April, 2024

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DOJ charges one of America’s top LOs in alleged mortgage fraud scheme

Housing Wire

Two former New Jersey -based mortgage loan originators have been charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger. Christopher Gallo has been noted as a top-producing loan originator, at one point being Scotsman Guide ‘s fourth-ranked LO in the country.

Mortgages 475
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Why is housing supply so low? Blame local zoning

Real Estate News

Two U.S. senators are pushing for policy changes that would reduce “exclusionary” zoning regulations and promote local development.

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6 ways AI and blockchain will bring more deals to real estate agents

Inman

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, embracing the transformative potential of AI and blockchain technology to gain a competitive edge.

Agents 211
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Wallpaper Removal Cost Guide: DIY vs. Professional Removal

RIS Media

Removing wallpaper can rejuvenate or transform any space. Whether you’re updating your home’s look or preparing to put your house on the market. However, deciding between embarking on a DIY project or hiring professionals involves more than just time and effort. It’s also about understanding the costs involved. I will share my knowledge of the… The post Wallpaper Removal Cost Guide: DIY vs.

Marketing 131
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3 Real Estate Office Hacks to Help Kickstart the Busy Season

Ready to better your Back Office? Dive into the secrets to a powerhouse back office with Brokermint expert, Jessica Souza. In this free download, she shares her 3 transformative hacks designed to clean house, get everyone on the same page, and set yourself up for success. From optimizing agent profiles to ensuring flawless transactions and boosting agent retention, these strategies are your ticket to a seamless operation.

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Windsor Terrace Locals Want a Shorter, More Affordable Arrow Linen Project

Brownstoner

Locals called for proportional and contextual development in Windsor Terrace -- rather than high-rises that could set precedent for the neighborhood and beyond -- at a heated community meeting on a proposed 13-story development on Tuesday night. More than 200 residents from Windsor Terrace and surrounding neighborhoods packed Shepherd’s Hall… Read More > The post Windsor Terrace Locals Want a Shorter, More Affordable Arrow Linen Project appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Inflation Stays Hot as Housing Cost Growth Persists

Eye on Housing

Consumer prices continued to rise in March, with shelter and gasoline prices driving over half of the total increase. This marks the third consecutive strong reading. Despite a slowdown in the year-over-year increase, shelter costs continue to put upward pressure on inflation, accounting for over 60% of the total increase in all items excluding food.

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How are agents paid? Don’t ask buyers

Real Estate News

More than a quarter of consumers surveyed by Redfin don’t know how much their agent was paid, while nearly 20% weren’t sure who provided the compensation.

Agents 334
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60-day clock begins for brokerages seeking to opt into $418M NAR deal

Inman

Sitzer | Burnett plaintiffs on Friday asked the court to preliminarily approve the proposed deal. Brokerages and MLSs that were left out initially will have to take action by June 18 to be covered.

Brokerage 185
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How to Assess the Financial Stability of an HOA

RIS Media

Understanding a Homeowner Association’s (HOA) financial stability is crucial for maintaining property values and ensuring residents’ high quality of life. Key examination elements include reserve funds, special assessments and financial planning. Reserve funds cover significant repairs and replacements, special assessments address unforeseen expenses and financial planning ensures long-term stability.

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City Releases Detailed Plan for Controversial Housing Zoning Changes

Brownstoner

Taller residences, less parking, and more infill buildings will be allowed in New York City if the mayor’s City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning changes go ahead as planned. The draft text for the proposal was released today by the NYC Department of City Planning, the final installment in… Read More > The post City Releases Detailed Plan for Controversial Housing Zoning Changes appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Need Curated Pre-foreclosure Lists to Generate New Real Estate Leads? Trellis Has the Data!

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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Unpaid rent in low-income housing skyrocketed, evictions may be next

Seattle Times Real Estate

Tenants in low-income housing are struggling to pay rent — or refusing, depending on whom you ask. Either way, the debt could hurt affordable housing long-term.

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GSEs will not count buyer agent commissions as IPCs

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not count buyer’s agent commissions as part of their allowable interested party contributions (IPCs), according to announcements from the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) on Monday. The GSEs noted that this guidance was not an update to their selling guides but a clarification on the treatment of seller-paid real estate agent fees.

Agents 527
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What agents and brokers can — and can’t — do under new MLS rules

Real Estate News

Bright MLS legal counsel Brian Schneider explained the ins and outs of the NAR settlement rule changes. Here’s what real estate professionals need to know.

MLS 314
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Sitzer judge grants preliminary approval for NAR settlement

Inman

Judge Stephen R. Bough ruled that the sweeping changes NAR agreed to were "fair, reasonable and adequate" and set a final approval hearing for November.

