Wed.Jan 05, 2022

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20 state attorneys general take aim at mortgage servicers

Housing Wire

Some Federal Housing Administration -approved mortgage servicers have routinely flouted the agency’s loan modification program, according to Washington, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and 20 other state attorneys general. The attorneys general wrote in a Dec. 21 letter that a number of mortgage servicers employed by FHA-approved lenders failed to adequately implement loan modification options the FHA introduced in July.

Mortgages 469
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Why Waiting To Sell Your House Could Cost You a Small Fortune

Keeping Current Matters

Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July.

Sales 272
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FHFA hikes fees for high-balance and second-home loans

Housing Wire

The Federal Housing Finance Agency introduced new upfront fees on Wednesday for some high-balance and second-home loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Upfront fees for high balance loans will increase between 0.25% and 0.75%, tiered by loan-to-value ratio. For second home loans, the upfront fees will increase between 1.125% and 3.875%, also tiered by loan-to-value ratio.

Loans 518
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‘The One’: $295M Bel-Air Megamansion Set To Go Up for Auction

Realtor.com

Photo courtesy of Marc Angeles An outsized megamansion in Los Angeles has finally landed on the market. But how much will a buyer be willing to pay for this behemoth? Known as “The One,” the Bel-Air estate is to be listed for $295 million. As part of the sales process, it will also head to an online auction in February. In a profound understatement, the listing agent, Aaron Kirman of Aaron Kirman Group at Compass says of the home, “It’s definitely one of a kind.” Kirman is representing the

Land 124
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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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Opinion: Mortgage industry will shed 100K jobs this year

Housing Wire

The most wonderful time of the year, as the song would have us believe, comes to a close with Epiphany, the 12 th day of Christmas, Jan. 6. I do hope everyone had a joyous holiday season, spending some relaxing time with family and friends. The holiday season is winding down. So is the 24-month refinance market, the biggest of its kind in all of mortgage banking history.

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The Bank of Canada Is Unlikely To Hike Rates Until March, Despite Soaring Yields: BMO

Better Dwelling

Canadian bond yields are soaring, but the central bank isn’t expected to raise rates. At least not yet, according to an analysis from BMO Capital Markets. Government of Canada (GoC) bond yields showed a multi-year high for annual growth in 2021. This means rising market expectations of the overnight rate climbing in the near-term. Despite […].

Banks 116

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Video of the Week: A Bayfront Caribbean Escape in Saint Paul’s, Antigua and Barbuda

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Graceland is a delightfully crafted villa nestled on the shore of Crawl Bay, Antigua and just a ten-minute drive from the historic English Harbour Town. ?. Antigua & Barbuda | Elijah Mcdonald, Antigua & Barbuda Sotheby’s International Realty. The main house boasts a ultra-modern kitchen with high end appliance brands such as German manufacturer Schulle, Miele and Siemens with Corian worktops and comprises the primary bedroom en-suite which opens directly to the pool lounge areas, a

Branding 114
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RMF acquires AAG reverse mortgage servicing portfolio

Housing Wire

Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC (RMF) has acquired a portfolio of mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and other assets from industry-leading lender American Advisors Group (AAG), which consists of more than 75,000 loans totaling $12.1 billion in unpaid principal balance (UPB). This is according to a communication alert the company sent to its partners which was obtained by RMD.

Mortgages 395
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Moving companies can’t keep up with demand

Realty Biz

Moving companies are struggling to keep up, with 71% of firms reporting delays in 2021 due to what they say is high demand and a shortage of labor. That’s according to a survey of 63 moving companies by moveBuddha, a resource on moving home. The takeaway is that buyers who’re planning to move will need to plan ahead. Almost half of moving companies reported being booked out at least three weeks further than in previous seasons, moveBuddha said.

