Wed.Sep 20, 2023

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20 Tips for Perfect Real Estate Headshots (+ Examples)

The Close

A high-quality Realtor headshot is an essential marketing asset for any real estate agent. In the world of digital marketing, the real estate headshot is often the first time your prospects, leads, and clients will see your face. This means a professional, polished photo that represents who you are and what you stand for is a must have. A successful real estate headshot seems pretty straightforward: Find a professional photographer, schedule a shoot, show up, and smile.

Branding 105
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DataDigest: Where housing prices are booming (and faltering)

Housing Wire

Housing markets in Western states like Idaho, Wyoming and Utah are stumbling on a year-to-year basis, while markets east of the Mississippi are heating up, according to CoreLogic data provided exclusively to HousingWire. As of Sept. 1, the top 10 states by year-to-year growth in the CoreLogic House Price Index are located exclusively in the Midwest or Northeast, with Vermont’s 8.52% gain leading the nation.

Land 502
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Remote Work Is Changing How Some Buyers Search for Their Dream Homes

Keeping Current Matters

The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift.

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The Fed pauses its rate hikes for now, will it last?

Housing Wire

The Federal Open Markets Committee paused its interest-rate hikes on Wednesday for the second time this year. However, the door remains open for another increase as early as November. Most Fed officials last June had penciled in two more rate rises this year, one in July and one more in the fall. Most investors are already wondering what it would take for the central bank to lift rates again later this year.

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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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No rate hikes (yet) as Fed shakes off mortgage ‘lock-in’ effect

Real Estate News

The Fed did not boost interest rates at its September meeting but warned that one more hike is likely this year.

Mortgages 325
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Mortgage demand rises ahead of key FOMC meeting

Housing Wire

In the week leading up to the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, mortgage applications finally ticked up. For the week that ended Sept. 15, mortgage applications rose 5.4% from the prior week , according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Last week, purchase applications increased for both conventional and FHA loans but remained 26% lower than the same week a year ago.

More Trending

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State antitrust claims dismissed in buyer broker commission suit

Housing Wire

Defendants in the Sitzer/Burnett class action lawsuit, which deals with buyer brokers’ commissions, are facing two fewer claims. On Monday, plaintiffs in the Sitzer/Burnett suit filed an unopposed motion for dismissal of the state law claims pled in their third amended complaint. Stephen R. Bough, a U.S. District Court Judge in Kansas City, issued a preliminary approval of the dismissal with prejudice on Tuesday.

MLS 458
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Tech Bytes: News from CubiCasa, Relevate, Direct Offer, Delta

Real Estate News

CRMLS adds CubiCasa floor plan app; Relevate ups offerings to Florida's SCAR; FIABCI-USA adds DO audio tour software; Delta Media Group launches new platform.

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How to build a comprehensive real estate online presence

Housing Wire

First impressions matter, especially in the luxury real estate market. And often your first impression as a brokerage or an agent is your online presence. A well-designed and captivating digital platform instantly conveys professionalism, credibility and exclusivity — and the opposite can turn customers away. From your website to your social media platforms, setting a high standard creates a lasting positive impression on potential clients.

Brokerage 435
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No more ‘business as usual’. Here’s what NAR needs to change next

Inman

Pam O'Connor retired as CEO of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and was named one of the top 25 thought leaders by the National Association of Realtors. In this op-ed, she shares her thoughts on the organization, its business model, and makes the case for what else needs to change.

MLS 199
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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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Washington the latest state to see insurers pull back

Housing Wire

The same home insurance scenario being played out in states like Florida and California due to elevated risk of natural disasters is becoming more pronounced in the Pacific Northwest according to a new report from the Seattle Times. Dozens of state residents have appealed policy limitations, cancellations or site-unseen denials to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

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Fed stays put but is prepared to hike rates one more time this year

Inman

Treasury yields, a barometer for mortgage rates, barely budged Wednesday as bond market investors look ahead to next year when the Fed is expected to start bringing short-term rates back down.

Investor 195
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Tom Makinney and his team make the leap to Compass

Housing Wire

The Makinney Group, led by principal agent Tom Makinney, has joined Compass in Chicago , the company announced on Wednesday. Makinney made the leap with his two agents, Jill Giorno and Jen Goodale.The top team was previously at brokerage @properties. The Makinney Group, recognized for their community involvement and referral transactions, brings 35 years of combined experience in the Chicagoland real estate market to Compass.

