Thu.Apr 17, 2025

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No Congress, no rate hikes: Bill Ackman’s plan to privatize the GSEs

Housing Wire

Bill Ackman, the billionaire founder of Pershing Square Capital Management , has an audacious plan to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac without congressional approval. The proposal involves the federal government forgiving hundreds of billions of dollars while also reducing capital requirements. As a result, Ackman claims the plan would boost the stock prices of both companies to the $30 range without putting upward pressure on mortgage rates.

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Finding Financial Freedom: Julie Han’s journey to independence

Inman

In a time when womens financial independence is more important than ever, coach Melanie Klein writes, real estate offers an exciting, dynamic pathway to success.

Agents 158
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NWMLS shuts off IDX listing feed to Compass

Housing Wire

Washington state-based Northwest MLS (NWMLS) has shut off its internet data exchange (IDX) feed going to Compass as the ongoing war between the two real estate industry players escalates. The news was first reported by Inman News and confirmed to HousingWire by sources who wished to remain anonymous. The NWMLS IDX feed to Compass.com was shut off at 8:30 in the morning on Tuesday, meaning that any non-Compass property listed after that time cannot be found on Compass.com.

MLS 418
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Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Keeping Current Matters

If buying a home is on your radar even if its more of a someday plan than a right now plan getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make.

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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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UWM sued by Ohio AG over ‘deliberate scheme’ to deceive borrowers

Housing Wire

Top U.S. mortgage lender United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) on Wednesday became the target of a lawsuit from the Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost, who claims UWM conspired with mortgage brokers to steer loans and rip off consumers in Ohio. The case seeks to hold UWM “accountable for orchestrating and executing a deliberate scheme to deceive thousands of Ohio homebuyers into paying millions of dollars in improper fees and excessive interest rates on their mortgages.

Lending 390
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Buyers back off, sellers face reality as slowdown continues

Real Estate News

Economic experts warn home sales may begin to slow as concerns about the economy and fluctuating mortgage rates give potential homebuyers pause.

Mortgages 245

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Today’s Mortgage Rates April 17, 2025: Rates Drop for Three Days in a Row

Marco Santarelli

On April 17, 2025, mortgage rates have slightly decreased for the third consecutive day, providing some relief for prospective homebuyers and refinancers amid ongoing economic uncertainties. The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands at 6.74% , whereas the 15-year fixed is at 6.06%. Refinance rates mirror this trend, with the 30-year fixed refinance at 6.76% and the 15-year at 6.12%.

Mortgages 109
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MBA leads coalition of support for trigger leads legislation

Housing Wire

On Thursday, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and other housing groups signed a joint letter in support of the bicameral and bipartisan trigger lead bills known as the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, or H.R. 2808 and S. 1467. If enacted, the legislation would curb the use of mortgage credit trigger leads in all but a limited set of circumstances.

Mortgages 356
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How New York City Can Create Genuinely Affordable Housing

Brownstoner

While rents fell during the Covid pandemic, they climbed even higher two years later. While some contend what is needed to ease New York City's affordable housing crisis is more units at any price point, others say the focus should be on creating housing affordable to those most in need,… Read More > The post How New York City Can Create Genuinely Affordable Housing appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Industry reacts to FHA’s loss mitigation changes

Housing Wire

Housing industry pros are largely supportive of the raft of changes the Federal Housing Administration made related to the COVID-19 era loss mitigation waterfall. The issue is less what they rescinded as it is what they instituted, said David Dworkin, president and CEO of the National Housing Conference (NHC) in an interview. What they’ve instituted is a responsible and fair way of addressing the needs of people who are in trouble with their mortgage and can work it out.

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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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Bloom Inspiration this Sunny, Rainy Season with 20 Spring Decorating Ideas

Apartment Guide

The thaw of winter breathes a collective sigh of renewal, a stirring that prompts us to refresh not just our routines, but the very spaces we inhabit. Whether youre renting an apartment in Beaverton or a home in Boston , your domain deserves this seasonal awakening. Eschew predictable pastels for a more nuanced interpretation of spring, one that honors a discerning taste while celebrating the season’s inherent vitality.