Brokerage 203
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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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Thoughts on Leadership: Navigating Through Change—A Leadership Odyssey

RIS Media

Change, with its inherent unpredictability, can rattle even the most composed teams. The true essence of leadership lies in metamorphosing this uncertainty into a beacon of opportunity, transforming fear into courage, and translating confusion into lucid clarity. Our reaction to change can either be the wind in our sails or the anchor dragging us down.… The post Thoughts on Leadership: Navigating Through Change—A Leadership Odyssey appeared first on RISMedia.

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Final Look at Local Housing Markets in March

Calculated Risk Real Estate

After the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) releases the monthly existing home sales report , I pick up additional local market data that is reported after the NAR. This is the final look at local markets in March. I’ve added a comparison of active listings, new listings, and closings to the same month in 2019 (for markets with available data).

Marketing 116
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Amid Seattle growth debate, map shows walkable neighborhoods in King County

Seattle Times Real Estate

Nat Henry wanted to know where he could build his life around walking and biking. Turns out a lot of other people were wondering about 15-minute neighborhoods, too.

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Judge grants preliminary approval of NAR commission lawsuit settlement 

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) can breathe a small sigh of relief. The trade group’s nationwide settlement of the commission lawsuits has passed its first hurdle as Judge Stephen R. Bough, who oversaw the Sitzer/Burnett lawsuit , granted preliminary approval to NAR’s settlement on Tuesday. While the agreement still must receive final approval from the court, the industry is now one step closer to operating under the new rules outlined in the settlement agreement.

MLS 469
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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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DOJ can reopen its investigation into NAR, appeals court rules

Real Estate News

Ruling could lead to further changes in industry practices by allowing the Department of Justice to revisit an antitrust case originally settled in 2020.

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CoStar to acquire 3D scanning company Matterport for $1.6B

Inman

Matterport's board of directors unanimously approved the deal, which will be finalized later this year. CoStar purchased its outstanding stock for $5.50 per share, reflecting a value of $1.6 billion.

Brokerage 188
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How to Use Social Media to Help Sell a House

RIS Media

In today’s digital age, social media is not just a platform for social interaction but a pivotal tool in the real estate market. With billions of active users, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok offer fantastic opportunities for real estate agents to showcase their listings, connect with potential buyers and build their brands.

Branding 139
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Should You Invest for Cash Flow or Appreciation? Let’s Reevaluate in an Era of High Interest Rates

Bigger Pockets

For real estate investors, the question of cash flow versus appreciation is as old as time. However, in an era of high interest rates, buying properties for cash flow isn’t easy.

Investor 115
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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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State GOP chair files 3 new initiatives to WA voters

Seattle Times Real Estate

If successful, the three initiatives could join an already crowded November ballot in Washington, including three other GOP-backed petitions.

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California Association of Realtors CEO resigns

Housing Wire

California Association of Realtors CEO John Sebree has departed the trade organization. In an announcement on Saturday, CAR said that Sebree was resigning to “pursue other opportunities. “On behalf of CAR’s leadership team and the Board of Directors, I’d like to thank John for his contributions and service as CEO and State Secretary for our organization.

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Top portal rivals show mutual support for buyer agency

Real Estate News

This week, Zillow CEO Rich Barton praised Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales’ latest push to educate homebuyers about changes coming to the industry.

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Flat-fee brokerage Homie makes remarkable pivot amid upheaval

Inman

The Utah-based disruptor "moved our real estate agents from W2 to 1099" while other "non-Homie" agents were laid off last week due to "role redundancy," a Homie spokesperson confirmed to Inman.

Brokerage 188
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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.

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CoStar Drops $1.6 Billion to Acquire 3D Camera Pioneer Matterport

RIS Media

CoStar, the commercial conglomerate-turned residential portal gate-crasher, announced today that it is acquiring Matterport in a deal worth $1.6 billion, adding what appears to be a highly complementary new business to its growing arsenal of real estate-focused companies. “CoStar Group and Matterport have nearly identical mission statements of digitizing the world’s real estate,” said Andy… The post CoStar Drops $1.6 Billion to Acquire 3D Camera Pioneer Matterport appeared first on RISMedi

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Historic Crown Heights School to Be Converted to Family Shelter

Brownstoner

A 19th century racially integrated school in what was once the free Black community of Weeksville but is now Crown Heights will not become affordable housing as planned after all, but instead will be converted into a homeless shelter. A Brownstoner reader who noticed new windows had recently gone in… Read More > The post Historic Crown Heights School to Be Converted to Family Shelter appeared first on Brownstoner.

As-is 124
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Big bill comes due for Martin Selig, giant of Seattle office real estate

Seattle Times Real Estate

Veteran Seattle developer Martin Selig is reportedly still trying to refinance a $239 million office loan that comes due next month.

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Powell makes it clear: No rate cuts anytime soon

Housing Wire

Today, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made statements at the Washington Forum that indicate there will be no rate cuts anytime soon because the economy and the labor market are too strong with sticky inflation. This is a change from previous statements where the Fed talked about the rate cuts it expected to make this year — although that timeframe has changed several times.

Land 493
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How Enriching the Lives of Your Clients Leads to Greater Sales Success

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.