Mon.Dec 23, 2024

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The homebuilders’ 2025 supply and demand problem

Housing Wire

New home sales grew over last month in the latest Census report , but homebuilders are now facing a supply issue their inventory is building up. This is the reason why housing starts are at recession levels today. Monthly new home sales have been stagnant for the past two years. When mortgage rates decline, sales improve, but it becomes more challenging for builders and buyers when rates rise.

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EXp Realty recruits The Quintin Group away from Keller Williams

Inman

Led by founder Jeff Quintin, The Quintin Group has departed Keller Williams for eXp Realty after eight years with the Texas-based franchisor. The 15-agent team boasts a lifetime sales volume of $1 billion.

Agents 167
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What it’s like connecting reverse mortgage professionals with forward lending partners

Housing Wire

Over the past year, members of the reverse mortgage industry have been making a more concerted effort to connect with their counterparts in the forward mortgage space. The efforts have not gone unnoticed as more forward mortgage companies particularly in an elevated rate environment have started to see value in the possible addition of reverse mortgages to their product suites.

Lending 381
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Douglas Elliman of California and former escrow head settle lawsuits

Inman

The lawsuits alleging kickbacks by high profile brokers, which were launched in October, are now resolved. Founder and former CEO of Portfolio Escrow Bill Grasska said he is "committed to ensuring my name remains synonymous with integrity and excellence.

Brokerage 157
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Welcome to the Future of Hospitality: Smart Rooms Start Here

Speaker: Jady West, VP of Hospitality & Chris Bennett, Head of Sales & Engineering

The modern hotel room is no longer just a place to stay—it’s an experience to remember. Today’s guests expect seamless 5G connectivity, personalized comfort, and high-tech convenience. From AI-powered smart room controls to in-room entertainment and app-based services, technology is redefining hospitality from the inside out. In this new session featuring industry pros Jady West and Chris Bennett, we’ll explore how high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity powers the innovations that are enabling

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RE/MAX wants to be the place that new agents thrive

Housing Wire

RE/MAX frequently touts the experience and productivity of its agents, 135 of which made the 2024 RealTrends Verified + Tom Ferry The Thousand more than any other brokerage. In 2025, however, the real estate franchisor is looking to welcome in and foster the next generation of top agents. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2024 NAR Member Profile , the median age of a real estate agent is 55, which for RE/MAX President Amy Lessinger is a clear sign that it is time for new t

Agents 383

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Mortgage groups gear up to get trigger leads bill passed in 2025

Housing Wire

The trigger leads bill has become a 2025 priority for the mortgage industry after failing to pass the House of Representatives last week, despite Senate approval. Mortgage trade groups, however, remain optimistic about the bill’s prospects in the 119th Congress. It would still have to get through the House [this year], which is technically possible but very unlikely, said Brendan McKay, owner of Mckay Mortgage and chief advocacy officer at the Broker Action Coalition (BAC).

Mortgages 383
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ATTOM Finds Home Affordability Worsened Yet Again in Q4 2024

RIS Media

The latest quarterly U.S. Home Affordability Report from ATTOM Data found that affordability continued to worsen across the U.S. in Q4 2024median-sized homes are now less affordable than the historical average in 98% of the reports surveyed counties. The report cross-referenced median home price data from ATTOM itself with wage data from the U.S. Bureau… The post ATTOM Finds Home Affordability Worsened Yet Again in Q4 2024 appeared first on RISMedia.

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CFPB sues Rocket, The Jason Mitchell Group over RESPA violations

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit Monday accusing Rocket Homes of orchestrating a kickback scheme to funnel business to its sister companies, Rocket Mortgage and Amrock. The Jason Mitchell Group is also implicated in the alleged violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). According to the CFPB, between 2019 and 2024, real-estate brokerage firm Rocket Homes purportedly incentivized real estate brokers and agents with referrals and priority for fu

Brokerage 397
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California Housing Market Predictions for Next 2 Years: 2025-2026

Marco Santarelli

Is the California dream still affordable? That's the question on everyone's mind, especially if you're thinking about buying or selling a home here. Looking ahead, the California housing market forecast for the next two years suggests a mixed bag, with some areas seeing price increases, while others might experience a slight dip. The data points toward a cooling trend rather than a full-blown crash, with most of the state experiencing moderate growth.

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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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Mortgage groups push FHA for loss mitigation extension

Housing Wire

A coalition of six organizations representing mortgage companies and borrowers has sent a letter to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), urging the extension of the current loss-mitigation waterfall to February 2026 while updates to the agencys servicing handbook are discussed and implemented. In late November, the FHA proposed updates to its permanent loss-mitigation options based on lessons learned from its temporary policies implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mortgages 384
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How Home Equity May Help You Buy Your Next Home in Cash

Keeping Current Matters

Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership.

Equity 287
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Phoenix Realtors fires back at NAR over MLS Choice program

Real Estate News

The National Association of Realtors says MLS Choice allows non-Realtors to join the Phoenix association. PAR says NAR threats will chill innovation.

MLS 279
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CFPB Sues Rocket Homes, Jason Mitchell Group Over Alleged Kickback Referral Scheme

RIS Media

Federal regulators filed a lawsuit Monday against Rocket Homes Real Estate and The Jason Mitchell Group (JMG), alleging an illegal referral scheme that steered homebuyers toward specific mortgage and settlement services, according to a complaint filed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Rocket Homes allegedly provided real estate brokerages with referrals and preferential treatment… The post CFPB Sues Rocket Homes, Jason Mitchell Group Over Alleged Kickback Referral Scheme

Brokerage 122
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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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Trends 2025: Franchise giants, rising brokerage brands to watch

Real Estate News

Well-known franchise brands have proven their staying power, but more brokerage brands are scaling up nationally, capturing agent and consumer attention.

