Thu.Apr 06, 2023

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Mortgage rates decline amid expectation of economic slowdown  

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates fell again this week, but the primary cause was not the banking crisis fiasco. It was the expectation that the U.S. economy is slowing down. According to Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage declined to 6.28% as of April 4, down from 6.32% the previous week. The survey focuses on conventional and conforming loans for borrowers who put 20% down and have excellent credit.

Mortgages 488
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Agents Decoded: Networking is a long game — here's how to play it

Real Estate News

When you're building your business through networking, think beyond referrals. Make yourself indispensable by becoming a "resource directory" for clients.

Agents 264
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The average IMB lost $301 per origination in 2022

Housing Wire

Independent mortgage banks (IMB) and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks received a disappointing sales report card for 2022, which was led by a rapid rise in mortgage rates , low housing inventory and affordability challenges. These companies reported a net loss of $301 on each loan originated in 2022, down from an average profit of $2,339 per loan in 2021, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Loans 415
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Interest rates keep dropping, but low inventory puts damper on spring

Real Estate News

Mortgage applications have slowed even though rates fell for the fourth straight week, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hitting 6.28%.

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The 2025 Real Estate Roadmap to Success

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.

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FHFA will host second public forum on appraisal bias

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) will host the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) in May for its second public hearing on appraisal bias. The housing regulator, led by Sandra Thompson, said it will look at the current regulatory framework for the industry , with a particular eye toward standards , qualification criteria, barriers to entry into the profession and appraisal practices.

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Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.

Keeping Current Matters

We’re still in a sellers’ market.

Marketing 249

More Trending

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Compass scoops up 300-agent indie brokerage in Arizona

Inman

The acquisition of Launch Real Estate expands Compass' footprint at a pivotal time for the company and the industry.

Brokerage 158
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Nominations for the 2023 HW Marketing Leaders are open!

Housing Wire

The 2023 HW Marketing Leaders award program is now open for nominations! In its third year, HousingWire is recognizing the top marketing executives in real estate and mortgage who are making waves in housing. Last year’s list included a diverse group of industry experts who lead their organizations to grow and thrive through innovative and impactful marketing strategies.

Marketing 395
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Renters of color spend 43% more on initial rental costs

Inman

Zillow's latest market report reveals Black, Latinx and Asian American Pacific Islander renters spent $15 more per application than their white counterparts. Renters of color also face higher denial rates, with the typical Black and Latinx renter applying five times before being approved.

Marketing 158
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MBA asks CFPB to withdraw proposed nonbank registry rule

Housing Wire

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and state-affiliated regulator associations are asking the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to withdraw a proposed rule requiring nonbank financial services providers to report certain public agency enforcement actions and court orders. The proposed rule, which the CFPB unveiled in December, conflicts with the CFPB’s responsibility to limit regulatory burden or to consider the costs and benefits its actions would impose, according to MBA.

Banks 391
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Avoiding Lease Accounting Pitfalls in 2025: Lessons Learned from Spreadsheet Errors

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.

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You can’t tell an agent what to wear, I said. Then you responded

Inman

Inman Contributor Rachael Hite wrote "I'm a real estate agent. You can't tell me what to wear on the job" back in February as a response to an agent-broker perspective article. She couldn't have predicted the outsized response that followed.

Agents 148
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FDIC to sell $114B in MBS seized from failed regional banks 

Housing Wire

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has decided, in a “gradual and orderly” move, to sell a portfolio of $114 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) it retained after seizing control of failed regional banks Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The face values of SVB’s portfolio is approximately $87 billion, while Signature Bank’s assets are valued at $27 billion.

Banks 384
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5 tips to make your mission statement more meaningful

Inman

Expressing the values that guide your organization can feel like a team-building exercise or corporate technicality. In reality, though, it’s central to ensuring that you (and everyone in your business) understand what matters most.

Brokerage 148
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Michael Strauss, Smart Rate appeal license suspension in Illinois 

Housing Wire

Mortgage executive Michael Strauss and his company, Smart Rate Mortgage , have appealed a decision from an Illinois regulator to suspend their licenses to operate in the state. Meanwhile, the licenses remain active. Strauss is returning to the industry after being accused of abruptly shutting down lender Sprout Mortgage in July 2022 without paying former employees’ salaries and severance packages.

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Driving Profit: 4 Pillars for Growing Your Real Estate Brokerage

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.

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Put your best post forward: Intentional Instagram video series

Inman

Dive into this three-part series with Katie Lance to boost your Instagram presence and gain takeaways to help you reach new audiences and grow your brand.

Branding 148
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Black Knight’s Optimal Blue adds broker product comparison feature

Housing Wire

Black Knight ‘s Optimal Blue released a product comparison feature in the company’s cloud-based Loansifter product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine for mortgage brokers. Dubbed the “product comparison,” the feature provides a side-by-side breakdown of various mortgage options. The new addition is geared toward giving brokers the flexibility to come up with reports for their clients with their own brand elements, Black Knight said.

