Mon.Aug 15, 2022

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Ask Brian: What is Title Insurance and Why Do I Need It?

Realty Biz

Ask Brian is a weekly column by Real Estate Expert Brian Kline. If you have questions on real estate investing, DIY, home buying/selling, or other housing inquiries please email your questions to askbrian@realtybiznews.com. Question from Patti in GA: Hi Brian, Why is the paperwork to buy a house so lengthy and confusing? I’m buying my first house and a friend told me that I’ll spend a couple of hours at the closing signing a pile of papers that I probably won’t understand much about.

Title 84
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HELOCs are now “raging back”

Housing Wire

A combination of fast-rising home values and the fact that nearly two-thirds of borrowers with at least some home equity have mortgage rates below 4% — and would not benefit from refinancing — is helping to propel a resurgent market for home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs). HELOCs allow homeowners to tap the equity in their home without incurring a much higher first-lien mortgage via a cash-out refinancing.

Equity 459
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The U.S. Homeownership Rate Is Growing

Keeping Current Matters

The desire to own a home is still strong today.

Marketing 252
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Blend takes a $478M loss, cuts 25% of its workforce

Housing Wire

Blend Labs executives say they are being conservative in managing the company after recording a massive financial loss in the second quarter of 2022. . The California-based mortgage tech company plans to reduce costs, including cutting 25% of its workforce, and will focus on products with a higher return on investment amid an extreme market downturn.

Banks 397
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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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Builder Confidence Falls for Eighth Consecutive Month

Eye on Housing

Builder confidence fell for the eighth straight month in August as elevated interest rates, ongoing supply chain problems and high home prices continue to exacerbate housing affordability challenges. In another sign that a declining housing market has failed to bottom out, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell six points in August to 49, marking the.

Marketing 142
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Wells Fargo to shutter correspondent lending?

Housing Wire

In the face of a declining mortgage market and heightened regulatory scrutiny, Wells Fargo , the country’s largest depository mortgage lender by volume, is planning for a smaller footprint in correspondent lending and third-party servicing business. The depository bank will likely shrink or potentially halt correspondent lending, in which Wells Fargo funds the loan arranged by outsiders, Bloomberg reported , citing unnamed sources.

Lending 370

More Trending

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Steps to win with non-QM for a strong second half of 2022

Housing Wire

Non-QM is an ideal way to protect your volume and referral base, especially in times when the market is volatile. Non-QM is increasingly important as its share of overall volume continues to rise as more borrowers need it to qualify for a loan. Originators utilizing non-QM with Angel Oak have added loans to their books they would not have had otherwise.

Banks 370
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Content Marketing Strategies for Real Estate Agents

Realty Biz

If you’ve researched digital marketing, you most likely heard the phrase ‘content is king. In the world of digital, those that create the best content generate the most traffic, the most conversions, and the most leads. That is especially true in real estate. In an industry where demand exceeds know-how, the companies that provide the most value in their content marketing strategies will resonate with the most people.

Agents 123
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Mortgage forbearance rate continued to decline in July

Housing Wire

Servicers’ forbearance portfolio volume descended in July since mortgage forbearance rate dropped below 1% in April. The total number of loans decreased one basis point to 0.34%, according to Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The mortgage forbearance rate on a declining trend is positive news after the economic impacts of the pandemic hit borrowers hard.

Mortgages 370
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Real Estate Market Challenges (Let’s talk about vacation homes and second mortgages)

Easy Agent Pro

Imagine a science-fiction movie – or computer program – designed to model behavior when changes are introduced. The Matrix, The 13th Floor, and A Sound of Thunder, are but a few of several such examples where a small historical change gave rise to significant future consequences. And now you’re a programmer interested in seeing how people will react economically to a health crisis.

