Mon.Aug 11, 2025

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The overlooked homebuyer segment that could drive your growth strategy

Housing Wire

Mortgage professionals are no strangers to the term first-time homebuyer. Typically defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a principal residence in the last three years, it’s a familiar phrase embedded in underwriting guidelines, down payment assistance programs, and marketing materials. But another group is quietly redefining the homeownership landscape, and it deserves far more attention.

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The hottest ZIP codes of 2025: What real estate agents need to know

Inman

Uncover trends from Realtor.com’s 2025 hottest ZIP codes and learn actionable strategies for real estate agents to succeed in competitive markets.

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Real Estate Tax Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands

AAOA

Investing in multifamily real estate is one of the smartest ways to build lasting wealth, but if you’re not careful, taxes can quietly drain your profits faster than you realize. The tax code is complex and ever-changing, and many investors—new and seasoned alike—make mistakes that cost them thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, every year. The good news?

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Experts warn of ‘cycle of doom’ as disasters overwhelm last-resort insurance

Housing Wire

A growing number of U.S. homeowners are finding their only property insurance option is their state’s last-resort program, according to a new report from the National Resources Defense Council (NDRC). Data shows extreme weather driving private insurers from high-risk areas and forcing premiums higher for everyone else. Last resort programs — known as Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans — were created to provide limited coverage for properties rejected by private carriers.

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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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August ICE Mortgage Monitor: Home Prices Continue to Cool

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Here is the ICE August Mortgage Monitor report (pdf). Press Release: ICE Mortgage Monitor: Mortgage lending quietly hits highest quarterly volume since 2022, driven by purchase and cash-out refinance loans Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. … August 2025 Mortgage Monitor report. ICE data reveals that mortgage originations had their highest quarterly volume since 2022, with both purchase and cash-out refinance activity nearing three-year highs.

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Open House: Escalation Clauses with Tracey Henkels | A Real Estate Podcast

The Living Room

Escalation Clauses — How to Use Them with Tracey Henkels Open House: Everyday Excellence is back with another conversation for agents who want to sharpen their skills and deepen their relationships with clients. This podcast is for people who believe that doing great work means pairing expertise with integrity—and who know that the way we approach each deal matters as much as the outcome.

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Guild’s profit rebound and rising refi recapture bolster Bayview bid

Housing Wire

Guild Holdings Co. , the parent company of Guild Mortgage , returned to profitability in the second quarter and posted a sharp rise in refinance recapture ahead of its proposed $1.3 billion sale to Bayview Asset Management. Guild reported net income of $18.7 million for the quarter, reversing a $23.9 million loss in Q1. Adjusted net income totaled $41.4 million and adjusted EBITDA was $58 million, according to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

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Existing Homes Just Outpriced New Builds by Over $18K in Q2 2025

BAM Media

BAM Key Details: New reports from NAHB and Realtor.com show existing homes outpriced new construction by $18,600 in Q2 2025, the largest gap on record favoring resale homes. New home prices fell 0.9% year over year, while resale prices rose 1.7%. On a per-square-foot basis, new builds averaged $218.66 compared to $226.56 for existing homes. In the South, existing homes sold for $115,000 more than new construction, while new-construction listings surged 37.3% since Q1 2020.

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Fix-and-flip market struggles in Q2 due to labor, material challenges

Housing Wire

The fix-and-flip market is showing signs of weakening, according to a Q2 2025 Fix-and-Flip market survey from Kiavi and John Burns Research & Consulting , released on August 7. The Burns and Kiavi Fix and Flip Market Index (FFMI) is based on a quarterly survey of about 400 fix-and-flippers nationwide. The index scale ranges from 0 to 100, with below 50 equaling contracting and above 50 equaling expanding.

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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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‘The Future Of AI’ Is Already Being Used By Multifamily Giants To Cut Costs

AAOA

Agentic AI has become the latest artificial intelligence iteration to enter the multifamily industry, catalyzing significant investment from startups, apartment operators and established proptech players. While it has yet to be realized at scale and in everyday operations, the vision of agentic AI in property management — in which an autonomous program guides potential tenants through the leasing journey — is of a future with increased efficiency, fewer vacant apartments and lower operational c

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Driven by cash-out refis, mortgage originations reach highest level since 2022

Housing Wire

Mortgage originations hit their highest quarterly level since 2022, with both purchase and cash-out refinance activity approaching three-year highs, according to ICE Mortgage Technology ’s Mortgage Monitor report for August. The report, released Monday, also revealed that total and tappable home equity reached record levels. “Homeowners are actively drawing on record equity with cash-out refinance loans, signaling increased demand despite elevated rates,” said Andy Walden , head of mortgage and

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Why Is My Home Not Selling? 10 Overlooked Deal-Breakers

HomeLight

You’ve fixed the leaky faucet, repainted the walls, boosted your curb appeal, and set a competitive price. But the days keep ticking by with no offers, and you’re asking, “Why is my home not selling?” In a slower market , selling a home can feel like waiting for a bus that never arrives. If you’ve already addressed the obvious issues, there may be more subtle deal-breakers at play — ones you might not even realize are turning buyers away.

