Thu.Jan 16, 2025

article thumbnail

Mortgage rates fall after remarks by Fed President Waller

Housing Wire

The 10-year yield and mortgage rates have been on a wild ride lately, even testing my top-end forecast at 7.25%, but today, the 10-year yield fell after remarks by Fed President Chris Waller about whether the Fed would do even more rate cuts than the market was anticipating. His statement on this, in a CNBC interview : If inflation continues on this path through the beginning of 2025, it’s reasonable to think that possibly rate cuts could happen in the first half of the year.” This w

Mortgages 511
article thumbnail

FTC warns of massive spoofing op impersonating mortgage lenders

Inman

"Green Mirage" phone scam targets homeowners in all 50 states from India, using the caller ID of the borrower's actual mortgage lender and tricking victims into making payments to U.S.-based "mules.

Mortgages 167
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Realtor.com: HOA fees are on the rise among all home types

Housing Wire

Mortgage and property tax payments are not the only expenses that prospective homeowners need to consider. Homeowners associations (HOAs) are commonplace, and more of them are requiring owners to pay up, according to a survey by Realtor.com. Realtor.com’s report found that 40.5% of listings in 2024 had some sort of HOA fee and these expenses became even more costly.

article thumbnail

LISTEN: Real estate leaders pen song to help LA wildfire families 

Inman

Marc Davison, John Heithaus and David Charron leaders in LA and elsewhere in real estate wrote and produced "Santa Ana Fury" in a bid to solicit donations for the Realtors Relief Foundation.

MLS 158
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Home-price growth is cooling, leading to appraisal challenges

Housing Wire

Cleveland-based Corporate Settlement Solutions (CSS) released an analysis Thursday that highlights a growing gap between appraised home values and sale prices. Across the 19 East Coast and Midwest states in which CSS operates, appraisals were higher than sale prices in 57% of transactions during the second half of 2024. That share was up from 53% in the second half of 2023 and 51% in the first half of 2024.

Sales 397
article thumbnail

7 powerful ChatGPT prompts that make doing business a no-brainer

Inman

Agents who lean into using AI to serve their clients at a higher level, Jimmy Burgess writes, will absolutely outperform the agents who dont embrace this technology.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Remodeling Market Sentiment Improves in Fourth Quarter of 2024

Eye on Housing

The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 68 for the fourth quarter of 2024, up five points compared to the previous quarter. Remodelers are more optimistic about the market than they were earlier in the year, corroborated by NAHBs recent analysis of home improvement loan applications. Demand in many parts of.

Marketing 138
article thumbnail

The Southern housing markets poised to become boomtowns

Housing Wire

Southern housing markets have dominated growth lists over the last few years, and a report by CoreLogic today shows Southern markets are still hot. Using growth indicators that measure upcoming construction and development, southern metros take eight spots in the top 10 list. The top three metros are Lakeland, Florida. , Austin, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

article thumbnail

One Homebuying Step You Don’t Want To Skip: Pre-Approval

Keeping Current Matters

There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval.

article thumbnail

NAR again looks to have Michigan antitrust suit dismissed

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several other defendants are making another attempt at having the Hardy antitrust lawsuit dismissed. The defendants which also include the Michigan Association of Realtors , The Grosse Pointe Board of Realtors , Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors , North Oakland County Board of Realtors and Realcomp II Ltd.

MLS 362
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Pol, Locals Call for More Affordability in Planned Arrow Linen Development

Brownstoner

The controversial Arrow Linen rezoning, which would see the development of two 13-story apartment buildings on a currently low-rise Park Slope site, was the subject of yet another heated public hearing last week, this time at the City Council. Sixty-eight people testified in front of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises… Read More > The post Pol, Locals Call for More Affordability in Planned Arrow Linen Development appeared first on Brownstoner.

article thumbnail

Howard Hanna adds 400 agents with Home Experts Realty merger

Inman

Since its founding in 2011, Home Experts Realty has built an ethical and diverse team of agents who are dedicated to providing exceptional service. The brokerage's founders have ensured that their agents are well-trained to operate both independently and as part of a cohesive team.

Agents 144
article thumbnail

Average mortgage rates top 7% for the first time in 8 months

Real Estate News

Rates increased for a fifth straight week, but the latest inflation data could be a sign that relief is coming.

Mortgages 298
article thumbnail

Mark Doherty joins Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman as vice president

Inman

Doherty is a Massachusetts native with more than 25 years of industry experience. He said a meeting with team cofounders Manny and George Sarkis "reinvigorated" his enthusiasm for real estate.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Mortgage Rates Climb Up Over 7%

RIS Media

Still on the upswing, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage ticked up over 7% this week, marking its fifth straight week of increases and hitting their highest point since last May. According to Freddie Macs latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), this week the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) reached 7.04%, up from last weeks… The post Mortgage Rates Climb Up Over 7% appeared first on RISMedia.

article thumbnail

5 cringey social media turnoffs to avoid in real estate

Inman

Want to add value and connect with potential clients through your social media platforms? Rachael Hite offers must-dos and never-dos to help you build know, like and trust authority.

Agents 158
article thumbnail

NAR asks court to dismiss Michigan mandatory membership case

Real Estate News

Tying association membership to MLS access isnt anticompetitive, the defendants argue, while also claiming the plaintiffs are contradicting themselves.

MLS 279
article thumbnail

Austin’s Spyglass joins Real under Private Label model

Inman

Spyglass is coming aboard via the Private Label program, which gives independent brokerages access to Reals internal software solutions and its cascading efficiencies while sustaining their existing consumer-facing brand.

