April, 2025

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Lower mortgage rates are spurring housing demand

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates recently hit a year-to-date low, coinciding with ongoing market disruptions from tariffs. The more encouraging story, however, is that the spring season is shaping up positively for the housing market. Notably, purchase applications show growth both year-to-date and year-over-year. Additionally, our weekly pending contract data and new listings are trending positively compared to last year.

Mortgages 533
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Zillow to prohibit listings that are privately marketed

Inman

Zillow said the company's new standards, which eXp Realty also committed to, show how it's implementing Clear Cooperation on its platform. Those that do not meet the standards won't be published on Zillow "for the life of the listing.

MLS 187
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Zillow to bar publicly marketed listings not shared via MLS

Real Estate News

The move, endorsed by eXp, could affect listings that are promoted via social media, yard signs and other means allowed by NARs delayed marketing policy.

MLS 333
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Fair Housing Training: Your Financial Safety Net in a Tight Economy

AAOA

When recession fears rise, budget cuts often followand education directors are being asked to make hard choices. Training programs frequently top the list of cuts, especially those perceived as non-essential or deferrable. At first glance, trimming fair housing training may seem like a logical decision. But beneath the surface, that cut often becomes a costly shiftmoving risk and liability into a companys blind spot.

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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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Housing Market Crash Alert? Zillow Turns Negative on Home Prices

Marco Santarelli

Is the housing market about to take a tumble? According to Zillow's latest forecast , the answer is a resounding yes. Zillow now predicts that U.S. home prices will fall by 1.7% between March 2025 and March 2026. It is a dramatic shift that signals the company is growing increasingly bearish on the housing market's near future. Housing Market Crash Alert?

Marketing 105
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Home-Price Increases Slowed for the Third Consecutive Month in March

RIS Media

Home prices are still on an upward trajectory, but the speed at which theyre rising has slowed for the third-straight month, according to a new report released this past week by Homes.com. The report analyzed home prices in March (based on the data collected to date), price trends across major cities, and what the latest… The post Home-Price Increases Slowed for the Third Consecutive Month in March appeared first on RISMedia.

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10 things your broker wishes you’d learned in real estate school

Inman

Broker Joseph Santini offers 10 truths about real estate that will put you on the right track and save you some time on your path to success.

Brokerage 156
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New eXp disclosure form warns sellers of pre-marketing risks

Real Estate News

Anytime we limit access, it limits opportunities, an eXp exec said during a livestream highlighting ethical issues with the push into private inventory.

Marketing 292
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The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price

Keeping Current Matters

When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that's generally the goal.

Marketing 282
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Today’s Mortgage Refinance Rates – April 19, 2025: Trends and Insights

Marco Santarelli

If you're wondering about today's refinance rates on April 19, 2025 , here's the quick answer: The national average for a 30-year fixed refinance is currently at 6.95% APR , while a 15-year fixed refinance is averaging 6.27% APR , according to Bankrate's latest survey. But that's just a snapshot. Let's dig deeper and see if refinancing makes sense for you right now.

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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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Have Starter Homes Reached Their End? The Shifting Reality of Entry-Level Homes

RIS Media

A traditional stepping stone, starter homes are becoming more and more out of reach. In the 1980s, the typical first-time homebuyer was in their late 20s, and 40% of new builds were considered entry-level homes. In 2019, only 7% of new builds were considered entry-level, and in 2024, the average first-time buyer was 38 years… The post Have Starter Homes Reached Their End?

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Mortgage applications rebounded 20% last week as rates dipped

Housing Wire

Mortgage applications jumped 20.0% from the prior week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) weekly mortgage applications Survey for the week ending April 4, 2025. On an unadjusted basis, the index increased 20% compared with the previous week. The refinance index increased 35% from the previous week as mortgage rates took a dip.

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Cofano-led Collabra Technology sells to Adx

Inman

The deal will see industry vet Russ Cofano exit the company. Current COO Margo Fraker take over as chief executive of the company's B2B efforts.

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New data: Private listings offer ‘no benefits to sellers’

Real Estate News

Though the number of office exclusives is rising, a new report from Bright MLS found no financial advantage to pre-marketing a home off the MLS.

MLS 306
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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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90% of Office Exclusives Eventually Hit the MLS: New Report

BAM Media

For years, office exclusives have occupied a small slice of the real estate landscapetypically just 2% to 4% of listings. But recent data from Bright MLS suggests thats changing. By February 2025, nearly 8% of new listings in Bright MLS were office exclusives, signaling a noticeable shift in how some brokerages handle inventory. So whats driving this trend, and what does it mean for agents, sellers, and buyers?

MLS 95
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Real Estate Agents Predict Strong Housing Market in 2025

Marco Santarelli

If you're wondering what to expect in the real estate world next year, you're not alone. The good news is, most agents are optimistic about the 2025 housing market. A recent survey revealed that a significant majority of real estate professionals anticipate rising home prices and increased transaction volumes throughout the year. Let's dive into what's driving this positive outlook and what it could mean for you, whether you're buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on things.