As-is 113
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The New Rules for Homebuyers and Sellers in the Age of Omicron: What To Expect in 2022

Realtor.com

Realtor.com / Getty Images Omicron has indisputably put a damper on early 2022—and as COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, many may wonder whether we’re headed toward another nationwide shutdown of schools, businesses, and other #lifegoals that may have just begun sputtering back to life. Meanwhile, homebuyers who’ve vowed that this is the year they’ll finally buy a house might feel as if a wrench the size of a Mack truck was thrown into their plans.

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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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Why Real Estate Agents Should Engage on Quora to Build Their Buying Audience

Realty Biz

On the internet, crowdsourcing has become a popular method for gathering information. There are whole websites devoted to users getting their questions answered by anyone and everyone who wishes to respond, and the highly popular question-answering service Quora does just that. A different type of social media site, Quora is an untapped resource for real estate agents looking to increase their visibility online and to market themselves and their services.

Agents 113
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Vancouver Real Estate Inventory Hits 30 Year Low As Prices Soar, And Sellers Pull Back

Better Dwelling

Greater Vancouver real estate prices are soaring as inventory hits the lowest level in decades. And why wouldn’t it? Selling would have been walking away from tens of thousands of dollars, shows Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) data. In December, home prices accelerated to a new record, with the highest growth rate in […]. The post Vancouver Real Estate Inventory Hits 30 Year Low As Prices Soar, And Sellers Pull Back appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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CENTURY 21 AllPoints Welcomes Carl Tooker as Sales Manager of Newly Opened Stamford Office

Realty Biz

CENTURY 21 AllPoints is pleased to welcome Carl Tooker as the Sales Manager of its newly opened office in Stamford, CT. A member of the Stamford Board of REALTORS®, Tooker brings over 20 years of experience in real estate sales and management, along with a solid foundation in business management. Tooker’s most recent role was as a Manager with local real estate company William Raveis.

Sales 109
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Mortgage options after a natural disaster

The Mortgage Report

With natural disasters becoming more frequent and more severe, having an emergency plan for your home and mortgage is a smart thing to do.

Mortgages 124
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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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Hiring a Bilingual Agent Is Your First Step to a Successful Sale

Realty Biz

There are many reasons why hiring a bilingual agent is your best step towards selling your property. When you partner with an agent, their success determines how well your property does. There are many benefits to hiring a bilingual real estate agent as opposed to an English-only agent. Here are just a few reasons why hiring a bilingual realtor is essential when selling your home: They understand the cultural differences in buying and selling homes.

Sales 109
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You’ll Never Guess the Most Popular—and Unpopular—States in America

Realtor.com

Realtor.com / Getty Images High taxes? Check. Higher home prices? Check. Lots of snow? Check. For the fourth year running, New Jersey had the highest percentage of residents moving out of it, according to the 45th Annual United Van Lines National Movers Study. That may be because more folks who can work remotely are evaluating where they want to live—and the pricey Garden State isn’t making the cut. “Part of the issue for the Northeast, particularly for New Jersey, it has an older po

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Consumer Confidence Improved in December

Eye on Housing

Consumer confidence continued to improve in December as inflation concerns eased after hitting a 13-year high last month. Spending intentions for homes, cars, and major appliances all increased. However, consumer spending will continue to face headwinds from higher prices, Omicron surge and reduced fiscal stimulus in 2022. The Consumer Confidence Index, reported by the Conference Board, rose 3.9 points from.

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Three Bubbly, Mod Space-Age Townhouses Take Shape in South Williamsburg

Brownstoner

An unusual townhouse project is shaping up nicely in south Williamsburg. Precast concrete panels and rounded rectangular windows give the trio at 74, 74A and 76 South 2nd Street a 1960s utopian cities-in-the-sky flair. Custom prefab concrete curtain wall facades have been popular in Brooklyn skyscrapers for at least a… Read More > The post Three Bubbly, Mod Space-Age Townhouses Take Shape in South Williamsburg appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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3 Time Management Strategies Real Estate Pros Use to Get Ahead

McKissock

As part of our contributor series, John Walker talks about his best time management strategies for real estate agents and brokers. . Real estate is an industry that attracts a lot of entrepreneurs, self-starters, and big dreamers. Why? The short answer is the real estate industry offers virtually endless amounts of opportunity and in many cases, there are fewer roadblocks in order to get started than there are in other industries.

