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.

Mortgages 545
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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.

Mortgages 143
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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.

Mortgages 345
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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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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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The 2021 housing market will be stronger than 2020

Housing Wire

Jeff Tucker Zillow Senior Economist. This is the fourth installment of our economist Q&A series, as we work to answer the top 2021 housing market questions. Every Tuesday in December, HousingWire interviewed a top economist in the HW+ Slack channel. The 2021 housing market forecasts have focused on everything from home prices to mortgage rates. In this installment, HousingWire interviewed Jeff Tucker, senior economist at Zillow , on his forecast for next year.

Marketing 546
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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.

As-is 145
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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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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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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.

Land 145
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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.

Mortgages 145
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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

Marketing 545
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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!

Design 145
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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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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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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.

MLS 338
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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

Design 145
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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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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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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.

Sales 545
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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.

Marketing 145
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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.

Sales 337
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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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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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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.

Sales 545
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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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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.