Wed.Apr 16, 2025

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The evolution and future of appraisal regulation 

Housing Wire

For centuries, property ownership has played a foundational role in human society. In the U.S., homeownership has come to symbolize financial stability and economic opportunity. Real estate is both a tangible asset and a vehicle for wealth creation. Following the Savings & Loan Crisis of the 1980s, Congress recognized the systemic risk posed by flawed property valuations and enacted the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) in 1989.

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Fair Housing Training: Your Financial Safety Net in a Tight Economy

AAOA

When recession fears rise, budget cuts often followand education directors are being asked to make hard choices. Training programs frequently top the list of cuts, especially those perceived as non-essential or deferrable. At first glance, trimming fair housing training may seem like a logical decision. But beneath the surface, that cut often becomes a costly shiftmoving risk and liability into a companys blind spot.

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Why most broker owners don’t turn a profit

Housing Wire

Owning a real estate brokerage may seem like a lucrative business, but in reality, many brokers struggle to turn a profit. Despite the appeal of running their own operation, most find themselves facing financial challenges due to high overhead costs, intense competition, agent commission structures, and ineffective business strategies. Well break down the key reasons why most broker-owners dont see the financial success they anticipated. 1.

Brokerage 359
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New eXp disclosure form warns sellers of pre-marketing risks

Real Estate News

Anytime we limit access, it limits opportunities, an eXp exec said during a livestream highlighting ethical issues with the push into private inventory.

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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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ARM applications reach their highest level since November 2023

Housing Wire

Mortgage demand decreased 8.5% for the week ending April 11, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)’s weekly applications survey a stark contrast to the 20% increase seen a week earlier. Last week’s application news was dominated by the quick buzz that resulted from lower rate movement. But this week’s data revealed that the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 9.6% of all applications the highest level recorded since November 2023.

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HomeServices’ new CEO ready to ‘go back on offense’

Real Estate News

Chris Kelly is eager to move past the challenges of the past 18 months and focus on unifying and growing the company, with agents and consumers at the core.

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More Trending

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Could Your Social Media Profile Be Hurting Your Chances of Getting a Mortgage?

Lighter Side of Real Estate

A lot of people share a lot about their lives online. The highs. The lows. The wins. The rants. That vacation sunset. The new puppy. The less glamorous stuff toobad days, broken appliances, job frustrations. Its easy to understand why. Social media can be a great place to let off steam, get a little affirmation, and feel like youre not alone in your stress or your triumph.

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9 expert tips to close real estate deals faster & easier

Housing Wire

Since our income is (usually) tied directly to closings, many real estate agents wonder how to close deals faster. Faster sales not only allow us to help more clients each year, they also help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that come with a commission-only career. Keep reading for expert tips on how to close real estate deals faster, plus ways to make your real estate transactions more seamless. 1.

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Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First

Keeping Current Matters

Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: Is the housing market about to crash?

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Rocket Pro TPO joins ARIVE platform

Housing Wire

Rocket Companies made a major move this week by integrating Rocket Pro TPO with ARIVE , a leading software platform used by mortgage brokers. The integration, announced on Wednesday, connects Rocket to a network of approximately 28,000 active users, including 21,000 loan officers who source mortgage offers from multiple wholesale lenders including Rockets chief rival, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) all within a single system.

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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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Today’s Mortgage Rates April 16, 2025: Big Drop in Rates as Treasury Yields Fall

Marco Santarelli

If you're planning to secure a mortgage or refinance your existing loan, today's mortgage rates – April 16, 2025 have dropped significantly across multiple loan types. The average national interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is now 6.78% , down eight basis points from previous rates, while the 15-year fixed rate has fallen to 6.09% , experiencing a larger drop of ten basis points, according to Zillow data.

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eXp Realty unveils seller disclosure form for delayed listings

Housing Wire

eXp Realty is no stranger to the forms business. The company was one of the first to come up with its own buyer broker agreement in response to the business practice changes outlined in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) nationwide commission lawsuit settlement agreement. Given this, it should come as no surprise that the company is launching its own seller advisory form in order to comply with NARs new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers (MLOS) policy.

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Homebuyers get cold feet as mortgage rates rebound

Inman

Mortgage rates are climbing back toward 7 percent on fears that tariffs could reignite inflation, but Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warns policymakers would be challenged if unemployment also rises.

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Top Connecticut agent joins Coldwell Banker Realty

Housing Wire

Michele Isenberg, a top-producing real estate agent in Danbury, Connecticut, is affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty , the company announced Wednesday. She joins the firms Danbury office after leaving William Raveis. According to data from RealTrends Verified , Isenberg closed 57 transaction sides for $28.6 million in sales volume in 2023, the most recent data available.

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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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Laws Banning REALTOR® Membership Requirements Defeated in 2 States

RIS Media

Last month, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill that explicitly bans any requirement that homebuyers sign an agreement with an agent before touring a home, essentially repealing a change made by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) settlement agreement. While the settlement was crafted to defer to state laws, the bill would appear to… The post Laws Banning REALTOR Membership Requirements Defeated in 2 States appeared first on RISMedia.

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American Financial Resources appoints new CEO and COO

Housing Wire

American Financial Resources (AFR) on Wednesday announced the promotions of Robert Pieklo to CEO and Michael Brenning to chief operating officer. The leadership changes follow the company’s record-breaking first quarter in which AFR said it quadrupled its Q1 2024 loan origination volume, including a nearly 700% increase in production in the wholesale channel alone.

