Sat.Aug 07, 2021 - Fri.Aug 13, 2021

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Mortgage rates rise to 2.87% after jobs report

Housing Wire

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 2.87% for the week ending in August 12, according to mortgage rates data released Thursday by Freddie Mac ‘s PMMS. The increase follows six consecutive weeks of mortgage rate declines. The week prior, mortgage rates slipped down to 2.77%, as the 10-year Treasury yields declined and fears over the Covid-19 Delta variant grew.

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The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations

Keeping Current Matters

In the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help you think through today’s market conditions and how they impact what you should – and shouldn’t – renovate before selling. Here are some considerations a professional will guide you through: 1.

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Flat Fee Real Estate Brokerage: What Are The Pros and Cons

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Listing on MLS For Sale by Owner With Flat Fee MLS Service Do you want to get your home listed on MLS for sale by owner? To list in MLS is thought of as the “holy grail” of real estate marketing by many people. One of the questions those thinking of selling for sale by […]. The post Flat Fee Real Estate Brokerage: What Are The Pros and Cons appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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UN Climate Change Report Predicts Dire Future for New York

Brownstoner

Climate change is set to hit home hard for Brooklynites, according to a new report. The report, compiled by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and released Monday, paints a daunting picture of the catastrophic effects that increased atmospheric Co2 is already wreaking on the world, and where we’re inevitably… Read More > The post UN Climate Change Report Predicts Dire Future for New York appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Soaring home prices are spooking buyers

Housing Wire

Home purchase sentiment dropped 3.9 points to 75.8 in July as concerns about high home prices continued to scare off prospective homebuyers. Fannie Mae ‘s Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) found that 66% of respondents said that due to high housing prices, it’s a bad time to buy a home, up from 64% last month. Only 28% said it was good time to buy a home, down from 32% in June.

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The Community and Economic Impacts of a Home Sale

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, chances are you’re focusing on the many extraordinary ways it’ll change your life. What you may not realize is that decision impacts people’s lives far beyond your own. Home purchases and sales are significant drivers of economic activity. They have a major impact on your community and the entire U.S. economy via the multiple industries and professionals that take part in the process.

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7 Things All First-Time Homeowners Get Wrong—and How To Avoid Those Big Mistakes

Realtor.com

Having recently purchased my first home, I’ve had a front-row seat to all the trials and tribulations that come with learning how to be a homeowner. The post 7 Things All First-Time Homeowners Get Wrong—and How To Avoid Those Big Mistakes appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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Opendoor ramps up but loses $144M

Housing Wire

“We think it’s mainstream,” Opendoor CEO Eric Wu said of his company’s instant homebuying platform. “All the homeowners crave what we’re offering.”. “Over the long haul,” Wu added, regarding iBuying. “We think it will be the majority of transactions.”. That could be the future, but in the present iBuying is about.5% of U.S. home sales , per a Redfin report in June.

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Looking for a Place To Call Home? Consider a Condominium.

Keeping Current Matters

It’s no secret that one of the top stories in today’s real estate market is low housing supply and high buyer demand. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a starter home or are someone who’s interested in downsizing, it may be worth considering a condominium (condo) as a worthwhile option. In fact, trends indicate condos are gaining popularity among buyers.

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Back to the Land in the Lone-Star State: The Luxury Ranches of Texas

Sotheby's International Real Estate

In the American consciousness, a Texas ranch has always been the pinnacle of pastoral living. Bordered by rivers and opening onto the sea, Texas offers unparalleled breathtaking expanses, spanning plains, steppes, hills, forests, and finally, the coast. All of this is enhanced by the presence and proximity of some of the nation’s most beloved cultural capitals.

