November, 2023

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The Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in Real Estate

RIS Media

In the world of real estate, first impressions are crucial. Making a property look its best can mean the difference between a quick sale and a property sitting on the market for months. Virtual home staging is one innovative tool that has emerged to help real estate professionals in this endeavor. Using computer-generated imagery, this… The post The Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

Staging 143
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FHFA conforming loan limits increase to $766,550 in 2024

Housing Wire

The baseline conforming loan limit for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2024 will be $766,550, up 5.5% compared to the current limit of $726,200 , the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced Tuesday. Conforming loan limits are increasing at a slower pace, mirroring home prices, overall. That’s because the FHFA’s conforming loan limit increase is based on a formula related to home-price data in the third quarter of each year.

Loans 534
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Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year

Keeping Current Matters

As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market.

Marketing 359
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Nation’s biggest title insurer hit by ransomware attack, reports say

Inman

Fidelity National Financial acknowledges that a "cybersecurity incident" disrupted the provision of title and escrow services and other technology and mortgage services.

Title 211
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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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Hack at nation’s largest title company stalls closings

Real Estate News

Fidelity National Financial, parent company of Chicago Title and more, is blocking access to title and escrow services while it investigates a security breach.

Title 353
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Lawler: New Census Long-Term Population Projections Are MASSIVELY Lower Than Previous Projections

Calculated Risk Real Estate

From housing economist Tom Lawler: Last Friday Census released new long-term projections of the US resident population, this time going out to 2100. The last time Census released long-term population projections was in 2017 (going out to 2060), and the 2023 projections for the “middle” scenario are massively lower than the 2017 projections.

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Mr. Cooper hit with consumer class-action lawsuits over cyberattack 

Housing Wire

Mr. Cooper Group became the target of at least four consumer class-action lawsuits after disclosing a cyberattack at the end of October when customer information was compromised and the company shut down certain systems. On Oct. 31, the Dallas-based servicer and lender said it had experienced a cybersecurity incident with an unauthorized third party accessing certain portions of its technology systems and customer data.

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Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision.

Marketing 347
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Big drop in mortgage rates as unemployment hints at recession

Inman

After breaching 8 percent in mid-October, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have plummeted to levels not seen since September as more investors expect Fed policymakers to lower rates in the spring.

Mortgages 206
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Georgia homesellers file their own commissions lawsuit

Real Estate News

The case takes aim at NAR and local as well as national brokerages, while calling out the current system as a way to protect ineffective agents.

Brokerage 337
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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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Biden Administration Plans to Repurpose Commercial Properties Into Residential Units to Improve Affordability—Will It Work?

Bigger Pockets

Last month, the Biden administration announced a series of actions designed to facilitate the conversion of specific properties to improve affordability in several metros. Here are the details.

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Op-Ed: Agent Commissions’ Possible New World: A Step Backward for Fair Housing

RIS Media

The United States real estate market is actually the envy of the world. The U.S. boasts the world’s most orderly, efficient and equitable housing market—and many other countries are attempting to emulate it. Our system’s efficiency is driven in large part by agents and brokers competing aggressively, while also sharing their listing information with each… The post Op-Ed: Agent Commissions’ Possible New World: A Step Backward for Fair Housing appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 140
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Property taxes have been rising. Here’s what it means for housing

Housing Wire

In many communities, homeowners and homebuyers have been hit with eye-popping property tax increases. It is costing more for schools and governments to pay for services. And homes in many communities have shot up in value in recent years, leading to tax increases through reassessments. But opinions differ on how much impact higher taxes are having on local housing and mortgage markets.

Mortgages 541
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Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America?

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision.

Marketing 335
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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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3 essential tips for estate planning with real estate

Inman

Estate planning is of prime importance for homeowners and their heirs. Properties are among the largest and most complex assets to be distributed — particularly when they’re luxury homes worth millions of dollars.

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Texas commissions lawsuit targets teams, associations

Real Estate News

Texas Realtor associations and 20+ brokerages and teams are being sued by a home builder and magazine publisher who call NAR the “creator of the conspiracy.