Principal 433
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Demand for purchase loans picks up, but so do mortgage rates

Inman

Applications for FHA mortgages and conforming loans backed by Fannie and Freddie were up last week, even as rates crept back toward 2023 highs registered in August.

Loans 193
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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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Floify rolls out income/employment verification technology

Housing Wire

Digital mortgage automation solution provider Floify launched verification of income (VOI) and verification of employment (VOE) waterfall technology that aims to save lenders and mortgage brokers time and reduce costs during the loan origination process. “The new VOI and VOE features in the Floify platform enable mortgage professionals to view the results of multiple verification reports from different providers, starting with the least expensive one, rather than having to run each one individua

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Does size really matter? How to choose the right team for you

Inman

Does size matter? It depends on your goals, says Livian's Erin McCormick Torres. Here are the pros and cons of small teams and mega teams, to help you wade through your options before making any big decisions.

Agents 192
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SoCal indy brokerage DPP Real Estate joins Compass

Housing Wire

Compass’ brokerage firm recruiting efforts continue. Deasy Penner Podley , or DPP Real Estate is the latest boutique brokerage to affiliate with the national firm, according to an announcement on Tuesday. Moving forward, the firm will be known as DPP @ Compass. Compass described the move as a “partnership,” but the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Brokerage 431
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Top-producing LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance members earned $8.53B

Inman

The third annual Top Producers list honors 388 agents and team leaders who raked in $8.53 billion in 2023 alone, reflecting the growing influence of LGBTQ+ agents in the industry, the Alliance says.

Agents 190
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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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Opinion: Cultivating a vibrant company culture

Housing Wire

In real estate brokerage, success is often measured in numbers — deals closed, properties sold, profits made. But beneath the surface of these metrics lies a vital force that drives a company’s true achievements: its culture. As I reflect on my journey in the real estate industry, I’ve come to realize that culture isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the heartbeat of an organization.

Brokerage 429
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Homebuilder confidence tanks as mortgage rates rise

Inman

Builder sentiment for newly built single-family homes slid five points to a score of 45, the second straight month of steep decreases.

Mortgages 185
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The Best Time to Buy Real Estate in Over 15 Months is Right Now—Here’s Why

Bigger Pockets

Don't sit this one out. Now is the time for investors to buy up the properties they have their eyes on, and this is why.

Investor 138
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Christie’s International Real Estate welcomes Austin affiliate

Inman

The new affiliate is owned and operated by Jerry Mooty, Jr., with Romeo Manzanilla serving as COO and broker of record. The location builds upon Christie's existing presence in the Texas markets of Dallas and Houston.

As-is 183
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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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Fed Pauses, But Projects Higher Rates Next Year

RIS Media

For just the second time in 19 months, the Federal Reserve chose today to meet without raising interest rates, leaving the federal funds rate as is even as the economy—and specifically, a very vulnerable housing market—shows signs of weakness. But the central bank made it clear it still expects to raise rates again this year,… The post Fed Pauses, But Projects Higher Rates Next Year appeared first on RISMedia.

Banks 131
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Thad Wong: 2 is better than 1 when it comes to brokerage presidencies

Inman

Christie's International Real Estate co-CEO Thad Wong and newly appointed co-President Natalie Hamrick revealed to Intel the strategic thinking behind its executive shakeup earlier this week.

Brokerage 183
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Investing in the Houston Real Estate Market—Prices & Trends in 2023

Bigger Pockets

The city is always under threat from natural disasters, yet it continues to grow every year and boasts one of the largest populations in the country. Is it a good place to invest, though?

Marketing 131
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A story from ‘The Brady Bunch’ house: None of the appliances work

Inman

The kitchen may look groovy, but none of the appliances in "The Brady Bunch" replica house are functional, new homeowner Tina Trahan learned shortly after acquiring the property. Fortunately, she couldn't care less.

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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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Want to Know Where the Market is Heading? Just Look at Cancellation Rates

Bigger Pockets

KB Homes provided some interesting data tracking cancellation rates, citing it as a good indicator of where the real estate market is heading. What did the data say?

Marketing 131
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What’s the best part about being on a team? Pulse

Inman

It's always good to know that someone has your back, especially when you're building a business. That's why a team can be such a great idea.

Agents 179
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From Making $48K/Year to Millionaire By His Mid-30s

Bigger Pockets

Ryan Tseko became a multifamily millionaire by his mid-thirties after giving up his previous career to invest.

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CRMLS partners with CubiCasa to proliferate industry with floor plans

Inman

Inman learned in a Sept. 19 press release that California Regional MLS will add the digital floor plan creation software to its list of preferred providers.

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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.