Mon.Oct 09, 2023

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Consumers point to mortgage rates, not home prices, as key barrier to affordability 

Housing Wire

Elevated mortgage rates continue to dampen already-pessimistic consumer housing sentiment and create affordability woes for both homebuyers and sellers. That feeling is underscored in Fannie Mae ’s latest Home Price Sentiment Index (HPSI), which decreased by 2.4 points in September to 64.5. The index tracks the housing market and consumer confidence to sell or buy a home.

Mortgages 518
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Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To Have

Keeping Current Matters

Selling your house is a big decision.

Agents 356
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Fannie Mae’s chief economist: ‘We don’t expect spreads to come down anytime soon’

Housing Wire

When mortgage rates blew past the 7% level earlier this year, the securitization market “froze up temporarily,” according to Doug Duncan , senior vice president and chief economist at the government-sponsored enterprise Fannie Mae. “Investors who would buy a mortgage-backed security [MBS] , which is backed by mortgages that have a 7% coupon, believe that when the Fed eases interest rates, the people with those 7% mortgages will refi,” Duncan said on Friday during the

Banks 482
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4 surprises about real estate firms in 2023

Real Estate News

NAR’s profile of brokerage businesses offers a look inside the makeup, operations and goals of firms, finding that many are still in growth mode.

Brokerage 278
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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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MBA, NAR, NAHB call on the Fed to provide market certainty about its rate path

Housing Wire

A coalition of housing trade groups — including the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of Realtors (NAR) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) — called on the Federal Reserve to provide market certainty about the Fed’s rate path and its plans for the mortgage-backed securities (MBS) portfolio. Ongoing market uncertainty about the Fed’s rate path has “exacerbated housing affordability and created additional disruptions for a real estate market that is already stra

Marketing 475
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Why high-net-worth individuals are purchasing secondary homes

Inman

Owning multiple properties is relatively common with ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Agents should be well-versed in helping them identify and acquire secondary homes that fulfill their needs and goals.

Agents 210

More Trending

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Housing groups urge Federal Reserve to stop hiking rates

Inman

MBA, NAR and NAHB say uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's next moves is disrupting the housing sector and threatening to send the U.S.

Mortgages 207
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Yoga and a mortgage? Guaranteed Rate has a new app for that

Housing Wire

A mortgage lender isn’t the first place most people would turn to for yoga, meditation or personal wellness. However, Guaranteed Rate hopes to change that with the launch of its new consumer-focused Rate App. The free app, which officially launches Tuesday, allows users to price out mortgages, personal loans and other finance products that Guaranteed Rate offers, but there’s a twist: users can also access financial, physical and mental health resources to help them “live their best lives.

Mortgages 448
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5 common mistakes agents make with real estate photography

Inman

In today’s competitive real estate market, high-quality and visually appealing media can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers. Unfortunately, one critical mistake with a home’s photography can come at the expense of sacrificing showings.

Agents 190
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How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois (IL) in 5 Steps

Housing Wire

If you’re interested in becoming a real estate agent in Illinois, you’ll be happy to hear that the path to getting your real estate license in the Prairie State doesn’t require as much of a time commitment as other states. What’s more, Illinois has reciprocity agreements with nine other states, making it an excellent location for starting an exciting, new career in real estate.

Agents 447
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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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Homebuyer pessimism climbed to a new record high in September

Inman

More than 8 in 10 Americans polled by Fannie Mae said it was a bad time to buy a home, and most weren't expecting mortgage rates to come down anytime soon.

Mortgages 190
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Common Myths About Selling Houses

RIS Media

Selling a house can be complex and daunting, often filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Unfortunately, several myths and misconceptions surrounding home sales can further complicate matters for homeowners looking to sell their properties. We will delve into the common myths about selling houses and debunk them, providing clarity and valuable insights for anyone embarking on… The post Common Myths About Selling Houses appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 143
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‘The fallout has gotten crazy’: Cold feet cited for rise in dashed deals

Inman

Nearly 60,000 home purchase contracts were canceled during August, according to Redfin. But real estate agents told Inman that buyer uncertainty and inexperienced new agents are to blame.

Agents 183
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Here’s What the U.S. Consumer Tells Us About the State of the Economy

Bigger Pockets

U.S. consumers are spending a lot and taking out a lot of debt. That debt is only getting more expensive. What does that mean for the economy?

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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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Watch your mouth! It’s what agents don’t say that counts

Inman

NYC agent Nikki Beauchamp checks out advice from the "Harvard Business Review" to show that, sometimes, silence is your best option.

Agents 179
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Buying a Tenant-Occupied Property? You Can’t Afford to Leave Out These Terms

Bigger Pockets

It's perfectly fine to buy a property with existing tenants—as long as you do this. Save yourself from losing big time.

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Two big mistakes holding some agents back

Inman

Even as the housing market continues to cool in the face of low inventory, high interest rates and growing affordability concerns, some agents are finding ways to uncover opportunities and grow business. Others, however, are struggling to regain the momentum they had during the go-go days of recent years.

