Tue.Oct 27, 2020

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Is now a good time to sell a home?

Housing Wire

As news of rising home prices spreads, more and more homeowners consider selling their properties. . After all, higher home prices mean bigger profits, right? Unfortunately, home prices aren’t the only thing you’ll want to think about before listing your home—especially amid a pandemic. If you’re considering selling your home in the current environment, here’s what you’ll want to factor in: Buyer demand: Do people want to buy your home?

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How Down Payment Assistance Opens the Door to Homeownership

Keeping Current Matters

Many people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market. However, a recent survey by Sparks Research shows that 20% of first-time homebuyers cite a lack of financial education as a barrier to homeownership. This is definitely understandable. If you don’t feel comfortable with the financial process of buying a home, it’s hard to make a confident decision.

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Here are the top 15 cities where Gen Z wants to buy a home

Housing Wire

Gen Zers are finally starting to break into the housing market. According to TransUnion, Gen Z mortgage originations jumped 84% at the end of last year, and if recent survey data from Freddie Mac rings true, those numbers should grow substantially over the coming years. . The GSE’s Generation Z Study shows that of Gen Zers — the cohort ranging in age from 8 to 23 — a whopping 89% plan to buy a home by age 30. .

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9 Comics That Show What It’s Like Being a Real Estate Agent

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Agents: Share articles like these with your branding on them. Learn More. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Members: Sign in here to share this article with your branding. Sign in here. Not a member? Seriously? Learn how you can share articles like this one with your branding. Learn more. The post 9 Comics That Show What It’s Like Being a Real Estate Agent appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

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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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Here’s how to build credit fast to buy a home

Housing Wire

Credit plays a huge role in the home-buying process. It also affects the interest rate you receive on your loan, as well as the long-term costs of borrowing the money. . So if you have a low credit score or no credit at all? That can definitely hold back your home-buying dreams — or at least make it more expensive. Fortunately, credit is an ever-evolving thing, and if yours isn’t perfect — or even just OK — there are plenty of ways you can improve it.

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Home Price Appreciation Accelerates in August

Eye on Housing

In August, home price appreciation accelerated in major markets across the nation. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, reported by S&P Dow Jones Indices, rose at a seasonally adjusted annual growth rate of 12.1% in August, faster than an 8.9% increase in July. It marks the highest annual growth rate since April 2013.

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7 Yard Maintenance Must-Haves for New Homeowners

Realtor.com

Steve Prezant/Getty Images If you recently bought your first home, you’re probably feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole experience. And somewhere in between setting up your house and getting to know all the neighbors, you may have overlooked one thing: the yard—or should we say, the yardwork. Unless your new digs come with landscaping service, chances are you’ll have to adapt to your new role as chief gardener—and find the best tools for the job.

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Hey home shoppers! Here’s what historically low mortgage rates mean for you

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates have never been lower — literally. In the past few months, interest rates on 30-year mortgages have hit all-time lows on multiple occasions. As of Sept. 21, the average rate is clocking in at just 2.87%. That’s down from an average 3.94% rate in 2019 and 4.54% in 2018. A decade before that? Rates were over 6%. For homebuyers, those drops can translate to serious benefits and financial savings.

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Restored by an Acclaimed Artist, Woolworth Mansion in Scranton Is a Work of Art

Realtor.com

Jack Kirby A historically significant house has been brought into the 21st century with artistic flair, thanks to a world-renowned painter. The neoexpressionist painter Hunt Slonem is selling the stately Woolworth Mansion on Jefferson Avenue in Scranton, PA, for $1.35 million. He bought the property in 2015 for $295,000, and has spent the last five years restoring it.

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It’s a seller’s market: What does that mean for contingencies?

Housing Wire

The real estate market is hot right now, and bidding wars are the norm in many parts of the country. And for buyers, that means more competition — as well as less leverage in negotiations. The truth is, sellers can have their pick right now, and if your offer isn’t just what they want, they could choose another buyer. It’s just one of the many reasons to think long and hard about making a contingent offer.

