Thu.Jan 14, 2021

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FHFA extends relaxed appraisal, lending standards

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced on Thursday it has extended relaxed lending and appraisal standards put in place due to COVID-19 another month for both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The flexibilities surrounding alternative verifications of employment and appraisals were originally set to expire on Jan. 31, 2021, however, the government entity is now pushing that back to at least Feb. 28, 2021.

Lending 540
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Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your House

Keeping Current Matters

The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong.

Sales 282
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7 things that have changed forever in the mortgage industry

Housing Wire

The mortgage industry has not traditionally been the vanguard of digital adoption, particularly in data intelligence and applied machine learning. Investments in proper infrastructure, an innate fear of losing process control, and converting the workforce to a digitally savvy “knowledge force” have contributed to “digital apprehension” in the past.

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Prepper Fixer-Upper? Atlas Missile Silo in New York Is Listed for $600K

Realtor.com

realtor.com A decommissioned missile silo in Ellenburg Center, NY, has blasted onto the market for $600,000. This property also features an above-ground Quonset hut, which was used for storage by the military and has since been turned into a residence. Built to house the Atlas F missile in the 1960s, it’s one of 12 silos tied to the nearby Plattsburgh Air Force Base, which shut down in 1994.

Land 145
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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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Alongside rising yields, mortgage rates increase to 2.79%

Housing Wire

The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan rose from its previous record low by 14 basis points this week to 2.79%, according to Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. This marks the first time mortgage rates have risen in almost two months. The 15-year fixed rate also rose slightly this week from 2.16% to 2.23%. Even with this week’s uptick, there have still been 23 consecutive weeks when average mortgage rates have been below 3%.

Mortgages 479
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6 Winter Design Trends That Make Us Actually Glad To Be Stuck Inside

Realtor.com

JAR Home/Houzz As relieved as we were to close the book on 2020, the cold, hard truth is that we’re still in the middle of the Northern Hemisphere’s gloomiest season—where the days are short, the nights are long, and we’re stuck at home because of the global pandemic that continues to rage outside. We know it’s enough to make you lose your mind.

Design 137

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How to Cancel or Update Your Change of Address

Point2Homes

Image: zimmytws / Shutterstock.com. Are you moving soon? If so, file your United States Postal Service (USPS) address change — either online or at a post office — in advance of your moving day. However, even the best-laid plans may change, and you may need to update your address change USPS request so your mail gets forwarded to where you need it to go in a timely fashion.

Banks 130
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Own Up eyes national expansion with $12M funding round

Housing Wire

A $12 million funding round will enable digital mortgage marketplace company Own Up to expand nationally, company officials said Wednesday. Own Up, which loosely resembles a mortgage brokerage, will expand to 15 new states in 2021, including California. Consumers already have access in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas.

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What Happens When Your Real Estate Agreement Expires?

Realtor.com

carebott/Getty Images If your home has been on the market for a while and you haven’t been able to sell it, you’re bound to start checking your paperwork to see when your contract with your real estate agent is up. And you’re probably also wondering just what happens when your real estate agreement does, in fact, expire. Here’s the deal—and how to handle the situation once a real estate listing and contract have reached their end.

Agents 127
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Must-Haves Every Real Estate Agent Needs for Their Home Office

RIS Media

With everything going on, you may be ready to get serious about creating your own home office if you didn’t have one before. If you’re looking for ways to improve your workspace, check out some of these tips below. Get an Idea of Your Workspace. Like many, you may have started out with a make-shift workspace on your dining room table to keep business running as smoothly as possible.

Agents 123
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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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A Preview of What To Expect at Reimagined 2021 Honda Classic

Waterfront Properties

The 2021 Honda Classic will take place at PGA National Resort amp; Spa on mArch 15-21. As of now, the tournament will host patrons but with a reenvisoned planned from what we are use to seeing at PGA National. Attendance will indeed be limited in 2021, but tournament officials are building a unique and first-class fan experience, provided in a safe and responsible setting while making make a significant charitable impact in South Florida.

