Thu.Nov 16, 2023

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3 Real estate lessons learned from the dance floor of “Dancing with the Stars” 

Housing Wire

William Shakespeare said it well: “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.” I relate, as much of my life and career has been spent in the public eye. From working as a high-profile real estate agent and founding my company The Agency to writing my book “The Dealmaker” and having my own show “Buying Beverly Hills” — as well as having my personal life in the headlines — I’ve had the unique experience of embracing life’s great stage.

Staging 413
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People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges

Keeping Current Matters

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising.

Mortgages 309
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UWM’s Jason Bressler on the role of failure in tech innovation

Housing Wire

HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler sat down with Jason Bressler , CTO at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) to talk about how the lender is developing a smart, innovative IT team by giving them a safety net to fail. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Sarah Wheeler: UWM develops all their software in-house. What are some of the advantages of that?

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AI 'more disruptive' than lawsuits, Sanford tells eXp agents

Real Estate News

New buyer agency agreements are coming in light of the Sitzer/Burnett verdict, but the focus should be on relationships, eXp’s CEO said in a YouTube broadcast.

Agents 224
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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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Mortgage rates trend down for the third straight week

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates fell this week as the October inflation report drove down the yield on the 10-year Treasury. On Thursday, investors priced in a 99.7% chance that the Fed will hold interest rates steady in December, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. The 30-year, fixed mortgage averaged at 7.44% as of Nov. 16, according to Freddie Mac ‘s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Mortgages 463
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Mortgage rates dip to lowest level since September

Real Estate News

As rates decline for a third straight week, mortgage applications have risen, suggesting the possibility of a jump in year-end home sales.

Mortgages 252

More Trending

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Dear Coach: How to find your mojo and juggle tasks

Real Estate News

Tom Ferry offers advice on "choosing your hard" and building in time to work on your business.

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CoStar CEO: ‘We had zero involvement’ with commission lawsuits

Housing Wire

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Andy Florance, founder and CEO of CoStar Group , wants to set one thing straight: his company had nothing to do with the commission lawsuits now rocking the real estate world. “We had zero involvement with that lawsuit. We learned about it from NAR long after it started,” Florance said in an interview with HousingWire at the National Association of Realtors NXT convention in Anaheim on Wednesday.

Agents 446
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NAR won’t use lobbying chops for ‘legislative fix’ to commission suits

Inman

At a forum for reps of 50 large brokerage firms, The Realty Alliance CEO Craig Cheatham asked why the nearly 1.6 million-member trade group can't use its political influence for an "existential threat.

Brokerage 194
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As commission lawsuits mount, personal injury lawyers see an opportunity

Housing Wire

As copycat commission lawsuits spread across the country in the wake of the Sitzer/Burnett jury verdict, a new demographic of plaintiffs’ attorneys are getting in on the action: so-called “ambulance chasers.” While the plaintiffs in the Moehrl , Sitzer/Burnett and Nosalek lawsuits are all represented by large law firms with class-action experience, the plaintiff in the relatively small Burton suit in South Carolina is represented by attorneys at Knie & Shealy Law Offices in Spar

Brokerage 463
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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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Adam Contos reflects on leadership, embracing technology

Inman

As part of his Snapshot series, Brandon Doyle peers into the mind of a distinguished leader who's helped shape the real estate landscape on a global scale: Adam Contos, the former CEO of RE/MAX.

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CUSO Home Lending rolls out Dark Matter Technologies’ loan origination system 

Housing Wire

CUSO Home Lending rolled out Dark Matter Technologies ’ Empower loan origination system (LOS) for its credit union owners. CUSO Home Lending — a lender owned by Maine credit unions — became the first credit union service organization to leverage Empower’s newly developed joint-venture feature that allows credit unions to offer individualized branding, products and pricing while saving costs under CUSO’s shared services model.

Lending 413
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The agent migration from legacy brokerages continues

Inman

As we approach the final weeks of 2023, agents are continuing to migrate from legacy brands to low-fee, cloud-based brokerages. Mike DelPrete looks at the numbers and trends.

Brokerage 182
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Change Lending and US Treasury settle lawsuit over CDFI certification

Housing Wire

Nonbank originator Change Lending and the U.S. Department of the Treasury have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which the lender claims “flawed analysis and mathematical errors” led to its decertification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The parties announced on Thursday that Change will remain a certified CDFI until the lender’s next application related to the fiscal year 2025 is determined.

Lending 424
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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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Software provider for MLSs latest to partner with Local Logic

Inman

Local Logic’s tool set for turning granular community data into marketing advantages for real estate agents is now part of a prominent MLS software provider’s value proposition, according to a November 14 press release.

MLS 194
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Significant shifts in real estate team performance: Streamlined

Housing Wire

The third quarter of 2023 shows significant shifts in the performance of teams reflecting both the decline in housing sales activity and the pressure on margins occurring throughout the brokerage business, according to the Streamlined Quarterly Team Benchmarking Report , which looked at the financial performance of more than 200 teams across the nation.

