Thu.Sep 26, 2024

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Signs of housing demand surge after interest rate cut

Housing Wire

The question from the housing industry after the Federal Reserve ’s half-point interest rate cut is simple — will this bring buyers back to the stalled housing market? A new report from Redfin suggests that it is already happening. The company analyzed mortgage rate-lock data from Optimal Blue and found that locks have risen 68% this week compared to one month earlier.

Mortgages 501
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Don’t Fall for These Real Estate Agent Myths

Keeping Current Matters

When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent.

Agents 301
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Is housing affordability improving? Two new reports say yes

Housing Wire

Elevated mortgage rates have strained housing affordability for more than two years. With rates now falling — and more downward movement expected after the Federal Reserve ‘s recent interest rate cut — two new reports suggest that affordability is getting better too. The third-quarter 2024 housing affordability report from Attom says that falling mortgage rates, rising wages and slower home-price growth has made the expenses of buying and owning a home slightly more affordable.

FHA loan 488
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Lower rates attract refinancing — are home buyers next?

Real Estate News

While touring is up, mortgage purchase applications and pending sales are subdued. Inventory shows some promise but “extra stale” listings have increased.

Mortgages 290
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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: Restoring the American Dream: How 40- and 50-year mortgages could reignite homeownership

Housing Wire

The American dream of homeownership is slipping away for many, as the gap between wages and home prices continues to widen. In the 1970s, home prices aligned more closely with income levels. Today, escalating real estate costs—particularly in high-cost areas—are pricing millions of Americans out of the housing market. One potential solution? Extending the traditional 30-year mortgage to 40 or even 50 years.

Mortgages 482
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NAR to sellers: Concessions could ‘lead to better, faster offer’

Real Estate News

The new guide from the National Association of Realtors also explains how concessions (which can be used to pay an agent) differ from offers of compensation.

More Trending

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Colorado gives MV Realty the boot

Real Estate News

The Rocky Mountain State revokes troubled brokerage’s license over 40-year right-to-list agreements as Minnesota joins 10 other states in filing suit.

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Zillow teams with First Street to provide homebuyers with climate risk data

Housing Wire

Homebuyers will soon have access to climate risk data on Zillow , according to an announcement on Thursday. Zillow is partnering with First Street to provide users with data on a property’s risk levels for flood , wildfire , wind, heat and air quality through risk scores, interactive maps and insights into insurance requirements. “Climate risks are now a critical factor in home-buying decisions,” Zillow chief economist Skylar Olsen said in a statement. “Healthy markets are ones where

Banks 466
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‘The fever has broken’: Action steps for agents after rate cuts

Inman

An environment where the fed funds rate is being cut instead of raised has historically been better for the real estate industry. Now is the time for agents to become the resource for information and professionalism.

Agents 190
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Preparation can ease the process of aging in place: WSJ

Housing Wire

As a vast majority of older adults prefer to remain in their current homes as they age, a key to successfully aging in place lies in preparation and adequate understanding of the dwelling, according to a new examination by the The Wall Street Journal. The report cited 2021 data from Harvard University ’s Joint Center for Housing Studies , which showed that nearly nine in 10 people age 65 and older lived in their own homes, but an ongoing issue relates to the homes themselves.

Equity 459
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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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Buyer-broker commissions remain mostly steady since Aug. 17: Survey

Inman

Business has largely continued as usual with 63 percent of agents reporting that sellers are "frequently" covering buyer-broker commissions, according to a new Real Brokerage survey of 300 agents.

Brokerage 190
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Simplist launches streamlined mortgage origination platform

Housing Wire

New York-based Simplist Technologies , which has developed a consumer-facing mortgage platform, introduced a new software solution on Thursday for mortgage professionals that combines a loan origination system (LOS) with a point-of-sale system (POS). The integrated platform, known as Sonar , has artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to automate rote tasks and speed up workflow processes.

Mortgages 444
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Industry heavy-hitters launch app that documents agents’ workflow

Inman

Rayse, which the company has positioned as a way of "pushing back against the settlements," is backed by Realtor associations, MLSs, brokerages and leaders, including co-CEO James Dwiggins.

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Pending home sales rise slightly but continue to muddle along

Housing Wire

After hitting the second-lowest level on record in July , pending home sales rose slightly in August, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The Pending Home Sales Index rose 0.6% month over month in August to a reading of 70.6. A reading of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001. Despite the monthly increase, last month’s reading was still down 3% year over year.

Sales 443
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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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BOSSCAT, HouseAmp link could ease pre-sale renovations

Inman

Two companies in the pre-sale home renovation business, BOSSCAT and HouseAmp, agree to work together to streamline services.

