Thu.May 01, 2025

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Precision partners: How AI and human expertise are elevating lending excellence

Housing Wire

Artificial intelligence has moved from a buzzword to boardroom priority in lending. After years of hype and speculation, we’re finally seeing real transformation in how loans are processed, underwritten, and serviced. What’s most fascinating isn’t just the technology itself but the emerging pattern of success: the institutions making the greatest strides aren’t those attempting to replace human judgment with algorithms, but those finding the sweet spot where AI and expert

Lending 235
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What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Keeping Current Matters

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year.

Marketing 218
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Agents share dueling opinions on off-market listings

Housing Wire

Industry debate around off-market listings or pocket listings has become increasingly heated. For some agents , these private transactions are tools of exclusivity and strategy. For others, theyre a disservice to sellers and a potential breach of fiduciary duty. Four agents with strong opinions; Isom Coleman in Sacramento, Calif.; Kevin Dombrowski in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Jaymes Willoughby in Austin, Texas; and Jovanka Novakovic in Chicago, offered contrasting views on the practice.

Agents 235
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Real-Time Video Chat Pioneers New Benefit to Home Warranty: Convenience

RIS Media

American Home Shield (AHS) is revolutionizing the home warranty experience with its latest feature: real-time video chat with an Expert, available as a benefit with select plans through the AHS app. Launched February 27, the groundbreaking tool allows members to connect directly with seasoned professionals in real-time for help with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliance and… The post Real-Time Video Chat Pioneers New Benefit to Home Warranty: Convenience appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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Buyer questionnaire: The best questions to ask your clients (+PDF)

Housing Wire

Youve set an appointment with a new potential buyer client – congrats! But, now what? Successful agents send a real estate buyer questionnaire to all buyer leads. This will not only save you time in the future, but it will also position you as a professional. Since youll be guiding them through the homebuying process, using a buyer questionnaire starts the client relationship off on the right foot.

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Mortgage rates tick down — but will the drop entice buyers?

Real Estate News

A rise in inventory is giving homebuyers more choices, but economic uncertainty and affordability continue to drag on sales.

Mortgages 157

More Trending

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Compass goes retro with launch of ‘Private Exclusives Book’

Real Estate News

The brokerage, which has been scaling up its private inventory, will now offer physical and digital listing books to share with agents and consumers.

Brokerage 144
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eXp Realty launches agent co-sponsor program

Housing Wire

eXp Realty has launched an initiative that allows agents to name both a primary and secondary mentor, formalizing a shared leadership model that aims to improve agent support, retention and development. The co-sponsor program, officially unveiled at eXp s EXPCON conference in Montreal, Canada , allows new agents and commercial advisers to designate a primary sponsor a longtime element of eXps model and a co-sponsor who contributes to their early success.

Agents 235
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Zillow’s NYC brand to adopt new listing standards in June

Real Estate News

StreetEasy, which serves the New York City market, will deny agents who choose to publicly market listings to some buyers but not all access to some programs.

Branding 144
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New York Times relights the fuse on NAR settlement, cooperative compensation

Housing Wire

The real estate industry and The New York Times have not been on good terms for a while now. Although the mutual disdain began with the Times 2023 expose of alleged widespread sexual harassment and a culture of fear at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), things really began to heat up with the Times coverage of the commission lawsuits. With that backdrop, it’s not surprising that many industry professionals were up in arms about a recent episode of “The Daily” podcast f

MLS 217
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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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Open House Success Tip: A Guide for the Best Refreshments

RIS Media

Making a variety of food options available is a thoughtful way to make an open house experience more enjoyable for those taking the tour, show off your attention to detail and create a positive impression with potential clients. But the occasion doesnt typically warrant a full-blown caterer either, so purchasing and displaying the snacks is… The post Open House Success Tip: A Guide for the Best Refreshments appeared first on RISMedia.

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Movement to settle dramatic legal battle with Summit

Housing Wire

Movement Mortgage , a top-25 U.S. mortgage lender, is close to resolving a two-year legal battle with rival Summit Funding , its founder and president Todd Scrima, and several former employees who transitioned to the competitor. The case, which involved allegations of employee poaching, misappropriation of trade secrets and corporate espionage, has now reached a settlement but details are still pending, according to court filings.

Mortgages 217
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Late Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: What To Know Before the Summer Heat Hits

RIS Media

As spring’s fresh blooms make way for summer’s steamy days, late spring is the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for the hotter temperatures ahead. Getting ahead of your summer maintenance tasks means you can prevent costly repairs often associated with letting maintenance tasks fall down on the to-do list. Here are some… The post Late Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: What To Know Before the Summer Heat Hits appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 52
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Attendees encouraged by reverse mortgage conference in California

Housing Wire

On Tuesday, the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) held its first dedicated reverse mortgage industry event of the year. The association’s Western Regional Meeting in Irvine, California , included an estimated 150 registrants from 75 companies around the country and took place in the state that often leads the nation in reverse mortgage volume.

Mortgages 235
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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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Easy Ways to Storm-Proof Your Home Before Summer Storm Season

RIS Media

Summer’s steamy temperatures also come with the risk of severe storms. Summer storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, hail and even hurricanes in some regions. Preparing your home for storm season is vital to protecting your property and potentially avoiding costly damage. Here are some easy fixes to storm-proof your home before any potential… The post Easy Ways to Storm-Proof Your Home Before Summer Storm Season appeared first on RISMedia.

