Thu.Apr 14, 2022

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Some lenders won’t survive the purchase mortgage market of 2022

Housing Wire

Consolidation in the mortgage industry is likely in 2022, analysts and lending executives said. Justin Woodward has experienced the best and the worst of the mortgage industry in only 18 months. A seasoned retail and commercial banking salesman in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the 39-year-old Woodward joined Interfirst Mortgage as a loan officer in October 2020 after a recommendation from an old college friend. “I had not done first mortgage lending before, but I was familiar with the basics of rea

Mortgages 526
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On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes.

Marketing 306
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Purchase mortgages cross dreaded 5% threshold

Housing Wire

The 5% threshold has been crossed, and given all the headwinds in the U.S. economy, it doesn’t appear that mortgage rates will be dropping below that mark anytime soon. Purchase mortgages this week averaged 5%, up 28 basis points from 4.72% a week ago , according to the latest Freddie Mac PMMS. A year ago at this time, rates were at 3.13%. The GSE’s index accounts for just purchase mortgages reported by lenders over the past three days. “This week mortgage rates averaged 5% for the f

Mortgages 448
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Inflation cuts homebuyer budgets by $40,000

Real Trends

Home buyers looking for a home in 2022 will have to look for properties that are roughly $40,000 cheaper, according to a report released by the National Association of Realtors on Wednesday. According to NAR, rising inflation is to blame for the smaller home buying budgets. In March, inflation accelerated to 8.5% , the strongest pace of inflation in 40 years.

Mortgages 127
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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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Fed retreat from MBS market sparks short-term uncertainty

Housing Wire

Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. What happens when the Federal Reserve begins pulling back in a serious way from the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market that it has helped to prop up through billions of dollars in bond purchases since the start of the pandemic in 2020 — to the point where it now holds a $2.7 trillion agency MBS portfolio?

Marketing 435
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Remodeling Market Remains Stable Year-over-Year

Eye on Housing

The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2002 posted a reading of 86, unchanged from the first quarter of 2021. The RMI and all of its components and subcomponents were all 80 or higher (on a scale of 0 to 100) indicating of positive residential remodeler sentiment. The RMI is based on a survey that asks.

Marketing 116

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, April 14, 2022

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates fell again yesterday. That made two consecutive days of appreciable falls. And those made a worthwhile difference to those rates. So far […].

Mortgages 111
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How customizable automation can make workflows more efficient for lenders

Housing Wire

As automation continues to make a sizable impact on the real estate industry, finding the smartest ways to utilize it can help lenders sharpen their competitive edge. HousingWire recently spoke with Erin Wilson, Senior Vice President of Client Services at DataVerify, about how automating customizable workflows can help lenders save time, enabling them to focus more on building relationships with borrowers.

Loans 418
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Elliman Magazine Column - A Symptom of Chronic Inventory Lows: Bidding Wars Are Everywhere

Miller Samuel INC

For each issue of Elliman Magazine produced by Douglas Elliman , the same company that publishes most of our U.S. market research , I write a brief column and create a graphic to illustrate an important issue facing the luxury housing market. Of course, the graphic I create is then supercharged by their very talented graphics staff. Listing inventory has essentially collapsed in most U.S. housing markets as unusually low rates against the backdrop of robust economic conditions have burned off su

Sales 110
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ALTA on new Fannie policy: title insurance “will always be essential”

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae generated some buzz last week when it announced it would be accepting written attorney opinion letters in lieu of a title insurance policy “in limited circumstances.”. HousingWire wondered: just what were those limited circumstances? According to the government sponsored entity, the only transactions ineligible for an attorney title opinion letter are those that involve loans secured by a unit in a condo project, co-op share loans, loans secured by a dwelling on a leasehold estate, in

Title 418
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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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5 Neighborhoods for Every Interest

Sotheby's International Real Estate

What does the word “neighborhood” conjure for you? Perhaps you picture a quaint, tree-lined street with children playing in front yards, or a high-energy downtown enclave where the best cafés, clubs, and artist studios are located within blocks of each other. In truth, neighborhoods come in many forms and can fulfill many passions, pastimes, and personal pursuits.

