Fri.Jul 18, 2025

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Tech Pulse: Realtor.com acquires Zenlist; Zillow unveils new tools

Housing Wire

Welcome back to Tech Pulse — HousingWire ‘s weekly series rounding up the latest in technology news, including tools, integrations and trends that impact mortgage and real estate. Here’s what happened this week: Realtor.com parent Move acquires Zenlist Realtor.com parent Move Inc. has acquired Zenlist , a real estate tech startup known for its agent-client collaboration tools.

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Essential House Hunting Tips for Buyers

Redfin

House hunting tips can help buyers navigate one of the most important and complex purchases of their lives. This Redfin Real Estate article outlines practical steps every buyer should follow, from budgeting and touring homes to inspections and closing. Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in San Francisco , or touring houses in Portland , knowing what to prioritize will help you make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

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Younger homebuyers turn to social media, AI and each other

Housing Wire

Faced with high housing costs, economic instability and declining trust in traditional lending institutions, younger generations are redefining how they approach homeownership. A newly released NextGen Homebuyer Report — compiled by National Mortgage Insurance and financial literacy nonprofit FirstHome IQ — highlights how Gen Z and millennials are creatively navigating a changing real estate landscape.

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What is a Short Sale in Real Estate? A Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Redfin

A common real estate term you’ve probably seen, whether you’re buying or selling a home , is a “short sale.” A short sale home can be a good way to stretch your budget if you’re a buyer or let go of a home you can no longer afford if you’re a seller. In this Redfin article, we’ll cover the basics of selling or buying a short sale home. Whether you’re looking at homes in Charlotte, NC , or need to sell your house in Philadelphia, PA , we’ll help you decide if a short sale is worth the extra time

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Welcome to the Future of Hospitality: Smart Rooms Start Here

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

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Homebuilding declines are deepening as headwinds get stronger

Housing Wire

New-home sales have been a relative bright spot in an otherwise stagnant housing market. But that’s changing and homebuilders recognize it. According to June 2025 data released Friday by the U.S. Census Bureau, single-family home construction is down year over year at every stage of the process. This includes permits (-8.4%), starts (-10%), completions (-15.5%) and homes currently under construction (-6%).

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Rayse expands platform with new home seller tools

Housing Wire

Real estate technology company Rayse has launched a seller-focused module aimed at helping listing agents provide clearer communication and real-time updates to clients throughout the sales process. The new tool is the company’s first major product expansion since its 2024 launch. Originally focused on buyer -side transactions, Rayse is now offering agents a way to document and share their behind-the-scenes work with sellers through a centralized platform.

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Homeownership education needs a reboot — and a new messenger

Real Estate News

Skip to Content Agents Brokerages MLS/Assn Tech Industry By the Numbers Consumer Illustration by Lanette Behiry/Real Estate News Industry Homeownership education needs a reboot — and a new messenger Loan officers and financial advisors need to meet aspiring buyers where they are as many increasingly turn to social media for home financing advice. Coby Hakalir July 18, 2025 6 mins Key points: Nearly 6 in 10 aspiring homeowners ages 18-44 think now is a bad time to enter the market, according to

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RealPage acquires Livble, expanding rent payment options

Housing Wire

Property management software company RealPage has acquired Livble , a flexible rent payment provider, in a move that expands RealPage’s reach into financial tools for renters and property managers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal brings Livble’s installment-based rent payment system into RealPage’s LOFT and Buildium platforms.

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Home Inspection Contingency 101: A Guide for Buyers

Redfin

Maybe you finally found your dream new-construction build in Phoenix, AZ , or the next place to call home in Middletown, CT. Either way, you’re going to want to make sure it’s perfect before moving in. That’s where a home inspection contingency comes into play. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have quite the portfolio, in this Redfin Real Estate article, we’re covering all things inspection contingency to ensure you’re getting what you expect.

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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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3 charts that show why renters struggle to become homeowners

Housing Wire

Record-high home prices and persistently elevated mortgage rates have made the housing market difficult for homebuyers and the industry alike — and not even this year’s significant growth in supply seems to be helping. It’s been particularly difficult for prospective buyers who are currently renters, as renters are dealing with an affordability crisis of their own.

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New York Housing Market Trends 2025: Is the Tide Turning for Buyers?

Marco Santarelli

Sometimes, what looks like good news on the surface can hide a few bumps in the road when you dig a little deeper. That's certainly what I'm seeing as I pore over the latest New York Housing Market Report. While inventory (the number of homes for sale) is finally growing, which is a welcome sight after years of tight markets, actual home sales took a noticeable dip in May.

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The case for compliance automation

Housing Wire

Mortgage compliance has always required precision. But in today’s environment, it demands something more to ensure a smoother process for serving borrowers: speed. Regulatory scrutiny is rising and evolving rules are making compliance more complex. Regulators now expect lenders to demonstrate, continuously and in real time, that every interaction meets compliance standards.

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When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in New England?

HomeLight

If you’re getting ready to sell your home in New England, setting yourself up for success is key — whether that means getting top dollar or closing quickly. Connecting with the right local agent and preparing your home are important steps, but when you list can also make a difference. To determine the best time to sell a house in New England, we spoke with Isadora Sarto , a highly rated local agent who sells homes more than 35% faster than her peers.

