Thu.Aug 14, 2025

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Mosaik expands reach with three real estate partnerships

Housing Wire

Mosaik — a real estate client experience platform — has launched three new collaborations aimed at bringing its technology to a wider network of agents, brokerages and associations. The company has joined the Solutions Group preferred vendor program of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE). It also entered into an exclusive agreement with the Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR) in Tennessee and has been named a Premier Partner in EXIT Realty ‘s International’s

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What every real estate pro should know about kickback rules

Inman

RESPA is the biggest party foul in real estate. Compliance expert Summer Goralik explains the rules and stresses that anything less than full compliance can be a career-ending misstep.

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CATIC approves AI-powered title search platform for North Carolina

Housing Wire

Connecticut Attorneys Title Insurance Company (CATIC) has approved Dono’s automated title search system for use by attorneys in North Carolina, the companies announced Thursday. The decision provides hold harmless protection against errors or claims when attorneys use the platform — a first for artificial intelligence (AI) -powered title searching in the state, leaders said.

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Can a Seller Back Out of a Contract?

Redfin

In real estate, sellers often assume that once they accept an offer, the deal is done. However, life happens, circumstances change, and sellers sometimes ask, “Can I back out of selling my house before closing?” While the short answer is maybe, the longer answer is far more nuanced.  Backing out of a home sale after signing a contract can lead to legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

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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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Closinglock adds two-way text messaging for title insurance

Housing Wire

Closinglock has introduced a two-way text messaging tool for the title insurance industry, allowing closing professionals to send and receive SMS messages with clients and partners from within the company’s platform. The feature allows real-time communication with buyers , sellers, lenders and agents — and links each conversation to the relevant transaction.

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Fannie Mae survey suggests lenders eye eNote growth in 2025

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae on Thursday published the results of its latest Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey. The report details lender experiences with eMortgage technology, including challenges to date, adoption plans and business priorities for 2025. The survey found that while most lenders (75%) are familiar with eNotes , only 22% currently use them. The top challenges cited to eNote adoption include a lack of support and/or low acceptance from key investors and business partners.

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From Problem to Profit: The Complete Guide to Selling a House with Termite History

Redfin

Key Takeaways:   Expect to sell for less than comparable homes. In most states, you must disclose termite history and show proof the issue is resolved. A transferable warranty or prepaid inspections can cost less than large price concessions. Can you sell a house with termite history? The short answer is: yes, you can sell a house with termite history.

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Earnnest, Lone Wolf expand partnership

Housing Wire

Digital earnest money platform Earnnest is expanding its partnership with Lone Wolf , according to an announcement on Thursday. Via this expanded partnership, Earnnest will power digital earnest money transfers across Lone Wolf’s entire transaction suite. “ Real estate professionals deserve tools they can trust – especially when it comes to handling money,” Chris Basinger, the senior vice president of growth at Earnnest, said in a statement.

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Why Do Pending Home Sales Fall Through?

HomeLight

When your home goes under contract, it can feel like the hard part is over. But “ pending ” doesn’t mean guaranteed. Nationally, 6% of deals unravel before closing day. Sellers looking to avoid potential pitfalls often ask, “Why do pending home sales fall through?” We spoke with Jamie McMartin , a top-rated HomeLight Elite real estate agent in Texas with more than 18 years of experience.

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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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Shawn Malhotra talks Rocket’s vision for AI-powered, people-centered mortgages

Housing Wire

Shawn Malhotra, the first chief technology officer in the history of Rocket Companies , says it’s pursuing an ambitious plan — to rewrite its entire operating system, from home search through mortgage servicing, on a foundation of artificial intelligence. The transformation will happen while Rocket integrates real estate brokerage Redfin and mortgage servicer Mr.

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What Actually Works: Top Concessions in 2025 and How to Use Them

AAOA

Not all concessions deliver the same impact. While “one month free” still dominates the multifamily landscape, recent trends show operators branching out, experimenting with creative lease perks, reduced upfront costs, and unexpected bonuses to attract renters. In today’s softening market, where residents have more choices than ever, understanding which incentives resonate, and where, is critical to staying competitive and leasing efficiently.

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An end to pandemic-era loss mitigation provisions is not a return to norms

Housing Wire

Servicers have known the loss mitigation waterfalls enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic were eventually going to change. But a recent acceleration of the new governance has left the industry with only six months to make critical adjustments to loss mitigation workflows. When the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) issued a Mortgagee Letter outlining the loss mitigation program changes, the effective date was set for February 2026.

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When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Georgia?

HomeLight

If you’re preparing to sell your Georgia home, it pays to set yourself up for success — whether your goal is to earn top dollar or to secure a swift transaction. While partnering with a top local agent and preparing your home for the market are key steps, the timing of your listing can also play a significant role. To help you identify the ideal moment to sell your Georgia home, we spoke with Howard Jefferson , a top-rated agent with more than 37 years of real estate experience.

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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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TransUnion: Mortgage, home equity lending grow despite high rates

Housing Wire

Mortgage originations and home equity lending both increased in the second quarter despite elevated interest rates and home prices, according to TransUnion ’s Q2 2025 Credit Industry Insights Report. Originations rose 5.1% year over year, driven largely by a rebound in refinancing. Rate-and-term refinances climbed 44% and cash-out refinances increased 15%.