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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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Homeownership During the Third Quarter: Technical Issues

Eye on Housing

The Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancy Survey (CPS/HVS) reported the U.S. homeownership rate declined to 67.4% in the third quarter of 2020, from 67.9% in the prior quarter. The elevated homeownership rates are line with increases in both existing and new home sales in the second quarter. The national rental vacancy rate increased, while the homeowner vacancy rate remained unchanged.

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Buying a home that needs some repairs? Think twice about these projects

Housing Wire

In today’s hot market, buyers are doing all they can to stand out. Some are waiving inspection contingencies, while others are avoiding repair requests, opting to handle home repairs, fixes and upgrades as needed later on. While this approach could certainly help buyers win out in a bidding war, the strategy also comes with some serious risk — especially if the home inspection is skipped.

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Boerum Hill’s Brooklyn Inn Reopens After Pandemic Closure With Food and Outdoor Seating

Brownstoner

The classic Boerum Hill watering hole Brooklyn Inn reopened for business on Saturday for the first time since shutting down eight months ago due to COVID-19, according to the 169-year-old taproom’s manager. “This is definitely a peculiar chapter in the bar’s history,” said Jason Furlani. “We’ve never done table service before.” The… Read More > The post Boerum Hill’s Brooklyn Inn Reopens After Pandemic Closure With Food and Outdoor Seating appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Doing title and close in Louisiana? State requires physical location starting Jan. 1

Housing Wire

Late last week, the Louisiana Department of Insurance issued an advisory letter on Louisiana Act No 310 , which mandates that title insurance companies have a physical location in the state in order to operate there, beginning on Jan. 1, 2021. The bill was introduced to the state legislature early this year, and after several debates and amendments, it was passed in the state’s House and Senate unanimously and signed by Gov.

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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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Case-Shiller: COVID-Related Deceleration Behind Us?

RIS Media

In August, home prices increased 5.7 percent YoY, up from 4.8 percent in the previous month, according to the most recent S&P CoreLogic /Case-Shiller Indices. Year-over-year, the 10-City Composite increased 4.7 percent, up from 3.5 percent in the previous month. The 20-City Composite increased 5.2 percent YoY, up from the previous month’s 4.1 percent gain.

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Stacking the deck: Does choosing the right technology stack give your brokerage a competitive edge?

Housing Wire

HousingStack is a real estate technology landscape that provides a dynamic visual that reflects the rapid changes in the sector. The HousingStack is exclusively for HW+ members. To join the HW+ community, go here. If you’re a managing broker, you’re probably bombarded by sales pitches from vendors anxious to sell you their latest technology innovation.

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Don’t you forget about me: Stay in touch without being a nuisance

REM Online

The following content may have been republished here without the author's permission. The original post can be found at the following URL: Don’t you forget about me: Stay in touch without being a nuisance. Please visit REMonline.com for more content like this, and contact web@remonline.com to inform us of any unauthorized reproduction. It’s a fine line – staying in the forefront of people’s minds about your real estate expertise without being a pest.

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Should your parents help you buy a home? The pros and cons to consider

Housing Wire

Lots of young homebuyers seek financial help when securing their dream homes. In fact, according to a recent study , more than half of prospective homeowners under age 35 expect to get help from family or friends. And of those who have already bought a house? About half said it wouldn’t have been possible without a financial leg-up. But getting help from mom and dad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

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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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Fixed-rate mortgages favoured by first-timers; hybrid mortgage introduced

REM Online

The following content may have been republished here without the author's permission. The original post can be found at the following URL: Fixed-rate mortgages favoured by first-timers; hybrid mortgage introduced. Please visit REMonline.com for more content like this, and contact web@remonline.com to inform us of any unauthorized reproduction. A recent survey by BMO says 57 per cent of homeowners are planning to opt for a fixed-rate mortgage.

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How has COVID-19 changed down payment options?

Housing Wire

Mortgage lending has gotten stricter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lenders are looking to lessen risk amid surging job losses and ongoing economic uncertainty, and that has translated to higher credit score minimums, extra document requests, and in some cases, bigger down payment requirements. Chase, for example, upped their minimum down payment to 20% in the early months of the pandemic.