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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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Single-family construction is getting worse due to rates

Housing Wire

Today’s housing starts report from the Census Bureau shows that Federal Reserve policy remains too restrictive for housing production to grow, which in the long run impacts the fight against inflation. This is why the data on single-family construction is not improving; in fact, it is getting worse. The unfortunate part is that we don’t need mortgage rates at 3%, 4% or 5% to gain some momentum: even rates around 6% could help initiate positive movement in the market.

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REALTORS® Relief Foundation Announces $500,000 Relief Grant for Victims of Texas Floods

RIS Media

The Realtors® Relief Foundation (RRF) has provided $500,000 in disaster relief aid to Texas Realtors® to support eight local Texas Realtors® associations after floods recently devastated communities in south central Texas. Funds will be made available to the public to assist with disaster victims’ housing payments as relief and recovery efforts continue, the organization stated. … The post REALTORS® Relief Foundation Announces $500,000 Relief Grant for Victims of Texas Floods appeare

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Is REX bringing its legal fight to the Supreme Court?

Housing Wire

Although REX Real Estate may have been denied a rehearing of the appeal of its suit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Zillow , the discount brokerage doesn’t seem to be giving up yet. On Tuesday, an entry into the court docket for the lawsuit indicated that REX had applied for an extension of time to file a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Victory for Homeownership—and a Testament to Realtor® Advocacy

RIS Media

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now law, reshaping the American tax landscape and delivering transformative investment in housing. From current homeowners and first-time buyers to real estate professionals and communities across the country, the gains are significant—and hard-won. At the heart of these wins is the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), whose persistent… The post The One Big Beautiful Bill Is a Victory for Homeownership—and a Testament to Realtor® Advocacy appeared firs

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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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Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate adds Tennessee affiliate

Housing Wire

A west Tennessee firm has joined the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network — marking the brand’s continued expansion in the region. Conner Real Estate LLC , founded in 2011 by Joey Conner, is now operating under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Conner. The firm serves a wide swath of western Tennessee communities, including areas between Memphis and Lexington.

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Top teams join eXp, KW, Real; ERA affiliates merge in Atlanta

Real Estate News

Plus, Lifestyle International Realty names new COO; BHGRE nabs Tennessee indie; KWW lands in Singapore; Engel & Völkers launches in British Virgin Islands.

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As it turns out, ‘Superman’ has always been a real estate movie

Inman

In the new box-office blockbuster and past live-action iterations, the Man of Steel’s arch nemesis has always been bent on global land grabs.

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How Much House Can You Afford with $50k Salary: Interest Rates, Down Payments, Loans and More

Redfin

When living in a larger metro like Seattle, WA , a $50k salary won’t help you get very far when it comes to owning property, but that doesn’t mean you can’t own property in more affordable areas of the country. It’s understandable to want to get away from the fear of rent increases in your apartment in San Francisco, CA and start to build equity in your home.

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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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This agent bought a home at 22. Now she helps Gen Z do the same

Inman

Gen Z is ready to purchase a home, but they need guidance and education, Atlanta-based Realtor Jessica Dudley writes. Here's how you can help them achieve their real estate goals.

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If You Make $90,000 a Year, Here’s How Much House You Can Afford: All You Need To Know

Redfin

If you’re finally ready to look into purchasing property but don’t know how much house you can afford, you’ve come to the right article. No more landlords, rent increases, and noisy upstairs neighbors in your apartment in Portland, OR : just you and your future home. But first, you need to first figure out how much house you can afford with your $90,000 a year salary.

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The #1 Thing Killing Your Real Estate Videos

BAM Media

I spend a lot of time reviewing real estate content. Too much time, in fact (why did I make this my job ?). And I still see the same mistake being made over and over again, despite screaming from the rooftops not to do it. Do NOT plaster your logo at the beginning, middle, or end of your videos. You see an amazing listing video or a hyper-local Reel with great potential, and then boom.

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No, the Housing Market Isn’t Crashing, It’s Correcting—These Five Factors Explain Why

Bigger Pockets

The U.S. housing market is going through a correction. Not a crash.

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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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CityPlace Expansion: A Game-Changer for West Palm Beach

Waterfront Properties

CityPlace in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach is gearing up for a remarkable transformation. This thriving mixed-use district is set to undergo a major revamp, adding over 125,000 square feet of cutting-edge retail space by the close of 2025. The ambitious expansion promises to usher in a wave of distinguished brands, elevating CityPlace as a true epicenter for fashion, wellness, lifestyle, and culture.

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3 ways to protect the identity of a high-profile luxury homebuyer

Inman

Working with high-profile clients isn’t just about finding the perfect home, broker Kamran Zand writes. It’s about protecting their lifestyle, reputation and security.

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What is a 4-Point Inspection? When and Why You Might Need One

Redfin

Whether you’re buying a home or already own, certain inspections aren’t just helpful — they might be required. A 4-point inspection is one of those necessary check-ins if you’re applying for homeowners insurance or renewing your policy. But what is a 4-point inspection? Unlike a standard home inspection, a 4-point inspection zeroes in on four key systems in your home: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.