Housing Wire

MARCH 22, 2021

When there’s a bidding war, cash is king. And a recent Redfin study confirmed that it’s the only sure-fire way to win that dream house in a market this crazy. Homebuyers who offer all-cash improve their chances of winning a bidding war by 290%, per Redfin’s study of clients buying homes between June 2020 and February 2021. And waiving the financing contingency is the second-most effective bidding-war strategy, Redfin officials said – improving homebuyers’ odds of wi

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Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 25, 2021

Right now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to a bigger one, or selling so you can downsize this spring, there are perks today that are powering big moves for people across the country. Here are the top two to keep on the radar this season.

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Lighter Side of Real Estate

MARCH 25, 2021

It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. But depending on the design, that heart may have some serious problems. From clogged arteries to bad flow, kitchens with near-fatal flaws are all over social media. Wondering what could make a kitchen so unappealing you’d lose your appetite? Take a look and keep these mistakes in mind if you’re planning a kitchen renovation soon!

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Better Dwelling

MARCH 24, 2021

Canada’s largest bank warned the country’s real estate markets are approaching systemic risk. Not credit risk, banks are more than adequately protected. Instead they see it as a risk for the whole darn economy. RBC senior economist Robert Hogue, who isn’t a traditional bear, warned the market is out of control. Canada’s nurturing of the […].

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

Private mortgage insurance helped over 2 million low downpayment borrowers secure mortgage financing in 2020, a 53% increase from 2019, according to data from the government sponsored entities. The private mortgage insurance industry also supported $600 billion in mortgage originations. The result was approximately $1.3 trillion in outstanding mortgages with active private mortgage insurance coverage by year’s end.

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Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 22, 2021

According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae , the average FICO® score on closed loans reached 753 in February. As lending standards have tightened recently, many are concerned over whether or not their credit score is strong enough to qualify for a mortgage. While stricter lending standards could be a challenge for some, many buyers may be surprised by the options that are still available for borrowers with lower credit scores.

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Better Dwelling

MARCH 24, 2021

Canadian households devote much more of their paychecks than their American counterparts. Actually, this is more of a global thing. Canada’s household debt service ratio (DSR) is manageable, but far from normal. An addiction to cheap credit and expensive housing has led to an epic borrowing spree. Households in the country now devote more of […].

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

If you’re a first-time homebuyer (or you already own a home), you’ve heard of mortgage loans. You have your conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans and so on. But there’s another type of loan, not too many people are familiar with that can make the home buying process much easier. Yes, we’re talking about a bridge loan. Haven’t heard of them?

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Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 26, 2021

Some Highlights. There are a lot of misconceptions about buying or selling a home today, making it challenging to know exactly how to navigate the current real estate landscape. Here’s a little clarity when it comes to 5 common myths about the 2021 housing market. With these busted myths in hand, be sure to also work with a trusted real estate advisor so you can decipher local facts from fiction along the way.

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Realtor.com

MARCH 22, 2021

Getty Images Countertops can make or break a kitchen. Over time, any well-used work surface for meal prep, dining, and cleanup endures normal wear and tear. But if your countertops have seen better days and you’re feeling stuck in a kitchen design rut, it might be time for an upgrade. “Countertops play an integral part in a kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality,” says Young Huh , a New York City–based interior designer.

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Advertiser: Trellis

Trellis is a state trial court research and analytics platform that provides Real Estate Professionals (Buyers, Foreclosure, Loan Modification, etc.) with LEADS on Pre-Foreclosures, Lis Pendes, Distressed Assets and more — to help uncover **new** opportunities and grow their business. The process is quick and easy — and all in real time. Trellis will supply you with a link to the relevant dockets, a Leads sheet and access to its UI where applicable.

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Better Dwelling

MARCH 26, 2021

Canadian real estate markets have become such a large bubble, even a crash can’t fix prices. That’s what the Globe’s Rob Carrick argued earlier this week. The personal finance expert says it’s now too late for young adults in Toronto and Vancouver. Policy failures made markets so inefficient over the past few years, ownership is […].

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

The broader economy showed signs of recovery last week, pushing the average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan up eight basis points to 3.17%, according to Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Since January, mortgage rates have increased roughly 50 basis points from historic lows and home prices have risen, leaving would-be homebuyers with less purchasing power.

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Keeping Current Matters

MARCH 24, 2021

For generations, the homebuying process never really changed. The seller would try to estimate the market value of the home and tack on a little extra to give themselves some negotiating room. That figure would become the listing price of the house. Buyers would then try to determine how much less than the full price they could offer and still get the home.

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Eye on Housing

MARCH 26, 2021

According to the latest data from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes was 39 years. The age of the housing stock is an important remodeling market indicator. Older houses are less energy-efficient than new construction and ultimately will require remodeling and renovation in the future. Moreover, as people use their homes for more purposes.

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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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Better Dwelling

MARCH 22, 2021

Canadian real estate prices are once again the focus of an international agency. An IMF annual staff audit cites home prices as one of the biggest threats to the country’s economy. The agency suggests avoiding tax deductions and subsidies, which will compound the country’s rising inequality. They also recommend mitigating leverage build up, and taxing […].

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

Do I need to pay off my student loans before buying my first home? It’s a common question, but unfortunately, not an easy one to answer. The truth is, every situation is different. What it really comes down to is whether or not you feel comfortable paying a mortgage (and all the other fun expenses that come with having a home), while also paying off student loans.

