Sat.Jan 22, 2022 - Fri.Jan 28, 2022

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Rate pressure pushes down mortgage applications

Housing Wire

Mortgage applications fell 7.1% from the previous week, following an increase in rates to the highest level since the pandemic onset, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) survey for the week ending Jan. 21. The seasonally adjusted Refinance Index decreased 12.6% in the same period, with applications falling for the fourth straight week.

Mortgages 370
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Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022

Keeping Current Matters

You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important?

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9 Tips for Successful Real Estate Marketing in 2022

Realty Biz

Whatever your field in real estate, you need marketing to generate leads and sales. Establishing yourself as a real estate consultant or gaining new partnerships with businesses within your community require savvy marketing strategies, too. Here are nine tips to help you generate brand awareness and build a solid lead and customer database. Many of the following strategies apply to a broad spectrum of businesses, including hospitality and retail.

Marketing 107
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Introducing Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year | A Conversation with Leatrice Eiseman

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Photo Courtesy of Leatrice Eiseman. Pantone’s Color of the Year is a highly anticipated announcement for design aficionados and consumers alike, and the color institute’s heralded shade for 2022 is Very Peri—a blue hue with warm red undertones that “encourages personal inventiveness and creativity”. As expected, there are many factors at play when making this selection.

Design 138
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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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Mortgage rates fall slowly after a month-long rise

Housing Wire

The average 30-year-fixed rate mortgage declined one basis point from the week prior to 3.55% during the week ending Jan. 27, according to the latest Freddie Mac PMMS Mortgage Survey. A year ago, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.77%. Most economists believe rates will continue to climb in the weeks and months ahead. “Following a month-long rise, mortgage rates effectively stayed flat this week,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement.

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Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights. Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Work with an agent so you have expert advice and a trusted professional who will keep your interests top of mind.

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Decent Exposure: Four Homes Featuring Exposed Brick

Sotheby's International Real Estate

From chic urban oases in Manhattan to estates on the leafy thoroughfares of Houston, these homes prove that exposed brick is a time-honored way to infuse a home with history and character. Chic Tribeca Penthouse. New York, New York | Gina M. Kuhlenkamp & Olga Reindlova ”Neulist,” Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage.

Brokerage 133
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As home prices skyrocketed, sellers made killer profits in 2021

Housing Wire

U.S. home sellers made a pretty penny in 2021, with the nationwide realized profit growing by 45% year-over-year, according to a new analysis published by real estate data vendor ATTOM this week. Per ATTOM’s year-end home sales report, on average home sellers raked in a profit of $94,092 on a typical home sale last year, up from $64,931 in 2020.

Investor 459
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Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for Sellers

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips.

Marketing 255
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New Home Sales Increase in December

Eye on Housing

New single-family home sales increased in December as housing demand was lifted by buyers accelerating some contract signings due to anticipated higher mortgage interest rates in 2022. However, for the year as a whole, sales ended 7.3% lower than a supercharged 2020, as builders slowed some sales to manage ongoing building material and labor issues affecting the housing industry.

Sales 132
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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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Former Downtown Brooklyn Woolworth’s Loses Art Deco Facade, Awaits Makeover

Brownstoner

All traces of the streamlined bands of ornament that once graced the facade of the former Fulton Street F.W. Woolworth store are gone, leaving a blank slate as the building preps for a new look. Filings show that plans for facade repairs on the building at 408 Fulton Street in Downtown… Read More > The post Former Downtown Brooklyn Woolworth’s Loses Art Deco Facade, Awaits Makeover appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Will 2022 be a good year for real estate investors?

Housing Wire

This article is part of our HousingWire 2022 forecast series. After the series wraps, join us on February 8 for the HW+ Virtual 2022 Forecast Event. Bringing together some of the top economists and researchers in housing, the event will provide an in-depth look at the predictions for this year, along with a roundtable discussion on how these insights apply to your business.

Investor 459
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The Next Generation of Homebuyers Is Here

Keeping Current Matters

Many members of Generation Z (Gen Z) are aging into adulthood and deciding whether to rent or buy a home.

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What Do Home Appraisers Look For?

Point2Homes

Image: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com. A home appraisal is an essential part of buying or selling a property and even applying for refinancing. But what do appraisers actually look for when they visit? In this guide, we’ll cover the main items on an appraiser’s checklist and how they can affect the value of a property. The Home Appraiser’s Checklist.

FHA loan 130
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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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Boxes For Moving: Where to Find Them Free and Paid (Video)

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Where to Get Moving Boxes Do you want to know where to find moving boxes? We are going to go over the best places to buy boxes to move as well as where you can get them cheap or even for free. Moving from one home to another brings many important but monotonous tasks that […]. The post Boxes For Moving: Where to Find Them Free and Paid (Video) appeared first on Massachusetts Real Estate Exposure.

Marketing 129
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New home sales rebound, but builders are still wary

Housing Wire

Today the Census Bureau ‘ s new home sales report came in as a beat of estimates at 811,000. The headline beat surprised many people, but the report’s internals show negative revisions for the previous months. The bearish take on housing for the second half of 2021 didn’t really pan out, especially in the new home sales sector. What I believe occurred is that some housing investors took the decline in builders confidence and the increase in monthly supply to push that something bad was going to

Sales 474
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Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change?

Keeping Current Matters

Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes.

