December, 2020

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How record-low mortgage rates changed everything in 2020

Housing Wire

While the United States may not have been prepared to combat a deadly virus, a quick and robust response from the Federal Reserve , along with changing consumer preferences, created a perfect storm that resulted in a record year for the housing and mortgage industries. Mortgage rates would fall to record lows 16 times throughout 2020, with origination volume expected to eclipse $4 trillion.

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Toronto and Vancouver See Mortgage Delinquencies Rise To Highest Level Since 2016

Better Dwelling

Canada’s mortgage delinquencies are flat, but that story is much more interesting by region. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data shows mortgage delinquencies are flat in Q3 2020. It’s a little different looking at the biggest real estate markets though. In Toronto and Vancouver, delinquencies are still rising to multi-year highs.

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Home inspection checklist: What to expect on inspection day

The Mortgage Report

Sellers: learn what home inspectors look for so you can prepare for your home inspection. Buyers: learn how to interpret the home inspection report.

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2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights. Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market. With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. The post 2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

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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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15 New Reality TV Shows That’ll Inspire Your Real Estate Dreams in 2021

Realtor.com

Drazen Zigic / Getty Images 2020 was a tough year, but there was a silver lining: With so much time spent inside, people had a chance to really focus on their homes and make them as functional, comfortable, and beautiful as can be. So it’s a good thing we have so many great real estate reality shows on HGTV, Netflix, Bravo, and beyond to keep us not only entertained, but also inspired with tips to take our living spaces to the next level.

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Getting Ready For a Buyer’s Home Inspection is Smart

Realty Biz

How to Prepare For a Home Inspection. Even when you have a buyer and are happy with the offer they’ve made, your home isn’t sold yet. Before you can prepare for your move, you need to get ready for the home inspections. Preparing for a home inspection will make sure your home sale proceeds as smoothly as possible. Lots of home sellers ask real estate agents how they can prepare for the home inspection.

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The Best 37 Real Estate Memes of 2020

Lighter Side of Real Estate

There’s a lot of 2020 we all want to put behind us and forget. Being a real estate agent isn’t easy in a normal year, but being one during a pandemic? Well, that takes someone who can change and go with the flow in the blink of an eye. But one thing that didn’t change is the need to laugh. If anything, laughter is even more important in a year like 2020!

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Living with Florida Manatees: Fun Facts About Our Beloved “Ocean Potatoes”

Waterfront Properties

Also known as an “ocean potato” or “sea cow”, the beloved Florida manatee is a gentle giant you’ll see calmly cruising throughout Jupiter Intracoastal waters. Manatees have a very friendly disposition, and while it may be tempting to feed or give them fresh water from your dock, it is illegal as they are a protected species. Manatees are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978.

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The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage

Keeping Current Matters

Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.

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8 Red Flags Home Buyers Will Undoubtedly Notice—and How To Address Them Correctly

Realtor.com

AndreyPopov/Getty Images When my husband and I were house hunting, properties that had plastic taped over the windows or draft catchers below the exterior doors gave us pause: Did that mean the house wasn’t energy-efficient or warm enough in colder months? Newly retouched areas on the ceiling made us wonder if the sellers were covering up water damage from a leaky roof that had been patched but not replaced.

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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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Year-over-Year Gains for Home Purchases Continue

Eye on Housing

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) latest Weekly Application Survey shows that, for the week ending December 11, 2020, mortgage application activity decreased by 1.1% from the prior week on a seasonally adjusted basis, as indicated by its Market Composite Index. One of its two constituent indexes, the Purchasing Index, increased by 1.8% from the previous week while the other, the.

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What to expect from the 2021 housing market

Housing Wire

Although I had pockets of joy in 2020, these moments were subsumed in a haze of stress, uncertainty and fear for our country. And, at times, I have found it difficult to keep these emotions from clouding my economic thinking. But despite all the sorrow and frustrations of this year, I have found solace in the immortal world of math, facts and data. From this stronghold I have been able to see past the chaos and view the economy and the future of the housing market through the lens of my core eco

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2021 Home Decor Trends That’ll Rid Your Home of That 2020 Vibe

Lighter Side of Real Estate

With the arrival of each new year, it’s fun to freshen up your home and make it look and feel contemporary. Especially as we usher out 2020—a year we’ve spent far too much time looking at the same interiors—you’re probably eager to create a different vibe with the help of some new decor. What’s going to be in style for 2021? Designers agree it’s all about comfort and color!

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What is a Contingent House Listing?

Point2Homes

Image: Doubletree Studio / Shutterstock.com. When searching for the ideal home, expect to encounter a few issues along the way, such as homes listed as contingent. But, what does contingent mean and how does it affect your purchase? A home listed as contingent means the seller has accepted an offer. However, before the sale can go to closing, certain contingencies must be met.

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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 Selling Your House on Your Own in 2021 Is a Mistake

Keeping Current Matters

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) , it’s critical to consider the following items. 1.

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Planning a Remodel in 2021? 4 Hardwood Flooring Trends You Should Know About

Realtor.com

lookslike/Getty Images As the new year brings new resolutions, many of us have put home renovations high on our list. Maybe you’re pledging to fix up your home in preparation for selling it in 2021. Or perhaps you’re looking to enliven the place in which you’ve spent many, many hours of the day while sheltering in place in 2020. No matter your motivation, updating your flooring may be a good place to start. “Homeowners are seeking tranquility and peace from all the noise

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Mortgage Preapproval vs Prequalification: What’s The Difference

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

How Pre-approval Differs From Pre-qualification Do you know how mortgage preapproval differs from a prequalification? There has been some confusion among those looking to buy a home and qualify for a mortgage loan regarding the difference between a mortgage pre-approval vs. a pre-qualification letter. Indeed, they sound pretty similar, so hearing these terms before or […].

