Fri.Apr 26, 2024

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HUD, USDA reach accord on energy-efficiency standard for new construction

Housing Wire

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have settled on new energy-efficiency standards for the construction of new single-family and multifamily homes. This fulfills a requirement laid out in a 2007 law that directs the departments to adopt the most recently published energy-efficiency standards following reviews by the U.S.

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HomeServices makes $250 million deal to settle commissions lawsuits

Real Estate News

The last defendant standing in the Sitzer/Burnett case reaches a whopping settlement that will protect its 70,000 agents plus brands and franchises.

Branding 269
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HomeServices settles commission lawsuits for $250M

Housing Wire

HomeServices of America , the last remaining brokerage defendant in the landmark Sitzer/Burnett antitrust commission case , has agreed to pay $250 million in damages to settle lawsuits that will change agent compensation across America. The New York Times first reported the story. The deal comes just days after the federal judge overseeing the commission case in Missouri approved a preliminary settlement that will see the National Association of Realtors and multiple other residential brokerages

Brokerage 481
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NAR president to industry executives: ‘I’m sorry’

Real Estate News

“We fought as hard as we could,” said Kevin Sears this week when speaking about the settlement, its impact, and the need to change the media narrative.

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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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HUD walks back some proposed changes to HECM for Purchase program

Housing Wire

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Friday announced that a proposed change to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase (H4P) program has been modified to bar the practice of premium pricing, and it will only allow interested party contributions (IPCs) on H4P closing costs from property sellers, builders, real estate agents and developers.

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Equity Can Make Your Move Possible When Affordability Is Tight [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Did you know the equity you have in your current house can help make your move possible?

Equity 317

More Trending

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Consumers question agents' value — the industry should push back

Real Estate News

A T3 Leadership Summit panel discussed the agent value prop, consumer interest in new compensation models, and how the industry can be more proactive.

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Home sellers saw their profits shrink in the first quarter: Attom

Housing Wire

U.S. home sellers reaped slimmer profit margins on median-priced single-family homes and condominiums during the first quarter of 2024. In fact, profit margins — the difference between the median purchase and resale prices — slumped to 55.3%, down from 57.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Attom ’s 2024 U.S. Home Sales Report. It was the smallest level of profit registered in more than two years.

Sales 450
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HomeServices of America agrees to pay $250M to settle lawsuits

Inman

HomeServices was potentially on the hook for the remaining $4.7 billion in damages from an Oct. 31 jury verdict in Sitzer | Burnett, which awarded plaintiffs $5.3 billion.

Brokerage 197
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Median payment on purchase mortgage applications rises to $2,201: MBA

Housing Wire

Homebuyer affordability declined in March as mortgage rates and home prices remained elevated. The national median monthly payment for purchase mortgage applicants rose to $2,201 in March, up from $2,184 in February. That’s according to the Mortgage Bankers Association ‘s (MBA) purchase applications payment index, which measures how new monthly mortgage payments vary across time relative to income.

Mortgages 436
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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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‘Buyers are losing faith in the American Dream:’ Redfin CEO

Inman

Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman said rising rates and home prices are crushing consumer sentiment. However, rising inventory and a year-end interest rate cut will be key to restoring it.

Mortgages 189
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Retirement confidence hasn’t fully recovered, but survey shows hope for future prospects

Housing Wire

Following a significant drop in retirement savings confidence in 2023, overall levels of confidence have yet to recover. But optimism about future retirement prospects are high, according to the results of the 34th annual Retirement Confidence Survey (RCS) conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI). “Overall, two-thirds of the workers and three-fourths of the retirees are very or somewhat confident about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement , which is unchanged

Finance 425
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A never-fail, step-by-step blueprint to consistently find listing leads

Inman

Change is coming, so it's time to make sure you're leaning into the potential of a listings-based business, Jimmy Burgess writes. Nothing helps do that better than geographic farming.

Agents 184
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Key housing markets are starting to buck national trends: Redfin

Housing Wire

Even as the median U.S. home sale price remains near record highs and supply stays constrained in many locales, two of the most populous states that have seen a surge in demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are showing signs of a pullback. That’s according to a pair of reports released Thursday by Redfin. The national real estate brokerage found that the nationwide median sale price reached $420,357 in March 2024.

Marketing 419
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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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In the wake of Matterport’s sale, digital twin options are plentiful

Inman

Matterport's sale to CoStar will ignite interest in the value of digital twins and tour marketing, and the options for creating them are many.

Sales 185
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Acra CEO Keith Lind on staying the course amid choppy waters in non-QM

Housing Wire

HousingWire sat down with Acra Lending CEO Keith Lind to discuss effective ways to not only survive, but profit in the non-QM space while so many others are closing their doors. Lind also shares insights into the future of non-QM lending and the importance of emergent technologies in improving the origination process. Zebulon Lowe: Keith, thank you for speaking with us.