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StreetWire partners with MetroList on home value insurance product

Housing Wire

Multiple listing services (MLSs) have a wealth of data, and one technology company thinks it has found an innovative way to use it. Real estate data company StreetWire has partnered with Northern California MLS MetroList to produce an insurance product called Home Value Lock. It’s designed to protect homeowners from declining home values. The coverage is good for three years after the closing date on a home purchase, and the insurance covers up to 10% of the original purchase price.

MLS 431
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This hidden barrier is blocking you from achieving real estate success 

Inman

Whether you characterize them as "reasons" or "explanations," excuses undermine your credibility and weaken your intentions, trainer Bernice Ross writes. Find out how to stop making excuses so you can maximize your professional performance.

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Austin-area luxury team leaves The Agency for Compass

Housing Wire

The Compass team in Austin is welcoming back one of its own. Luxury agent Mike Mogavero is returning to the brokerage after a stint with The Agency. Mogavero is also bringing Christen Lowe, his partner in the MOLO Group , with him. The pair topped $38.8 million in sales volume in 2023, with Mogavero accounting for $33.2 million of the total, according to RealTrends Verified.

Brokerage 429
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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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Why Cord Shiflet avoids calling himself a Realtor ‘like the plague’

Inman

"NAR is about to get a wake up call," the Moreland Properties agent told Inman in an interview that touched on Austin's growing pains and NAR's future ahead of his talk at Connect Austin in October.

Agents 174
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The Fed Finally Cuts Rates, but Will It Even Matter?

Bigger Pockets

The Fed’s recent rate cut signaled something clear about the US economy, but what are they trying to say?

Marketing 131
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Broker Spotlight: Mary Sherer, ERA Crossroads

Inman

Learn more about this Indiana broker-owner, and find out about the "disastrous" experience that pushed her to get her real estate license and become a true residential expert.

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Revealed! The cost of poor sales progression for estate agents

Estate Agent Today

Poor sales progression is costing agents an estimated £938,697 per brand or £97,274 per branch annually, research suggests.

Sales 124
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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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How to protect your data, devices and clients when on Wi-Fi

Inman

When you're on the go, and using public Wi-Fi, you can open yourself up to security breaches. Security expert Robert Siciliano offers best practices for protecting yourself and your information.

Agents 166
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Inflation Adjusted House Prices 1.5% Below 2022 Peak

Calculated Risk Real Estate

It has been over 18 years since the bubble peak. In the July Case-Shiller house price index released on Tuesday, the seasonally adjusted National Index (SA), was reported as being 74% above the bubble peak in 2006. However, in real terms, the National index (SA) is about 11% above the bubble peak (and historically there has been an upward slope to real house prices).

As-is 123
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Consumer goods mogul buys Miami parcels for $100M

Inman

Consumer goods magnate Anand Khubani has bought three parcels on La Gorce Island from the trust of the late Dr. M. Lee Pearce, marking the priciest deal in Miami-Dade County so far this year.

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Pending Home Sales Up 0.6% in August; Only Northeast Down in Transactions

RIS Media

Pending home sales in August rose 0.6%, following a 5.5% drop-off in July, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The Midwest, South and West posted monthly gains in transactions, while the Northeast recorded a loss. Year-over-year, the West registered growth, but the Northeast, Midwest and South declined. Year-over-year, pending transactions were down 3%.… The post Pending Home Sales Up 0.6% in August; Only Northeast Down in Transactions appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 116
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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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Pending home sales rise modestly in August as mortgage rates dip

Inman

Pending home sales edged up 0.6 percent in August, as declining mortgage rates made home purchases more affordable, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

Sales 155
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Buyer Turnoffs: How to Make Sure Seller-Client Homes Are as Appealing as Possible

RIS Media

Homeownership: The American Dream. Those buyers who make it happen for themselves and their families know there is very little that will top that feeling of accomplishment. Owning your own home almost always means building financial security. It also means there are very few rules for what you want to do with your property, inside… The post Buyer Turnoffs: How to Make Sure Seller-Client Homes Are as Appealing as Possible appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 116
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Own your success in real estate’s next chapter

Inman

Inman Connect New York is renowned for gathering the brightest minds in real estate, offering unparalleled access to expert insights and networking opportunities. This January, join industry leaders at the Hilton Midtown for transformative discussions on technology, branding and marketing strategies to propel your business into 2025. Discover how to leverage this premier event to enhance your professional growth and adapt to the ever-changing real estate landscape.

Branding 148
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Parties in Mega-Buyer Suits Reveal Settlement Discussion, Spar Over Seller Agreements

RIS Media

In a new filing yesterday, plaintiffs and defendants in the looming mega-buyer commission lawsuits previewed some of the disputes and potential paths forward—including damages, settlement disputes and ongoing appeals—that could put the industry back in the throes of legal uncertainty, even as seller-filed litigation has largely been resolved by settlements.

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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.