Fri.Aug 25, 2023

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Mortgage lender AmeriFirst Financial files for bankruptcy

Housing Wire

Retail lender AmeriFirst Financial Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, just two months after it got back into the forward mortgage origination business. The Mesa, Arizona-based company listed estimated assets and liabilities as much as $100 million each, according to a filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware. RCP Credit Opportunities Fund is listed as the largest unsecured creditor in the AmeriFirst Chapter 11 case — with a claim of $17.9 million, court pleading

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Zillow acquiring title company after shuttering closing division

Real Estate News

The purchase of Spruce will allow Zillow to build “a tech-forward, high-volume title company for the future,” the company said.

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Housing sector is showing signs of picking back up: Powell 

Housing Wire

In a hawkish tone, Jerome Powell said that Federal Reserve (Fed) officials are prepared to raise the federal funds rate further and hold it at high levels until they are confident that inflation is moving sustainably down to the 2% target. And that’s unclear at this point. There are some sources of pressure on U.S. prices — among them is the housing market, Powell said Friday morning during an economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “So far this year, GDP [gross domestic

Mortgages 370
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'Reason for optimism' as Maui’s road to recovery takes shape

Real Estate News

Rebuilding after the Lahaina wildfires will be challenging and costly, but not "ominous.

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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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Zillow Home Loans rolls out 1% down payment option program

Housing Wire

Zillow ‘s mortgage arm launched a down payment assistance program where the company will cover 2% of the borrower’s down payment at closing, allowing buyers to pay just 1% upfront. The program is available for eligible borrowers in Arizona and will expand to additional markets, Zillow Home Loans said in a release. The 2% portion of the down payment will be paid during closing and not as a payment to the borrower. “For those who can afford higher rent payments but have been held

Loans 370
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What’s next if NAR loses those bombshell lawsuits?

Inman

The most explosive damage to the National Association of Realtors and the overall industry will result if the defendants lose one or both so-called bombshell lawsuits. Author and trainer Nancy Ross breaks down the possible repercussions.

More Trending

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Pending home sales climb to 2023 high following months of declines

Inman

Pending home sales rose 0.7 percent from June to July, reversing seven months of declines. However, rising rates and home prices are poised to stifle sales growth into the fall, Redfin said.

Sales 148
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Closing the gap: Increasing homeownership among diverse communities

Housing Wire

Homeownership is a hallmark of the American Dream; it’s one of the few paths to building generational wealth and achieving financial freedom. Unfortunately, for many, it can feel like a pipedream. According to a recent report from the U.S. Census , the homeownership rate has dropped to 63.1%, its lowest rate since 1970. Moreover, the outlook for individuals from minority communities is even more bleak.

Closing 369
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Majority of Realtor associations tap late fees to boost bottom line: NAR

Inman

Most local associations maintain fewer than two years of reserves and draw on late fees as the most common source of non-dues revenue, according to NAR's inaugural Association Profile.

MLS 148
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Zillow Faces Setback in REX Legal Debacle

RIS Media

While the adage “you win some, you lose some” may air on the side of cliche, it’s rather appropriate when looking at the continued courtroom volley that has taken place in some of the real estate industry’s most prominent lawsuits. Take the ongoing saga between Zillow and REX Real Estate, for example. After securing a… The post Zillow Faces Setback in REX Legal Debacle appeared first on RISMedia.

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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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Consumer unease over inflation rekindled in August following rally

Inman

Consumer sentiment dipped to 69.5 in August following months of recovery, a downward shift that underscores the complex web of rapidly changing expectations, according to data released Friday.

Marketing 148
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Consumer Sentiment Falls Slightly in August

RIS Media

Consumer sentiment fell 2.9% in August, while still maintaining the second-highest reading in 21 months, according to data from the University of Michigan. “After rising sharply for the past several months, consumer sentiment moved sideways in August with a small decline that is not statistically different from July,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys… The post Consumer Sentiment Falls Slightly in August appeared first on RISMedia.

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Want to be a better listener? These 3 keys will help

Inman

It is so easy to dismiss someone because they may make a request you do not understand or even think is stupid, writes team leader Carl Medford. Listening to their request and fulfilling it, however, can actually set your life on a new and wonderful trajectory.

Brokerage 148
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Forecast: Multifamily Starts will Decline Sharply

Calculated Risk Real Estate

In 2021 there was a sharp increase in rents. This was due to a surge in household formation during the pandemic. Over time, housing economist Tom Lawler and I unraveled the household formation mystery in a series of articles (links at the bottom of this post). This analysis led to the conclusion that household formation would slow sharply, and that asking rents would likely turn negative year-over-year (both have happened).

Lending 98
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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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NAR seeks to suppress DOJ probe from jury as commission trial nears

Inman

The National Association of Realtors filed four requests in the US District Court in Western Missouri on Thursday involving commission rule changes, government investigations and discrimination.

MLS 148
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Mortgage Mix: Rates Continue to Rise, While Lenders Ramp Up Security

RIS Media

Editor’s Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia’s weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. Mortgage rates rose again this week, reaching their highest level since 2001, according to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.23%, while the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.55%.

