March, 2021

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Home prices see highest gain in nearly 15 years

Housing Wire

Home prices continued their acceleration in January according to the S&P Corelogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, jumping 11.2% year over year, the highest gain in nearly 15 years. The Tuesday report also revealed an 11.1% year-over-year gain in January for the 20-city price index, up from 10.2% the previous month. Overall, prices rose month over month in 19 of the 20 cities tracked, with Cleveland being the only city to see prices drop.

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How Smart Is It to Buy a Home Today?

Keeping Current Matters

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current house, if your needs are changing and you think you need to move, the decision can be complicated. You may have to take personal or professional considerations into account, and only you can judge what impact those factors should have on your desire to move. However, there’s one category that provides a simple answer.

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House Sale By Owner: Selling a Home For Sale By Owner Pros and Cons

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Pros And Cons Of a House For Sale By Owner Have you seen home for sale by owner signs and wondered if you should do the same with your place? Do you want to know how to sell a house by owner? We will take an in-depth look at the house for sale by the […]. The post House Sale By Owner: Selling a Home For Sale By Owner Pros and Cons appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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15 Kitchen Designs That’ll Make You Lose Your Appetite

Lighter Side of Real Estate

It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. But depending on the design, that heart may have some serious problems. From clogged arteries to bad flow, kitchens with near-fatal flaws are all over social media. Wondering what could make a kitchen so unappealing you’d lose your appetite? Take a look and keep these mistakes in mind if you’re planning a kitchen renovation soon!

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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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How the U.S. Housing Market Was Rocked by COVID-19—and Where We Go From Here

Realtor.com

Getty Images As home buyers already know full well, the residential real estate market has been on a wild tear for the past few years—and the pandemic has pushed things to new, uncharted extremes. Buyers who had been cooped up indoors for months rushed into the market seeking larger homes in suburban and even remote locations. They were spurred on by record-low mortgage interest rates.

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Second Homes: 15 Percent of New Home Sales

Eye on Housing

Last week’s post reported on first-time home buyers from the February survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). According to the same source, second homes (i.e., homes sold to buyers who are not going to occupy the home year-round, but use it as a vacation home, investment property, etc.) account for 15 percent of new single-family home sales. .

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To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You Sell

Keeping Current Matters

When thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However, with so many buyers competing for available homes right now, renovations may not be as vital as they would be in a more normal market. Here are two things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of selling this season. 1.

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Home Appraiser: What Do Appraisers Look At During An Appraisal

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

What Is The Home Appraiser Appraising? What do appraisers look for? This is a question I have been asked by many clients over the years. A visit from a home appraiser is an inevitable part of selling your home. Even if your buyer is happy to pay what you ask and loves the place, the […]. The post Home Appraiser: What Do Appraisers Look At During An Appraisal appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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Single Women Outpacing Single Men in Homeownership

Lighter Side of Real Estate

There was a time when people felt they should wait until they were married to buy a home. But today, that idea is no longer as relevant, and single people are more empowered than ever to purchase real estate—and, more specifically, single women. According to data outlined in a recent REALTOR® Magazine article , single women own approximately 5.2 million homes in the United States—44 percent more than single men, who currently own about 3.6 million.

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How Blockchain Technology Is Revolutionizing The Property Market

Realty Biz

Image Credit: Unsplash. While blockchain has already been used in sectors like finance and logistics for many years, the technology is now being leveraged within the real estate sector. Blockchain enables ledgers, records, and transactions to be recorded and tracked across a decentralized computer network. Because the blockchain is always updated instantly in real-time, the network will only ever have access to the most recent copy which is always accessible to each member at all times.

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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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Canada Tried To Stop Real Estate Prices From Falling, And Created A Bigger Bubble

Better Dwelling

Last March, the Canadian government sprung into action when news of a pandemic struck. No, not for PPE as you might guess. An email shows they rejected an offer from a major N95 supplier, stating “masks are not a priority.” If healthcare wasn’t the government’s top priority, what was? Preserving real estate prices, it would […]. The post Canada Tried To Stop Real Estate Prices From Falling, And Created A Bigger Bubble appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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How much cash matters in a bidding war

Housing Wire

When there’s a bidding war, cash is king. And a recent Redfin study confirmed that it’s the only sure-fire way to win that dream house in a market this crazy. Homebuyers who offer all-cash improve their chances of winning a bidding war by 290%, per Redfin’s study of clients buying homes between June 2020 and February 2021. And waiving the financing contingency is the second-most effective bidding-war strategy, Redfin officials said – improving homebuyers’ odds of wi

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5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring

Keeping Current Matters

When selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting for the best time to win as a seller, the market is calling your name this spring. Here are five reasons why this is the perfect time to sell your house if you’re ready. 1. There’s high demand from homebuyers.

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Packing Tips For Moving: How to Pack Your House For A Move (Video)

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

The Best Packing Tips When Moving Do you know how to pack your house for a move? Would you like some packing tips for moving? No doubt there is a lot of advice online for this subject. No one ever said moving was easy. Packing a house is one of the most challenging parts of […]. The post Packing Tips For Moving: How to Pack Your House For A Move (Video) appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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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’s the Most Searched for Home Decor Item in Your State?

Lighter Side of Real Estate

The right accessories can transform a room from dull to decorative, cold to cozy, and even take it from meh to magnificent. Some pieces, like candles and vases, have universal appeal. But depending on which part of the country you call home, other items are more practical than others. For example, if you’re in the Florida Keys, the coat racks and sheepskin throws that are so popular in Michigan will look pretty out of place.