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How real estate brokers are protecting commissions today

Housing Wire

The NAR settlement has certainly reshaped real estate, but it hasn’t removed the need for full-time professionals — or the value they bring. That’s why I wanted to spotlight how I see top brokers are helping their agents navigate change, educate consumers, and protect what they earn. If you’re like a lot of brokers, the NAR settlement shook the ground beneath your business model — but it didn’t break it.

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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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DOJ settles with rentals company in RealPage software case

Real Estate News

Skip to Content Agents Brokerages MLS/Assn Tech Industry By the Numbers Consumer Illustration by Real Estate News/Shutterstock Industry DOJ settles with rentals company in RealPage software case  Greystar, a major property management firm, will cooperate with the agency’s ongoing case against the proptech over rental pricing algorithms. Dave Gallagher August 11, 2025 3 mins A major U.S. rental management company will no longer use pricing software from RealPage under a proposed settlement agreem

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10 ways to help real estate clients overcome commitment issues

Inman

Buying or selling a property is a big decision, coach Darryl Davis writes, and giving clients the time and space they need to make their decision is important.

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Title’s Big Four post mixed-bag Q2 2025 results

Housing Wire

The second quarter of 2025 was a bit of a mixed bag for the title insurance industry’s four largest players, which the “Big Four” attributed to a variety of factors including slower housing market conditions, legal expenses and weaker performances from their non-title segments. Stewart posts strong financial results The smallest of the Big Four, Stewart posted strong financial results, with revenue rising from $602.2 million in Q2 2024 to $722.2 million this year.

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TikTok is the most powerful lead gen tool you’re probably not using

Inman

Rick Guerrero speaks with digital marketing expert Josh Ries about the impact and potential of TikTok for real estate marketing and lead generation.

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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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What the new Related Group-built Icon Beach Residences in Hollywood, FL will look like

Fancy Pants Homes

If you’ve been wondering what Hollywood’s next big oceanfront address will look like, the first renderings of the Icon Beach Residences are here to answer that. Developed by Related Group and BH Group, the project promises a sleek, art-filled lifestyle with sweeping views in both directions — the Atlantic Ocean to one side, the Intracoastal Waterway to the other.

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Termites in Your Apartment Building

AAOA

Termites are one of the most destructive pests out there. They can wreak havoc on your property’s structure, furniture, and even, believe it or not, people’s personal belongings. And even worse? Contrary to popular belief, they don’t just stick to standalone houses. Apartments aren’t immune to them, either. So, if you notice termites in your apartment building, you have to get going on it, and fast.

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Flexible Home Buyers Are Having Most Success in 2025: Report

The Mortgage Report

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? Getting Pre-Approved Down Payment Assistance Buying With Low Credit Buying With Low Income Buying With A Disability Who Has The Best Mortgage Rates?

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Keller Williams exec shares how to win trust with clients — and Google

Inman

Ahead of Mega Agent Camp, Keller Williams Head of Industry and Learning Jason Abrams talks artificial intelligence, social media and the continuing importance of fostering in-person connections.

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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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Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Keeping Current Matters

Start a Free Trial Login Book A Demo Real Estate Blog Membership Overview KCM Local RealTalk by KCM™ Daily Blog Posts Social Graphics Email & Newsletter Builder Videos Buyer & Seller Guides Market Reports & Visuals Pricing Must-Share Content Real Estate Blog Login Book A Demo Start a Free Trial Menu Menu English Español AGENTS: Did you know you can share a personalized version of this post?

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What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection and Should Home Sellers Get One?

Redfin

Thinking of selling your home? A smart way to get ahead of the curve might just be a pre-listing inspection. Before the first buyer ever walks through the door, more and more sellers are choosing to have their homes inspected upfront. Known as a pre-listing inspection , this optional step for sellers can reveal potential problems ahead of listing — and might just be the secret to a smoother sale.

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4 smart ways to use Zillow’s tools to level up your brand

Inman

Leverage Zillow’s built-in tools to stand out, build trust and win more clients — without adding hours to your day.

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Maryland Property Tax Calculator​

HomeLight

Buying a home in Maryland? Estimate property taxes with our Maryland property tax calculator and learn about exemptions, due dates, and housing costs.

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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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Rental Parking Can Be a Pain

AAOA

Rental parking is an often overlooked amenity that can play a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions for renters. Convenience and comfort are paramount to today’s renters, and the often-overlooked element of parking management can make or break resident satisfaction. While flashy amenities like coworking lounges and smart home integrations capture the spotlight, the reality is that basic infrastructure, such as parking, plays a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions

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‘Unfiltered’: ‘Smaller MLSs cannot adapt’ to industry changes

Real Estate News

Watch the conversation as Merri Jo Cowen explains why MLS consolidation “has to” continue even as she prepares to leave her role as CEO of Stellar MLS.

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Court Report: Compass Scores Early Win in NWMLS Suit; MLS Access Rulings Make Waves

RIS Media

Editor’s note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia’s weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. Broker lawsuit rulings ripple through courts The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) won a pair of major rulings in the ongoing saga of brokers suing over Realtor® membership requirements and MLS access.

MLS