Trending Articles

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Why are existing home prices rising when sales are still so low?

Housing Wire

Existing home sales fell in today’s report , which isn’t surprising, but one headline that shocked some people was that home prices are still up year over year, even with higher inventory and higher mortgage rates. From NAR : The median existing home price for all housing types in March was $393,500, an increase of 4.8% from the previous year ($375,300).

Sales 473
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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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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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Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates To Come Down Before I Move?

Keeping Current Matters

If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action.

Mortgages 250
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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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Existing-home sales drop in March as high rates stun homebuyers

Inman

Existing-home sales retreated 4.3 percent between February and March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.19 million, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

Sales 189
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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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Is It Better To Rent Than Buy a Home Right Now?

Keeping Current Matters

You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s more affordable to rent right now than it is to buy a home.

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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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Op-Ed: The Truth About Home Prices and Real Estate Commissions

RIS Media

Given the recent proposed settlement agreements and accompanying media hoopla, it is time for the voice of factuality to be heard. Now we must even combat misleading presidential pronouncements, such as this from a March 19, 2024, news conference: “…last week the National Association of Realtors agreed for the first time that Americans can negotiate… The post Op-Ed: The Truth About Home Prices and Real Estate Commissions appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 120
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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 498
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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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Commissions won't count against limits, Fannie and Freddie say

Real Estate News

The federal finance giants clarified their policies, confirming that buyer agent compensation won't be applied to concession limits.

Finance 283
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Is It Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home?

Keeping Current Matters

Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home.

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Bye bye bye: Leave your team — without losing your connections

Inman

Co-founder of The Agency's BZP Group and regular cast member on "Buying Beverly Hills" Joey Ben-Zvi writes that professionalism and respect are essential to leaving the right way.

Brokerage 186
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Making the Market Work Through National Standards and Local Customization

RIS Media

Navigating tectonic technology shifts and proactively innovating for the future, for the last 40-plus years, real estate software company FBS has been laser-focused on serving MLSs (multiple listing services) with technology. On a mission to keep MLS subscribers in the driver’s seat with a number of industry-first innovations under their belt, FBS continues to lead… The post Making the Market Work Through National Standards and Local Customization appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 120
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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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G-Rate sued for gender discrimination, sexual harassment, unpaid comp

Housing Wire

A former loan officer at Guaranteed Rate (G-Rate) has sued the lender and two managers for allegedly discriminating against her on the basis of gender, failing to compensate her equally to male coworkers with similar performance and subjecting her to sexual harassment. In response, the lender said it’s conducting a detailed investigation into the claims.

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Mortgage interest rates soar above 7%, reaching new 2024 high

Real Estate News

No rate relief is expected soon, and home prices are also setting records this spring, suppressing existing home sales.

Mortgages 267
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Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a Home

Keeping Current Matters

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year?

Mortgages 245
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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 199
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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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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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CertifID and Old Republic partner to prevent fraud

Housing Wire

Wire fraud prevention firm CertifID and big four title firm Old Republic have entered into a strategic agreement to prevent mortgage payoff fraud , according to an announcement on Thursday. Mortgage payoff fraud occurs when a title company mistakenly sends payoff funds to a fraudulent bank account after receiving wire instructions that appear to be from the mortgage servicer.

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Commissions, steering and the MLS: Myths and realities

Real Estate News

During a livestream presentation, Bright MLS’s chief economist highlighted some of the most misunderstood topics or mistaken beliefs about real estate.

MLS 254
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Seven Reasons Why the Housing Market STILL Hasn’t Recovered From the Pandemic

Bigger Pockets

The pandemic swept through the U.S. housing market like a tsunami. Radical price hikes and all-time low inventory accompanied massive migration away from pricey big cities.

Marketing 118
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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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2 buyers scramble to make a deal as the spring market sprints ahead

Inman

One Connecticut homebuyer is preparing for marriage. Another in Virginia is healing from a divorce. Both tell Inman the struggle to find a home this spring is real — and the clock is ticking.

Marketing 175
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Dispelling Myths About Commissions and the MLS

RIS Media

Editor’s note: The following ‘Myths vs Facts’ were excerpted from recent research, “Dispelling the Myths About Real Estate Commissions and the MLS,” released by Bright MLS. Bright MLS President and CEO Brian Donnellan offers context on the analysis below the comparisons. Myth: Agents steer clients to homes with higher commission rates. Fact: Our analysis of over… The post Dispelling Myths About Commissions and the MLS appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 119
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Major homebuilder objects to proposed NAR settlement

Housing Wire

Atlanta-based PulteGroup Inc. , one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., has filed an objection in the Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit following settlements with Anywhere , RE/MAX and Keller Williams. PulteGroup says that the company does not have enough information to adequately determine the amount of money it could recover, among other issues, according to a court filing reviewed by HousingWire.

Sales 429
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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 253
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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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Seattle studied dozens of sites for housing growth. These 24 got picked

Seattle Times Real Estate

The idea is about cultivating "15-minute" neighborhoods, where people can meet their basic needs by walking or biking from home, and spreading housing to areas where not much development has occurred in decades.

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Will lawsuits end 6% commissions? Probably not, 1 law professor says

Inman

A provision in NAR's settlement barring listing agents from offering buyer agents compensation is "largely symbolic," USC professor Jordan Barry said Friday at a University of Minnesota conference.

Agents 190
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Understanding the Importance of Septic Inspections as a Buyer and Homeowner

RIS Media

Septic tank inspections are crucial for any homeowner considering the purchase of a house with a septic system. I will cover the inspection process, identify who should perform it and explain its importance. A septic system handles a home’s wastewater, making its condition vital for property value and health standards. Inspections can prevent future expenses… The post Understanding the Importance of Septic Inspections as a Buyer and Homeowner appeared first on RISMedia.

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U.S. Treasury’s financial crimes network warns of elder exploitation

Housing Wire

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury , is sounding the alarm over challenges faced by elder financial exploitation (EFE). In a newly released trends report, FinCEN highlighted more than $27 billion worth of “suspicious activity” across more than 155,000 filings of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data with FinCEN between June 15, 2022 and June 15, 2023.

Banks 426
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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.