Wed.May 07, 2025

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Homeowners say high costs, emotional stress are influencing renovation projects

Housing Wire

Amid higher interest rates and a tight housing market , U.S. homeowners are increasingly choosing to renovate rather than relocate and many are doing so under financial and emotional strain, according to a newly released nationwide survey. A report released by Block Renovation , based on responses from more than 1,000 homeowners, paints a detailed picture of the home renovation experience in 2025.

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A way to end private listings fight? Make Clear Cooperation the law

Real Estate News

A draft bill in Illinois would require licensed agents to add listings to a platform or website accessible to the general public within a calendar day.

Agents 273
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The Fed is preparing for rate cuts, but waiting on job losses

Housing Wire

During Wednesdays FOMC press conference, Jerome Powell discussed how the economy was performing well before the trade war began and acknowledged that the tariffs were much larger than anticipated. As a result, the Fed has increased its projections for the risk of higher unemployment and inflation. This development isn’t surprising, as the impact of significant tariffs can lead to shortages in the short term.

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Fed ‘couldn't confidently say’ if rate cuts will happen this year

Real Estate News

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its May 7 meeting amid an uncertain economic environment. We don't feel like we need to be in a hurry.

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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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Property insurers must prepare for aging population: report

Housing Wire

The global population is expected to hit nearly 9.7 billion people by 2050, but beyond that, the nature of the population itself is changing due to aging. This is expected to fuel a rise in the global dependency ratio, or the proportion of people ages 65 and older to those of traditional working ages. As a result, the property and casualty insurance industry will need to prepare for these rapidly changing age dynamics.

More Trending

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Finance of America posts a profit, beats funded volume estimates in Q1 2025

Housing Wire

In beating its estimates for funded loan volume and by posting a profit in the first quarter of 2025, reverse mortgage lender Finance of America (FOA) saw its volume improve by nearly one-third compared to numbers from Q4 2024. The company is maintaining a bullish outlook for business in the months ahead. The company earned $13 million in adjusted net income in Q1 2025, which marked an improvement of $20 million from the same period last year. the company also viewed the first quarter of the y

Finance 352
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People on the Move: Keller Williams makes C-suite appointments

Real Estate News

Tim Dieffenbacher joins KW as its new CFO, while Stacie Herron is named COO a role she will hold in addition to her current position as chief legal officer.

As-is 154
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KW CEO Czarnecki brings in former colleague as new CFO

Housing Wire

More executive changes are happening at Keller Williams. Shortly after a large investment from Stone Point Capital and the appointment of Chris Czarnecki as CEO, Keller Williams has brought on Tim Dieffenbacher as its new chief financial officer. Dieffenbacher most recently served as the CFO of a publicly traded real estate investment trust in Dallas.

Agents 326
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How to Build Real Estate Systems That Actually Scale

BAM Media

If youre an agent trying to scale, or an overly ambitious new one, chances are youve said this recently: I just need better systems. I get it, Ive been there. But now I am here to tell you that perfecting your systems is not a plan. Stop Hiding Behind I Need Better Systems In reality, that phrase is a delay tactic. Its a safety blanket. It feels productive, but really, it keeps you stuck.

Agents 96
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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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Real CEO Tamir Poleg talks AI’s role in redefining real estate

Housing Wire

On this weeks episode of RealTrending , Tamir Poleg, CEO of The Real Brokerage , joins Tracey Velt to unpack how artificial intelligence (AI) is not just enhancing real estate but redefining it. Poleg explains how Real is embedding AI into the companys core functions, using tools that handle thousands of agent inquiries daily and power automated broker reviews.

Brokerage 273
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Rental Demand is Surging 3x Faster Than Homeownership—Here’s How to Catch the Wave

Bigger Pockets

More Americans than ever are pressing pause on the dream of homeownership and turning to long-term rentals instead. And honestly, can you blame them?

Mortgages 105
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Ex-HUD official claims trillions spent on secret underground bunkers

Housing Wire

A former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official is making explosive claims that the federal government secretly spent $21 trillion building a vast underground network of bunkers, “city infrastructure,” and transportation, allegedly designed to protect elites in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Catherine Austin Fitts, who served as assistant secretary of housing and urban development for housing under President George H.

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Data Says It’s a Buyer’s Market: Here’s Where the Most Opportunity Is

Bigger Pockets

The buyers market is back, and opportunities are growing. Inventory is rising, demand is shrinking, and sellers are more motivated to give you a price cut, concession, or repair.

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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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Zillow posts strong Q1, touts listing transparency and app traffic

Housing Wire

Zillow reported a strong start to 2025, exceeding its first-quarter 2025 outlook with $598 million in revenue, up 13% year over year. The company also posted $153 million in adjusted EBITDA and achieved GAAP profitability driven by cost management and margin expansion, leaders said. During an earnings call on Wednesday, CEO Jeremy Wacksman said the company remains on track to meet its full-year goals, including revenue growth in the low- to mid-teens and continued profitability.