Mortgages 116
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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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Fannie Mae appoints Cissy Yang as chief audit executive

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae has appointed Cissy Yang as senior vice president and chief audit executive, taking over for J. Douglas Watt, who will retire in November. Yan’s appointment is effective as of September 12. As chief audit executive, Yang will be responsible for leading the company’s audit strategy, including internal controls, operational processes and risk assessments.

Banks 370
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What Does a Modular Home Cost to Build: Pricing Explained

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

Pricing on Modular Homes Explained If you are considering a new construction, modular homes are an option. Also known as a prefab home, It is a type of property that is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Modular home pricing is often less than less traditional construction. But prefabricated properties are not a new […]. The post What Does a Modular Home Cost to Build: Pricing Explained appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.

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Sotheby’s International Realty Expands in Michigan

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s continued growth in the state of Michigan. The addition marks the brand’s seventh office in the state. Great Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty is owned and operated by Dean Groulx and Wendy Groulx, who bring more than 60 years of collective experience to the company.

Branding 110
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The Promise Land: Rapper Rick Ross’ house in Atlanta is a 109-room beast of a mansion

Fancy Pants Homes

Rapper Rick Ross is a certified hustler. From building his brands to investing in real estate, he definitely knows how to hustle his way to the top. Back in 2006, Ross released his breakthrough hit Hustlin’ , which quickly climbed the Billboard charts and helped him skyrocket to fame. Fifteen years after his debut album was released, he is now one of the richest rappers alive, with a net worth that’s estimated to be around $45 million.

Land 105
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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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Inventory Watch

BubbleInfo

There was a nice bump of 17 additional pendings in the past week, from 151 to 168. The biggest increase was in the $4,000,000+ category, which grew from 24 to 32 pendings! There are two pendings priced at $10,000,000+, and 51 active listings! It doesn’t look like there will be much more change in the […].

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Catching A Falling Knife

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog. The term itself doesn’t sound all that pleasant, or safe. But then again, I guess it depends on how sharp the knife is? “ Catch A Falling Knife” Most people know this idiom, however, it has different meanings to different people. Some consider this to mean “buying a risky investment.” I wouldn’t agree.

Agents 98
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How Smart Homes Increase Your Home Security

Realty Biz

Believe it or not, over a million home burglaries occur every year. When scoping out a house to steal from, burglars look for easy targets. They break into houses when people are at work or on vacation. But most importantly, they look for residences that don’t have home security. Because the last thing a burglar wants is to run into a smart home.

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Renovated East Williamsburg Row House With Deep Front Garden, Parking Asks $2.25 Million

Brownstoner

In East Williamsburg, this 1940 single-family brick row house has a stylish interior reno and off-street parking. At 8 Sharon Street, the 18-foot-wide house is one of a row built with deep front gardens and front porches facing Cooper Park. With a bright blue and white color scheme applied to… Read More > The post Renovated East Williamsburg Row House With Deep Front Garden, Parking Asks $2.25 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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 Spot A Trustworthy HVAC Service Provider

Realty Biz

Owning a cooling and heating system requires regular maintenance to ensure efficiency and extend its useful life. To achieve this, you need professional technicians to care for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs. But how can you find trustworthy technicians who won’t con you because you don’t understand much about HVAC systems?

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Control the Inventory: How to Win More Listings with Seller Seminars

HomeLight

Enjoying this episode? Be sure to follow The Walkthrough to get future episodes delivered automatically: Apple Podcasts/iTunes | Spotify | YouTube. Does it seem like half the agents in your market do buyer seminars to build their pipeline? Here’s your chance to stand out from the crowd: Seller seminars will set you apart, build your pipeline with sellers, and win more listings.

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Repairs You’ll Need to Take Care of After Moving Into an Old Home

RISMedia

By Emma Sturgis The first thing you'll need to do when moving into an old home is to check for any repairs that need to be made. This includes both major and minor repairs. Significant repairs could include fixing a leaky roof or repairing a broken foundation. Minor repairs could involve fixing a loose doorknob […]. The post Repairs You’ll Need to Take Care of After Moving Into an Old Home appeared first on RISMedia's Housecall.

