Wed.Nov 04, 2020

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Refinance wave boosts mortgage applications 3.8%

Housing Wire

With mortgage rates continuing to hover near record lows, mortgage applications jumped 3.8% last week according to a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The refinance wave showed no signs of stopping as refinance activity gained 6% from the previous week – up 88% higher than the same week last year. According to Joel Kan , MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, borrowers made a grab for both conventional and government refi’s.

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Real Estate Is a Driving Force in the Economy

Keeping Current Matters

As the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that what we call “home” is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore, has thrived in an otherwise down year. Today’s high buyer demand combined with low housing inventory means we’re seeing home prices appreciate at an above-average pace.

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VRM takes a tailored approach to servicing and lending challenges amid uncertainty

Housing Wire

The complexities of serving borrowers under the CARES Act require lenders, servicers and investors to partner with a mortgage services provider who has the expertise and national network to provide high-touch support to its clients. With a proven track record of best-in-class asset management experience, VRM Mortgage Services is uniquely qualified to address the challenges of this COVID era, including a potential influx of REO assets once eviction and foreclosure moratoriums are lifted.

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These Pandemic-Related Housing and Design Trends Aren’t Going Away

Realtor.com

Hispanolistic/Getty Images Home trends come and go, but social distancing and staying at home have ushered in a new way of life—and some of those changes have spurred home trends that are likely to stick around well past the COVID-19 era. “The idea of what is necessary is changing,” says Camille Thomas , a real estate matchmaker and lifestyle expert in Jackson Hole, WY.

Design 145
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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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FundingShield plans to fill 100 positions in coming months

Housing Wire

Mortgage originations have a had a bang-up year, with recent data even estimating that they will $4 trillion by the end of 2020. But with a high volume of transactions comes escalated risk for fraud – an issue fintech and risk management company FundingShield has been trying to counterbalance for the mortgage space. In 2019, the Consumer Sentinel Network , maintained by the Federal Trade Commission , revealed consumers reported losing $1.9 billion related to fraud complaints.

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Wow! How Home Sellers Can Make a Bundle in the ‘Best’ Winter Sales Season in Years

Realtor.com

Feverpitched / Getty Images Selling a home in winter is often a slow process. Since many home buyers traditionally hunker down as the temperature drops, particularly during the holidays, home sellers with real estate on the market typically see fewer buyers and lower offers. That’s your typical winter, but this winter is shaping up to be a whole different reality, even a hot seller’s market.

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Six Months of Year-over-Year Gains for Purchase Mortgages

Eye on Housing

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s latest Weekly Application Survey shows that, for the week ending October 30, 2020, mortgage application activity increased by 3.8% from the prior week on a seasonally adjusted basis, as indicated by its Market Composite Index. One of its two constituent indexes, the Purchasing Index, decreased by 0.1% from the previous week while the other, the Refinance.

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James Van Der Beek Vacates Beverly Hills Home in Favor of a Huge Texas Spread

Realtor.com

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images James Van Der Beek has left Los Angeles behind. The actor and his wife, Kimberly , announced on Instagram in September that their family was moving out of Beverly Hills, CA, to Texas. Their large family is now living on a 36-acre property outside of Austin. Their journey to the small town of Spicewood, TX, was chronicled on Instagram videos and images.

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What is an asset depletion mortgage? How asset depletion loans work

The Mortgage Report

An asset depletion mortgage lets you qualify based on your liquid assets rather than regular income. Learn how asset depletion loans work here.

Loans 126
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How to Keep Appliances From Overheating

RIS Media

Any household appliance can overheat and become damaged. Overheating can also spark an electrical fire that may cause serious damage to your house and harm your family. By following some simple tips, you can keep appliances from overheating and protect your home and loved ones. Keep Appliances Clean. Dirt, dust and grease can accumulate on the coils and cables on a stove, refrigerator or another appliance.