Brokerage 320
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‘Blank Check’ to Developers or Chance to Curb Displacement: Locals Comment on City of Yes

Brownstoner

Feedback on the Adams administration’s proposed citywide zoning text amendment for housing, which would increase developers’ ability to build bigger buildings in residential neighborhoods, eliminate parking mandates, and mix manufacturing and residential buildings, amongst a number of other changes, got heated at a public scoping meeting last week. Dozens of… Read More > The post ‘Blank Check’ to Developers or Chance to Curb Displacement: Locals Comment on City of Yes appea

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Why Having a Moving Checklist Is Crucial When You’re Relocating

RIS Media

Moving is an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Whether relocating to new cities or just across town, it’s essential to be well-prepared to ensure smooth transitions. There are several crucial things to know before moving to make your process as stress-free as possible. We will cover basic guidelines, key considerations, and preparations to help you make… The post Why Having a Moving Checklist Is Crucial When You’re Relocating appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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What will lower mortgage rates do to spring housing inventory?

Housing Wire

Lower mortgage rates tend to take housing supply off the market and demand has been picking up lately as rates have fallen. However, the recent drop in housing inventory has more to do with seasonality factors than lower mortgage rates. Higher mortgage rates did push inventory higher during the seasonal period when it would normally be declining. However, seasonality tends to rule the day eventually.

Mortgages 536
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Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest.

Marketing 324
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Leaders in luxury: Delroy Gill

Inman

Delroy Gill doesn’t just sell homes — he builds relationships. Born and raised in London, England, he understands complex transactions and international relocation and brings world-class service and out-of-the-box thinking to every detail of real estate transactions.

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Don’t believe the doomsayers — buyer agency is here to stay

Real Estate News

Following the Sitzer/Burnett verdict, the internet has been buzzing about the end of buyer agency. Industry expert Russ Cofano says that's just a lot of noise.

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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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How to Build Wealth With Real Estate

Bigger Pockets

Real estate investing is a pathway for building wealth, distinct from other asset classes due to its tangible nature. This form of investment usually appreciates over time, providing long-term value growth. Real estate also offers the potential for rental income, transforming properties into sources of continuous revenue.

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Should a Buyer Consider a House on a Corner Lot? A Look at the Upside and Downside

RIS Media

Choosing a new home is an exciting and significant decision in one’s life. One of the many choices you’ll encounter when searching for the perfect home is whether to buy a house on a corner lot. Corner lots are unique in many ways, offering various advantages and disadvantages. Examining the pros and cons of corner… The post Should a Buyer Consider a House on a Corner Lot?

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Mortgage rates fall to levels not seen since September

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates headed lower this week as the 10-year Treasury yield dropped below 4.3% for the first time since September, according to new data from Freddie Mac. The 30-year, fixed mortgage rate averaged 7.22% for the week ending Nov. 30, according to Freddie Mac ‘s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That’s down significantly from last week ’s 7.29% and up from 6.49% the same week a year ago.

Mortgages 518
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People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges

Keeping Current Matters

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising.

Mortgages 321
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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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3 timeless strategies for agents to prepare for productivity in 2024

Inman

Believe it or not, there are less than two months left in 2023. And there’s no better time than right now for real estate agents to evaluate their recent productivity and establish the framework for success in the year ahead.

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Zillow acquiring popular Follow Up Boss CRM

Real Estate News

The home search giant’s latest acquisition will help support its “housing super app," said Chief Industry Development Officer Errol Samuelson.

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‘Bar Rescue’ Host Jon Taffer on the “Secret Recipe” for a Successful Business

Bigger Pockets

Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer has spent more than a decade finding the most disgusting, poorly-run, money-hemorrhaging bars in America and turning debt-ridden dumps into successful money-making businesses.

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Square Foot Prices More than Double Inflation in 2022

Eye on Housing

Median square foot prices (excluding record-high improved lot values) for new for-sale single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2022 increased 18%, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. Increases for square foot prices in new custom SFD homes were similarly high, averaging 19%, more than double the US inflation of 8% registered by the CPI the.

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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.