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FirstTeam® Announces National Expansion

RIS Media

FirstTeam has announced a national expansion by opening its doors in Idaho and Washington, with plans to launch in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. The brokerage, which has more than 46 offices and over 2,200 sales agents, is one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate companies. “FirstTeam’s impressive growth is fueled by a robust… The post FirstTeam Announces National Expansion appeared first on RISMedia.

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Credit.org rolls out new reverse mortgage e-learning platform

Housing Wire

The reverse mortgage education ecosystem has long struggled to push back against the tide of what the industry views as bad information about its products and business model. Nonprofit counseling agency Credit.org is aiming to offer more prospective reverse mortgage borrowers a source of information. It has created a new e-learning course that aims to demystify reverse mortgages for interested parties.

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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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Mortgage Applications Take a Hit Under Consumer Uncertainty

RIS Media

Mortgage applications took a hit this week as the consumers remain on edge due to a wavering economy. The Market Composite Index (a measure of the volume of mortgage applications) fell 8.5% from one week earlier, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) for the week ending April… The post Mortgage Applications Take a Hit Under Consumer Uncertainty appeared first on RISMedia.

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Rents remain above pre-pandemic levels in nearly all major metros

Housing Wire

Rent prices declined for the 20th consecutive month across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. But the cost of renting remains well above pre-pandemic levels, according to the newest Realtor.com rent report released Wednesday. The median asking rent in March was $1,694, down $65 from the 2022 peak. But compared to March 2019, the median rent is still 20.2% higher, rising from $1,409 over the six-year period. “While the median asking rent is down $65 monthly or over $700 annually, in nearly ev

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Locals and City Continue Legal Fight Over Fort Greene Park Reno

Brownstoner

By Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper To tree, or not to tree? That is the question at the center of the third lawsuit targeting the citys long-planned overhaul of Fort Greene Park. The lush but aging greenspace was chosen as one of eight city parks to be overhauled by the Parks Without Borders… Read More > The post Locals and City Continue Legal Fight Over Fort Greene Park Reno appeared first on Brownstoner.

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US home equity has reached $35 trillion. It’s a blessing and a curse

Housing Wire

Home equity levels among U.S. homeowners is at record levels, having hit $35 trillion, according to Federal Reserve data. But with this added wealth on paper, those holding it aren’t necessarily feeling more financially secure. This is due to the upward march of property taxes , persistently high interest rates and other restrictions some families may not anticipate.

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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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Compass scoops up Douglas Elliman agent Patty LaRocco

Inman

LaRocco is based in New York City and comes to Compass as a top agent from Douglas Elliman. She hopes to expand her team after jumping to Compass, according to an announcement.

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Equity Smart Home Loans cuts ties to UWM, partners with Rocket

Housing Wire

Equity Smart Home Loans made a splash Wednesday by announcing it is severing ties with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) and partnering with Rocket Pro. In an interview with HousingWire, longtime CEO Pablo Martinez said that the contract termination occurred last week. “It just comes down to pricing. It’s like when you go to Costco, you see people spending 20, 30, minutes in line to save 30 cents on gas.

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Daily Links: Roof of Park Slope Brownstone Now Home to 12,000 Bees

Brownstoner

In the News Subway Surfer Dashes Across J Train in Burg in Shocking Video [NYP] Park Slope Residents Install Rooftop Hive With 12,000 Honey Bees [BP] Advocates, City Continue Legal Battle Over Fort Greene Park Revamp [BP] Haitian Culture Day Parade Returns to Brooklyn [BK Reader] Scrappleland Officially Opens in Former Beer, Ale Space [Greenpointers] Fashion… Read More > The post Daily Links: Roof of Park Slope Brownstone Now Home to 12,000 Bees appeared first on Brownstoner.

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New York broker Patty LaRocco joins Compass

Housing Wire

Patty LaRocco, a veteran New York City real estate broker, has joined Compass after departing Douglas Elliman , where she was one of the firms top-performing agents in new development and residential sales. LaRocco has overseen more than $3 billion in real estate transactions throughout her career. She brings her Patty LaRocco Team to Compass with two existing members and plans for expansion.

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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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Supporting One Another on the Path to Success

RIS Media

Rene Gonzales CEO Long Companies, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Tucson, Arizona [link] Region served: Arizona Years in real estate: 23 Number of offices: 12 company owned, 15 franchises Number of agents: 1,000 company agents and about 700 franchisee agents Favorite part of your job: Helping agents achieve success, whatever… The post Supporting One Another on the Path to Success appeared first on RISMedia.

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Vegas powerhouse brokerage IS Luxury expands to California

Housing Wire

Las Vegasbased luxury real estate firm ISLuxury has opened its first office outside Nevada by establishing a presence in Orange County, California , the company announced Wednesday. Founded by Ivan Sher in 2018, ISLuxury has closed nearly $2billion in sales in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, over the past three years. Expanding into Orange County is a natural next step for us, Sher said in a statement.

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Jane’s Walk Tours Give Insider Look at Brooklyn and Beyond

Brownstoner

Jane's Walk NYC returns this year with tours exploring New York City from a local point of view led by fellow New Yorkers. The annual weekend of free walking tours takes place the first weekend in May and the calendar of events has launched. Hosted by the Municipal Art Society (MAS)… Read More > The post Jane’s Walk Tours Give Insider Look at Brooklyn and Beyond appeared first on Brownstoner.

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CCP war escalates: Pareja says eXp will not use delayed listings

Housing Wire

The heated battle over the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) has led to tectonic shifts in the residential brokerage world, but one company doesnt plan on utilizing a carve-out intended to appease opponents of the rule eXp Realty. In a wide ranging presentation hosted on YouTube, eXp CEO Leo Pareja said the brokerage would not use delayed listings, which is the tweak to CCP announced in March by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

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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.