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Dar Al Arkan Partners With Top Designers for Luxury Living Spaces

Realty Biz

Saudi property development company Dar Al Arkan is growing its presence in eight countries after earning a reputation for creating opulent, comfortable living spaces. Currently, co-branding is one of the biggest trends in luxury living, which is why Dar Al Arkan is partnering with some of the most famous names in high fashion: Versace, Missoni, Elie Saab, and Pagani.

Design 78
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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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Homebuilders lament the housing recession

Real Trends

Homebuilder confidence hit its lowest level since May 2020 in August, marking the eight consecutive month of an increasingly pessimistic outlook, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) report , released Monday. In August, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes fell six points from July to a reading of 49.

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How to Become a Top Realtor In Your Local Real Estate Market

Realty Biz

If you are looking for more success as a realtor, this guide can help. Here is a guide on how to become a top realtor in your local real estate market. Did you know that a record number of real estate licenses were issued between January 2021 and January 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR)? That’s because, during the pandemic, many restaurants, and other businesses closed down, resulting in folks searching for a new way to make a living.

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‘Remarkably Cohesive’ Prospect Lefferts Gardens Rows With Kinko Houses Calendared by Landmarks

Brownstoner

Last week, two rows of 38 homes along Prospect Lefferts Gardens’ Parkside Avenue, including 20 Kinko style two-families, were calendared by the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission for possible historic district designation. The unanimous vote came after locals petitioned the agency to landmark the more than 100-year-old homes that sit between Flatbush… Read More > The post ‘Remarkably Cohesive’ Prospect Lefferts Gardens Rows With Kinko Houses Calendared by Landmarks appeared first

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10 Eco-Friendly Flooring Options: Step into a Greener Home

Redfin

As a homeowner, you want to make your home the best place it can be. And with climate change affecting everyone, including homeowners, it’s essential to consider more eco-friendly options when updating your house. From painting with zero-VOC paint to installing solar panels, another green home update to consider is eco-friendly flooring. So before you embark on a flooring remodel, we’ll outline 10 eco-friendly flooring options to consider in place of traditional flooring.

As-is 69
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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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Check Out Some Tunes With the New Brooklyn Public Library Vinyl Collection

Brownstoner

The audiophile community is rejoicing after the Brooklyn Public Library announced this week the launch of a new vinyl collection, which patrons can either experience at listening stations or check out to take it all in at home. Visitors to BPL’s Central Branch at Grand Army Plaza can peruse the library’s… Read More > The post Check Out Some Tunes With the New Brooklyn Public Library Vinyl Collection appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Number of Seniors is Growing

BubbleInfo

It’s probably true that seniors are leading healthier, longer lives and will prefer to age-in-place – which will keep a limit on the number of homes for sale and temper any downdraft in pricing. What is worse is that the resulting back-up will cause others to stay in their current home forever too! It was […].

Sales 69
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Daily Links: Who Set Up the Rooftop ‘Burg Pool With 60 Tons of Water? A Mystery Is Afoot

Brownstoner

In the News The Pandemic Wasn’t Supposed to Hurt New York Transit This Much [NYT] How a Jazz Musician and Entrepreneur Spends His Sundays [NYT] Taqueria Ramírez, Greenpoint Fish Team Up for Taco Tuesday [Greenpointers] Controversial Redistricting Enters Next Phase of Public Hearings [PoliticsNY] Man Knocked Unconscious in Bed Stuy Park by Fallen Tree Limb… Read More > The post Daily Links: Who Set Up the Rooftop ‘Burg Pool With 60 Tons of Water?

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Should I Buy a Vacation Rental Property in 2023?

Mashvisor

The travel landscape is changing, and real estate investors are asking, “should I buy a vacation rental property in 2023?” This guide will help.

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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.