Agents 105
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Top 10 Hottest Markets

BubbleInfo

These look like the towns to which people from New York and California are moving. Excerpts: The boomer tide in the for-sale housing market is expected to continue to rise for at least the next 8 years; younger millennials will be hitting first-time home buying age at about the same time, meaning the 2020’s will […].

Marketing 105
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Remodeling projects like these increase a home’s value the most

The American Genius for Real Estate

(HOMEOWNERSHIP) Knowing which remodeling projects to tackle when a home is being put on the market can save a lot of wasted effort and money. The post Remodeling projects like these increase a home’s value the most appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

Marketing 104
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A Local Guide to the Best LA Neighborhoods

Realty Biz

If there is a metropolitan city in the US where people would love to live, it is Los Angeles. Most famous for its beaches, warm weather, the entertainment industry and luxurious lifestyle, the City of Angels is truly the ideal place for dreamers and goal getters. What makes this southern California city even more attractive for newcomers is its wide range of notable neighborhoods, all of which feature a unique and distinctive vibe.

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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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Who Manages Georgia Lakes?

Hank Miller Team

Buying a lake home presents additional challenges a normal home doesn't; in Georgia those challenges can be formidable. Two major players influence lake homes in Georgia; the US Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia Power. The Corps of Engineers regulates and manages multiple lakes across Georgia, flood control is a significant responsibility of theirs.

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Canadian Real Estate Has Seen Home Building Intentions Rise 44% Above Normal

Better Dwelling

Canadian real estate has outgrown productive investment, and it’s not slowing down. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows building permits, considered a leading indicator for future building intentions, climbed in November. The growth is entirely attributed to home building, now running 50% above pre-2020. More housing is nice, but Canada is already sinking more investment […].

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 5, 2022

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates rose again yesterday. And they haven’t fallen since Dec. 27. But it’s looking as if that might change. Because mortgage rates today […].

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Selling So Soon? Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s California Home Was No Fairy Tale

Realtor.com

Getty Images Word is out on the serene streets of Montecito that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, aka Prince Harry and Meghan Markle , are no longer enthralled by their regal real estate in this bucolic suburb near Santa Barbara, CA. Reports are circulating that although the comely couple enjoy the beauty of this A-list celebrity enclave, they aren’t so happy with the 18,000-square-foot mansion they purchased for $14,650,000 a mere 18 months ago.

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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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7 Firefighter mortgage programs worth considering in 2022

The Mortgage Report

Firefighter home loans offer special discounts and rates for these public servants. If you're a eligible, look into these firefighter mortgage programs.

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Daily Links: New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund Starts Accepting Applications

Brownstoner

In the News Former Century 21 Store in Bay Ridge Now on the Market [Eagle] Brooklynites March Against Anti-Semitism After Bay Ridge Attack [BP] Homeowner Assistance Fund Open, But Owners Should Get in Fast [BK Reader] Maris Kreizman and Josh Gondelman’s Favorite Spots in Boerum Hill [Curbed] The Biggest Problems Facing Restaurants Right… Read More > The post Daily Links: New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund Starts Accepting Applications appeared first on Brownstoner.

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USDA loan approval process: 2022 Guide

The Mortgage Report

The USDA loan approval process is not much different than other loan types. Learn about the typical process and timeline when getting a USDA loan.

Loans 98
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Launch of Coney Island Ferry Delayed Till Late 2022 With Dredging to Resume This Summer

Brownstoner

The launch of the Coney Island ferry has been pushed back one year to late 2022, and the city's Economic Development Corporation, which heads the project, said dredging activity on Coney Island Creek will not resume until next summer. In a December 28 letter to Brooklyn Community Board 13, the city… Read More > The post Launch of Coney Island Ferry Delayed Till Late 2022 With Dredging to Resume This Summer appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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.