Fri.Feb 03, 2023

article thumbnail

Real Estate is Looking More and More Like a Freelancer’s Market

Propmodo

Even with the Federal Reserve decreasing their rate hike to a quarter of a percent in this week’s meeting, the tone was that they were going to stick to the principle that a weaker labor market is necessary in order to combat inflation. Inflation seems to be slowing, but the decrease is mostly due to the change in energy and household expenses rather, and unemployment has remained low.

Marketing 117
article thumbnail

Positive jobs report sends mortgage rates higher

Housing Wire

Let’s first state the facts regarding our country’s wonderful week in labor data. Job openings are over 11,000,000. Jobless claims are under 200,000. The unemployment rate in America is 3.4%. When we look at the history of U.S. economics, this week is one for the record books. As someone who professed early in the Covid-19 recovery that we would see 10,000,000 job openings — and the labor dynamics are much different now than what we saw in 2008 — it’s Van Gogh art week when I see all the d

Mortgages 414
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase. And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.

VA loan 253
article thumbnail

Why HELOCs are growing more popular

Housing Wire

The past few years in the housing industry have been nothing short of unprecedented. In 2020 and 2021, many homeowners refinanced, locking in historically low 30-year fixed rate mortgages. And now, with the impact of inflation and looming economic uncertainty, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are an increasingly popular choice for those who are considering tapping into their home’s rising equity while protecting their existing, low mortgage rates.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

How will AI change your real estate business?

Inman

The world is changing. Consultant Chris Pollinger believes that those who embrace the coming wave of AI will outpace their competition exponentially.

article thumbnail

Altos Research housing market predictions for 2023

Housing Wire

This article is part of our 2022 – 2023 Housing Market Update series. After the series wraps, join us on February 6 for the HW+ Virtual 2023 Housing Market Update. Bringing together some of the top economists and researchers in housing, the event will provide an in-depth look at the data for this year, along with a roundtable discussion on how these insights apply to your business.

Marketing 370

More Trending

article thumbnail

USAA Federal Savings Bank cuts 130 positions in real estate lending 

Housing Wire

San Antonio, Texas-headquartered USAA eliminated 130 positions in the real estate lending group amid projections that the mortgage industry will shrink in 2023. The layoffs at USAA Federal Savings Bank represent about 1.6% of the total bank workforce, Bradley Russell, USAA’s corporate spokesperson, confirmed. “In order to continue exceptional service to our members, we sometimes make hard business decisions to ensure we are adapting to our members’ needs and changes in the marketplace,” Ru

Banks 74
article thumbnail

Fueled by new wealth, ‘ultra-luxury’ real estate tallies big year in 2022

Inman

Sales of homes valued at $10 million or more in newly emerged or reemerging markets helped propel transactions in that sector beyond pre-pandemic levels in 2022 while falling short of 2021 levels.

Sales 148
article thumbnail

Guaranteed Rate loan programs aim for lower rates for builders, borrowers 

Housing Wire

Mortgage lender and digital financial services company Guaranteed Rate hopes to court builders and borrowers with its newly launched programs — Lock ‘N’ Sell rate lock program and forward commitments – by helping the borrowers secure lower mortgage rates. The rate lock program allows builders to lock in a current rate for up to 120 days on individual homes.

Loans 370
article thumbnail

Buyers on a $2,500 budget can now afford a $400,000 home

Inman

Things are looking up for homebuyers on a budget as mortgage rates fall from their 20-year highs, according to a report published Thursday by Redfin.

Mortgages 148
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

January’s strong jobs report could spell trouble for the housing market

Housing Wire

The labor market started off in 2023 with a bang, which could mean trouble for the housing market as the Federal Reserve continues to try and bring inflation under control this year. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 517,000 jobs from December to January, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, the job market gained an average of 401,000 jobs per month in 2022.

Marketing 369
article thumbnail

Ready to be a real estate mentor? Here’s how to make a massive impact

Inman

Being a mentor isn’t a one-way street. When done right, it offers you the opportunity to hone your skills and experience to unexpected levels of personal and professional growth.

Brokerage 148
article thumbnail

Logan Mohtashami to speak at Gathering of Eagles 2023

Housing Wire

Logan Mohtashami , lead analyst for HW Media , is taking the stage at Gathering of Eagles 2023 to give an update on the state of housing and the economy. Mohtashami’s presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20. Mohtashami’s proprietary modeling is essential to any leader making business plans in 2023. His chart-making abilities will provide attendees with the essential information they need on mortgage rates , inventory, pricing and more.

Staging 73
article thumbnail

9 elements your real estate website must include in 2023

Inman

Your real estate website is your window to the world, writes luxury expert Laura Stace. It allows potential clients to see your experience in the real estate industry, your business acumen and also to connect with you should they wish to take the next steps.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

7 Embarrassing Things Real Estate Agents Hate for You to See

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Plenty of people work around others all day long, but real estate agents are pretty much on stage all day, with clients watching and witnessing their every move. Inevitably, things happen that agents wish a client weren’t around to see! But if and when they do, it really helps when a client laughs with them, instead of at them! For some reason, it seems like there’s a handful of embarrassing things that happen to almost every agent at one point or another.

