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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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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Get your buyers ready: The best time to buy a house is…

Real Estate News

Forget the spring and summer rush — home shoppers will have better luck making a deal during the first week of October, according to Realtor.com.

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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.

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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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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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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 419

More Trending

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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.

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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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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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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 197
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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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6 steps to add to your real estate communication plan

Housing Wire

When it comes to keeping in touch with your clients, consistency is key. You need a communication plan that keeps you top of mind with your sphere of influence so they’ll contact you when they need to buy or sell a home. At the same time, your touch points should be authentic and help you build and nurture client relationships beyond the transaction.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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 387
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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.

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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.

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Alex Vidal shares his journey from secretary to ERA brand president

Inman

No one can predict the future of real estate, but you can prepare. Find out what to prepare for and pick up the tools you’ll need at the immersive Virtual Inman Connect online Nov. 1-2, 2023. And don’t miss Inman Connect New York on Jan. 23-25, 2024, where AI, capital and more will be center stage.

Branding 169
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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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Instant Reaction: Fed Announcement, September 20, 2023

NAR: Economic Outlook

Instant Reaction: Fed Announcement, September 20, 2023 The Fed needs to wait and not raise rates. Possible interest rate cuts then need to be considered once inflation is fully under control.

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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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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.

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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 168
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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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Are Rising Temperatures Causing a Shift in U.S. Migration Patterns?

Propmodo

Global temperatures are on the rise and the scientific consensus attributes a significant portion of this warming to man-made climate change. The years between 2015 and 2022 have witnessed eight of the warmest years ever recorded on a global scale according to the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization. On top of that, widely echoed news stories recently warned us that July 2023 was the hottest month in a staggering 120,000 years.

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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.

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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?

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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 166
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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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MLS Leaders Call for a ‘Move Away’ From NAR Amidst Legal Woes

RIS Media

Above, Brian Donnellan, president and CEO of Bright MLS, at RISMedia’s CEO & Leadership Exchange Sept. 5. Photo by AJ Canaria. Facing the pressure of multiple major class action lawsuits and federal investigations that have now stretched out over half a decade, some of the most prominent voices in the MLS industry are beginning to… The post MLS Leaders Call for a ‘Move Away’ From NAR Amidst Legal Woes appeared first on RISMedia.

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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 167
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Maintaining a True Team Culture

RIS Media

Shane Bronson Florida Regional Vice President & Vice President of Relocation Lamacchia Realty, Inc. Fort Lauderdale, Florida | [link] Region served: Fort Lauderdale, Florida and New England Years in real estate: 28 Number of offices: 13 Number of agents: 500 What ultimately attracted you to Lamacchia Realty, and what makes the brokerage a good fit… The post Maintaining a True Team Culture appeared first on RISMedia.

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The right way to part ways with employees and staff members

Inman

COO Erin MCormick Torres knows that there are many reasons you may be looking at a staff member's suitability for their role. Whether you're ready to cut ties or are just beginning to question their performance, this guide offers you the due diligence plan you need.

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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.