Fri.May 10, 2024

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Assumable mortgage platform Roam partners with national lender on down payment assistance

Housing Wire

New York -based assumable mortgage platform Roam rolled out a new partnership with national lender Spring EQ to provide second-lien loans to Roam customers, the company announced on Thursday. The new service, Roam Boost, will cater to people with credit scores of at least 640 and down payments of at least 15%. Consider, for example, a home that costs $400,000, with an assumable mortgage amount of $280,000.

Mortgages 443
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'Unfiltered' podcast: Top economist on steering and MLS value

Real Estate News

Watch the conversation as Bright MLS chief economist Lisa Sturtevant gets into the data-driven truth behind whether agents seek homes with higher commissions.

MLS 231
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DeSantis stamps changes to reverse mortgage tax requirements in Florida

Housing Wire

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill into law this week that changes certain requirements for the state’s reverse mortgage borrowers, a move that the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) says could save money on closing costs. The new law, House Bill (HB) 7073 , changes the way the state’s “documentary stamp tax” can be applied to reverse mortgages, among other provisions related to taxation.

Principal 420
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$17.8M settlement took a bite out of Douglas Elliman profits

Real Estate News

The company said despite the hit to its bottom line in Q1, the settlement will reduce uncertainties and let it focus on cost reduction and market expansion.

Marketing 217
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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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Texas-based independent brokerage joins The Real Brokerage

Housing Wire

The Real Brokerage welcomes Texas -based independent brokerage The Property Shop , led by Season Ware, the company announced on Friday. The Property Shop joined Real under its Private Label program, which allows independent brokerages to maintain their own brand while reaping the benefits associated with being a part of Real. The acquisition brings 125 additional agents to Real.

Brokerage 418
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The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most.

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More Trending

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The freshest business trends agents need to recognize in 2024

Inman

The business of selling real estate is evolving at an ever-escalating pace. If you can identify some of the emerging trends and begin to act on those trends, Jimmy Burgess writes, you'll separate yourself from your competition like never before.

Agents 171
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Ahead of trial date in HMDA case, Freedom Mortgage and CFPB face hurdles

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Freedom Mortgage were handed minor setbacks by the presiding and magistrate judges, respectively, in a case that the regulator brought in widespread violations in its 2020 submission of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data. The development was first reported by National Mortgage News. The original case was filed in the U.S.

Mortgages 367
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It’s your chance to be recognized as one of the best in luxury real estate

Inman

Celebrate excellence in luxury real estate with Inman’s highest honor. Nominations close on May 17, and winners will be celebrated at this summer's Inman Luxury Connect in Las Vegas.

Closing 163
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Valverde appointed acting president of Ginnie Mae

Housing Wire

Sam Valverde, formerly the principal executive vice president of government-owned corporation Ginnie Mae , was named as its acting president as of May 6, according to an announcement issued by the organization this week. Sam Valverde Valverde succeeds Alanna McCargo, who began serving as Ginnie Mae president in January 2022 until announcing her resignation in April.

Principal 364
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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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8 ways to tackle your craziest, biggest goals

Inman

During the process of preparing for his first Ironman, ERA President Alex Vidal learned that, whether it's a personal or professional goal, aiming high and executing on a detailed plan of attack can help you achieve it.

Brokerage 145
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NAR board votes to leave dues unchanged in 2025

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) board of directors voted to leave member dues unchanged in 2025. The vote occurred Thursday during the final day of NAR’s midyear conference, the Realtors Legislative Meetings, according to Inman , which first reported the story. During the meeting, NAR’s board approved a recommendation from its finance committee to keep annual dues at $156 per person in 2025.

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EXp launches new coaching platform, eXp Elevate Coaching

Inman

EXp Realty's new coaching platform, eXp Elevate Coaching, features live and on-demand courses from the brokerage's top agents. The first round of classes starts in June.

Brokerage 152
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Investment property lender Kiavi closes $300M securitization 

Housing Wire

Kiavi , one of the nation’s largest private lenders for residential real estate investors , closed a $300 million unrated securitization of residential transition loans (RTLs), the company announced on Friday. The loans bundled in the securitization were mostly investment property loans used for fix-and-flip transactions. This securitization marked Kiavi’s 17th such transaction and elevated the company’s total issuance to more than $4.3 billion since it launched its securitization program in 201

Closing 346
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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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MoxiPresent is a flexible real estate storyteller: Tech Review

Inman

Proptech journalist Craig Rowe reviews MoxiPresent by MoxiWorks, a CMA builder and presentation marketing solution for the real estate industry.

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Better taps Chad Smith as new president and COO

Housing Wire

Holding company Better Home & Finance hired Chad Smith to be the president and chief operating officer of its mortgage business, it announced on Friday. Kevin Ryan, who previously held the position of president, will continue serving the company as chief financial officer. Before joining Better, industry veteran Smith was the CEO of Mission Loans from December 2020 to May 2024.