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RIS Media

MARCH 25, 2021

With the real estate market experiencing surging prices, scant inventories and a backlog of new home construction, many consumers are wondering if what’s gone up must come back down—in other words, are we headed for another housing market crash? Let’s take a closer look. Think Back to the Great Recession. The unforeseen housing market crash 15 years ago ignited a worldwide recession.

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Eye on Housing

MARCH 25, 2021

A recent NAHB study* found that COVID-19 has impacted the housing preferences of 25% of home buyers. More specifically, the survey asked about location preferences both prior to COVID-19 and now: did buyers’ preferred location change as a result of the pandemic? Results show that a segment of home buyers have in fact shifted their preference towards the outlying suburbs.

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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.

Agents

Better Dwelling

MARCH 23, 2021

The Bank of Canada (BoC) head recently dismissed the need to cool real estate prices. Governor Tiff Macklem seems like he doesn’t want to say anything controversial… or he’s one of those people that thinks real estate prices only go up. That wasn’t the case back in 2013, when he served in the central bank’s […]. The post Bank of Canada Governor Doesn’t See A Property Bubble, But He Did In 2013 appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

HomeServices of America Inc. reigned supreme as the largest residential brokerage in America by transaction sides last year , according to the latest annual RealTrends 500 ranking. But such activity didn’t result in more sales volume than its chief rivals, publicly traded brokerage colossus Realogy or controversial New York upstart Compass. HomeServices of America, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate, was involved in 343,220 brokerage sides and etched out

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Realty Biz

MARCH 22, 2021

The real estate industry took a substantial setback because of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world. Realtors now face more challenges than ever to reach their customers and to maintain relevance on the market. The following set of marketing tools may help real estate agents adjust their marketing plans to get more leads, retain their interest, and finally drive sales.

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Realtor.com

MARCH 24, 2021

realtor.com Midcentury modern lovers, take note. At least 10 Eichler homes are on the market right this minute. For those not in the know, Joseph Eichler was a remarkably influential post-World War II housing developer who built affordable subdivisions of tract homes, mainly in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California, although a handful show up in far-flung locations like New York.

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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.

Agents

Better Dwelling

MARCH 23, 2021

One of the world’s largest real estate bubbles is getting a new round of affordability measures. Earlier this year, the New Zealand Government said they would put home prices at the top of their agenda. This week they followed up with the first actions they’ll be taking. Property investors will soon see most tax advantages […]. The post New Zealand Curbs Property Investment Tax Advantage, Wants “Productive Investment” appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Housing Wire

MARCH 25, 2021

As the refi boom fades, gain-on-sale margins at loanDepot are declining, the company disclosed in a new filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week. The Tuesday filing shows that loanDepot, the nation’s second-largest retail lender, originated $25.1 billion worth of residential loans in January and February, compared to the $37.4 billion the company originated in the fourth quarter of 2020.

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Lighter Side of Real Estate

MARCH 25, 2021

When homeowners decide to put their property on the market, most do a little work to spruce up the place. Some might paint and declutter, while others go all out and hire a home stager. On the flip side, certain bold homeowners take a DIY approach that often leaves real estate agents and potential buyers scratching their heads. Think you’ve seen some decor that could’ve used a little work?

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Realtor.com

MARCH 26, 2021

Kelli Kroneberger/Houzz The long, cold season of hibernation might be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still give your nest a little love. We spent this week turning to Instagram for some much needed decor therapy and, like we do, scoured the ranks for these five top-rated bedroom looks. Whether you’re looking to make some big changes to your space—or even just a few small ones—we know you’ll find something to love on this list.

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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.

Agents

Better Dwelling

MARCH 22, 2021

Canada’s household debt grew almost twice as fast as its economy, due largely to its addiction to housing. The country’s household debt to gross domestic product (GDP) made a sharp increase in Q3 2020. A little household debt to drive growth is normal, but the country is embracing it to the extreme. Canada’s ratio of […]. The post Canadian Household Debt Dwarfs G7 Peers, Growing Faster Than Emerging Economies appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Housing Wire

MARCH 22, 2021

According to The National Association of Realtors, February’s existing home sales missed estimates , coming in at 6.2 million. Because February 2020 sales were strong, the year-over-year growth in sales for February 2021 is impressive at 9.1%. For the housing market, the COVID crisis started in earnest in March of 2020. The data for February 2020 showed that the housing market was set to outperform all other sectors.

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BubbleInfo

MARCH 24, 2021

To provide some transparency on the deal-making on the street, here’s a review of properties that have gone pending this week. I didn’t intend to make a blog post out of it, but I had inquired about the availability of these listings, and for my own knowledge I like to ask how many offers the […].

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Realtor.com

MARCH 23, 2021

Getty Images Golden State real estate has seen ups and downs in recent years, and based on this month’s analysis of data on realtor.com®, it seems to be staging a comeback—but this time, the spotlight is on a different kind of metro. California’s job opportunities, great weather, and beautiful landscapes used to be enough of a lure for home seekers to balance out prices that were among the highest in the nation.

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Speaker: Ari Capogeannis, Director - Revenue Marketing at NVIDIA and Bill Pappa, Sales and Marketing Leader at Ai Media Group

Building strong personal and professional relationships with clients is a critical success factor. Sales professionals who focus on relationship building generate more leads and raise their brand awareness. Because this can take time, having regular engagements can help you cultivate these relationships more efficiently. The most effective way to accomplish this is through direct hyper-personalized touchpoints.

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