Agents 145
article thumbnail

Mass rounds of real estate layoffs still the exception, not the norm

Inman

Despite big rounds of layoffs by companies like Compass and Anywhere, payrolls throughout the real estate industry held firm in January, according to a report released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

article thumbnail

A New Year Starts with Strong Gains

Eye on Housing

Job growth rebounded in January. After declines for five consecutive months, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 517,000 in the first month of 2023 and the unemployment rate hit a 53-year low at 3.4% as more people entered the labor market. Construction industry employment (both residential and non-residential) totaled 7.9 million and exceeds its February 2020 level.

article thumbnail

23 tech tools to make 2023 easier

Inman

We live in an amazing time with unprecedented tools and technology, writes Jimmy Burgess. By tapping into the leverage these tools provide, your business can’t help but grow.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Sooooo……….That Was January, Eh?

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog Last night in Roncesvalles, a house on a very popular street had a set “offer date” and received six offers. Who says the market is cold, right? Sure, we could surmise that if this was January of 2022, there would have been eight offers. Or ten. Or twelve. And we could also speculate that this house would have sold for more money in January of 2022 as well.

Sales 103
article thumbnail

Inman’s Top 5 stories for the week of Jan. 27 – Feb. 2 , 2023

Inman

Catch up on all of the latest news and this week's most-read stories. It's Inman's Top 5 for the week of Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2023.

article thumbnail

How to Level Up as an Appraiser

McKissock

As part of our contributor series, experienced appraiser Conrad Meertins Jr. shares his advice on how to level up as an appraiser. There is a popular saying, “Skills pay the bills.” There is much merit to that in our industry, and it will be even more true as we move into this year with so much uncertainty looming over our heads. Your skills are what make you invaluable.

As-is 99
article thumbnail

Amerant Mortgage launches Midwest hub in St. Louis, Missouri

Inman

Florida's largest community bank, Amerant Bank, continues to grow the national footprint of its mortgage subsidiary, Amerant Mortgage, through acquisitions.

Mortgages 148
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

The TRUTH Behind The Fed Decreasing Inflation

Broke Agent Media

On this week’s episode of the Knowledge Broker’s Podcast , Byron Lazine and Tom Toole start things off by discussing the latest Fed meeting and why Lawrence Yun considers the latest 25 basis-point rate hike good news for home buyers waiting for mortgage rates to drop. Today’s second topic is the drop in inventory and what that means for home buyers and sellers, followed by the jobs report for January 2023 , with unemployment hitting 3.4%, the lowest level since May 1969.

article thumbnail

David Kramer is ready to bring out the ‘soul’ of Hilton & Hyland

Inman

As David Kramer steps into his role as Hilton & Hyland's president after a year of upheaval, the brokerage is repositioning itself. Kramer told Inman the goal is to effect change with culture.

Brokerage 148
article thumbnail

The Reality of Rent Affordability for Minimum Wage Earners

Broke Agent Media

BAM Key Details: A new Zillow study shows minimum wage earners need three roommates (or four jobs) to afford a typical two-bedroom rental unit. Only in 10 of the 50 largest U.S. metros can two full-time workers earning the minimum wage afford a two-bedroom rental without straining their budgets. There’s a reason why so many minimum wage earners still live with their parents.

article thumbnail

How to get a luxury smart home for a DIY price

Inman

Today, putting together a seamless smart home setup doesn't have to be expensive. Find out how to create one on a budget.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

January Housing Report Shows More Buyers Using Their Bargaining Power

Broke Agent Media

BAM Key Details: The latest edition of the Realtor.com® Monthly Housing Trends Report shows buyers in January had more bargaining power. More home buyers looked to relocate in January, with 56% of listing views going to homes outside the home shopper’s current market. Midwest and Northeast metros with more affordable housing gained in popularity, with more online traffic from out-of-towners.

article thumbnail

EXCLUSIVE: MooveGuru acquires relocation competitor Relocator

Inman

The deal was inked for "eight figures" and brings to MooveGuru a number of substantial mortgage marketing partnerships, according to news sent exclusively to Inman.

Mortgages 146
article thumbnail

Single Women Setting The Trend In Homeownership

Broke Agent Media

BAM Key Details: According to a new analysis by LendingTree, single women are more likely to own a home than single men in 48 of 50 states. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that while women earn, on average, 83.1 cents for every dollar men earn, single women own roughly 2.46 million more homes than single men. Factors that defy the income gender gap include a greater desire for homeownership and more readiness to make sacrifices to afford a home purchase According to a ne

Agents 98
article thumbnail

How to Boost Your Real Estate Returns With a Self-Directed IRA?

Marco Santarelli

Robert Kiyosaki coined a timeless piece of wisdom in the form of this quote: “Most people fail to realize that in life, it’s not how much money you make, it’s how much money you keep.” ~ Robert Kiyosaki It is quite often the case when people make a lot of money but find it difficult to keep it with them. Taxes, inflation, market movements, and mismanaged investments are among some of the common culprits.

article thumbnail

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.