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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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This Week’s Top Stories: The Canadian Property Bubble Has Gone 24 Years Without A Correction, and It’s Begun Deflating

Better Dwelling

Time for your cheat sheet on this week’s most important stories. Canadian Real Estate The Canadian Property Bubble Has Grown For 24 Years, Longer Than Any Other G7 Canadian real estate is currently in the middle of the longest expansion of home prices in the G7. Home prices in the country have currently gone 24 […]. The post This Week’s Top Stories: The Canadian Property Bubble Has Gone 24 Years Without A Correction, and It’s Begun Deflating appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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The Post-COVID shift: What Amazon and Zillow can’t do

Housing Wire

In just a few months’ time, COVID-19 accelerated the digital shift era to forever change the way consumers approach home buying. This tipping point came after several years of rapid technology growth in our industry. In February 2019, we wrote an article predicting this seismic shift, detailing how mortgage lenders could and should prepare to not only survive the shift but thrive in the future digital age.

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Sellers Are in a Sweet Spot [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights. In today’s sellers’ market, you’re set up to win big when you list your house. That’s because homes are selling fast , receiving 4.4 offers on average and often selling above the asking price. Then, when you buy your next home, you’ll also win by addressing your changing needs and taking advantage of near historic-low mortgage rates.

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House (Featured in Blade Runner) is a True Architectural Marvel

Fancy Pants Homes

Few houses nowadays can cause our brows to rise and our jaws to drop; one might say we’ve pretty much seen it all by now. Yet there are some architectural gems that only get more impressive with time and even after decades have past, leave us in awe with their masterful design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House is definitely one of those gems. Nearly 100 years after it was built, the building still manages to fascinate us, and Hollywood can’t seem to get enough of it.

Design 137
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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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Lot Values Surge at Record Breaking Pace

Eye on Housing

Lot values for single-family detached homes started in 2020 surged 18%, according to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) data. As a result, the median lot price reached a new record high of $53,000. Though an 18% jump in lot values is unprecedented, it is consistent with other significant building material price hikes and undeniable supply.

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Refinances make a comeback in July

Housing Wire

Refinances are flowing once again, according to July mortgage origination figures in a report from Black Knight, and early data from August suggests more are on the way. For the first time since February , refinance activity accounted for half of all origination activity, according to a report by Black Knight. Rate and term refinances rose 24%, while cash-out refinances were up 20% from the previous month.

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Are Houses Less Affordable Than They Were in Past Decades?

Keeping Current Matters

There are many headlines about how housing affordability is declining. The headlines are correct: it’s less affordable to purchase a home today than it was a year ago. However, it’s important to give this trend context. Is it less expensive to buy a house today than it was in 2005? What about 1995? What happens if we go all the way back to 1985? Or even 1975?

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Canada Is Spending $73 Billion On Affordable Housing, and It Will Push Prices Higher

Better Dwelling

Canada’s massive multi-billion dollar program to create affordable housing will only have a “limited” impact. That’s the take from the non-partisan Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), tasked with explaining the numbers behind policies, to lawmakers. They found the federal program is billed as a “$70+ billion plan,” but failed to find a significant impact.

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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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Building Materials Prices Climbing at Record YTD Pace Despite Lumber Declines

Eye on Housing

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 0.2% in July after climbing 3.0% in June (not seasonally adjusted), according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019 and have increased 19.4% over the.

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Forbearance numbers fall, delinquency rates rise

Housing Wire

Once again, servicers’ forbearance portfolio volume fell — this time dipping seven basis points to 3.40% for the week ending Aug. 1, according to a survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Per MBA’s estimate, 1.7 million homeowners are still in forbearance plans. The share of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans in forbearance also decreased, falling five basis points to 1.74%, and Ginnie Mae loans decreased 12 basis points to 4.18%.