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Get up to speed on programs that help seniors stay in their homes

Inman

Not every senior adult is ready to put their house up for sale, writes broker Teresa Boardman. Rather than trying to turn them into listings, it's time for real estate professionals to reach out to senior homeowners with a helping hand.

Sales 147
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Mortgage Rates Reach the Highest Point in 20 Years—How Much Higher Will They Go?

Bigger Pockets

Mortgage rates have been on the rise since last year, but now they've reached their highest point in 20 years. Are they ever going to fall? Read more to find out.

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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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Interest rates stay anchored after Fed chair’s hawkish speech

Inman

After an initial swoon, bond markets take Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's tough talk on inflation in stride, but the housing sector remains vulnerable to rate hikes.

Marketing 148
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A Dutchess County Greek Revival With an Artsy Burst of Color, Studio Space Asks $835K

Brownstoner

It is all serene Greek Revival on the exterior, but on the interior this Dutchess County house is bursting with surprising jolts of color. It is perhaps no surprise that the property, which includes more than seven acres of land, includes a separate art studio. The house on the market at… Read More > The post A Dutchess County Greek Revival With an Artsy Burst of Color, Studio Space Asks $835K appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Compass picks up 2 top agents in Chicago from @properties

Inman

Anne Hodge and Debra Dobbs are joining Compass in the Windy City. The agents together bring more than 60 years of experience in Chicago real estate, according to the company.

Agents 147
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5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Portland

HomeLight

Navigating the real estate market in Portland can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the need for a quick sale, or if you feel overwhelmed with imminent moving plans. Whether your home requires repairs or you’re dealing with an unexpected life change, “We Buy Houses” companies in Portland offer a fast, convenient solution.

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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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Zillow is the latest lender to offer a 1% down purchase mortgage

Inman

UWM and Rocket Mortgage are also leveraging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs tailored to borrowers earning less than 80 percent of the area median income.

Mortgages 148
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Daily Links: Vice to Leave Williamsburg Office Space to Cut Costs After Bankruptcy Filing

Brownstoner

In the News Sunset Park Roommate Charged With Murder in Hammer Attack [NYT] Mandatory Composting Is Coming to New York City: What to Know [NYT] CB Chair Under Fire for Comments on Islam in Coney Island Casino Spat [NYP] Madame Morbid’s Ghost Trolley Tours Return for the Spooky Season [BP] Why Your Con Ed… Read More > The post Daily Links: Vice to Leave Williamsburg Office Space to Cut Costs After Bankruptcy Filing appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Keller Williams’ profit sharing move shouldn’t come as a surprise

Inman

People are pointing fingers and raising hell over KW’s recent profit share announcement, writes broker Troy Palmquist. But why is everyone so surprised?

Brokerage 148
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Revolutionizing Deck Aesthetics: 12 Cutting-Edge Concepts for Contemporary Designs

Realty Biz

Deck designs have evolved dramatically, transcending from mere wooden platforms to architectural masterpieces. Today, they represent the fusion of functionality and aesthetics, mirroring contemporary tastes. Moreover, with the surge in outdoor living trends, decks have become essential extensions of our indoor spaces. As we delve deeper into the realm of modern deck aesthetics, let's explore the innovative concepts revolutionizing this space.

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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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KW cuts profit sharing and more: Catch up with Inman’s Top 5

Inman

With Inman Top 5, you'll find the most essential stories of the past week, as chosen by our Inman readers.

Agents 147
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Are Sellers Offering Special Mortgage Terms To Buyers?

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog I remember an instance last year that underscores just how much markets can change, and just how little the participants can know about what other markets look like. In one of our company meetings, an agent was announcing a listing he had and he said to the group, “…and the seller is willing to take back a mortgage if anybody has a buyer who’s interested.” One of the younger agents said, “What does that mean?

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Will profit share cuts drive agents back to Keller Williams’ arms?

Inman

This week in The Download: Keller Williams President Marc King warned that agents who've left the company will see their profit-sharing slashed unless they boomerang within six months.

Agents 113
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A Gowanus Italianate Wood Frame and Three More to See This Weekend, Starting at $715K

Brownstoner

Our picks for open houses to check out this weekend are found in Gowanus, Bay Ridge, Flatlands, and East Flatbush. They range in price from $715,000 to $1.995 million. 191 12th Street Price: $1.995 million Area: Gowanus Broker: Compass (Debra Bondy) Sunday August 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. See it here -> 437 79th Street Price: $1.395 million Area:… Read More > The post A Gowanus Italianate Wood Frame and Three More to See This Weekend, Starting at $715K appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Real Estate Solutions: How to Crush Your Sales Goals and Fuel Your Pipeline

Speaker: Mary Maloney, Founder & Team Leader at Hometown Realty

The sales cycle in real estate is frequently measured at 3+ months. During this time, real estate agents frequently lose contact with clients and miss out on opportunities because they fail to follow up and provide value to the client. Top real estate agents are distinguished from developing agents by their ability to convert organic connections into sales opportunities.