2024

article thumbnail

Fannie and Freddie ‘met or exceeded’ almost all single-family housing goals over four years

Housing Wire

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) this week published a report assessing the performance of government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in reaching their single-family housing goals. The CBO found that the GSEs “met or exceeded” nearly all goals over a four-year period from 2018 to 2022. The CBO analyzed data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data in its report.

Loans 514
article thumbnail

NAR’s ‘lavish’ spending includes six-figure pay for volunteers

Real Estate News

Leaders spent thousands on Hamilton tickets and other luxuries with corporate credit cards, as former execs stayed on the payroll, The New York Times reported.

341
341
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment

Keeping Current Matters

With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting.

Title 345
article thumbnail

Proposed NAR settlement ‘worst of all possible worlds’: Law professor

Inman

Tanya Monestier says the settlement "reinforces the existing system of seller-paid inflated compensation while pretending to eliminate it" as attorneys walk away with $333 million in cash.

MLS 195
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Mayor Adams raises concerns over real estate broker fee bill set to get City Council vote Wednesday

Brownstoner

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday raised concerns about City Council legislation that would relieve most renters from having to pay real estate broker fees, a day before the bill is expected to pass the chamber. During his weekly off-topic news conference on Nov. 12, Adams said that while he agrees with… Read More > The post Mayor Adams raises concerns over real estate broker fee bill set to get City Council vote Wednesday appeared first on Brownstoner.

129
129
article thumbnail

NAR’s Spending Exposed: Six-Figure “Volunteer” Perks

BAM Media

The New York Times isn’t finished with its investigative reports on the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Last year, journalist Debra Kamin exposed allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment within NAR, amplifying widespread scrutiny at a time when NAR was already dealing with multiple lawsuits and an investigation with the DOJ.

MLS 122

More Trending

article thumbnail

Where are Laundry Rooms Located? 

Eye on Housing

In 2023, the majority of homes started featured laundry connections on the first floor (72%), according to the Census’s Survey of Construction. Laundry located on the second floor or higher was the second most prevalent at 26%. The basement, garage, and other locations all had a 1% or lower share. In NAHB’s What Home Buyer’s.

article thumbnail

Proposition 33 Ignites Fierce Debate Over California Rent Control Laws

Bigger Pockets

Proposition 33—a measure on this year’s California election ballot that would increase rent control laws by limiting the amount landlords can charge for rent, regardless of an apartment’s rental history, […]

131
131
article thumbnail

What Is Probate in Real Estate?

RIS Media

Probate in real estate refers to the legal process of transferring property after a homeowner’s death. This process involves validating the deceased’s will, settling debts and distributing assets to heirs. Understanding probate is crucial for buyers, sellers and inheritors of real estate. Understanding estate planning for the family should never be overlooked.

article thumbnail

Freddie Reports Surge in Multifamily Serious Delinquencies

Calculated Risk Real Estate

This is no surprise, but still a very large monthly increase in the delinquency rate. The multifamily rate increased recently as rent growth has slowed (and rents are falling in some areas), vacancy rates have increased, and borrowing rates have increased sharply. Freddie Mac reports that the multi-family serious delinquency rate increased sharply in January to 0.44% from 0.28% in December, and up from 0.12% in January 2023.

As-is 143
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Mortgage rates jump to 7% as Powell demurs on quick rate cuts

Housing Wire

Jerome Powell , the chair of the Federal Reserve , said on Thursday that the U.S. economy is “not sending any signals that we need to be in a hurry to lower rates.” The statement was enough to raise mortgage rates to an even higher level, a sharp departure from the optimism lenders experienced during the September rally, which now seems like a distant memory.

Mortgages 523
article thumbnail

Phoenix association offers MLS access without Realtor membership

Real Estate News

The new, lower-cost program also includes access to legal forms and training, and is being rolled out as NAR’s three-way agreement faces greater scrutiny.

MLS 309
article thumbnail

Falling Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back

Keeping Current Matters

If you’ve been hesitant to list your house because you’re worried no one’s buying, here’s your sign it may be time to talk with an agent.

Mortgages 339
article thumbnail

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin: Zillow will be the national MLS

Inman

Reffkin continued his campaign against the Clear Cooperation Policy at the National Association of Realtor's annual NAR NXT conference during a "Future of the MLS" session Friday.

MLS 183
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Court Allows Partition Sale of Bed Stuy Home in Family for 75 Years

Brownstoner

Ayisha Doyle, like her mother and her children, was raised in the grand brownstone on Jefferson Avenue in Bed Stuy. She still calls the house home, one of five generations of her family who have done so since her great-grandparents purchased the 1880s single-family house in the 1940s. With her mother,… Read More > The post Court Allows Partition Sale of Bed Stuy Home in Family for 75 Years appeared first on Brownstoner.