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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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7 Foolproof Real Estate Marketing Tips to Help You Build a Client Base

Realty Biz

Digital marketing stands at the forefront of today’s marketing industry. If your business isn’t investing in its digital marketing strategy in this day and age, your team’s leaving money on the table. But is digital marketing worth all the hype for budding entrepreneurs, like real estate agents? Digital marketing has been on a meteoric rise since the widespread use of the Internet.

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MBA: Mortgage Applications Increase in Latest Weekly Survey

RIS Media

Mortgage applications increased 3.8 percent from the previous week , according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending Oct. 30, 2020. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 3.8 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.

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Toronto Real Estate Prices Made A Massive Monthly Drop, While 905 Gets A Boost

Better Dwelling

The Greater Toronto real estate market divide is becoming more clear as city prices drop. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) data shows real estate prices in October were flat from a month before. While suburban 905 prices climbed, the City saw prices inch lower. This trend was amplified in Condo apartments, where City units […]. The post Toronto Real Estate Prices Made A Massive Monthly Drop, While 905 Gets A Boost appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Providing Buyers and Sellers With Extraordinary Service, Uncompromising Ethics and Exceptional Knowledge

RIS Media

Parks. Cinch Home Services goes above and beyond to bring peace of mind to the real estate transaction. As CEO of Parks Realty in Brentwood, Tenn., Bob Parks has spent 45 years growing his firm into a powerhouse, and is consistently recognized for excellence. “We’re locally owned, committed to Middle Tennessee, and invested in the communities in which we live and work,” says Parks.

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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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Match with your dream home using new app Casa Blanca

The American Genius for Real Estate

(TECH NEWS) Casa Blanca isn’t a dating app, but it’s encouraging users to swipe right in order to find their dream home. How will it work? The post Match with your dream home using new app Casa Blanca appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

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Tamar Braxton Buys Brand-New Modern Farmhouse in Sherman Oaks

Realtor.com

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic Tamar Braxton recently shelled out $2,475,000 to snag a brand-new modern farmhouse-style home in Sherman Oaks, CA. The reality TV star and singer closed on the home in mid-September and managed to knock $20,000 from the original asking price. Finished this summer, the home offers six bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 3,800 square feet of living space.

Branding 101
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Constellation1 Appoints New VP of Product Management, Mehul Patel

RIS Media

Patel. Constellation1 recently appointed fintech leader Mehul Patel as the new vice president of Product Management. Patel joins the Constellation1 senior leadership team bringing comprehensive product knowledge and strategic vision to expand its robust solutions portfolio. Patel brings his tenure in payments processing and fintech from RDM Corporation, part of Deluxe Corporation. “We are excited to have Mehul join the Constellation1 team.

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Prop 19 is Ahead

BubbleInfo

I thought that Prop 19 would get lumped together with Prop 15 and cause voters to consider them both to be a change/threat to the original Prop-13. Though Prop 15 is losing, it appears that Prop 19 has a decent chance of passing after all: California Proposition 19 (72% reporting) YES: 51.5% NO: 48.5% If […]. The post Prop 19 is Ahead appeared first on bubbleinfo.com.

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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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The Chicago Tribune Names Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago a Winner of the Chicago Top Workplaces 2020 Award

RIS Media

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Chicago was named to the Top Workplaces in Chicago list for 2020 by The Chicago Tribune. In the Large Company category, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ranked No. 2 across all industries and No. 1 among major Chicago residential real estate companies. Diane Glass, CEO, said, “It is an incredible honor to once again be ranked among this impressive group of Top Workplaces and I want to congratulate each of our agents and employees on receiving this awar

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The mortgage loan process explained in 9 steps: From pre-approval to closing day

The Mortgage Report

Your guide to the mortgage loan process. Learn what to expect before, during, and after you apply for a mortgage.