Design 102
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Zillow’s Follow Up Boss changing API call recording, text access

Housing Wire

Zillow -owned CRM platform Follow Up Boss has notified API partners that beginning on May 7 call recordings and the contents of text messages will no longer be available via API. Follow Up Boss notified partners of this move on Thursday via an email obtained by HousingWire. According to the email, Ylopo , MaverickRE and Shilo.ai will not be impacted by the change.Were currently working with them to explore options for adding data projections that align with our standards, the email states.

As-is 284
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Housing Starts Decline Amid Economic Uncertainty

Eye on Housing

Constrained housing affordability conditions due to elevated interest rates, rising construction costs and labor shortages led to a reduction in housing production in March. Overall housing starts decreased 11.4% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.32 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and.

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Armed with bipartisan co-sponsors, senators reintroduce rural housing bill

Housing Wire

A bipartisan duo of lawmakers in the Senate recently reintroduced a bill they previously collaborated on in 2023, aiming to bolster affordable housing programs and accessibility in rural areas. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) are calling the bill the most sweeping reform to the federal Rural Housing Service (RHS) in decades. They said the bill known as the Rural Housing Service Reform Act would offer loans, grants and rental assistance to rural communities across the countr

Banks 235
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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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NWMLS hits back at Compass, suspends IDX feed

Real Estate News

The ongoing feud between the brokerage giant and the Seattle-based MLS over private listings has escalated, impacting Compass clients and agents alike.

MLS 223
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Florida’s push to cut licensing oversight draws Realtor pushback

Housing Wire

A sweeping deregulatory bill in Florida that would dismantle dozens of professional oversight boards including the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) cleared a second state House committee on Tuesday, drawing sharp criticism from Realtors. H.B. 1461 was originally introduced on Feb. 28 by Rep. Taylor Michael Yarkosky, aRepublicanrepresenting Florida’s 25th House district.

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Here’s The Right Way to Clean Your Washing Machine, According To The Pros

Redfin

Washing machines are essential for keeping clothes cleanbut over time, they can develop musty odors, mold, and residue that affect performance. Like any major appliance, they need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. In this Redfin article, well show you how to clean your washing machine step-by-stepwhether youre dealing with a front-load model in a house in Denver, CO or maintaining a top-loader in a home in Raleigh, NC.

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Why income validation fails — and how Kirk Donaldson plans to fix it

Housing Wire

Kirk Donaldson is no stranger to solving problems. As the CEO and founder of Halcyon, Kirk has spent over two decades building solutions that help lenders operate with more confidence and less friction. His latest venture brings a solution to one of the industrys biggest headaches: income validation. In this executive conversation, Kirk explains why so many post-close income validations fail , how Halcyons partnership with Fannie Mae tackles that issue at scale, and what lenders can gain from mo

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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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BTT Group Joins Jason Mitchell Group

RIS Media

The Jason Mitchell Group (JMG), has announced it is welcoming BTT Group to its rapidly expanding national network. This strategic partnership signifies an extraordinary opportunity for BTT Group, as JMGs proven platform and referral pipeline promise to drive significant growth and elevate their entire team. Led by Brian Thomas, BTT Group has established itself as… The post BTT Group Joins Jason Mitchell Group appeared first on RISMedia.

As-is 102
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Checkr, Inc. to acquire employment verification platform Truework

Housing Wire

Background check provider Checkr is acquiring income and employment verification startup Truework , Truework’s CEO Ryan Sandler confirmed via LinkedIn on Thursday. “Over the past 8 years we have grown an incredible team to over 100 employees, raised 5 funding rounds, called 6 different offices home, operated across 3 cities, had 2 name changes and most importantly helped millions of consumers get approved for homes and apartments,” Sandler wrote in his post.

