Sat.Oct 31, 2020 - Fri.Nov 06, 2020

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Beware of gloom and doom housing market crash headlines

Housing Wire

With Halloween now in the rearview mirror, we still have one more spook to survive in 2020 – and no, I’m not talking about the upcoming election. I’m talking about housing market crash headlines. The housing data has been wild this year. We’ve seen waterfall declines and parabolic rebounds. These dramatic peaks and valleys in the data have fed the demons of greed and fear that infest the minds our extreme housing bulls and the fierce housing market bears – leading to equally wild spe

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4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

Tomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them. Analysts will try to measure the impact feasible changes in regulations might have on housing, the effect of a possible first-time buyer program, and any number of other situations based on who wins.

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These Pandemic-Related Housing and Design Trends Aren’t Going Away

Realtor.com

Hispanolistic/Getty Images Home trends come and go, but social distancing and staying at home have ushered in a new way of life—and some of those changes have spurred home trends that are likely to stick around well past the COVID-19 era. “The idea of what is necessary is changing,” says Camille Thomas , a real estate matchmaker and lifestyle expert in Jackson Hole, WY.

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Smaller Multifamily Buildings Gain Market Share in 2019

Eye on Housing

Data from the 2019 Census Bureau Survey of Construction (SOC) show a gain for the number of multifamily units built in smaller properties, reversing a trend that favored larger buildings over recent years. The SOC differentiates between a “building” and a “unit”, with “unit” defined as an apartment, a group of rooms, or a single room intended for occupancy as.

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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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The adverse market refinance fee on mortgages is unwarranted

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released their Q3 earnings last week, reflecting a combined $6.7 billion in net income, up significantly from the previous quarter. This strong performance was not unexpected, but makes the upcoming 50 basis point adverse market refinance fee more puzzling. In their earnings Q3 2020 10-Q release , Fannie Mae states the following, “We are implementing a new adverse market refinance fee in light of the increased costs and risk we expect to incur due to the COVID-19 pande

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Real Estate Is a Driving Force in the Economy

Keeping Current Matters

As the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that what we call “home” is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore, has thrived in an otherwise down year. Today’s high buyer demand combined with low housing inventory means we’re seeing home prices appreciate at an above-average pace.

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The Art of Art Placement

Coldwell Banker

Things to think about before hanging art up in your home. The post The Art of Art Placement appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.

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Refinance wave boosts mortgage applications 3.8%

Housing Wire

With mortgage rates continuing to hover near record lows, mortgage applications jumped 3.8% last week according to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The refinance wave showed no signs of stopping as refinance activity gained 6% from the previous week – up 88% higher than the same week last year. According to Joel Kan , MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, borrowers made a grab for both conventional and government refi’s.

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Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for You

Keeping Current Matters

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates , there’s great opportunity for current renters to make a move into homeownership that stretches each dollar a little bit further. While the best timeline to buy a home is different for everyone, the question remains: Should I continue renting or is it time for me to buy?

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Wow! How Home Sellers Can Make a Bundle in the ‘Best’ Winter Sales Season in Years

Realtor.com

Feverpitched / Getty Images Selling a home in winter is often a slow process. Since many home buyers traditionally hunker down as the temperature drops, particularly during the holidays, home sellers with real estate on the market typically see fewer buyers and lower offers. That’s your typical winter, but this winter is shaping up to be a whole different reality, even a hot seller’s market.

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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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The Pros and Cons of Building vs. Buying as a First-time Homeowner

Homes.com

If you're torn between buying or building a home, understanding what each option entails will help you make a more informed decision. Here are the pros and cons of each journey. The post The Pros and Cons of Building vs. Buying as a First-time Homeowner appeared first on Homes.com.

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Home prices jump 6.7% in September, but are expected to moderate

Housing Wire

Despite home prices rising 6.7% year over year in September, CoreLogic’s Home Price Index Forecast (HPI) estimates home prices will moderate next year, increasing 0.2% nationally by September 2021 as higher prices erode affordability. Home purchase demand managed to maintain pace through the summer, and now through the fall, as record low mortgage rates continued to encourage new borrowers to enter the market.

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Why the 2021 Forecast Doesn’t Call for a Foreclosure Crisis

Keeping Current Matters

As the current forbearance mortgage relief options come to an end, many are wondering if we’ll face a foreclosure crisis next year. This is understandable, especially for those who remember the housing crisis that began in 2008. The reality is, plans have been put in place through forbearance to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. This year, homeowners are able to request 180 days of mortgage relief through forbearance.

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Self-Employed and Applying for a Mortgage? Here’s What’s Changed Since COVID-19

Realtor.com

valentinrussanov/Getty Images The gig economy has blown up in the past few years, with more and more people choosing to work as freelancers, either by starting their own businesses, or by picking up nonsalaried jobs from bigger companies. According to the Freelancers Union , over 50 million Americans worked this year as freelancers, a number that represents roughly 35% of the country’s workforce.

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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 Needle-Moving Strategies to Help You End 2020 On a High Note

RIS Media

Can you believe Quarter Four is just a few weeks away? As we enter these last few months of the year, it’s time to start thinking about ending 2020 on a high note and planning your luxury real estate marketing strategy for 2021. To help you do that, we spoke with luxury real estate marketing expert David Collins of REAL Marketing , who gave us a few simple strategies you can start using right now to nail down your marketing plan for the rest of the year and start creating goals that stick.