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The Insider: Fort Greene Family Unveils Townhouse Reno With Chic Global Decor

Brownstoner

Once in a rare while, a Brownstoner reader submits photos of a house looking so polished and all-of-a-piece that we can't pass it up for The Insider. Such was the case with this Civil War-era brownstone, whose homeowners Jen Laughlin and Ghislain Thierry brought to our attention after their long, drawn-out… Read More > The post The Insider: Fort Greene Family Unveils Townhouse Reno With Chic Global Decor appeared first on Brownstoner.

Design 105
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Power Broker Strategies: Real Estate Leaders Share Insights for the Year Ahead

RIS Media

Coming off the red-hot real estate market of 2021, Power Brokers are regrouping and preparing for what lies ahead, unpredictable as that may be. Their outlook and their approach are grounded in market realities and the proven methods that have carried their firms through many a challenge. Here, Power Brokers provide insights on the biggest issues at hand—from inventory to inflation—and the strategies they’re deploying to ensure another successful year in 2022…no matter how the next c

Agents 105
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What To Do When You Lose Your Motivation as a Realtor

The Close

Trying to pull yourself out of a real estate motivation slump and still hitting a wall? We’ll be honest, it has happened to most of us. Real estate can be a lonely grind, and we’ve all had days or even weeks when we’ve lost our motivation. While this is an all too common problem, we have some proven strategies and resources to help you get your mojo back—and start kicking butt and taking names. 1.

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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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Apartment in Bed Stuy Brownstone With Mantel, Clawfoot Tub, Marble Sink Asks $2,700

Brownstoner

A two-bedroom apartment on the penultimate floor of a four-story brownstone in the Expanded Stuyvesant Heights Historic District has some old-school flair as well as decent closet space. The apartment has a good amount of original detail as well as some updates. It is mostly painted white and has wood… Read More > The post Apartment in Bed Stuy Brownstone With Mantel, Clawfoot Tub, Marble Sink Asks $2,700 appeared first on Brownstoner.

As-is 98
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Remodeling Market Remains Stable Year-over-Year

RIS Media

The national remodeling industry remains strong this year, however there are signs of supply-chain fatigue starting to show on the part of consumers, according to a new report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released this week. The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter posted a reading of 86, which remained unchanged compared to the first quarter of 2021.

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Daily Links: City’s Housing Voucher Discrimination Unit Loses Its Last Employee

Brownstoner

In the News How the Brooklyn Subway Shooting Unfolded [NYT] Heroic Transit Workers Evacuated Riders Fleeing Subway Shooting [AmNY]. St. Joseph’s College in Clinton Hill Becomes St. Joseph’s University [BP] Industry City Brings New Life to Beloved St. Mark’s Comics [BK Reader] The Mallard Drake to Open in Former Diamond Bar Space [Greenpointers]… Read More > The post Daily Links: City’s Housing Voucher Discrimination Unit Loses Its Last Employee appeared first on Brownstoner.

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U.S. Rental Prices Soar by Nearly 20% in Two Years Since COVID Outbreak

RIS Media

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the past two years have been a rollercoaster ride for the rental market. From a slowdown in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic to a significant rebound in 2021 under a mix of factors, rents have maintained a feverish pace of annual growth, according to the latest realtor.com® Monthly Rental Report released April 14, In March, the U.S. median rental price climbed to $1,807, marking a 19.3% increase in the two years since the onset of the pandemic.

Staging 98
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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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Furnishing a New Home While Staying Thrifty

Mandrona Group

You’ve bought your first home—congratulations! It’s a huge milestone you finally accomplished after what could be years of saving up. Read More.

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Mortgage Rates Cross the 5% Line

RIS Media

According to the latest data from Freddie Mac released Thursday, April 14, mortgage rates have climbed to levels not seen in more than a decade. The results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) show that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5% this week, up from 4.72% last week. The last time that mortgage rates reached this level was in 2011.