Brokerage 122
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

People on the Move at NAR, RE/MAX, Zillow and more

Real Estate News

NAR hires industry relations exec; Chris Lim to lead growth at RE/MAX; Zillow names new GM for Flex; RealScout shuffles leadership; LPT hires operations pro.

article thumbnail

Daily Links: Locals, Preservationists Battle City to Save Derelict Park Slope Building

Brownstoner

In the News Park Slope Locals Fighting the City to Save Building [NYP] Microhub Truck-Transfer Locations for Clinton Hill, Greenpoint [Eagle] Brooklyn Navy Yard Gets FEMA Funding for Sandy Repairs [BP] Williamsburgs Leonard Library to Reopen This Spring [Greenpointers] Layoffs Deepen Worries About Future of St. Francis College [The City] Hochul Pledges to Fix Security Deposit… Read More > The post Daily Links: Locals, Preservationists Battle City to Save Derelict Park Slope Building ap

104
104
article thumbnail

FMLS in Georgia to share data with Alabama neighbors

Real Estate News

The agreement allows the 67,000 combined members of FMLS the 5th-largest MLS in the U.S. and three smaller organizations to share listings and referrals.

MLS 278
article thumbnail

How to Evict a Tenant in 7 Steps (+ Free Eviction Notices)

The Close

Evicting a tenant will never be anyones favorite task and is one of the most challenging aspects of being a landlord. However, eviction is sometimes necessary to protect your property and avoid legal headaches. Whether its unpaid rent or property damage, knowing how to evict a tenant involves understanding eviction laws, processes, and effective communication.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Power Broker Insights: Impacting Lives and Communities

RIS Media

Above, Ennis Antoine Vitals: Keller Williams West Atlanta Size: 1 office, 256 agents Regions Served: Southeast 2023 Sales Volume: $192,731,323 2023 Transactions: 61 [link] Ennis Antoine has enjoyed a long and storied career in real estate, an industry that became his passion thanks to the opportunities it offers to impact lives and communities. Helping families… The post Power Broker Insights: Impacting Lives and Communities appeared first on RISMedia.

article thumbnail

How to Find Rent-to-Own Homes: An Investor Guide

The Close

If youre looking to buy a home but have financial concerns or hesitations about bank loans, choosing the rent-to-own path is a great option, as opposed to the traditional mortgage path. This guide breaks down how the process works, the pros and cons, what to look out for in the contract, and how to find rent to own homes. Lets dive in so you can decide if this option is right for you.

article thumbnail

How to Depersonalize Your House for Sale Without Losing Its Charm

HomeLight

This house isnt for you anymore; its for the next set of people, says Michelle Vasey , owner of Mode Staging & Design in Oakland, CA, who has more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and staging business. As hard as it sounds, you need to depersonalize the house to sell it. Try to see it through a strangers eyes and think: zero clutter , warm wall palettes , soft textures, and small bursts of color youre aiming for neutral, but still charming!

Staging 98
article thumbnail

2025: The Year of the Skilled Agent

RIS Media

Alright, folks, lets be realselling real estate over the last few years wasnt exactly rocket science. Interest rates were at record lows, buyers were practically tripping over each other to snap up properties and homes sold faster than a good slice of pizza disappears at an open house. Heck, even brand-new agents could stumble into… The post 2025: The Year of the Skilled Agent appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 105
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

The Insider: Fresh Paint and Decor Renew Historic Clinton Hill Row House

Brownstoner

Got a project to propose forThe Insider?Contact Cara at caramia447 [at] gmail [dot] com If there's something of a modern British feel to the Victorian row house Emma Montgomery spiffed up and decorated for a young family -- and there is -- that's probably because the up-and-coming designer spent her teen… Read More > The post The Insider: Fresh Paint and Decor Renew Historic Clinton Hill Row House appeared first on Brownstoner.

Design 111
article thumbnail

Bing Crosby’s former Palm Desert home hits the market for $13.5M

Fancy Pants Homes

Just as Bing Crosbys timeless White Christmas was playing on repeat over the holidays, the crooner’s former Palm Desert estate was being brought to market — a rather fit timing for a listing once owned by the voice of Christmas himself. The 2.53-acre property, located less than 20 miles away from scenic Palm Springs , was originally built in 1955 and has been thoughtfully restored in recent years by its most recent owners.

article thumbnail

NAR, Michigan Real Estate Groups Fire Back in Broker Antitrust Lawsuit

RIS Media

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and several Michigan real estate associations asked a federal court Wednesday to dismiss a proposed class-action lawsuit that challenges traditional MLS and REALTOR membership requirements. NAR, the Michigan Association of REALTORS and several local REALTOR associations argue that the plaintiffs failed to make valid antitrust claims in their lawsuit,… The post NAR, Michigan Real Estate Groups Fire Back in Broker Antitrust Lawsuit appeared first on

MLS 105
article thumbnail

Selling a House with a Pool: 5 Tips to Make It Feel Like Paradise

HomeLight

Potential buyers of your house will view an in-ground swimming pool as either a relaxing oasis, social hub, and an excellent spot for exercisesor just another maintenance hassle. This is why selling a house with a pool is a tricky transaction. Lot of times with clients, theyre either pool people or theyre not pool people, says Robert Ryczek , a real estate agent with 47 years of experience in Floridas Fort Lauderdale and Gainesville areas.

Agents 98
article thumbnail

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.