Marketing 213
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Video of the Week: Striking Lakefront Estate in Como, Italy

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s V ideo of the Week. ?. Como, Italy | Luca D’Angelo, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. Located in Como, Italy, this more than 100-year-old waterfront home offers an array of amenities to make it’s future owner comfortable. The 2,500 square-meter villa features seven bedrooms and 17 bathrooms complete with a 2,500-bottle wine cellar, playroom, billiard room, home theater, in

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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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Is a New Construction Home Inspection Needed?

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Should You Hire a Home Inspector For a New House? Should you get a new construction home inspection? When you buy an existing home, a home inspection isn’t a difficult decision. It will make sure you aren’t spending money on a property that will cause you many problems and expenses. But if you are buying […]. The post Is a New Construction Home Inspection Needed?

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Wells Fargo pays $12M for wrongly denying mortgage modifications

Housing Wire

Wells Fargo agreed to pay $12 million to more than 1,800 mortgage borrowers to resolve a class action lawsuit that alleged the bank’s clients had loan modifications wrongfully denied due to calculation errors in the bank’s system. A judge from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio approved the settlement on Tuesday after a hearing between the parties.

Mortgages 435
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Fed Rate Hike Coming in March

Eye on Housing

At the conclusion of its January policy meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee strongly signaled that it will undertake its first, post-covid increase of the federal funds rate in March. The Fed is tightening monetary policy in response to the highest inflation readings in nearly 40 years. These inflationary pressures have increased both consumer costs and businesses input costs, including.

Marketing 124
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Canada Is Seen As More Corrupt As Money Laundering Estimates Hit $113 Billion

Better Dwelling

Canada’s squeaky clean reputation took a nosedive, according to an anti-corruption watchdog. This week, Transparency International (TI) released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2021. The index shows Canada continues its spiral lower, having fallen out of the top 10 in 2019. Extensive money laundering and opaque institutions are amongst the reasons for the decline. […].

As-is 122
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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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‘We Moved Here for $10K’: How Cash Incentive Programs Are Changing the Rules on Where Americans Live

Realtor.com

Ahmed Zuhairy Washington, DC, was home to Anela Malik , a food writer, and her husband, Ahmed Zuhairy , a financial crimes analyst, for nearly 10 years before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Suddenly, rather than spending their evenings out at restaurants and at co-worker happy hours, they were stuck in a cramped apartment, frantically Googling where they’d want to live next.

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Will the 10-year yield send mortgage rates over 4%?

Housing Wire

I have been a happy camper lately, particularly with the rise of the 10-year yield as I am seeking balance in the housing market. I love these times in the market and the San Francisco 49ers are making an epic run in the playoffs, so what else can a person ask for? Other people might not be as happy as I am. I retired in 2020 from the mortgage business after 24 years, so I understand how some people who were floating their rate lock might not feel this way.

Mortgages 431
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Is Buying a Rehab Home Worth It?

Realty Biz

There is no clear line defining the difference between a rehab and a fixer upper. Generally, a fixer only needs some relatively inexpensive cosmetic improvements to increase the property value. Often a fixer involves repairing a few dinged walls, fresh paint, new carpet, or refinished floors. You start entering a grey area by replacing major appliances in the kitchen.

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Real Estate Agent Commissions: How Much Do Agents Make in 2022?

HomeLight

Most real estate agents get paid through commissions. Commissions are typically calculated as a percentage of a property’s sale price, though some brokerages will charge a flat fee. The average real estate agent commission rate nationwide is 5.8% of the home sale price, according to HomeLight’s real estate transaction data of thousands of home sales each year.

Agents 119
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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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How to Measure the R.O.I of Your Social Marketing Strategy

Jason Fox

How to Measure the R.O.I of Your Social Marketing Strategy. To compete as a real estate agent in the digital age, it’s no longer enough to simply put up a big sign in town, or rent out a billboard, to promote your name, generate leads, and drive sales. Instead, you need to have a multi-pronged approach that starts with your website, includes. Jason Fox Real Estate Marketing | Real Estate Websites.

Marketing 119
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UWM to credit borrowers up to $600 for their appraisal costs

Housing Wire

For the next two months, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) will credit borrowers up to $600 for their appraisal costs, the lender said in a statement Wednesday. According to the Pontiac, Michigan-based lender, the credit will be available on all primary purchases, including jumbo mortgages. The offer will run from now until March 31. Mat Ishbia, CEO of UWM, said in a statement that the move is meant to “jump-start purchase season” and that this offering will give independent mortgage brokers a sig

Mortgages 397
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To-Do Checklist When Preparing For An Open House

Realty Biz

Are you getting ready to host an open house for your property? If so, make sure you follow this checklist to ensure that everything goes smoothly! By preparing in advance and having a plan of action, you can avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure that your guests have a great experience. 1) Remove clutter & personal items. Open houses are typically public events, so you’ll want to make sure your home is as tidy as possible.

As-is 117
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Buyers’ Perceptions of Housing Inventory Worsened Throughout 2021

Eye on Housing

In early 2018, only 16% of home buyers expected that finding a home would be easier in the months ahead. The share soared during the early phase of the pandemic, reaching 36% by the end of 2020. But in 2021, buyers’ perceptions of housing inventory worsened throughout the year, and by the fourth quarter, only 24% expected easier availability ahead.

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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.