Mon.Nov 04, 2024

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A homebuyer’s personal story from the post-Sitzer, post-settlement world

Housing Wire

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of articles that will explore the effects of the landmark Sitzer/Burnett case, which was decided on Oct. 31, 2023, and has since reshaped the business practices for real estate brokerages and agents across the country. What does a real estate reporter do to mark the one-year anniversary of the Sitzer/Burnett jury verdict ?

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Today’s buyers look vastly different from a generation ago

Real Estate News

NAR’s annual profile of homebuyers, which includes several new records, illustrates just how hard of a market it’s been for would-be homeowners.

Marketing 244
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Real’s roster grows ever larger with addition of 400-agent Amerivest Realty

Housing Wire

The Real Brokerage ‘s expansion trend has continued with another major acquisition. The digital brokerage platform announced on Monday the addition of Amerivest Realty , a Florida-based brokerage, adding 400 agents across Florida , Colorado , Minnesota and Wisconsin to Real’s platform. The move broadens Real’s service capabilities and aligns the brokerage with industry consolidation trends.

Agents 398
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Judge largely dismissive of objections to settlements

Real Estate News

In a lengthy filing, Judge Bough outlined his reasons for approving nine brokerage settlements last week, which he said got plaintiffs “the best deal possible.

Brokerage 226
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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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Key reverse mortgage metrics saw an uptick in October even as business remains lukewarm

Housing Wire

Reverse mortgage industry performance metrics have been trading gains and losses for several months now, but a more favorable interest rate environment and optimism about the possible trajectory of business in 2025 have arrived alongside some generally positive news for October. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) endorsements increased by 11.1% from September to October, with 2,392 loans endorsed last month, according to data compiled by Reverse Market Insight (RMI).

Mortgages 398
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Fathom Holdings acquires major brokerage player in Arizona

Real Estate News

The quickly growing company said the acquisition of My Home Group will help bolster brokerage transactions as well as mortgage and title services.

Brokerage 177

More Trending

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Is a Fixer Upper Right for You?

Keeping Current Matters

Looking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach?

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FOA’s ‘good’ reverse originator ranking reaffirmed by Morningstar DBRS

Housing Wire

Global credit rating agency Morningstar DBRS last week assigned a “good” rating to reverse mortgage industry leader Finance of America (FOA), confirming the ranking the company was assigned this past summer ahead of its earnings call this week. The rating is officially classified as “MOR RVO2” by Morningstar. The agency once more noted the recent business history of FOA — including the abandonment of its forward mortgage business and its acquisition of American Advisors Group (AAG).

Loans 392
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Zillow: No-commingling rule should be repealed, not Clear Cooperation

Inman

Zillow Chief Industry Development Officer Errol Samuelson discussed NAR's no-commingling rule and Clear Cooperation — and how the fight to save the latter is key to preserving consumer choice.

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In a sluggish market, Rocket Mortgage courts brokers with pricing incentive

Housing Wire

With mortgage rates back into the 7% range and several consecutive weeks of reduced demand , Rocket Mortgage is making what appears to be a volume play. The third party origination (TPO) division of Rocket Mortgage on Monday announced the rollout of its latest product, 24 Takeoff, which allows mortgage broker partners to receive a 24 basis point credit on all eligible loans until Nov. 17.

FHA loan 370
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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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The economy is humming along — leaving real estate in the dust: Intel

Inman

Brokerages have been plagued by falling sales and tapering price growth, rendering broker fees stagnant at a time when most sectors are enjoying robust gains, according to a new Intel analysis.

Brokerage 167
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As the lock-in effect eases, the market for new homes is shrinking

Housing Wire

As high mortgage rates reshape the housing market, existing homes are making up a larger percentage of for-sale inventory, and homebuyers are taking notice. In the third quarter of 2024, newly built single-family homes made up just 28% of homes for sale, according to a recent Redfin report based on data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the U.S.

As-is 370
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Fathom Realty adds 2,200 agents with My Home Group acquisition

Inman

Scottsdale, Arizona-based brokerage will continue to operate under the My Home Group brand, with co-founders Jereme Kleven and Mark Hutchins staying on to oversee daily operations.

Brokerage 158
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Optimal Blue Mini-Series Page

Housing Wire

Presented by Optimal Blue Do you understand how capital markets is connected to the entire mortgage process? In this mini-series with industry leaders from Optimal Blue, discover the crucial role that market dynamics play in shaping lender strategies and success. This miniseries is hosted by Sarah Wheeler on the HousingWire Daily podcast and presented by Optimal Blue.

Lending 370
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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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First-time homebuyers fell further behind this year, NAR says

Inman

The share of recently bought homes that went to first-time homebuyers fell to less than 1 in 4 between July 2023 and June 2024, according to a new report.