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Watch Sheep Stroll Through Prospect Park in a Rare Newsreel From the 1920s

Brownstoner

It is just a snippet of footage, but a rare bit of film gives a glimpse of something that once greeted generations of Brooklynites: a flock of sheep taking a spring-time stroll through Prospect Park. The shepherd and his collies that guide the bleating herd, including some scampering lambs, were captured… Read More > The post Watch Sheep Stroll Through Prospect Park in a Rare Newsreel From the 1920s appeared first on Brownstoner.

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13 Ways to Increase Your Home Value

Realty Biz

To many, becoming a house owner is a dream come true. Not without reason: having your own house inevitably provides comfort and an impeccable sense of security, which many people crave. At the same time, though, being a house owner is not a piece of cake, as it requires a lot of responsibility, organization, and performing regular renovations around the house to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate with time.

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For the first time since July, mortgage rates pass 3%

Housing Wire

The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan rose 5 basis points last week to 3.02%, marking the first time since July that the industry has seen rates break above 3%, according to Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Since reaching a low point in January, mortgage rates have risen by more than 30 basis points as the economy works to recover, and according to Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, the impact on purchase demand has been noticeable.

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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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How to Make a Winning Offer on a Home

Keeping Current Matters

Today’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market , which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively low number of available homes. As a result, it’s essential to understand how to make a confident and competitive offer on your dream home. Here are five tips for success in this critical stage of the homebuying process. 1.

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4 Essential Tips for Updating Your Kitchen Countertops

Realtor.com

Getty Images Countertops can make or break a kitchen. Over time, any well-used work surface for meal prep, dining, and cleanup endures normal wear and tear. But if your countertops have seen better days and you’re feeling stuck in a kitchen design rut, it might be time for an upgrade. “Countertops play an integral part in a kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality,” says Young Huh , a New York City–based interior designer.

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Bank of Canada Wants A Housing Bubble, While Other Central Banks Try To Pop Them

Better Dwelling

Central banks are flooding economies with cheap credit, and trying to prevent bubbles. Well, some countries are trying to prevent bubbles. Canada has decided home price inflation is an uncontrollable consequence of the environment. In fact, the country’s central bank welcomed the rapid home price growth as “needed.” That’s not normal.

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Tips for Renting a Moving Truck

Point2Homes

Image: Chuck Wagner / Shutterstock.com. When you’re preparing to move, you have a choice between hiring a professional moving company or renting a moving truck, which can be a great way to save money. Moving is expensive, and doing as much as you can yourself will help keep your costs down. Plus, a DIY move offers you more flexibility and gives you the freedom to do things at your own speed.

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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 Buy A Home For Your Disabled Adult Child

Realty Biz

The extremely low mortgage rates that are advertised on TV, radio, and the internet are typically reserved for people looking to buy a home that they plan to occupy as their main residence. A 2 nd home or a vacation home generally is not afforded the same low rates. This can create quite an issue when a person wishes to buy a home for their disabled adult child that is living with a disability.

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Biden signs American Rescue Plan. Here’s what that means

Housing Wire

President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Thursday, freeing up $1.9 trillion aimed at invigorating the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill will send $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 annually, and allocates $350 billion in aid to state and local governments and $14 billion for vaccine distribution. Over $50 billion will be distributed to small businesses — including $7 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program — and $25 billion for small and mid

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Is It a Good Time to Sell My House?

Keeping Current Matters

Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain their confidence when it comes to selling safely. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index ( HPSI ) by Fannie Mae shows that 57% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell. Doug Duncan, Vice President and Chief Economist at Fannie Mae, explains : “Overall, the index’s monthly increase was driven largely by a substantial jump in the

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Self-Storage Facilities: Best Companies Reviewed

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Who Are The Best Storage Companies? Are you looking for one of the best storage facilities? If you are moving or decluttering your home, using the services of a storage facility can be very useful. It gives you somewhere to put your possessions and keep them safe. Renting a storage unit has become commonplace among […]. The post Self-Storage Facilities: Best Companies Reviewed appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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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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IMF Recommends Canada Implement Anti-Speculation Taxes, Cites Real Estate As Risk

Better Dwelling

Canadian real estate prices are once again the focus of an international agency. An IMF annual staff audit cites home prices as one of the biggest threats to the country’s economy. The agency suggests avoiding tax deductions and subsidies, which will compound the country’s rising inequality. They also recommend mitigating leverage build up, and taxing […].

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Outlying Suburbs Appeal to More Home Buyers

Eye on Housing

A recent NAHB study* found that COVID-19 has impacted the housing preferences of 25% of home buyers. More specifically, the survey asked about location preferences both prior to COVID-19 and now: did buyers’ preferred location change as a result of the pandemic? Results show that a segment of home buyers have in fact shifted their preference towards the outlying suburbs.

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Container Homes: What to Know About This Housing Choice

Realty Biz

What Should I Know About Shipping Container Homes. Are you thinking about buying a shipping container home? Container homes are just another housing option you may want to consider. Since there are thousands of excess shipping containers lying around ports all around the world, they are the perfect size to be used for your brand new home. But you’re not limited to something small.

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Private mortgage insurance industry boomed in 2020

Housing Wire

Private mortgage insurance helped over 2 million low downpayment borrowers secure mortgage financing in 2020, a 53% increase from 2019, according to data from the government sponsored entities. The private mortgage insurance industry also supported $600 billion in mortgage originations. The result was approximately $1.3 trillion in outstanding mortgages with active private mortgage insurance coverage by year’s end.

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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.