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Rate lock data suggests record $4T in 2020 mortgages

Housing Wire

New rate lock data suggests 2020 will end with over $4 trillion worth of originations, easily a record. The data, from Black Knight’s “Mortgage Monitor” report , shows that rate lock activity in the first half of October was up 4% from September, with purchase locks up 6% and refinance locks up 3%. Add the record-low interest rates to the recipe and quarterly volume is expected to reach record levels across both purchase and refi.

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Making a Home for the Brave Possible [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights. VA Home Loans provide unique opportunities for Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families in recognition of their service to our Nation. For eligible individuals, options associated with VA Loans can help make the dream of homeownership a reality. If you or someone you know may benefit from a VA Loan, reach out to a local real estate professional to learn more today.

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Let It Shine

Coldwell Banker

Here are a few ways to think creatively about indoor lighting to liven up your home during the long winter ahead. The post Let It Shine appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.

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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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Share of Home Buyers Getting Outbid Almost Doubles

Eye on Housing

An earlier post revealed that 62% of buyers who were actively engaged in the process of finding a home in the third quarter of 2020 have spent upwards of 3 months searching for a home without success. Although the top reason long-time searchers haven’t pulled the trigger continues to be the inability to find an affordable home (38%), that share. Read More › The post Share of Home Buyers Getting Outbid Almost Doubles first appeared on Eye On Housing.

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Younger generations want to become homeowners – Here’s how the housing industry can help

Housing Wire

Despite what many believe, Gen Z and Millennials do want to become homeowners and they’re excited by the prospect. However, they face different obstacles than their parents and grandparents did. These challenges include lack of mortgage education, lack of suitable housing supply, and an unprecedented amount of debt that limits buying power and makes them fearful of taking on more.

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Should you offer above asking price on a house? How much is reasonable?

The Mortgage Report

In today's market, it's common for buyers to offer above the asking price on a home. But how much over asking price is too much? Find out here.

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Who Will Rescue a Massive Berkshires Mansion Once Owned by the Vanderbilts?

Realtor.com

Anthony Acocella/ Acocella Photography A mansion in the Berkshires that remained in the Vanderbilt family until 2012 is now up for sale. It was the last remaining summer cottage in the Berkshires owned by the descendants of what was once the United States’ wealthiest family. And while the words “summer cottage” may conjure up images of a modest shack near a beach, the 50,000-square-foot estate known as Elm Court is far from tiny and nowhere near the ocean.

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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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Meet the Real Estate Tech Entrepreneur: Tyler Irons from VRLY

GeekEstate

In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Tyler Irons from VRLY. Without further ado… Who are you and what do you do? My name is Tyler Irons and I’m the Founder of VRLY. VRLY is a Technology and Marketing partner for Real Estate agents. VRLY helps agents implement the latest technology into their listings.

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Investors turn their eyes to affordable housing opportunities

Housing Wire

The COVID-19 pandemic redefined “home” for many Americans and underscored the bedrock necessity of affordable housing for seniors, families and essential workers. As the pandemic shifts from crisis to chronic, investors, community leaders and housing advocates say they intend to make the most of the chance to permanently elevate the case for affordable housing even as economic metrics are starting to shift.

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What is an asset depletion mortgage? How asset depletion loans work

The Mortgage Report

An asset depletion mortgage lets you qualify based on your liquid assets rather than regular income. Learn how asset depletion loans work here.

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PSA Thursday: The Affordable Care Act, with Tanja Hester

Afford Anything

PSA Thursday is back! In case you’re a new listener, PSA Thursday is a weekly- ish segment in which we talk about how to handle money, work, and life in the middle of a pandemic. With the uncertainty of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) looming before us, many are asking: What will happen if the ACA is struck down by the Supreme Court? How can we plan for healthcare – now and in the future?

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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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Creating Content That Both Your Readers and Search Engines Will Love

Jason Fox

Creating Content That Both Your Readers and Search Engines Will Love. Walk the Line: Creating SEO-Friendly Content That Readers Love To truly appreciate the enormous changes that search engines and content marketing have undergone, we need to go back to the Wild West Days of SEO, which were as much fun as the similarly titled 1990s “western” with Will Smith.

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The vote is in: Borrowers want RON

Housing Wire

This year, remote online notarizations have taken a major step forward as more borrowers than ever are using eClosing platforms. And the consensus is in: borrowers like RON. A new study conducted by ClosingCorp shows borrowers who completed purchase and refinance transaction during COVID-19 were very satisfied with their experience, and even hope eClosings will continue in the future.

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The mortgage loan process explained in 9 steps: From pre-approval to closing day

The Mortgage Report

Your guide to the mortgage loan process. Learn what to expect before, during, and after you apply for a mortgage.

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What’s the Best Home Insurance Company for You?

Realtor.com

pixdeluxe / Getty Images We’ve all seen those catchy insurance commercials featuring Geico’s talking gecko, Jake from State Farm, Flo from Progressive, Allstate’s destructive “mayhem” dude, the Aflac duck. Need we go on? (We didn’t think so.). As you can tell from all these ads, home insurance is big business. So how do you know which is the best home insurance company for you?

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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.