Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

What will happen to mortgage rates now that China and the U.S. have made progress in their trade war, agreeing to a 90-day period of lower tariffs? Stocks are up considerably this morning and bond yields have also increased. This raises the question: Is the de-escalation of the trade war good for mortgage rates ? The trade deals are just one factor, but I see three possible scenarios for mortgage rates in this environment.

Mortgages

Real Estate News

MAY 12, 2025

A new report suggests mortgage rates are continuing to delay purchase decisions, but younger buyers are most eager to trade renting for homeownership.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

The median age of homes purchased nationwide reached a record high of 36 years in 2024, a significant jump from 27 years in 2012, according to an analysis released Monday by Redfin. The trend reflects a long-term slowdown in new home construction and growing affordability challenges. Buyers are increasingly turning to older properties, often out of necessity rather than preference.

Construction

The Residential Specialist

MAY 12, 2025

By Pat Zaby For many buyers, the mortgage ratesof the last few years created an expectation that anything above 5% feels too high. However, as real estate professionals, we have an opportunity to reshape this narrative and help clients understand that the ultra-low rates during the pandemic were an exceptionnot therule. As rates settle into historically typical ranges, we must provide perspective that helps buyers see the big picture.

Mortgages

Speaker: Jady West, VP of Hospitality & Chris Bennett, Head of Sales & Engineering

The modern hotel room is no longer just a place to stay—it’s an experience to remember. Today’s guests expect seamless 5G connectivity, personalized comfort, and high-tech convenience. From AI-powered smart room controls to in-room entertainment and app-based services, technology is redefining hospitality from the inside out. In this new session featuring industry pros Jady West and Chris Bennett, we’ll explore how high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity powers the innovations that are enabling

Technology

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

The weekly pending home sales picked up this week as expected, with 2.6% more pending home sales contracts started than a year ago. If youre following the data closely, you know that home sales are still running at or below last years pace. Year to date, through the first week of May, we count 3% fewer total sales than in 2024. But in May and June, the yearly comparisons get easier because last year at this time was really dry due to the highest mortgage rates of the year.

Sales

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

The so-called silver tsunami referring to some kind of rush of older people into certain places, out of the workforce or to their housing stock, depending on who you talk to has larger communities scrambling about how to effectively absorb more older residents. High-profile retirement destinations including South Florida and California have openly discussed the challenges that an older population will bring for their communities , workforces and resources.

As-is

AAOA

MAY 12, 2025

As spring emerges, landlords must address common roofing issues post-winter, such as misaligned shingles, blocked gutters, worn membranes, chimney damage, and nesting animals. Timely maintenance and repairs are essential to prevent structural damage and ensure tenant safety. Proactive measures like gutter cleaning and sealing gaps mitigate potential problems, ensuring hassle-free property management year-round.

Property Management

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

The lending playbook needs an overhaul Lets cut through the noise: The mortgage market isnt changing; its already changed. Volatility is the norm, margins are squeezed within an inch of viability and borrowers expect a frictionless experience every time. If your entire business still revolves around purchase and refinance, youre not just playing catch-up, youre being left behind.

Mortgages

Toronto Realty Blog

MAY 12, 2025

TorontoRealtyBlog Stop me if you’ve heard this bit before, but have you ever considered why a “placebo” is effective? A placebo is a fake treatment for sickness, illness, or other ailment whereby a pill is given to the affected individual, however, that pill is not medicinal. It’s sugar or saline and it’s designed to look like a real pill.

Marketing

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Don’t just react to changes, plan for them, so you can approach the new year with confidence, direction, and a competitive edge for your business. Having a well-defined business plan helps you chart a clear course, navigate challenges, and set a foundation for growth. This workbook gives you the key steps to outline what matters and will ensure you’re moving ahead.

Development

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

Home Equity Investment (HEI) is a relatively new option for private equity real estate investors, and one that carries significant promise. Essentially, is a secured contract where a homeowner receives cash today for a share of the home’s future value at a refinancing or sale event. Unlike a loan, there are no monthly payments or interest. HEIs are attractive to homeowners because the payment comes in an interest-free lump sum, rather than being spread out over a period of time and includi

Equity

BAM Media

MAY 12, 2025

In a rare moment of economic dtente, the U.S. and China just hit pause on one of the most aggressive trade wars in recent history. Following high-stakes talks in Lake Geneva, the worlds two largest economies agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs from 125% to just 10%a move that sent financial markets soaring and left analysts scrambling to gauge what comes next.

Agents

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

Bidding wars for producing mortgage loan officers are back with a vengeance and it’s largely in the hopes of capitalizing on an upcoming refinance wave, recruiters and executives tell HousingWire. Just ask Candice McNaught , the senior vice president of business development and strategic initiatives at Connecticut-based Planet Home Lending. McNaught has the tough task of expanding the companys distributed retail platform by hiring 100 loan officers by years end five times the number she ha

Mortgages

BAM Media

MAY 12, 2025

Let’s be honest: most of us aren’t waking up at 5 am to journal, meditate, and drink matcha after our ice bath before diving into back-to-back showings. If you’ve ever tried a morning routine you saw on TikTok and felt like a failure by 7:15 a.m., you’re not alone. You’re also not broken (and I am here to help). As Realtors, our days often start before most people hit snooze.

Agents

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.

