands Presence in Utah

RIS Media

Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has announced it is continuing to expand its presence along the Wasatch Range with its latest affiliation with Lifestyle Real Estate, based in Orem, Utah. The firm, now doing business as CENTURY 21 Lifestyle Real Estate, is owned and operated by the wife and husband duo of Tawnya and Tony… The post CENTURY 21 Expands Presence in Utah appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 87
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The “Commission Apocalypse” Never Happened—Here’s What the Data Says

BAM Media

When the NAR settlement dropped, panic spread across the industry. Would commissions plummet overnight? Would buyers suddenly refuse to pay agents? Now, five months in, the data tells a different story: commissions are shifting, but not in the way many expected. According to new reports from AccountTECH and Redfin , buyer and seller commission rates have barely budged overall.

Agents 59
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RE/MAX Canada president steps down; ex-Zillow CEO takes new role

Real Estate News

RE/MAX Holdings CEO Erik Carlson to lead the region until a replacement for Christopher Alexander is found; Spencer Rascoff trades real estate for dating apps.

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Foodies, take note: These NYC apartments are near some of the city’s hottest new restaurants

Fancy Pants Homes

In New York City, incredible dining experiences are everywhere from iconic, decades-old institutions to buzzworthy new spots that seem to pop up overnight. No matter where you turn, the city serves up a constantly evolving mix of flavors, innovation, and culinary creativity. According to data collected by restaurant technology provider Snappy , New York has 17,219 restaurants in Manhattan alone.

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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.