Sales 145
article thumbnail

Don't Be Fooled By The Inaccuracy of Zillow Zestimates

Realty Biz

In the digital age, Zillow has become a go-to platform for individuals looking to buy, sell, or assess the value of real estate. At the heart of Zillow's appeal is its incredible database of valuable real estate information. Unfortunately, one aspect of the site falls short. Their 'Zestimate' is an estimated market value for a home. Zillow provides an easy-to-use interface and immediate property value estimates.

article thumbnail

WA county to replicate Texas’ huge solution to homelessness

Seattle Times Real Estate

Pierce County is planning construction of a community for formerly homeless people that brings up questions of the best way to serve people with the most needs.

article thumbnail

Most Home Buyers Want One, Medium-Sized Home Office

Eye on Housing

According to the latest What Home Buyers Really Want Study*, the vast majority of home buyers are looking for a home with at least one home office (or space dedicated to work/study). More specifically, 66% would prefer to buy a home with exactly one home office, 13% want at least two offices, and 20% want.

144
144
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Six Reasons Why REITs Are Safer Than Rentals

Bigger Pockets

Recently, we shared “8 Reasons Why REITs Are More Rewarding Than Rentals.” In short, studies show that REITs earn 2% to 4% higher annual returns than private real estate.

126
126
article thumbnail

Effective Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home

RIS Media

Selling a home involves more than just listing it on the market. Strategic repairs and improvements can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers. It’s all part of preparing to sell. I will provide detailed guidance on minor cosmetic fixes, major structural repairs and insights into DIY versus professional maintenance.

Marketing 144
article thumbnail

First-time buyers remain ‘priced out’ of property market – warning

Estate Agent Today

Buying a property is becoming a ‘challenging prospect’ for many despite recently falling mortgage rates, Propertymark claims, as two separate pieces of research highlight the difficulties facing buyers.

Marketing 126
article thumbnail

Credit data shows: There’s no housing crash coming

Housing Wire

The housing bubble crash theory has failed once again as we approach the end of 2024, but it’s always important to know why something didn’t happen. This week, we got the updated New York Fed credit data report and it shows the strong position of homeowners — especially in comparison to the years before the Great Financial Crisis. This is the kind of information you need as we get close to Thanksgiving and share the dinner table with Uncle Dave who says (for the 13th year) that we’re seein

Loans 504
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

The future of MLS? It's Zillow, says Compass CEO

Real Estate News

Robert Reffkin said “it’s only a matter of time” before Zillow becomes a national MLS. Zillow, meanwhile, advocated for a strong MLS and equal access to data.

MLS 317
article thumbnail

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

Keeping Current Matters

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability.

Mortgages 352
article thumbnail

Commissions held steady after Aug. 17, Redfin study shows

Inman

Commissions have been slowly declining over the last decade, but since the NAR settlement terms went into effect this summer, buyer's agent commissions have seen little impact.

Agents 183
article thumbnail

Locals Clash Over Arrow Linen Site’s Future at Raucous Community Hearing

Brownstoner

It was standing room only, and barely any of that, at a heated two and a half hour public hearing on the Arrow Linen rezoning application in South Slope held by Community Board 7 last night, where 29 residents had the chance to speak to the crowd and many others… Read More > The post Locals Clash Over Arrow Linen Site’s Future at Raucous Community Hearing appeared first on Brownstoner.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

20 Thanksgiving Scents to Welcome the Holiday

Redfin

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to set the mood for Thanksgiving than with scents that evoke the warmth, comfort, and joy of the season. From the comforting aroma of freshly baked pies to the earthy richness of fall spices, the right fragrances can instantly transform your home into a festive haven. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering in your apartment in Allentown, PA , or enjoying a quiet meal in your home in Lakewood, NJ , these 20 Thanksgiving

As-is 76
article thumbnail

As WA housing costs climb, incomes aren’t keeping up

Seattle Times Real Estate

New data puts the sharp home-price surge into perspective. Take a region-by-region look at how incomes stack up against home prices, and what it takes to afford a one-bedroom apartment.

140
140
article thumbnail

Housing Cost Burdens Across Congressional Districts

Eye on Housing

While the lack of affordable housing dominates the headlines across the nation, congressional districts with higher shares of renter households are disproportionately affected by the current affordability crisis. Geographically, the districts with the largest housing cost burdens are heavily concentrated in California, Florida, and the coastal Northeast.

Equity 130
article thumbnail

The Slippery Slope of BRRRR—Is It Still the Best Way to Run Your Landlording Business?

Bigger Pockets

The BRRRR strategy (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is based on finding discounted properties, fixing them up, renting them out, refinancing, and socking away the cash flow with a long-term tenant, and repeating the process until you have amassed a sizable monthly cash flow. In 2024, I largely believe that it's unrealistic.

128
128
article thumbnail

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.