Industrial

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

While much of the housing industry views Rocket Companies proposed acquisition of Redfin as a foregone conclusion at this point, at least one common stock holder is saying not so fast. On Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle , plaintiff Jason Morano filed a lawsuit accusing the two companies of breaching their contracts, engaging in fraudulent activities, misrepresenting facts, misappropriating trade secrets and unjust enrichment.

Lending

Real Estate News

MAY 12, 2025

In addition to lowering costs, the 90-day pause could improve consumer confidence and rejuvenate the slow spring homebuying season.

Marketing

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

As renter expectations shift, property managers and owners are forced to rethink operational efficiency. Property management has heavily relied on outdated processes designed for yesterdays renter. Many often deal with lost keys, wasted time during client no-shows, and inefficient access that create daily challenges that can be resolved with a more digital approach.

Property Management

Redfin

MAY 12, 2025

Delaware may be one of the nation’s smaller states, but it certainly packs a punch in character and opportunity. From its strategic location on the East Coast and tax-friendly policies, to its vibrant communities and natural beauty, there is much to appreciate about life in the First State. However, like any location, living in Delaware has its share of drawbacks.

Sales

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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.

Brokerage

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

ERA Experts a franchise affiliate of ERA Real Estate has made a strategic investment in Austin -based Sprout Realty LLC , which will now operate as Sprout Realty ERA Powered. Leaders said the move is aimed at accelerating Sprout Realtys growth across Austin, Waco, Dallas-Fort Worth and other parts of northwest Texas , while allowing the firm to maintain its brand identity and leadership structure.

Branding

AAOA

MAY 12, 2025

As a landlord or property owner, when was the last time you raised the rent on your tenants? If it’s been a whileor maybe neveryou’re not alone. Many property owners hesitate to increase rent, either because it feels awkward to bring up or because they worry it might push good tenants out the door. W e get itkeeping the peace with tenants is essential.

Property Management

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

Roughly six months after leaving Side , Steve Capezza has landed at Anywhere Real Estate. Capezza will serve as Anywhere’s senior vice president of growth and M&A. He will report directly to Sue Yannaccone , the president and CEO of Anywhere Brands and Anywhere Advisors , according to an announcement on Monday. Were thrilled to add Steve to our deep roster of talent at Anywhere, as his unique skill set and long track record of success represents a perfect fit to take our growth to the

Brokerage

AAOA

MAY 12, 2025

Although rents have been on a decline in the top 50 metros for over a year, low multifamily permitting could unfold higher rent prices. In 2024, within the top 50 metros only 294,000 multifamily units were permitted, which is well below the 318,000 units permitted in 2020, according to theRealtor.com February rent report. During the pandemic, rent prices surged significantly.

Construction

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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.

Agents

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is undergoing significant changes under the Trump administration, has rescinded 67 guidance documents issued since 2011, including several that affect the mortgage industry. Some of the withdrawn guidance was helpful to clarify regulations, which gave lenders certainty and could also be useful if defending against private litigation with plaintiffs firms, said Colgate Selden , a founding member of the CFPB and an attorney at SeldenLindeke LL

Mortgages

AAOA

MAY 12, 2025

Apartment turnovers are an inevitable part of property management, but the process can present challenges that lead to lost revenue, increased labor costs, and delayed move-ins. Coordinating move-outs, preparing units, and onboarding new residents requires careful planning, especially when working with multiple vendors and teams. However, technology is transforming how property managers handle turnovers.

Property Management

Lighter Side of Real Estate

MAY 12, 2025

Real estate agents often have just a few lines of space to squeeze in every last detail of a home, so over the years, theyve developed a whole shorthand to keep their word count down. A seasoned agent could probably read an entire listing written in acronyms alone but for buyers, those letters can be a little trickier to decode. Some are easy enough to figure out BR is bedroom, LR is living room, FP stands for fireplace.

Proof of funds

BAM Media

MAY 12, 2025

What would it take? Its a simple question, but its the difference between a buyer who gives up and one whos back at the table. In our latest BAMx roleplaying session , this one phrase came up again and again as the game-changer that unlocks possibilities when clients are stuck. From budget constraints to school district must-haves, Byron Lazine and Tom Toole demonstrated how this question opens the door to solutions.

Agents

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Agents

AAOA

MAY 12, 2025

When developer Steve Patron was planning a neighborhood of townhouses in Winslow Township, Camden County, a decade ago, he expected to sell the new homes. But after running the numbers and looking at demand, it just made more sense to do it for rent, said Patron, managing partner atHarvestate Group, based in Somerset County. The company owns the 105-unitEnclave at Winslow.

Construction

Marco Santarelli

MAY 12, 2025

Finding the most affordable path to homeownership is a top priority for many. As of today, May 12, 2025, the states offering the lowest 30-year new purchase mortgage rates are New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Oregon, California, and Florida , with average rates hovering between 6.78% and 6.96%, according to Zillow's data. It's interesting to see this mix of states, from the Northeast to the Southeast and the West Coast, all offering relatively attractive rates right now.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MAY 12, 2025

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage Group has acquired Manchester, Tennessee-based Advantage Realty Partners in a move to strengthen its presence and market share across middle Tennessee. The acquisition brings the firms total footprint to three offices and roughly 80 affiliated sales associates. Melissa Sterling, principal broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage Group, said the acquisition aligns with the firms strategy of growth through shared values and pro

Principal