Agents 109
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3 Tips for Staging a Smaller Home

RIS Media

Staging a home usually requires a bit of creativity, but that challenge can be amplified when dealing with a smaller space. Limited square footage can visually cramp a space, but with thoughtful staging, you can help buyers see a small homes full potential. Whether youre helping someone sell a condo or a small single-family home,… The post 3 Tips for Staging a Smaller Home appeared first on RISMedia.

Staging 111
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Reports: Fannie Mae lays off 700 employees

Housing Wire

Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) Fannie Mae has reportedly laid off as many as 700 employees, with 200 of the layoffs focused on members of the Telugu-speaking community over irregularities uncovered related to charitable donations. According to reports from outlets including TechStory , HRKatha and the Times of India ,700 U.S.-based employees were fired within the first few days of April, including 200 workers who speak the Telugu language, which is primarily spoken in the Indian states of

Finance 539
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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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Agents grow more discontented with their profession, and with NAR

Inman

A new survey shows that fewer agents want to recommend their job to others and that, in the wake of NAR's commission lawsuit settlement, more are dissatisfied with the trade group.

Agents 167
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Mandatory NAR membership facing a new legal challenge

Real Estate News

The Georgia case joins a handful of others as agents argue they are being forced to pay unnecessary association fees to gain access to listings.

Agents 272
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Should I Buy New Appliances Before Selling the House?

HomeLight

Gleaming appliances that work like a charm can be a huge selling point for a home on the market. If you arent sure about that, imagine how a kitchen with dated, yellowing appliances compares! But even if your appliances leave something to be desired, replacing a whole kitchens worth is no small purchase. A new refrigerator, range/oven, and dishwasher could cost anywhere from $2,000 up to more than $10,000 , and the average price tag for a new washer and dryer ranges from $1,100 to $2,000.

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Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year.

Marketing 269
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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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Stylish Crown Heights Row House With Arts and Crafts Mantel, Aga Stove Asks $2.175 Million

Brownstoner

Designed by architects Slee & Bryson, this early 20th century brick home has a picturesque exterior that is matched by the photogenic, art-filled interior. Original details like wood floors, picture rails, and an attractive Arts and Crafts-style tile mantel paired with antiques and art bring out the charm of 1005… Read More > The post Stylish Crown Heights Row House With Arts and Crafts Mantel, Aga Stove Asks $2.175 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

Design 109
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Tariff news sends mortgage rates to the lowest level of 2025

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates have reached the lowest levels of the year today as the 10-year yield dropped significantly on tariff news. The stock market reacted negatively to the news regarding tariffs, resulting in significant selling and a shift towards the bond market. In this week’s Housing Market Tracker , I mentioned that the 10-year yield level was stubbornly resistant and that we needed bad news to break through it.

Mortgages 533
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Client-centricity isn’t a buzzword. It’s your competitive advantage

Inman

In a volatile real estate market, client-centricity isnt optional its your competitive edge. Chris Pollinger shares how elite agents turn uncertainty into opportunity by obsessing over what clients truly need, moving fast and thinking like strategic partners.

Agents 156
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HomeServices’ new CEO ready to ‘go back on offense’

Real Estate News

Chris Kelly is eager to move past the challenges of the past 18 months and focus on unifying and growing the company, with agents and consumers at the core.

Agents 280
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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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Manufactured Homes: An Alternative Means of Housing Supply

Eye on Housing

Manufactured homes play a measurable role in the U.S. housing market by providing an affordable supply option for millions of households. According to the American Housing Survey (AHS), there are 7.2 million occupied manufactured homes in the U.S., representing 5.4% of total occupied housing and a source of affordable housing, in particular, for rural and.

Marketing 119
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UWM and Google announce AI partnership

Housing Wire

UWM’s Jason Bressler and Google’s Oliver Parker United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) , the top mortgage lender in America, on Tuesday announced a strategic AI agreement with Google Cloud that the companies say will bring modernization to the mortgage industry. The partnership will see UWM blend Google Clouds advanced AI and data analytics capabilities with the lender’s technical solutions to create a faster, more intuitive and streamlined mortgage process.

Mortgages 497
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Here’s how one CRE veteran helps multifamily investors thrive

Housing Wire

Volatility is becoming the new norm in today’s commercial real estate market. If it isn’t rising interest rates or shifting rental trends, then growing technology is the driving force that prompts investors to evolve. They also face significant pressure to become faster and more efficient. A change is needed. To help investors survive uncertain times, professionals must understand market trends and develop a game plan for success.

Investor 468
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No Congress, no rate hikes: Bill Ackman’s plan to privatize the GSEs

Housing Wire

Bill Ackman, the billionaire founder of Pershing Square Capital Management , has an audacious plan to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac without congressional approval. The proposal involves the federal government forgiving hundreds of billions of dollars while also reducing capital requirements. As a result, Ackman claims the plan would boost the stock prices of both companies to the $30 range without putting upward pressure on mortgage rates.

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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.