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Why you shouldn’t use your 401(k) to pay off a mortgage

The Mortgage Report

Most experts say: Don't use your 401(k) to pay off a mortgage. Luckily, you don't have to. There are plenty of other ways to pay off your mortgage early.

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Here’s what lenders should look for in a title provider

Housing Wire

HousingWire recently spoke with Susan Falsetti, managing director of Origination Title and Close at ServiceLink, about the state of title in 2020 and how the EXOS technology platform allowed ServiceLink clients to take advantage of virtual closing solutions. HousingWire: How has your team adapted to continue to serve your clients during this unprecedented year?

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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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‘Love It or List It’ Reveals Hacks To Create a Home Office for Cheap

Realtor.com

HGTV Hilary Farr and David Visentin of “Love It or List It” have helped a lot of homeowners find or create their dream homes, but as times change, their clients’ needs have changed too. While homeowners once focused on open floor plans and large entertaining spaces, it seems now they’re focused on finding private spaces to work from home. In the Season 17 episode, “Work-Life Unbalance,” Visentin and Farr meet Megan and Jeff , work-from-home parents who haven’t been able to find space for the two

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3 things to remember when buying a home in a disaster-prone area

Housing Wire

Natural disasters are top of mind lately. Wildfires have been raging across the West Coast for weeks now, and hurricanes Sally and Laura just ravaged countless cities across the South. According to the Insurance Information Institute , natural disasters caused more than $150 billion in damages in 2019 alone. In 2018, it was $186 billion. For Americans considering homeownership, these trends can be particularly worrisome—especially for those buying in more disaster-prone areas.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, October 27, 2020

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates nudged modestly lower yesterday. And conventional loans today start at 2.75% (2.75% APR) for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. We warned not to […].

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Think these credit problems are stopping you from buying a house? Think again

Housing Wire

Your credit plays a huge part in your ability to get a mortgage. It influences what loans you’re eligible for, how much you can take out, and how much you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. Still, it’s not the end-all, be-all—and many borrowers believe they need picture-perfect credit to buy a home. Fortunately, that’s just not true. If you’re planning to buy a house, steer clear of these all-too-common credit myths that could hold you back: Myth 1: You need perfect credit.

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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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How To Increase A Home’s Property Value

Realty Biz

Owning a home can be one of the greatest assets you can give to yourself. Not only is it a place to relax with privacy, but it’s also the ability to enjoy the comfort of living life in your place, with the possibility of growing old and sharing it with loved ones. It’s also a great way to increase your wealth through its equity. Due to the wonders of property values rising, home appreciation is a virtue that can generate money for the average homeowner. .

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Winners Announced For The 7th Annual 2020 Real Estate Tech Awards (#RETAS)

GeekEstate

The winners of the 2020 Real Estate Tech Awards, which we covered earlier this year , have been announced. The awards are organized by the team at CREtech. And the winners are… Architecture & Design. Winner: Parafin. Honorable Mentions: Branch Technology & Bimspot. Capital Markets. Winner (tie): Northspyre. Winner (tie): Navigator CRE (GEM member).

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HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate Expands Franchise Network in Massachusetts

RIS Media

HomeSmart International recently announced the expansion of HomeSmart Professionals Real Estate in Massachusetts. Franchise Owner and Broker Dean deTonnancourt offers an extended reach to provide realty services in Southern Massachusetts. With over 31 years of experience in the industry, and six with HomeSmart International, deTonnancourt has been the top-selling MLS registered company in Rhode Island for the past three years, according to the company.

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Pre Approval vs Pre Qualified vs Underwritten Pre Approval: What’s It All Mean?

HomeLight

When you’re getting ready to start looking for homes, you’re probably dreaming about more space, a big backyard, or a garage, rather than low mortgage interest rates. But failing to get preapproved before home shopping can result in heartbreak. Do you know the difference between pre approval vs pre qualified when it comes to mortgage loans? Marcus Rittman, director of mortgage operations at HomeLight Home Loans, has seen that “the catalyst for most homeowners wanting to get approved for a mortga

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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.