As-is 105
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Why Real Estate Will Be Stronger in 2021

RIS Media

Last year turned out to be one of the most challenging times our industry has seen in over a decade, yet we were able to adapt to our clients’ needs in a relatively short timeframe and keep business operations moving forward. Real estate proved to be one of the verticals that not only stayed afloat, but saw impressive gains in terms of buyer demand and rising sales prices.

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Chip and Joanna Gaines Are Back (With Friends) in ‘First-Time Fixer’

Realtor.com

Discovery+ “Fixer Upper” fans will be in a tizzy to hear that Chip and Joanna Gaines have returned to TV—this time to help friends renovate their first house on the premiere episode of the new Discovery+ show “First-Time Fixer.” In the premiere episode “Salt Lake City Condo,” Chip and Jo head to Salt Lake City to give old-time pals Brittany Baker and Annie Hawkins tips on their first flip: a $305,000 midcentury condo.

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Realty One Group Named Real Estate’s Only ‘Fast & Serious’ Franchisor

RIS Media

Realty ONE Group recently announced it made the Franchise Business Review’s top ten ‘Fast & Serious’ list of the smartest growing brands. The UNBrokerage, as it’s known in the industry, was the only real estate franchise to make the list among popular franchisors like Orangetheory Fitness, CycleBar and Dogtopia. Despite a global pandemic, Realty ONE Group reports it has set new records signing 86 new franchises while opening 72 new offices, now with over 300 locatio

Branding 106
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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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Tim Tebow Sells One of His Homes in Jacksonville, FL, for $1.4M

Realtor.com

John Lamparski/Getty Images The former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has successfully sold one of his Jacksonville, FL, homes for $1.4 million. As it happens, the buyer has a tie to the sports world. The new owner, Robin Ann Eletto , is chief people officer at Fanatics, Inc., which sells officially licensed sports merchandise. After washing out on the gridiron, Tebow switched his career path to baseball.

Sales 103
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Daily Links: Brighton Beach Residents Are Torn Over a Proposed Homeless Shelter

Brownstoner

In the News At Brooklyn Restaurants, It’s the Season of the Yurt [NYT] Brighton Beach Divided Over Proposed Homeless Shelter [BP] Cat Cafe in Heights Receives $25K Grant From ASPCA [Eagle] W’burg Residents Demand City Issue Order To Stop NYCHA Construction [amNY] NYPD Pull-Out Experiment in Brownsville To Expand Elsewhere [The City] MTA Investigates Racial Profiling… Read More > The post Daily Links: Brighton Beach Residents Are Torn Over a Proposed Homeless Shelter appeared first on B

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Bridgerton-Inspired Design Ideas to Transform Your Home

Homes.com

Obsessed with Netflix's hit show Bridgerton? Transform your space into 19th-century England with these Bridgerton-inspired home decor elements! . (Image: Facebook/Netflix). The post Bridgerton-Inspired Design Ideas to Transform Your Home appeared first on Homes.com.

Design 100
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How zavvie Pro Is Helping to Create the Modern Agent

RIS Media

It’s a false choice to say consumers want either technology or a good agent. They want the newest solutions. They want the latest innovations. Consumers appreciate cool technology, but they also want a great agent. Today, we are seeing the emergence of the modern agent. The modern agent knows how to bring all of the latest innovations and newest solutions to the table for clients because this agent understands what the consumer wants.

Agents 98
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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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Petite Rent Stabilized Studio in Clinton Avenue Italianate Manse Asks $2,120 a Month

Brownstoner

A rent-stabilized apartment on the top floor of a Clinton Avenue manse seems like an unusual find. It is a studio that isn't exactly overflowing with space, but the petite unit does offer a perch on the top floor of 415 Clinton Avenue, one of the grand 19th century houses… Read More > The post Petite Rent Stabilized Studio in Clinton Avenue Italianate Manse Asks $2,120 a Month appeared first on Brownstoner.