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What Are FHA 203K Loans and How Do They Work

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

The Ultimate Guide to FHA 203K Rehabilitation Loans Over the years of working as a real estate agent, quite a few home buyers have asked me about buying and fixing a house with one loan. The answer, of course, is an FHA 203k rehabilitation loan. If you want to buy a home that you can […]. The post What Are FHA 203K Loans and How Do They Work appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

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Attention to Detail: 5 Homes with Distinctive Bathroom Tile

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Few spaces in the modern home take higher design priority than a lavish bath. With tilework featuring striking details and vibrant hues, these five baths are sure to make a splash. Lakefront Luxury. Kingwood, Texas | Dana Olejniczak, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty . On a lakefront cul-de-sac with spectacular views, this 8,692-square-foot manor has a thoughtful layout that includes an inviting living space; a chic kitchen with quartzite countertops; billiards, game, and media

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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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Some plants and trees actually lower a home’s value

The American Genius for Real Estate

(REAL ESTATE) You don't have to be a master gardener to know that curb appeal impacts a home sale - let's talk about what to avoid. The post Some plants and trees actually lower a home’s value appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

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Rocket announces discount real estate brokerage

Housing Wire

Rocket Homes has plans to start iBuying – and discount real estate. The Detroit-based company – and no. 1 mortgage lender in the U.S. by volume – fired off a 1,490-word press release Tuesday declaring its intention to “combine every aspect of home selling and buying into one simple, customizable platform.”. Such are the ambitions of an array of companies today including Zillow and real estate brokerage Compass.

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Where Do You Turn After You’ve Turned Down The Highest Offer?

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog. Do you watch basketball? I don’t. I follow pretty much every sport there is because I’m a stats junkie, and I keep a 200-page book of statistics by my bed which is what I read at night when I can’t sleep. That book is comprised of printed Excel spreadsheets that I have made myself and continuously update. Sure, I’ve got all the big sports covered.

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New Development Spotlight: Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought after locations, let’s explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network. Dubai | Chris Whitehead, LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty . Atlantis The Royal Residences offers a sophisticated lifestyle and hospitality experience with architecture from the finest international designers, the project lies on the crescent of The Palm with spectacular 360 degree views.

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The Broker Action Plan for the Post-NAR Lawsuit Landscape

Now more than ever, brokers need to provide agents with the right tools, strategies, and training to effectively demonstrate their expertise, negotiate successfully, and foster strong client relationships. So – what should brokers do to ensure this? Invest in the right technology, continuous education, and innovative marketing strategies that empower agents to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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Good News for Homebuyers—New Listings up 6.5 Percent in July

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Low inventory in markets across the country have been driving up prices and creating bidding wars, making it extremely difficult for many potential buyers to successfully find and purchase homes. But it looks like things are (finally!) starting to look up for buyers. According to realtor.com’s Monthly Housing Report for July 2021 , while inventory is still low, more homes are starting to hit the market.

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Divvy Homes hits $2 billion valuation after latest funding round

Housing Wire

Divvy Homes , the prop-tech startup that buys homes on behalf of renters and guides them to eventual ownership, announced Friday a new round of funding that nearly quadrupled its valuation to $2 billion. Co-led by Tiger Global Management and Caffeinated Capital , Divvy’s latest round raised $200 million in equity, Divvy CEO Adena Hefets told Bloomberg.

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How to develop a valuation for your real estate brokerage?

Realty Biz

I am often asked, “what is the multiple for valuing my company?” Most are generally surprised and somewhat annoyed when I respond simply with — “it depends.” There are numerous factors that impact value, no single, simple and accurate multiple is applicable. Even within the same market, comparable brokerages may vary greatly in value. Multiples provide ranges for establishing pricing and they are driven by the true profitability of earnings or cash flow. .

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More Renters Signing Leases in Brooklyn, While Rents Edge Closer to Pre-COVID Levels

Brownstoner

The rental market in Brooklyn continues to climb toward — but not yet reaching — pre-pandemic levels. Listing inventory and new leases continue to grow at a rapid pace, while rental prices, while still down from the same time last year, are slowly ascending, according to a July rental report… Read More > The post More Renters Signing Leases in Brooklyn, While Rents Edge Closer to Pre-COVID Levels appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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.