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Factor Prepaid Expenses Into Your Homebuying Budget

RIS Media

When you buy a house, you will have to prepay for some expenses. Make sure you understand what you will be expected to pay for at closing so you will have enough money available. Expenses You Will Have to Pay for up Front. Your lender will require proof that you have obtained homeowners insurance before you will be able to close. You may be required to prepay a year’s worth of homeowners insurance premiums. .

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Schools in Brooklyn’s Covid-19 Red Zones Not Yet Cleared for Reopening

Brownstoner

Schools located in recently established red or orange COVID cluster zones in Brooklyn and Queens might have to wait until the end of the week before they can reopen, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Monday. On Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that schools in red and orange zones could… Read More > The post Schools in Brooklyn’s Covid-19 Red Zones Not Yet Cleared for Reopening appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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10 Random Acts of Kindness

Waterfront Properties

We’re lucky to be part of a friendly community who takes care of one another Here are some out of the box ideas for some random acts of kindness this month. 1. Support local businesses. Before you head to a large chain restaurant for dinner, remember the family business who needs you to stay afloat. They also tend to put more heart and thought into your food, so it will be better tasting and better for you 2.

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‘Fixer to Fabulous’ Reveals One Thing We Should All Hide in a Home (but Don’t)

Realtor.com

HGTV “Fixer to Fabulous” stars Dave and Jenny Marrs know that a young couple’s first home together should feel special, but what if all they can afford is a small, run-down house? Dave and Jenny help engaged couple Madison Brittain and Joshua Launch renovate their first home in Bentonville, AR, in the episode “She Said ‘Yes!'” While the young couple are excited to get married, they’re not exactly thrilled about their new house, which is cramped and outdated.

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Video of the Week: Take a Virtual Tour of a Westhampton, Massachusetts Equestrian Home with Dramatic Views

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s V ideo of the Week. ?. West Hampton, Massachusetts | George Cain , William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. This home, fit for the equestrian, welcomes you into a two-story sunken living room that features a significant fireplace flanked by large captivating windows showing off 100 mile views across state lines.

Sales 95
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That’s So Raven! Raven-Symone Selling Sherman Oaks Home for $2.1M

Realtor.com

realtor.com, Christopher Polk/Getty Images Raven-Symoné, star of the Disney Channel’s “That’s So Raven,” is letting go of her home in Sherman Oaks, CA. The actress and singer has placed her longtime Mediterranean pad on the market for $2.1 million. She purchased the place in 2009 for $1.4 million. The former Disney star seems to have moved on from the inviting residence, with listing photos that show several empty rooms.

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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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Mortgage and refinance rates today, November 4, 2020

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates nudged higher yesterday. And conventional loans today start at 2.625% (2.625% APR) for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. If you compare mortgage rates […].

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Why You Should Track All Your Spending

RIS Media

Many people spend more than they realize, wind up buried in debt and don’t have enough money left to save for long-term goals. If you don’t currently keep track of all your expenses, you should start. Knowing where your money is going can provide valuable insights. . Create a Budget and Track Every Purchase. If you don’t have a budget, make one. Write down your after-tax income and a list of all your regular expenses.

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Brownstone Boys: A Quick Guide to Restoring Finishing Details, Trim and Molding

Brownstoner

Editor’s note: Welcome to the 85th installment of Brownstone Boys Reno, a reader renovation diary about renovating a brownstone in Bed Stuy. See the first one here. They also blog at www.thebrownstoneboys.com. Trim and molding aren't just the icing on the cake, they're an important architectural feature of your home and… Read More > The post Brownstone Boys: A Quick Guide to Restoring Finishing Details, Trim and Molding appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

RIS Media

Many people go to bed late and/or get up early to deal with work and family demands. Others go to bed at a reasonable time, but have trouble falling or staying asleep. Not getting enough sleep can impact many aspects of life. How Sleep Deprivation Can Affect Physical and Mental Health. Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis can weaken your immune system and can increase your risk of becoming obese and developing serious medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and he

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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.