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How to Maximize Your Most Productive Work Hours

RIS Media

As a real estate professional, you’re likely already working irregular hours, so in order to capitalize on the free time you have, it’s crucial that you make the most of the time you set aside each day for your business. Most people, naturally, are more productive during certain hours of the day. By identifying and taking advantage of the times during the day when you’re most productive, you can enhance your work-life balance.

Agents 97
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Cuomo Announces Wind Turbine Assembly Plant Headed to South Brooklyn Marine Terminal

Brownstoner

The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park will become an enormous new wind turbine assembly plant funded in part by New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday morning. “This is our path forward in stimulating the economy post-pandemic, and leading the way on protecting the environment,” the governor… Read More > The post Cuomo Announces Wind Turbine Assembly Plant Headed to South Brooklyn Marine Terminal appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Making a Home Appealing to Prospective Purchasers

Realty Biz

Depending on your locale, selling a home in a timely manner can be an uphill battle. Needless to say, this is less than ideal for homeowners looking to sell in a hurry. While there’s no across-the-board solution for finding a buyer in an expedient fashion, there are numerous steps you can take to make your home more appealing to prospective purchasers.

Banks 95
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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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How to buy a short sale home

The Mortgage Report

Buying a short sale home can get you a great deal. But the short sale process can be challenging. Here's what to expect when buying a short sale.

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First Tourists of Palm Beach County

Waterfront Properties

Palm Beach County’s first tourists were the early settlers. These earliest visitors became the first residents of the area. The first permanent residents of Palm Beach County date back to 1872. They struggled to clear the dense marshland for building homes and growing crops. Farming was the way that most of the early homesteaders and pioneers made their living.

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Submit Your Design for a New Brooklyn Public Library Card Celebrating Black Culture

Brownstoner

A new limited-edition library card will be launching in celebration of Juneteenth 2021 and artists are being encouraged to submit their designs this month. The new Brooklyn Public Library card, the first in a planned 'Celebrating Heritage' series, will celebrate Black American culture and history. Artists must submit their proposed design… Read More > The post Submit Your Design for a New Brooklyn Public Library Card Celebrating Black Culture appeared first on Brownstoner.

Design 88
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How to buy a foreclosed home

The Mortgage Report

Buying a foreclosed home isn't as easy as it used to be. But good deals can still be found. Here's how to buy a foreclosed home with a mortgage.

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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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RBC Execs Call Falling Real Estate Prices, While Their Economist Says They’ll Rise

Better Dwelling

Canadian real estate price forecasts are so volatile, even the same firms can’t decide. RBC‘s senior economist released their real estate forecast, showing big gains for 2021. The forecast is contrary to the numbers RBC execs stated to investors, just last month. It’s not uncommon to have forecasts with different outcomes. However, it’s rare to […].

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Sold 3x $10,000,000

BubbleInfo

Since 2017, there have been 15 RSF sales over $10,000,000, and this house accounts for three of them! It’s a remarkable record that is unlikely to be broken: April 2017: $10,600,000 December 2017: $10,850,000 January 2021: $10,850,000 It’s also a reminder that the frenzy and rapid price increases are limited to the Under-$2,000,000 market.

Sales 85
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South Florida Fair Is Back At The Fairgrounds This Weekend

Waterfront Properties

Its that time of year again for the annual South Florida Fair. This year, the South Florida Fair is bringing everyone two fairs in 2021. The first fair which starts tomorrow January 15th through January 31st will be a mini fair and the full traditional fair will be held in May of this year. The mini–South Florida Fair rolls into West Palm Beach this January 15th through 31st.

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5 Valuable Apps for Real Estate Agents in 2021

RISMedia

2021 is finally here, and as we continue to conduct business in this ever-changing landscape, many agents and brokers alike are relying on remote tools. As technology advances and social distancing guidelines are still in effect, real estate professionals are utilizing virtual communication and digital marketing tools more than ever before. Thankfully, smartphones are also […].

Agents 117
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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.