2024

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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 530
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What agents need to know about commission rule changes

Real Estate News

As a part of its proposed settlement, NAR agreed to significant policy changes that will impact how all agents do business — and how buyer agents get paid.

Agents 358
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Industry gets some clarity on mortgage commission rules

Inman

Fannie, Freddie and FHA say sellers can continue to pay the buyer's agent's commission. But it remains to be seen if buyers will be allowed to finance their agent's commission into their mortgage.

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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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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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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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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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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 142
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Top Tips and Considerations For Buying Land

Realty Biz

Buying land represents a pivotal investment in one's future. Unlike purchasing a ready-made home, it offers the flexibility to design and build according to personal or business needs. However, the process involves intricate steps, from understanding zoning laws to securing financing and conducting due diligence. Each stage demands careful consideration to avoid common pitfalls and ensure the land meets your long-term objectives.

Land 142
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Housing Affordability Conditions Made Progress in January 2024

NAR: Economic Outlook

Housing Affordability Conditions Made Progress in Janua At the national level, housing affordability increased in January 2024 compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index.

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Beyond the Headlines: Understanding How Proposed Changes in Real Estate Commissions Will Actually Impact You as a Buyer or Seller

Lighter Side of Real Estate

You’ve probably heard the news that there are changes coming in terms of how real estate commissions are paid. This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, with headlines proclaiming things like: “Real estate commissions are being slashed!” “Selling your house will now be less expensive!” “No more paying 6% to real estate agents!

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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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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 500
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Industry seeking clarity — and change — in FHA and VA lending

Real Estate News

NAR this week sent letters asking government lending agencies to allow buyers to finance agent compensation. Thursday, it started getting answers.

Lending 353
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LA nets biggest deal yet this year at $62.8M for spec mansion

Inman

The European-style home is located in the Hollywood Hills' coveted Bird Streets. The sale marks a breakthrough for a market that's been crippled by high interest rates and a mansion tax.

Sales 192
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The Psychological Aspects of Selling a Home: How to Stay Positive and Motivated

RIS Media

Selling a home is more than a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey. This process can stir up feelings, from excitement about prospects to sadness over leaving memories behind. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for staying motivated and positive. I will examine the psychological aspects of selling a home. You will see my… The post The Psychological Aspects of Selling a Home: How to Stay Positive and Motivated appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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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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New Bill in Congress Targets Real Estate Investors—Here’s Why This Could Be a Big Problem

Bigger Pockets

Another bill is targeting real estate investors—this time, with a goal to “help Main Street compete with Wall Street.” What's in the bill? And what are the consequences for investors if passed?

Investor 130
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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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FHFA’s National Mortgage Database: Outstanding Mortgage Rates, LTV and Credit Scores

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Here are some graphs on outstanding mortgages by interest rate, the average mortgage interest rate, borrowers’ credit scores and current loan-to-value (LTV) from the FHFA’s National Mortgage Database through Q4 2023 (released this morning). Current Outstanding Mortgage Rates Here is some data showing the distribution of interest rates on closed-end, fixed-rate 1-4 family mortgages outstanding at the end of each quarter since Q1 2013 through Q4 2023.

Mortgages 126
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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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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.

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The Share of All Cash Buyers Highest Since 2014 at 32% of All Buyers

NAR: Economic Outlook

The Share of All Cash Buyers Highest Since 2014 at 32% Since October 2022, all-cash home buyers who did not finance their recent home purchase have been more than one-quarter of the real estate market.

Finance 137
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NAHB Releases What Home Buyers Really Want, Study Shows Buyers Want Smaller Homes

Eye on Housing

Continuing NAHB’s commitment to be at the forefront of research on home buyer preferences, the 2024 edition of What Home Buyers Really Want was recently released at the International Builders’ Show. The primary objective of the study is to provide builders, manufacturers, architects, and the general residential construction industry with a thorough analysis of what.

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NAR settles commission lawsuits for $418 million

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to pay $418 million in damages to settle the commission lawsuits. The story was first reported by the New York Times. NAR’s legal counsel approved the settlement agreement early Friday morning. It has yet to be filed in court. Lawyers for the trade organization told the Times that they anticipate the settlement will be filed in the coming weeks, however it will still be subject to court approval.

Agents 540
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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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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 317
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Strength in home prices helped boost Fannie, Freddie 2023 profits

Inman

With a combined net worth of $125 billion after earnings this week, the mortgage giants remain on a path that could lead to eventual release from government conservatorship if political winds shift.

Mortgages 217
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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 133
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Extensive Construction in Gowanus Forecasts a Very Different Neighborhood Ahead

Brownstoner

Gowanus, an industrial and low-lying neighborhood, has been undergoing a sudden and sweeping transformation over the past year and a half. Swathes of low slung 19th and early 20th century brick industrial buildings have been demolished. In their place, ubiquitous on many blocks, are active construction sites ringed by green… Read More > The post Extensive Construction in Gowanus Forecasts a Very Different Neighborhood Ahead appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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House Selling Tips For a Successful Sale

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

How to Sell a House Do you want some of the best advice on how to sell a home? Who wouldn’t? Selling your home will take some work, but just because it will take effort does not mean it needs to be any more complex than necessary. By being smart about how you use your […] The post House Selling Tips For a Successful Sale appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.

Sales 129
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Kenmore’s canceled affordable housing project draws sharp criticism

Seattle Times Real Estate

Plymouth Housing — which operates permanent supportive housing for nearly 1,200 people — said it’s never come so far on a project to have it end so suddenly.

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Will We Buy Homes in Bitcoin Someday? I Don’t Think So, and Why You Shouldn’t Either

Bigger Pockets

I don’t invest in Bitcoin because I am betting on the continuation of Western civilization, not its collapse or decline.

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4 Powerful and Dynamic Factors That Influence Real Estate Values

Realty Biz

The real estate market is a complex and dynamic arena where various factors interplay to determine home values. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners, investors, and industry professionals to make informed decisions. A myriad of components influences market trends in real estate. Some include but are not limited to supply and demand dynamics, interest rates, and broader economic indicators.

Investor 140
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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.