Branding 260
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6 Things Buyers Do During Escrow That Are Sure to Make Sellers Angry

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Getting your offer accepted often feels like the finish line, but in reality, its just the start of the next phaseescrow. While you may be tempted to breathe a sigh of relief when the deal is under contract, theres still a long road ahead. From inspections and appraisals to paperwork and deadlines, youll need to work (and play nice!) with the seller in order to navigate the process and reach the closing table successfully.

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Howard Hanna’s 2024 Recruits Achieve $500 Million in Sales

RIS Media

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services (HHRES) has announced that agents who joined the company in 2024 have collectively closed more than $500 million in sales this year. The company says the achievement underscores the power of Howard Hannas innovative, tech-forward tools combined with a family-owned and personal approach to real estate. Howard Hanna has always… The post Howard Hannas 2024 Recruits Achieve $500 Million in Sales appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 106
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Big Brooklyn Heights Beaux-Arts Flat With Bays, Mantel, Built-in Asks $2.45 Million

Brownstoner

In an early 20th century flats building, an extra-large Brooklyn Heights unit has some details of the period along with a renovated kitchen and in-unit laundry. The price tag isn't exactly modest, but the floor-through does appear move-in ready and the brick and limestone walk-up building is on Garden Place,… Read More > The post Big Brooklyn Heights Beaux-Arts Flat With Bays, Mantel, Built-in Asks $2.45 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Consumer Confidence Drops in December After Previous Monthly Increases

RIS Media

2024 is closing out with a dip in consumer confidence, according to the latest monthly report from the Conference Board. In particular, the reports Expectations Index (tracking consumers short-term outlook on income, business and the labor market) dropped by 12.6 points, signaling increased economic pessimism. Moreover, purchasing plans for homes were down slightly in December,… The post Consumer Confidence Drops in December After Previous Monthly Increases appeared first on RISMedia.

Closing 111
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How to help buyers understand appraisals and inspections

Real Estate News

These evaluations have the potential to make or break a transaction, and many buyers will have questions about whats involved and whats at stake.

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OneKey® MLS Reports Strong Housing Market for High-Value Transactions in New York

RIS Media

OneKey MLS, serving the markets of New Yorks Hudson River Valley to the Catskill Mountains, has announced new data for November 2024 reflecting continued strength in the housing market with higher-value transactions. In November, the regional single-family closed median sale price reached $700,000, a 7.7% increase from $650,000 in 2023, a press release noted.

MLS 106
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Minneapolis vs Milwaukee: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

You might be considering a house in Minneapolis, MN , or an apartment in Milwaukee, WI , as these two Midwest cities share a rich cultural history and a love for the arts. Minneapolis boasts a thriving job market and vibrant lakeside neighborhoods, while Milwaukee offers a lower cost of living and a reputation for its brewing heritage. Whether youre drawn to the bustling streets of Minneapolis or Milwaukees riverside charm, choosing the right city to call home is a big decision.

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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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The rich get richer? How NAR’s deal is widening the commission gap

Inman

For most, the rise of negotiated compensation for buyer's agents hasn't dramatically pushed down commissions yet. But new rules may be benefiting top performers, new Intel polling shows.

Agents 167
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Fresno vs Bakersfield: Which City is Right for You? Comparing Real Estate, Cost of Living, Culture, and More

Redfin

You might be considering a house in Fresno, CA , or an apartment in Bakersfield, CA , as these two Central California cities share many similarities, from agricultural roots to close-knit communities. Fresno offers a more vibrant cultural scene and access to Yosemite National Park, while Bakersfield provides a lower cost of living and strong ties to country music heritage.

As-is 63
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5 mindset shifts the pros will be making in 2025

Inman

Every top producer is just a new agent who refuses to give up, broker Joseph Santini writes. Learn from the attitudes and habits of top producers to get 2025 off on the right foot.

Agents 158
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New Home Sales Increase to 664,000 Annual Rate in November

Calculated Risk Real Estate

The Census Bureau reports New Home Sales in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 664 thousand. The previous three months were revised up, combined. Sales of new single-family houses in November 2024 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 664,000 , according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Sales 59
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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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How to Sell My House Fast in Cedar Rapids: Cash Offer Options

HomeLight

Life doesnt always follow the script youve written. Whether its a sudden career change, financial difficulties, or another major life event, you may find yourself asking, How can I sell my house fast in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? When time is tight, selling your home can feel like a never-ending to-do list. The good news is that selling a home quickly is possible with the right strategies.

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Redfin’s 2025 Housing Market Predictions (Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, & More)

Bigger Pockets

Redfin just released their highly-anticipated 2025 housing market forecast, and today, were reacting to each of their ten crucial housing market predictions.

Marketing 122
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How to Sell My House Fast in Little Rock: Cash Offer Options

HomeLight

No matter how carefully you plan, life can still throw surprises your way. If youre facing a sudden job transfer, financial strain, or another time-sensitive life change, you may be searching for How can I sell my house fast in Little Rock, Arkansas? While selling a home quickly can seem overwhelming, there are strategies to help you navigate the specific challenges of the Little Rock market.