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Could Your Expertise be Hurting Your Communication?

Tom Ferry

The curse of knowledge is a hindsight bias, likened to an intellectual form of monolingualism. By using insider colloquialism, an orator is perceived as insensitively obtuse and alienating towards their audience. Well, that’s that! Good job, me! Hope you learned a lot and have a great day! Oh, was I not making sense? Sorry… Sometimes […]. The post Could Your Expertise be Hurting Your Communication?

As-is 91
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Why You Should Have the Well Inspected Before Buying a House

RIS Media

If you’re thinking about purchasing a house that gets water from a well, you should have tests conducted before making a final decision. You need to make sure that the water is safe to use and that the well will be able to provide enough water for your family. Why Testing Is So Important. Water that comes from a public source is treated and tested for safety.

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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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5 Tips For Choosing The Right Home For Your Lifestyle

Realty Biz

Because each individual’s reasons for purchasing a home are unique, there is no one “correct” way to buy a home. That said, the key to finding the perfect home is to consider your unique needs and lifestyle. While some people can view only one or two houses and find the ideal fit for their needs, others can view dozens of homes and still have difficulty deciding which one to purchase.

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Mergers and Acquisitions: Real Estate’s New Normal

RIS Media

As the industry has had to adapt to a new real estate landscape, brokerages have had to find new avenues for growth. Once considered taboo, mergers and acquisitions are steadily becoming one of the most strategic ways a broker/owner can invest in their growth and business. Whether your business has been approached for a potential merger or acquisition, or you’re considering ways to deepen your foothold in your market, a merger or acquisition may be an option for your brokerage’s grow

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Vacation home market losing steam as pandemic abates

Realty Biz

When the COVID-19 pandemic was in full force, vacation homes suddenly became extremely popular and were some of the hottest properties on the market. However, as the pandemic abates that trend now appears to be on the wane. With life returning to normal, higher mortgage rates and an increase in loan fees for second homes now a reality, the second home market is experiencing a slowdown, housing analysts say.

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Go Green and Differentiate Your Brand With NAR’s Green Designation

RIS Media

April is Earth Month, and since sustainability is top of mind, it’s the perfect time to highlight the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) newly updated Green Designation course. Learning about the latest high-performance trends will not only help you help your clients make more informed real estate choices, but it could also increase your earning potential.

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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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Headwinds threaten a strong home remodeling market

Real Trends

Despite rising inflation , interest rate growth, ongoing supply chain issues and material and labor shortages , home remodeling remains stable. The National Association of Home Builder/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) reported a reading of 86 during the first quarter of 2022, the same as a year ago. The NAHB views this as a sign of residential remodelers’ confidence in their market for projects of all sizes.

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Top 4 Books Every Luxury Real Estate Professional Should Read

RIS Media

As a luxury real estate professional, you’re always looking for ways to differentiate yourself and stand out to potential clients, which requires you to understand the fundamentals of sales, the needs of your affluent clients, and the ability to motivate yourself towards success. While staying up-to-date with the latest news and guidance is a good starting point, you’ll find these valuable insights from the following authors that we’ve compiled for you.

Staging 98
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Top Commercial Real Estate Security Trends Every Agent Should Know

Realty Biz

In the aftermath of the global pandemic, commercial real estate is experiencing a resurgence. The real estate market is developing confidence to build once more. However, we are now in a different world than the one we left behind before COVID-19. There are greater security considerations to fully safeguard your building. Here we detail the key security trends penetrating commercial real estate.

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What to Do If You’re Selling Your Home and a Title Search Finds a Lien on the Property

RIS Media

If you fail to pay a bill, a company or government can place a lien on your property. You might have a lien related to an outstanding bill from a contractor for work that you had done on your house, or you might owe money to your homeowners association for dues you didn’t pay or a fee that you were assessed for violating a rule. You also might have a lien for unpaid taxes.

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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.