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BeachesMLS Partners with Fintech Innovator to Automate Real Estate Payments

RIS Media

BeachesMLS has announced a partnership with fintech leader Payload to modernize and automate real estate payments and disbursements. The company says this collaboration reinforces its commitment to innovation and its members’ success by introducing seamless, secure and scalable financial tools tailored for the real estate industry.  “BeachesMLS is always looking for innovative ways to enhance… The post BeachesMLS Partners with Fintech Innovator to Automate Real Estate Payments appeared fir

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What Do You Have To Disclose When Selling a House

Redfin

You’re ready to sell your home but feel hesitant to disclose even minor issues, worried they might turn buyers away. However, withholding these details could lead to legal complications down the line. So what do you have to disclose when selling a house ? The rules vary from state to state, and sometimes even from city to city. Still, there are some basics: be upfront about any problems your property may have, including structural damage, past repairs, plumbing or electrical issues, pest infesta

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Mortgage Rates Predictions Next 60 Days: August to October 2025

Norada Real Estate

If you're trying to buy a home or thinking about refinancing,  mortgage rates  are probably top of mind. And the big question everyone's asking is: where are  Mortgage Rate Predictions for the Next 60 Days  headed? As of August 2025, you can likely expect mortgage rates to  hover around the 6.5%-6.8% range for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Keep reading, and I'll break down the factors influencing these rates and what it means for you.

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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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What Are Apartment Quiet Hours and Why Do They Matter?

AAOA

Loud neighbors. Blasting music. Doors slamming at 2 a.m. If you’ve ever lived in a shared space—like an apartment—you know how unbearable noise at night can be. And in many places, it’s not just annoying… it could be a lease violation. That’s where apartment quiet hour rules come in. But what exactly are quiet hours? Are they legally enforceable? And what happens if someone continues to break the rules?

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A due diligence checklist to protect your fixer-upper investment

Inman

Fixer-uppers can be great investments, even in challenging real estate markets, but only if you know what to look for.

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What Are Leasehold Improvements in Rentals?

AAOA

Sometimes, to make accommodations for the property, the landlord may need to make certain changes that help the leaseholder feel more comfortable. These changes are called leasehold improvements. They can vary, since people have different needs. In this article, we’ll look at some common leasehold improvements, compare them with regular maintenance, discuss who typically pays for them, share a few tips, and more.

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Top-producing southern California agent joins eXp Realty

Housing Wire

eXp Realty has added veteran Southern California real estate agent Vivian Lesny to its network, the company announced Thursday. Lesny — who has worked in real estate for more than 20 years — surpassed $70 million in sales in 2024 and has closed as many as 88 transactions in a single year. She has consistently ranked among the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ (NAHREP) Top 250 Latino Agents in the U.S. and Top 100 in the Southwest.

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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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New listings grew 276% last week — but it’s not enough

Inman

Annual new listing growth jumped from 1.7 to 6.4 percent in one week. However, Realtor.com said the listing jump hasn't translated to more home sales, as homebuyers struggle with affordability.

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We Buy Houses Carlsbad: Top 5 Companies

HomeLight

HomeLight Blog phone (888) 861-4565 Call us About Company Testimonials Press Professionals Sign in or Sign up Back Im a buyer Im a seller Im an agent Im an iBuyer Get a Cash Offer We Buy Houses Carlsbad: Top 5 Companies Californias Seller Resource Center Sell Your House Fast Selling Advice Published on August 14th, 2025 15 min read Cheyenne Wiseman Associate Editor Close Cheyenne Wiseman Associate Editor Email Cheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com.

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How real estate pros can thrive beyond the MLS in the AI era

Inman

Marketing expert Molly McKinley shares how savvy agents are building sustainable competitive advantages through integrated digital marketing.

MLS
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Can You Evict a Tenant for Denying Entry?

AAOA

One of the more frustrating situations you might face is when a tenant refuses to let you into the rental unit – even after proper notice. So, the big question is: Can you evict a tenant for denying access? The short answer:  It depends on your local laws and the circumstances of the refusal. What the Law Says Most states require landlords to give reasonable notice (typically 24-48 hours) before entering a rental unit, and only for legitimate reasons like repairs, routine inspections, safety iss

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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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Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff

Keeping Current Matters

Start a Free Trial Login Book A Demo Real Estate Blog Membership Overview KCM Playbooks 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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3 clichés top listing agents don’t buy into during a market downtick

Inman

Think smart, writes coach Annette DeCicco, and list like a pro. Hit all three of these smart consultation tips on pricing, condition and negotiation to win listings that sell at consistently high premiums.

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Mortgage Rates Drop to Their Lowest Level Since October Last Year

Norada Real Estate

If you've been eyeing the housing market, there's some good news to share:  Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level since October , currently sitting at an average of  6.58%  for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as of mid-August 2025. This slight dip offers a glimmer of hope for potential homebuyers and those considering refinancing. Let's dive into what's driving these changes, what it means for the market, and what you should be thinking about if you're planning to buy or refinance a hom