Lending 406
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LA home sells $705K over asking: The moves behind this agent’s deal

Inman

A remodel, strategic pricing, choice photos, an offer deadline and strong agent relationships helped the O'Connor sisters sell a property that previously sat on the market for nearly one year.

Agents 161
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Why Seattle becoming the next Detroit might not be the worst thing

Seattle Times Real Estate

The challenges confronting Martin Selig, Seattle's most prolific downtown developer, are a sign of how far the city must go in recovering from the pandemic.

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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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Splitting up: Navigating the division of property for divorcing clients

Inman

Patience, collaboration and clear communication, Lindsey Harn writes, can help you help your divorcing clients navigate the rocky shoals of dividing their real estate holdings.

Agents 145
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Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rate Decreased, Multi-family Decreased in March

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Single-family serious delinquencies decreased in March, and multi-family serious delinquencies decreased again after the huge surge in January. Freddie Mac reported that the Single-Family serious delinquency rate in March was 0.52%, down from 0.54% February. Freddie's rate is down year-over-year from 0.62% in March 2023. This is below the pre-pandemic lows.

Staging 130
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Top New Jersey loan mortgage originator charged with fraud

Inman

Mortgage fraud scheme allegedly listed investors as homeowners to secure lower interest rates, prosecutors allege in criminal complaint against "Team Gallo" leader and his assistant.

Mortgages 142
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What to expect when you try the Eastside’s eight light rail stations

Seattle Times Real Estate

The eight-station East Link Starter Line opens 11 a.m. Saturday, running between the South Bellevue Station park-and-ride and Microsoft's headquarters campus.

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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 movements, FAQ answers, ticking clocks: Inman Top 5

Inman

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Brokerage 155
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United Real Estate Unveils Financial Wellness Services Nationally

RIS Media

United® Real Estate has announced the official rollout of its Financial Wellness Program. The curated bundle of services bridges longstanding gaps for independent contractors. In addition to an ever-growing suite of marketing tools, lead generation tools, and unique commission structures that maximize an affiliate’s income, United’s agents and owners will now have access to a… The post United Real Estate Unveils Financial Wellness Services Nationally appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 122
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Ryan Reynolds creates Zillow ad inspired by hit show ‘Bluey’

Inman

Hit children's TV show "Bluey" is the inspiration for Zillow's latest ad, which debuted Friday morning on NBC's Today show. The 30-second spot features a family in the final stages of moving while the narrator references a landmark episode of "Bluey," where the main character and her family struggle with the opportunity to move to a new city.

Staging 142
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With New Inflation Data Glum, Lower Mortgage Rates May Have to Wait

RIS Media

Hopes for lower mortgage rates soon were tempered Apr. 26 as inflation showed little signs of easing in March, with a key report the Federal Reserve eyes closely showing that price pressures remain elevated. The PCE Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, rose 2.8% from a year ago in March, the same as… The post With New Inflation Data Glum, Lower Mortgage Rates May Have to Wait appeared first on RISMedia.

Mortgages 128
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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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How Rising Costs Affect Home Affordability

Eye on Housing

NAHB recently updated its 2024 priced out estimates, showing how higher prices and interest rates affect housing affordability. The new estimates show that affordability is a serious problem even before any further price or interest rate increases. Already in 2024, 103.5 million households are not able to afford a median priced new home ($495,750[1]).

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MORTGAGE MIX: Top Loan Officers Indicted for Fraud; Fed Highlights Financial Concerns

RIS Media

Editor’s Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia’s weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. –Rates continue to push above 7%, according to the latest data from Freddie Mac, as new inflation data and slower than expected economic growth have tempered hopes that the Federal Reserve will significantly slash rates… The post MORTGAGE MIX: Top Loan Officers Indicted for Fraud; Fed Highlights Financial Concerns appeared first on RISM

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4 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Alexandria

HomeLight

Do you need to sell your Alexandria hom quickly and without the hassle of making extensive repairs? “We Buy Houses” companies in Alexandria might be the solution you need. These companies offer all-cash deals for homes that often require some work, providing an alternative for homeowners like you who might not have the time, expertise, or funds to manage such repairs.

Closing 111
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Westchester Area and Long Island Home Prices Up More Than 10%

RIS Media

The latest market report or March from OneKey MLS, covering the southern counties of New York state (from Long Island to the Hudson Valley), shows a year-over-year regional median sales price increase in single-family homes by 10.2%. ($650,000, compared to $590,000 in March 2023). Condominiums and co-ops experienced price increases as well: Condos: $475,000 to $495,000,… The post Westchester Area and Long Island Home Prices Up More Than 10% appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 124
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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.