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Engel & Völkers Americas launches Real Estate Sentiment Index

Inman

The monthly index, for which the luxury firm began gathering data in March 2023, is based on roughly 250 responses collected each month from the firm's real estate professionals across the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico.

Brokerage 148
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Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales: CoStar is lying about being the No. 2 portal

Housing Wire

The so-called portal wars heated up this week, when Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales made comments about rival CoStar Group’s Homes.com during the MLS Forum at the National Association of Realtors ’ annual legislative meeting. In his remarks, Eales took issue with CoStar’s claims that Homes.com has surpassed Realtor.com as the second most-trafficked home search site, according to Inman , which first reported on Eales’ remarks.

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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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Midyear, settlements, changes: Inman’s Top 5 stories

Inman

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Brokerage 151
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Florida Is the Perfect Rent-to-Own Market—Should You Take Advantage?

Bigger Pockets

The Sunshine State offers the exact combination of factors that make this investment option attractive. Learn if rent-to-own investing is right for you.

Marketing 130
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Keller Williams hosts its 16th annual RED Day giveback initiative

Inman

Keller Williams hosted its latest RED Day, which challenges its 176,000 agents to give back to their communities. This year's day yielded "thousands" of projects.

Agents 124
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Pocket Listing Lawsuit Renews Attack on ‘Clear Cooperation,’ Ineffective Agents

RIS Media

A pocket listing startup suing the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is seeking to push forward with its claims that the Clear Cooperation policy violates antitrust laws, asserting that its business model addresses a “superfluity of ineffective agents” in a case with potential impacts beyond the NAR settlement. In a 17-page filing in a California… The post Pocket Listing Lawsuit Renews Attack on ‘Clear Cooperation,’ Ineffective Agents appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 118
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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.

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Multifamily developer sentiment slips during Q1

Inman

According to NAHB, multifamily developers are feeling less confident in the market for new builds as high interest rates lead to difficult lending conditions.

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Mortgage Mix: Rates Remain Above 7%, but Declined for the First Time in Months

RIS Media

Editor’s Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia’s weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. Per Freddie Mac, the latest average mortgage rates as of May 9 are 7.09% for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and 6.38% for the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. Compared to the previous week of May 3–the 30-year… The post Mortgage Mix: Rates Remain Above 7%, but Declined for the First Time in Months appeared first on RISMedia.

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Assumable mortgage platform Roam expands coverage area

Inman

With $3 million in new funding, Roam wants to help buyers "wind back the clock" on mortgage rates in markets nationwide by the end of the year.

Mortgages 147
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Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-May 2024

Calculated Risk Real Estate

This 2-part overview for mid-May provides a snapshot of the current housing market. I always like to start with inventory , since inventory usually tells the tale! And currently inventory is increasing year-over-year but is still well below pre-pandemic levels. New Listings for Existing Homes Up Year-over-year in March Here is a graph of new listing from Realtor.com’s April 2024 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report showing new listings were up 12.2% year-over-year in April.

Marketing 116
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Maximizing Your Online Presence: Tips for Real Estate Agents on Social Media

Speaker: Sarah Santa Ana, Real Estate Coach, Move4Free Realty

Networking is one of the crucial elements in every real estate organization's success. Both agents and real estate companies need to maintain robust networking links. This is why social media is essential for any real estate professional! Social media enables you to stay in touch with your present clients, maintain connections with your past clients, and engage potential customers and investors.

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Grant Cardone makes return to television with ‘Real Estate King’

Inman

The new series will follow Cardone as he evaluates real estate projects and decides whether or not to invest in them.

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In the Wake of Its Historic Settlement, HomeServices Issues Comprehensive Guidance to Agents on Rule Changes

RIS Media

In the wake of HomeServices of America’s $250 million historic class-action, commission-focused settlement, leadership within the national brokerage has provided affiliated operating companies and agents with an extensive breakdown of what comes next for them regarding rule changes and overall impact on transactions for sellers moving forward—something that seemingly hasn’t yet been done to this… The post In the Wake of Its Historic Settlement, HomeServices Issues Comprehensive Guidance to

Agents 110
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Man or bear? Viral TikTok trend shows it’s scary to be a woman

Inman

Would you rather come across a bear or a man you don't know in the woods? Rachael Hite unpacks the latest social media trend and what it says about agent safety.

Agents 109
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Multifamily Developer Confidence Declines in Q1 2024

RIS Media

Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in Q1 2024, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB stated that the MMS produces two separate indices: the Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 47, down three points year-over-year,… The post Multifamily Developer Confidence Declines in Q1 2024 appeared first on RISMedia.

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The 4 Most Impactful Actions to Take in Real Estate in 2024

Strategic real estate professionals know that the name of the game right now is to stay informed, adaptable, and ready to make confident decisions. In this free download, Inside Real Estate CEO, Joe Skousen, shares what he believes are the top 4 most impactful actions in real estate right now. We've been actively engaging with industry experts, analyzing data, and listening intently to the experiences of our agents on the ground.