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Daily Links: East New York Church’s Affordable Village Plan Gets Funds

Brownstoner

In the News Fear, Anger Over Battery Storage Facility in Marine Park [Eagle] Cops Arrest Trio for Bensonhurst Sewer Break-In [BP] The City's Top Super Speeder Is in Brooklyn [BK Reader] Bed Stuy Protests Removal of Superintendent [Chalkbeat] Tokidoki Transforms From Cafe Into Cocktail Bar [Greenpointers] Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Brooklyn Collision [Gothamist] NY Immigrants… Read More > The post Daily Links: East New York Church’s Affordable Village Plan Gets Funds appeare

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REX’s petition for rehearing of its appeal denied

Housing Wire

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will not be rehearing the appeal of REX Real Estate en banc. In an order filed on Wednesday, Judges Daniel Bress, Ana de Alba and Sidney R. Thomas notified the parties of their decision. Both Judge Bress and Judge de Alba denied the petition, while Judge S.R. Thomas recommended it. Due to the two-to-one majority, and the fact that the full appeals court had been advised of the petition and no judge requested a vote as to whether to rehear the matter en banc, th

MLS 203
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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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Zillow and Redfin listing ban FAQ: What you need to know now

Inman

This week, Zillow Group and Redfin rocked the industry by banning listings that arent added to the multiple listing service (MLS) within 24 hours of being publicly marketed. The policies, which came two weeks after the National Association of Realtors announced a new Delayed Marketing Exempt Listings (DMEL) for its Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), have led to mounting questions from agents and brokers over the legality of and logistics behind the ban.

MLS 165
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Authenticity, Purpose & Impact: Lessons from HousingWire’s Marketing Leaders Honorees

Housing Wire

The HousingWire award spotlight series highlights the individuals and organizations that have been recognized through our Editors Choice Awards. Nominations for HousingWires 2025 Marketing Leaders award are open now through April 30, 2025. Click here to nominate a Marketing Leader. HousingWires Marketing Leaders award honors standout marketing executives driving innovation, strategy, and brand growth across the housing industry.

Marketing 227
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The First 10 Seconds Win the Listing. Everything Else Is Just Proof

BAM Media

Anyone in real estate knows this: buyers often decide if a home is worth writing an offer on within seconds. Usually, the walk-up tells them emotionally what they need to know. Even if that first 10-15 seconds doesn’t nail them to a yes, it for sure tells them if it’s a no. They will never admit this, but watch how they operate, and it’s there.

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Maryland broker is latest to target NAR’s ‘3-way agreement’

Inman

Jerome E. Milko filed an antitrust lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors, saying the requirement to join local, state and national Realtor organizations is an illegal conspiracy.

MLS 158
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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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How Is The Downtown Rental Market?

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog Here’s a story for you… I have a rental listing on the market for $9,000 per month. It’s in the “luxury” category, and with that, if I may be so bold, comes an extra layer of choosiness on the part of the landlord. I mean, every landlord out there is choosy, as they should be. We’ve discussed the state of the rental market in Ontario at great length over the last few years, especially as it pertains to the impossible task of removing a proble

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Broker Spotlight: Jessica Souza, Paradise Exclusive Real Estate

Inman

Find out how this broker and author learned to bet on herself while providing leadership that gives back to her agents and the communities they serve.

Brokerage 151
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Homebuyers Now Need Over $50K More Than Renters—And the Gap Keeps Growing

BAM Media

BAM Key Details: A new Redfin report finds Americans must now earn $116,633 to afford a median-priced home81.8% more than the $64,160 needed to rent. In high-cost cities like San Jose and Austin, that gap exceeds 140%, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. But in markets like Cincinnati and Providence, where rents are rising faster than home prices, the income gap is shrinking by up to 8.7 percentage points.

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Nominations are ending soon for Inman’s Golden I Awards

Inman

The deadline for public nominations for the highest honor in luxury real estate is fast approaching. The Inman Golden I Club celebrates a commitment to excellence in a fiercely competitive market.

Marketing 149
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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.