MLS 174
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Realtor associations push back against antitrust allegations in Michigan

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR)is pushing back against the antitrust lawsuit filed against it and other Realtor associations in Michigan by three industry professionals. On Friday, the defendants in the suit filed a motion to dismiss the Hardy suit due to a failure to state a claim. The defendants include NAR, the Michigan Association of Realtors (MAR) , Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors (GPBOR), Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors (GMAR), North Oakland County Board of Rea

MLS 369
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SentriLock and Local Logic partner in hyperlocal marketing

Inman

The two companies have agreed to offer Local Logic’s scalable library of city, community and street-level NeighborhoodIntel reports through the SentriLock interface.

Marketing 166
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Don’t be surprised if a 61-year-old white woman buys your house

Housing Wire

Elevated mortgage rates, sky-high home prices, tight credit and stagnant wages have all contributed to homebuyers getting older. Newly released data from the annual profile of home buyers and sellers by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows just how dramatically this trend has manifested since the financial crisis of 2008. The median age of homebuyers has hit a new all-time high, with first-time buyers at 38 years old and repeat buyers at a whopping 61 years old.

Equity 346
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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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Compass leans into private listings with new marketing push

Inman

The brokerage's efforts to build a powerful exclusive catalog of listings unifies many of its recent efforts — including now the debut of a multiphase marketing strategy.

Marketing 162
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How will first-time buyers fare if sellers can’t offer buyer agent compensation?

Housing Wire

As real estate practitioners adjust to the practice changes that took effect in August, and the industry waits for final approval of the NAR settlement from the court in November, questions continue about seller offers of compensation. The arrangement known as cooperative compensation allows sellers to choose to offset the cost of buyers’ agents. By making an offer of compensation, sellers communicate to buyers, as a marketing tactic, that their transaction costs may be reduced.

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Brokerage that announced free childcare says, ‘We are just getting started’

Inman

Weekends are packed with potential buyers and sellers, from open houses to whole-family showings. Agents are expected to work weekends, and childcare on the weekends can be expensive.

Brokerage 158
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HousingWire’s Tech100 Honorees: How they’re innovating the industry today

Housing Wire

The HousingWire award spotlight series highlights the individuals and organizations that have been recognized through our Editors’ Choice Awards. Nominations for HousingWire’s 2025 Tech100 Award are open now through December 16, 2024. Click here to nominate a tech organization. As technology continues to rapidly reshape nearly every aspect of real estate and mortgage, HousingWire’s Tech100 award has become an industry staple, spotlighting the companies driving this transformation each year.

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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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Real Brokerage adds 400 agents with Amerivest Realty partnership

Inman

Amerivest Realty owner Joe Ballarino has brought a slew of agents based out of Florida, Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin to the cloud-based brokerage, according to an announcement Monday.

Brokerage 158
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loanDepot eyes purchase business in the South with new mortgage JV

Housing Wire

loanDepot has signed a new joint venture agreement with Smith Douglas Homes , a top-50 homebuilder with a solid book of business in the Southern states. Known as Ridgeland Mortgage , the joint venture will expand loanDepot’s footprint in a region where new-home sales account for roughly one-third to one-half of all transactions, depending on the market.

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CoStar moves one step closer to securing Arlington HQ

Inman

CoStar Group inked a deal with a longtime tenant of its new Arlington HQ, which leased 13 of the building's 31 floors. The tenant agreed to downsize to two floors, giving CoStar enough space for the 500 employees moving to the new HQ.

Marketing 158
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Stamp Duty-exempt stock could drop by 20% from April – research

Estate Agent Today

First-time buyers will face a stock shortage as well as potentially higher costs once Stamp Duty thresholds return to £300,000 in April, research suggests.

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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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Offerpad dialed back its iBuyer acquisitions by 49% in Q3

Inman

Having slashed operating expenses by 40 percent from a year ago, the iBuyer has its sights set on boosting home purchases to 1,000 per quarter on lower cost structure.

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Op-Ed: The Next Wave of Lawsuits Will Be About Steering—Mark My Words

RIS Media

Above, Leo Pareja In the aftermath of recent lawsuits, the next major legal battleground in real estate is going to be steering. It’s not a matter of if, but when. During the litigation over cooperative compensation in MLSs, one of the central claims by plaintiffs’ attorneys was that real estate agents were steering buyers toward… The post Op-Ed: The Next Wave of Lawsuits Will Be About Steering—Mark My Words appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 119
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Leaders in luxury: Michele Schuler

Inman

Located just a short journey from downtown Seattle are two island communities that offer a slower lifestyle to professionals looking to escape busy city life.

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Family-Like Culture Revs Up Top Texas Team

RIS Media

Above, Jennifer Wauhob Jennifer Wauhob pulled up roots from her native Texas to travel because of her husband’s job. But as their family grew, she was happy to settle down in the Houston suburbs, where the former teacher, then a stay-at-home mom, began to consider her options. “I had always had an interest in real… The post Family-Like Culture Revs Up Top Texas Team appeared first on RISMedia.

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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.