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HomeServices of America announces more executive changes

Housing Wire

Roughly two weeks after HomeServices of America announced that Chris Kelly was taking over as CEO from Gino Blefari, the firm is back with more C-suite changes. On Thursday, the firm announced the appointment of Alex Seavall to chief financial and operations officer, along with the appointment of Candace Adams as executive vice president of HomeServices of America, the role vacated by Kelly.

Title 235
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The Economics of Safety

AAOA

In the competitive realm of property management, ensuring resident reliability is crucial for maintaining profitability and safeguarding investments. Implementing thorough verification processes can significantly reduce the risk of costly leasing mistakes, such as property damage, missed rent payments, and evictions. The Financial Impact of Inadequate Resident Screening Failing to properly screen residents can lead to substantial financial losses.

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Smart Summer Upgrades to Enhance Your Home

RIS Media

Summer is an ideal time to invest in certain smart home upgrades. Upgrades, such as solar power light paths, smart ceiling fans or misting systems, can help you live more comfortably in your home while enjoying summer’s longer days, slower pace and time outdoors. Making a few smart home upgrades to make your summer more… The post Smart Summer Upgrades to Enhance Your Home appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 52
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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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Convert Your Garage Into a Living Space: A Garage Makeover Guide

Redfin

For most homeowners, a garage is a place to store cars, tools, or function as the “catch-all” for anything thats not currently in your home. However, with a little imagination and added preparation, it’s possible to transform a garage into a usable space for far more than just storage. And, if you’re looking to add a little extra living space , finishing an underused garage into a bonus room is a great option to maximize the square footage of your home.

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Housing’s Share of the Economy Grows Higher to Start the Year

Eye on Housing

Housings share of the economy grew to 16.4% in the first quarter of 2025, according to the advance estimate of GDP produced by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This is the highest reading since the third quarter of 2022 and is up 0.2 percentage points from the fourth quarter of 2024. The more cyclical home.

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Home Essentials List: 100 Items You Need to Buy Before Moving In

Redfin

Moving into your first home and being a first-time homebuyer is a huge milestoneequal parts exciting and overwhelming. As the boxes stack up and the keys finally land in your hand, one question inevitably follows: What do I actually need to live here comfortably? Thats where a well-planned home essentials list comes in. Whether you’re moving into a spacious starter home in Reston, VA , a cozy apartment in Rocky Mount, NC, or a new rental house in San Antonio, TX , our room-by-room checklis

Land 31
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New Lawsuit Could Trigger “Domino Effect” to End the MLS

Bigger Pockets

Another MLS lawsuit is making wavesthis time aiming to remove unfair listing rules and help both buyers and agents.

MLS 64
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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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How to Remove Popcorn Ceilings: Pro Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Redfin

Popcorn ceilingsalso known as acoustic or cottage cheese ceilingswere once a popular choice for homes due to their ability to hide imperfections and absorb sound. But today, many homeowners want a cleaner, more modern look. In this Redfin article, well guide you through how to remove popcorn ceilings step-by-stepwhether you’re tackling the texture in a house in Portland, OR , or updating a home in Tampa, FL.

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3 Pieces of Content Every Agent Should Create After a Closing

BAM Media

Lets stop treating a closed deal like the finish line. Because if youre only showing up at the beginning of the transactionand disappearing after the keys are handed overyoure missing some of the most valuable marketing opportunities available to you as a real estate professional. Whether you’re representing the buyer or the seller, every closing is a chance to build your brand , deepen trust, and attract your next client.

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Home Essentials List: 100 Items You Need to Buy Before Moving In

Redfin

Moving into your first home and being a first-time homebuyer is a huge milestoneequal parts exciting and overwhelming. As the boxes stack up and the keys finally land in your hand, one question inevitably follows: What do I actually need to live here comfortably? Thats where a well-planned home essentials list comes in. Whether you’re moving into a spacious starter home in Reston, VA , a cozy apartment in Rocky Mount, NC, or a new rental house in San Antonio, TX , our room-by-room checklis

Land 31
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Will Mortgage Rates Go Down After the May Fed Meeting?

The Mortgage Report

With tariffs and uncertainty pervading the economy, will the Federal Reserve make a rate cut at its May 2025 meeting?

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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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7 Most Affordable Places to Live in New Jersey in 2025

Redfin

Located close to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia , coastal spots like the Jersey Shore, to landscapes like the Pine Barrens and the Delaware Water Gap, there are plenty of reasons to consider making the move to New Jersey. If New Jersey sounds right for you, then chances are you have a budget youd like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home.

Sales 31
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Luxury Rentals Surge as Mortgage Rates Stall Homebuyers 

The Mortgage Report

Affluent renters are heating up the Summer 2025 rental market. Find out what this shift means for first-time buyers and traditional tenants.

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11 Most Affordable Places to Live in Michigan in 2025

Redfin

With the sparkling Great Lakes, the lower peninsulas Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the upper peninsulas Hiawatha National Forest, there are plenty of reasons to love living in Michigan. If youre considering residing in Michigan, then chances are you have a budget youd like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home. As of April, the median home sale price in Michigan is $249,100.

Sales 31
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Compass goes retro with private exclusives listing book

Housing Wire

As Compass looks to grow its private exclusive inventory, the firm is going retro. Prior to the advent of the internet, the physical MLS book of homes listed for sale was kept in a brokerages office. Consumers could come into the office to look at the properties that were on the market in a given MLS territory. On Thursday, the Robert Reffkin -helmed firm announced the launch of the Compass Private Exclusives Book, which contains all of its private exclusive inventory.

MLS 235
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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.