Loans 369
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5 ways to nurture your clients through a shifting market

Inman

Often, clients’ perceptions are more negative than reality, according to The Agency founder Mauricio Umansky. That means there’s an opportunity for you to be honest and transparent while also quelling their nerves, dispelling misconceptions and advising them on their transaction.

Marketing 148
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The NAR Lawsuit: Where Do We Go from Here?

Tom Ferry

The NAR Lawsuit against agent commissions is now a class action. Buyside might be going bye-bye, and people are scared. But what can you do about it? If you’re nervous about the NAR lawsuit, it’s hard to blame you… The National Association of Realtors along with major brands like RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and HomeServices of […] The post The NAR Lawsuit: Where Do We Go from Here?

Branding 116
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Tech-Forward Strategies for Scaling Agent Efficiency & Accelerating Growth

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.

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How well do you really understand real estate contracts?

Inman

Providing the highest level of client service means understanding the ins and outs of real estate contracts. Broker Teresa Boardman breaks down the most problematic and error-prone contract elements for you.

Agents 147
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Taxes on Selling a House in California: What to Expect

HomeLight

DISCLAIMER: As a friendly reminder, this blog post is meant to be used for educational purposes only, not legal or tax advice. If you need assistance navigating the legalities or tax implications of selling a house in California, HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to your own advisor. Though California is often regarded as a high-tax state, its property and other real estate-related taxes are more middle of the road.

Title 105
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Teams Spotlight: The MSH Team

Inman

Find out how these three agents offer impeccable service and extraordinary results to clients in New York City and Miami.

Agents 147
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One-to-One Content that Drives Results for Sales, Marketing & Service

Broke Agent Media

What are the three words that describe what we do as real estate agents? Sales Marketing Service If at any moment we stop driving any of those three, we’re basically done. Tom Ferry talks about this all the time. What are you doing right now, this week, to drive more sales in your business, to put out more marketing, and to provide more service to more people?

Sales 98
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The Broker Action Plan for the Post-NAR Lawsuit Landscape

Now more than ever, brokers need to provide agents with the right tools, strategies, and training to effectively demonstrate their expertise, negotiate successfully, and foster strong client relationships. So – what should brokers do to ensure this? Invest in the right technology, continuous education, and innovative marketing strategies that empower agents to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

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Joint venture owned by CRMLS, Bright begins selling MLS data 

Inman

REdistribute aims to aggregate and distribute data for MLSs and participating brokers, sell it to institutions — including government-sponsored entities — and share the revenue with brokers.

MLS 147
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Check Your Credit Scores Before Getting a Mortgage

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Understanding Your Credit Scores When Buying a House Checking your credit score in advance of buying a house is essential. Have you checked your credit score recently? If not, you should. When it comes time to buy a house, you will be looking for a mortgage if you are like most people. Getting a loan […] The post Check Your Credit Scores Before Getting a Mortgage appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.

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The dark side of ChatGPT, deepfakes and real estate

Inman

The key to using AI for real estate is being educated on the dangers of cybercrime and the cyber threats it creates while also protecting clients.

Agents 146
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The Best of Both Worlds: Top 20 City-Like Suburbs

Broke Agent Media

BAM Key Details: A new report by StorageCafe reveals the top 20 U.S. suburbs that combine the best qualities of urban and suburban life, based on their analysis of 912 cities in the 100 largest U.S. metro areas. The top three city-like suburbs are Edina, MN; Falls Church, VA; and Palo Alto, CA. A new report by StorageCafe reveals the top 20 city-like suburbs — neighborhoods that combine the best qualities of urban and suburban life — for those who want the comfort and privacy of a suburb withou

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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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5 red flags to spot hidden non-compete agreements

Inman

As a real estate business owner, these agreements can restrict your ability to practice your trade and limit competition in the marketplace.

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4 Mistakes Agents Make with Reels

Broke Agent Media

Are you doing this in your Reels? There are four mistakes I’ve been seeing agents make in their Reels. If you’re not getting the level of engagement you want for your Instagram presence, one (or more) of these mistakes could be the reason. Find out what they are—and how to fix them! View this post on Instagram A post shared by C&C Real Estate Marketing (@coffeecontracts) Mistake #1: Starting off your Reel with an introduction When you start off your video by introducing yourself and listi

Agents 98
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7 rules that’ll help you (and your business) get your groove back

Inman

Someone will have their best year ever in real estate this year. Why can’t it be you? By understanding and acting on these rules of success, your business’s growth is inevitable.

Agents 128
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Over List, March

BubbleInfo

We are right back into frenzy mode with more than a quarter of last month’s sales closing over their list price. Was it required to win the home? Or has paying over the list price become more of a badge of honor for today’s buyers?

Closing 95
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Boldtrail Backoffice - Take The Quiz to See What Package Is Right For You

BoldTrail BackOffice provides a single, streamlined solution to manage agent onboarding and billing and commission tracking and disbursements, along with agent management, reporting, and accounting - so your brokerage can run smoothly & profitably. Our #1-rated back office solutions have exactly what your business needs to deliver a seamless experience for your clients and your team.