Brokerage 412
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Feeling a little nervous? Here’s how to recession-proof your business

Inman

If a recession comes, writes Jimmy Burgess, keep in mind that it is not just a time of challenges but also of opportunities. Here he lays out ways to lead gen and lead nurture now.

Marketing 200
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Fitch: Title revenue to rise 3% annually in 2024

Housing Wire

Despite ongoing uncertainty and a variety of economic headwinds, Fitch Ratings is maintaining a neutral outlook on the title insurance market for 2024, according to a report released Thursday. Fitch said its neutral outlook is underpinned by Fitch’s view that mortgage rates are near peak levels. Although Fitch said it is expecting another 25-basis-point hike to the Federal Funds rate in the coming months, it did say that it’s expecting the first interest rate cut in May 2024.

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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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Mark McLaughlin: Client trust is all that matters — all else is ‘noise’

Inman

Compass' chief real estate strategist is speaking this week at the brokerage's annual RETREAT on "The Future of the Industry and Client Representation." In a recent conversation with Inman, he shared insights and predictions.

Brokerage 186
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Who Pays Real Estate Transfer Taxes at Closing?

RIS Media

Real estate transactions involve many costs and fees, many of which are due at closing. One such expense that often raises questions among buyers and sellers is real estate transfer taxes. Understanding who pays these taxes and how they work is essential for anyone involved in a real estate deal. We will delve into transfer… The post Who Pays Real Estate Transfer Taxes at Closing?

Closing 139
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First-timers ‘significantly’ less satisfied with mortgage lenders

Inman

Homebuyers don't just want good rates. They want lenders to solve problems that will keep them from getting to the closing table, J.D. Power finds.

Mortgages 189
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A Platform for the Entire CRE Lifecycle

GeekEstate

[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of the GEM. Today’s showcase: Rockport] With a focus on serving global financial institutions, Rockport is a provider of a suite of products that caters to the entire lifecycle of CRE, including debt, equity, and technology solutions. Their flagship product, Rockport VAL, employs a modern Cloud First Architecture that delivers cash flow and valuation modeling.

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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.

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RLTY co and Sell It Like Serhant launch pre-licensing program

Inman

Through the program, soon-to-be agents will be able to obtain their real estate license while simultaneously learning how to sell in some of the world's most competitive real estate markets.

Agents 189
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Mortgage Rates Trend Down for Third Straight Week

RIS Media

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.44%, down again from last week’s average of 7.5%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week’s numbers: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.44% as of November 16, 2023, down from last week when it averaged 7.5%. A year ago at this time,… The post Mortgage Rates Trend Down for Third Straight Week appeared first on RISMedia.

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Up your game with these hot tips from NAR’s buyer and seller data

Inman

NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers has just been released, and it’s packed with insights that can help you take your business to the next level in 2024. According to trainer Bernice Ross, the most important insights concern your lead generation and lead conversion.

MLS 166
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The Unintended Consequences of Burnett vs. NAR

RIS Media

The recent ruling in the Burnett vs. NAR trial has sent shockwaves through the real estate industry, however its repercussions reach far beyond the courtroom. While in the public eye the verdict may be celebrated as a victory for home sellers and a step towards addressing the contentious issue of agent commissions, there is an… The post The Unintended Consequences of Burnett vs.

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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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Broker Spotlight: Molly Jones, Joey Sutorius, The Agency Salt Lake City

Inman

Find out how the MOJO Group founders made the transition to The Agency Salt Lake City and how they're looking to redefine luxury real estate.

Brokerage 178
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6 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Des Moines

HomeLight

In Des Moines, We Buy Houses companies are gaining traction as a viable option for homeowners seeking a quick, hassle-free sale. These companies make all-cash offers for homes that require repairs or updates. This approach is particularly beneficial if you lack the time, resources, or expertise to undertake such renovations. However, the decision to sell your home for cash can arise from urgent or unexpected situations.

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LA City Council votes to end 3-year freeze on rent hikes

Inman

The council decided to base the increase on inflation data from October 2022 through September 2023 rather than the prior year, which would have resulted in a steeper rent hike, according to the "Los Angeles Daily News.

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5 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Hampton Roads

HomeLight

In Hampton Roads, the real estate landscape is witnessing a growing trend towards We Buy Houses for Cash companies. These firms are known for making all-cash offers on homes, often ones that require a bit of work. For homeowners without the time, money, or expertise for home repairs, opting for a cash sale can be a swift and effective solution to move forward with life’s plans.

Closing 107
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The 4 Most Impactful Actions to Take in Real Estate in 2024

Strategic real estate professionals know that the name of the game right now is to stay informed, adaptable, and ready to make confident decisions. In this free download, Inside Real Estate CEO, Joe Skousen, shares what he believes are the top 4 most impactful actions in real estate right now. We've been actively engaging with industry experts, analyzing data, and listening intently to the experiences of our agents on the ground.