Agents 179
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Simple Holiday Storage Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Coldwell Banker

Give your future self a gift by properly storing all those beautiful holiday decorations away this year! Correctly organizing and packing your holiday ornaments, lights and other decor can save you time, money and frustration when it’s time to take them out again. Here are five practical storage tips to keep your holiday decorations safe and […] The post Simple Holiday Storage Tips to Make Your Life Easier appeared first on Coldwell Banker Blue Matter.

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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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Corcoran Sunshine hosting CS Talks series starting Tuesday

Inman

The six-day event series is expected to bring in about 1,000 participants for events and discussions across Corcoran Sunshine's new development projects throughout New York City.

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What’s Really Behind the Slew of Recent Commercial Failures?

Bigger Pockets

These properties have been hammered all year long, but what's been the real driver of it? Here's what's really behind the slew of failures.

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RE/MAX Releases Lawsuit Settlement Terms, Including ‘Cooperation’ With Plaintiffs

RIS Media

Last Friday, RE/MAX unveiled the terms of its settlement of two major class action lawsuits targeting agent commission that will resolve all claims against the company (and its agents and franchises). The agreement, unsurprisingly, mirrors the terms that Anywhere Real Estate affirmed in a settlement struck only a couple weeks earlier. Most notably, both RE/MAX… The post RE/MAX Releases Lawsuit Settlement Terms, Including ‘Cooperation’ With Plaintiffs appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 122
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Affordable Housing Lottery Opens to Fill Units in DoBro’s The Hub, Starting at $833 a Month

Brownstoner

An affordable housing lottery has opened for 12 vacant apartments -- and a waitlist -- in the amenity-packed Downtown Brooklyn skyscraper The Hub, with rents starting at $833 a month for a studio. The 54-story, 750-unit building at 333 Schermerhorn Street was built prior to the pandemic, and was one… Read More > The post Affordable Housing Lottery Opens to Fill Units in DoBro’s The Hub, Starting at $833 a Month appeared first on Brownstoner.

Marketing 119
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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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Op-Ed: Sold Before Input – The Controversy of Pocket Listings and Internal Office Listings

RIS Media

In the dynamic world of real estate, the increase of “secret listings” has raised eyebrows recently. Known by various names such as “pocket listings,” “SBI” or “internal office listings,” these practices have ignited a debate within the real estate industry, prompting questions about ethics, transparency and fiduciary duty. Pocket listings, or SBIs refer to properties… The post Op-Ed: Sold Before Input – The Controversy of Pocket Listings and Internal Office L

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How Redmond evolved from sleepy WA suburb to fast-growing city

Seattle Times Real Estate

The tech boom drew a more diverse population to the once mostly white city. Today, about 1 in 10 Redmond residents is from India.

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Team Tactics: 5 Ways You Can Connect With Your Agents as a Broker

RIS Media

Above all else, a real estate brokerage is a team. That means that you don’t just have a responsibility to stay in touch with your agents, they have a responsibility to stay in touch with each other. If you’re a broker, you’re probably thinking: Do I really want to add more to my list of… The post Team Tactics: 5 Ways You Can Connect With Your Agents as a Broker appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 120
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7 of the Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Missouri

HomeLight

Selling your home in Missouri doesn’t always mean lengthy listings, meticulous renovations, or unpredictable wait times. We Buy Houses companies in Missouri offer an enticing alternative, presenting all-cash offers, especially for homes that might be a little rough around the edges. For homeowners who find themselves lacking the resources, expertise, or simply the time to get their property market-ready, these cash buyers can be a godsend, providing a swift ticket to move forward with thei

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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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Experience, Resilience Power South Florida Team

RIS Media

Above: Paul and Ana Fonseca (together) surrounded by team members For long-time Florida team leaders Paul and Ana Fonseca, it will clearly take more than a Category 4 storm to put them off their game. The couple lost their Fort Myers home and everything in it when Hurricane Ian destroyed a swath of Southwest Florida… The post Experience, Resilience Power South Florida Team appeared first on RISMedia.

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20 Home Buying Tips for First- or Second-Time Buyers

HomeLight

Whether you’re a first- or second-time home buyer, it’s likely you’re facing a complex housing market. For this post, we interviewed some of the top-performing real estate agents in the country to gather expert home buying tips. We’ve curated 20 game-changing insights to simplify your home buying journey. From early planning to finding the right balance of negotiations, these tips are your guide to making the best possible decisions every step of the way.

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The Anatomy of a Marketing Budget

RIS Media

At its most basic level, promoting a listing follows the same credo as the famous five “Ws”—who, what, when, where and why. Ultimately, agents are trying to connect an attractive real estate opportunity to the best potential buyer. It’s ‘Storytelling 101.’ But the strategy behind bringing a listing to market and securing an offer is… The post The Anatomy of a Marketing Budget appeared first on RISMedia.

Marketing 116
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What Is Fair Market Value (FMV) in Real Estate?

Windemere Selling

You know your home is a valuable asset, but what is it actually worth? One of the most important figures to understand as you get ready to sell your home is Fair Market Value (FMV); it is key to a successful home sale. We’ll break down what Fair Market Value is and why it plays such a crucial role in the home selling process. What Is Fair Market Value?

Marketing 106
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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.