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Don’t expect home sales to slow down in 2021

Housing Wire

Real estate agents across the U.S. have been busy as a result of the pent-up demand from homebuyers due to COVID-19. From facing uncertainty in March from COVID-19-related shutdowns, to seeing home sales skyrocket through the summer into fall, it looks like homebuyers won’t be slowing down anytime soon, despite the holiday season approaching. Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said he expects existing home sales to ultimately “be up a percent or more in 2021.

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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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23 Of The Strangest Things Homebuyers Have Asked Sellers to Leave With the Property

Lighter Side of Real Estate

It’s not unusual for homebuyers to admire a seller’s belongings. Chances are they may share similar taste—they bought the same house, after all! But some go as far as to ask that certain items remain with the home as part of the deal. It’s easy to imagine clients wanting to include mirrors, window treatments, and maybe even chandeliers—but some take it a step farther and make really bold requests.

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Jazz Great Cecil Taylor’s Fort Greene Row House on the Market for $2.499 Million

Brownstoner

While this 1850s Fort Greene row house has a charming period facade it's the 20th century history behind the house that should spark some interest. For decades 135 Fort Greene Place was the home of renowned avant-garde jazz pianist Cecil Taylor. The acclaimed artist was already in residence when he purchased… Read More > The post Jazz Great Cecil Taylor’s Fort Greene Row House on the Market for $2.499 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday Season

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for holiday buyers. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale has dropped to an astonishing all-time low.

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What To Expect in 2021’s Housing Market: This Is How Much Home Prices Will Rise

Realtor.com

Tony Frenzel; Getty Images Few will be reluctant to say goodbye to 2020. With vaccines rolling out, the days of the deadly pandemic that bludgeoned the nation’s economy seem to be numbered. Good riddance! But the soaring home prices that became a hallmark of the COVID-19 crisis may be here to stay. Realtor.com®’s 2021 housing forecast predicts record-high prices will continue rising in 2021, delivering a blow to first-time buyers and those on a budget.

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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.

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Ice Dams: How to Get Rid of and Prevent Ice Damming Including Video

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Preventing The Cause of Ice Dams Do you have an ice dam problem at your home? Are you looking for the best methods to get rid of your ice dams? The first part of the process of removing ice dams is to prevent them, to begin with. Preventing ice dams is just smart as they […]. The post Ice Dams: How to Get Rid of and Prevent Ice Damming Including Video appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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Existing home sales are still too hot

Housing Wire

In recent articles, I have written that although current sales data for the U.S. housing market has outperformed expectations, I expected these upward trends to moderate. Growth in home sales in recent months, I proposed, was primarily due to the catch-up demand from the stalled sales during the worst weeks of COVID-19. Today, the National Association of Realtors reported a 2.5% decline in existing home sales compared to last month, which I guess could be considered moderation.

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Condo vs. Townhouse: How Are They Different

Realty Biz

How Are Townhouses Different From Condos? One of the big choices you have to make when home buying is what type of property you want to live in. An increasingly popular choice for buyers is between condos and townhouses. They offer many advantages to buyers with benefits over traditional family homes. These types of property have many things in common, but important differences as well.

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Pantone Color(s) Of The Year 2021: Ultimate Gray And Illuminating

Coldwell Banker

After a most unique year, it only makes sense that we would launch into 2021 with an unexpected color of the year choice. In fact, Pantone has gone with not one, but two, hues in its annual proclamation. In a news release, Pantone called them “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day.”.

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Rise of The Apps: Building Your Dream Tech Stack For Real Estate Success

Speaker: Trey Willard, Realtor/Team Leader at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

In order to create continued success in today’s real estate market, realtors need to utilize an arsenal of technology that will increase their efficiency and presence on social media. Using technology to manage your prospects and tap into their needs through websites, social media, and other channels is critical for real estate success in 2022 and beyond.

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The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year

Keeping Current Matters

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings.

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How to Dine Al Fresco Year-Round: 7 Outdoor Kitchen Design Tips for 2021

Realtor.com

brizmaker/Getty Images The coronavirus pandemic has brought about a new appreciation of backyards and other outdoor spaces. With many of us spending hours and hours at home, we’re all looking for places to relax other than the living room sofa and kitchen. If you have a yard with ample space for you and your family, consider yourself blessed. But in 2021, outdoor space owners might want to consider taking it up a notch with one of the most sought-after features: an outdoor kitchen.

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What is a Good Credit Score: Getting The Highest Credit Scores

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

The Highest Credit Scores Explained Do you know what is a good credit score? How about the highest credit score possible? Over the years working as a real estate agent lots of people have asked me what is the best credit score you can get. Having a good credit score is really important when you […]. The post What is a Good Credit Score: Getting The Highest Credit Scores appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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Mortgage rates hit another record low at 2.67%

Housing Wire

The average U.S. mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell four basis point this week to 2.67% – the lowest rate in the Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey’s near 50-year history. This week’s mortgage rate broke the previous record set on Dec. 3 and is the first time the survey has witnessed it fall below 2.7%. “The housing market continues to surge higher and support an otherwise stagnant economy that has lost momentum in the last couple of months,” said Sam Khater, Fred

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5 Data Proven Ways Agents Can Do 18% More Business

Curious as to how you could do 18% more business? How about 14 more transaction sides per year? Check out this infographic with data from a RealTrends study to learn more.