Agents 248
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2025 Looks More Like a Buyer-Friendly Market, Bright MLS Finds

RIS Media

Between an inventory shortage and high costs, residential real estate has been a sellers market across recent memory. However, the latest market survey from Bright MLS (which covers the mid-Atlantic United States) suggests that 2025 might finally tip the scales over to a buyers market. Authored by Bright MLS Chief Economist Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, this… The post 2025 Looks More Like a Buyer-Friendly Market, Bright MLS Finds appeared first on RISMedia.

MLS 90
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Top-producing California team joins Coldwell Banker Realty

Housing Wire

The Joe Velasco Group a high-performing Silicon Valley real estate team has joined Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California, moving over from Intero Real Estate Services , an affiliate of HomeServices of America. Velasco, who launched his group in 2011, has built a reputation as one of the top-producing agents in California. With more than $2 billion in career sales since entering the business in 2001, he has been ranked among the top 1% of real estate agents nationally for 12 straight ye

Brokerage 221
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Dip in Rates Last Week Sees Mortgage Applications Rebound

RIS Media

A combination of economic and employment news last week that sent mortgage rates back to some lower rates we saw in April led to a bump in home purchase applications this week. According to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) for the week ending May 2, the Market Composite… The post Dip in Rates Last Week Sees Mortgage Applications Rebound appeared first on RISMedia.

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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 to design a loft: Unlocking urban living with style and personality

Apartment Guide

Whether youre looking for a new loft apartment in North Hollywood or an expansive loft apartment in Brooklyn , loft living embodies a unique charm, a blend of raw industrial aesthetic and open-plan freedom. Unlike traditional apartments, lofts often boast high ceilings, expansive windows, and exposed structural elements. This distinctive space demands a thoughtful design approach to harmonize these features with personal style.

Design 59
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FEMA held back Direct Lease for LA wildfire survivors. Here’s why

Inman

Despite more than 13,000 homes destroyed in the January Los Angeles wildfires and many residents still trying to pick up the pieces, the program was never activated in Los Angeles. According to a FEMA spokesperson, housing data doesn't justify the need for it.

Marketing 146
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Unique Things to do in Des Moines, IA from 12 Local Experts: Explore Like a Pro

Apartment Guide

While its best known as the capital city of Iowa, there are plenty of unique things to do in Des Moines that make it stand out. This spirited city hosts a rich art scene, diverse culinary experiences, and lots of local staples and traditions. To help us discover all the must-sees in the city, we reached out to some local residents for expert advice.

As-is 59
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Keller Williams appoints new chief financial, operating officers

Inman

Two months after naming a new CEO, Keller Williams has chosen Tim Dieffenbacher and Stacie Herron to lead the franchisor's financial and operations teams.

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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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Revamp Your Retro Realm: How to Decorate an Outdated Kitchen & Add a Dose of Modern Edge

Apartment Guide

Stuck with a kitchen that screams yesterday? You’re not alone. Many renters, whether in an apartment in San Francisco or an apartment in Austin , face the challenge of how to decorate an outdated kitchen that clashes with their personal style. But don’t fret. You dont need a full-blown renovation to breathe new life into your space. With a bit of creativity and a few strategic touches, you can transform that retro realm into a kitchen youll actually enjoy spending time in.

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10 conversion scripts for winning buyers over this spring

Inman

Be an information communicator, writes coach Annette DeCicco, to bring value to your buyer conversations. Practice and rehearse your lines. Every expert does.

Sales 143
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States With the Lowest Mortgage Refinance Rates Today – May, 07 2025

Marco Santarelli

If you're a homeowner keeping a close eye on interest rates, you're probably wondering which states are offering the most appealing deals to refinance your mortgage right now. As of Tuesday, May 07, 2025 , data from Zillow indicates that homeowners in California, New York, Florida, Colorado, Texas, North Carolina, Oregon, and Tennessee are seeing the lowest average rates for a 30-year mortgage refinance, falling between 6.88% and 7.08%.

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Zillow turned a profit in Q1 for the first time in years

Inman

The portal lifted its rental and mortgage segments in the first three months of 2025, earnings data released Wednesday shows. CEO Jeremy Wacksman said the gains came despite a tough market.

Mortgages 143
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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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How to Build a Rental Portfolio (Fast) That Gives You Financial Freedom

Bigger Pockets

Do you dream of ditching your nine-to-five and living off rentals full-time?

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Barbara Corcoran lists Manhattan penthouse for $12M

Inman

Corcoran is letting go of her dream penthouse of 10 years, which boasts stunning Central Park views, because she and husband Bill Higgins need a one-story apartment as they grow older.

As-is 142
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I Retired Early in My 40s WITHOUT Withdrawing from My Portfolio! | Life After FIRE

Bigger Pockets

You CAN retire early in just ten years IF you save and invest enough. Fortunately, your retirement expenses may be less than you think.

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