Wed.Dec 09, 2020

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HW Media acquires REAL Trends to combine two of real estate’s most powerful media outlets

Housing Wire

HW Media, publisher of HousingWire, FinLedger, and producer of Engage Events, today announced it has closed on the strategic acquisition of REAL Trends, the residential real estate industry’s leading report that ranks the performance of the top U.S. brokerage firms. REAL Trends will continue to publish the REAL Trends 500, The Thousand, and Website Rankings reports on an annual basis, as well as produce the Gathering of Eagles and DealMAKERS events.

Branding 537
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Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory?

Keeping Current Matters

Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. Here are the latest 2020 appreciation numbers from three reliable sources: FHFA : 7.8%.

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Why 28% of mortgage applicants never close the loan

Housing Wire

Lonnie Glessner isn’t normally one to turn down business. But with origination volume expected to exceed $3.4 trillion this year, stretching the capacity limits of lenders and everyone else in the housing ecosystem, some mortgage applicants simply haven’t been worth his while. “I have a refinance client in California and they own a geodesic dome home,” said Glessner, a senior loan officer at Draper & Kramer Mortgage in Englewood, Colorado. “They are nearly impossible to finance, thus n

Loans 502
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Kenny Rogers’ Former Home Tops the 10 Largest Homes To Hit the Market This Week

Realtor.com

realtor.com In 2020, the ultimate real estate luxury is space. In honor of that must-have amenity, we’re peering inside the most spacious homes to hit the market this week on realtor.com®. What we found was an over-the-top, multimillion-dollar collection of homes with plenty of space to spread out—topped with a touch of country music royalty. This week’s largest home was owned by none other than the Gambler himself, the late Kenny Rogers.

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3 Real Estate Office Hacks to Help Kickstart the Busy Season

Ready to better your Back Office? Dive into the secrets to a powerhouse back office with Brokermint expert, Jessica Souza. In this free download, she shares her 3 transformative hacks designed to clean house, get everyone on the same page, and set yourself up for success. From optimizing agent profiles to ensuring flawless transactions and boosting agent retention, these strategies are your ticket to a seamless operation.

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2021 housing market forecast: What will fuel home sales?

Housing Wire

Even as the pandemic nears its end, its impact on the way we work and live will in many ways be permanent, and Americans will migrate to homes that fit their new lifestyles. We already saw much of this movement in 2020, as home sales surged over 20% this fall, but many homeowners were nervous about listing during the pandemic and will be ready to sell in droves next year.

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Real Estate Tech Demo Day: Keller Williams

Housing Wire

Command. Command is a smart CRM-plus suite of apps hosted on the Keller Cloud. Command was developed in partnership with real estate agents within KW Labs, the innovation hub of Keller Williams, the world’s largest real estate technology franchise by agent count. Command has 143,104 active users, as of September 30. #1. Command, a smart CRM-plus suite of apps hosted on the Keller Cloud, now has 143,104 active users, as of September 30. #2.

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Mortgage and refinance rates today, December 9, 2020

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates edged lower again yesterday, bringing another fresh all-time low. And conventional loans started out this morning at 3.063% (3.063% APR) for a […].

Mortgages 120
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CFPB issues consent order against Washington Federal for HMDA reporting violations

Housing Wire

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a consent order against Washington Federal Bank in October for Regulation C and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act violations. The bank will pay a $200,000 fine for reporting inaccurate HMDA data in 2016 and 2017 — with error rates up to 40% in some cases, according to the CFPB. The settlement also orders Washington Federal to “develop and implement an effective compliance-management system to prevent future violations,” per the CFPB. “

Banks 370
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This 1970s Time Capsule in Indiana Has Shag Carpeting Everywhere—Even the Kitchen

Realtor.com

realtor.com A 1970s time-capsule house with endless shades of shag carpet has gone viral with folks who follow off-the-wall homes. It’s also received a slew of offers in less than a week on the market. The throwback residence on Parkland Drive in Fort Wayne, IN, was built in 1975, and little has changed over the decades since. After it was shared across social networks over the weekend, we’ve seen the property snag hundreds of thousands of views in less than a week.

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Need Curated Pre-foreclosure Lists to Generate New Real Estate Leads? Trellis Has the Data!

Trellis is a state trial court research and analytics platform that provides Real Estate Professionals (Buyers, Foreclosure, Loan Modification, etc.) with LEADS on Pre-Foreclosures, Lis Pendes, Distressed Assets and more — to help uncover **new** opportunities and grow their business. The process is quick and easy — and all in real time. Trellis will supply you with a link to the relevant dockets, a Leads sheet and access to its UI where applicable.

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Supreme Court hears arguments on FHFA structure

Housing Wire

The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over whether it should find the structure of the Federal Housing Finance Agency unconstitutional and void an agreement it struck with the Treasury Department over revenue from the companies it oversees, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The plaintiffs in the case, Collins v. Mnuchin , have raised a $124 billion claim against the federal government, essentially arguing that the FHFA, which was created in the wake of the 2008 housing crash, acted illegally whe

Finance 403
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Social media influencers are being paid to promote real estate

Realty Biz

Some real estate agents have had the novel idea of partnering with social media influencers in order to get younger, first-time buyers checking out their listings. A story in Bloomberg last week revealed that agents are turning to social media influencers to sell the idea of a better lifestyle, with Instagram posts or YouTube videos featuring some of their listings to help prospective buyers picture themselves living there.

Agents 113
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Mortgage applications drop for second straight week

Housing Wire

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that applications decreased 1.2% during the week ending Dec. 4 in its latest weekly survey — the second straight week of application decreases. The refinance index and the unadjusted purchase index did increase, however, jumping 2% and 29% respectively from the previous week. The refinance index is up 89% from the previous year, according to Joel Kan, MBA’s associate vice president of industry and economic forecasting.

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Engel & Völkers Expands Into Mendocino, CA

Realty Biz

Paul Benson, license partner and owner of more than 30 of the global real estate franchise’s shop locations, broadens brand’s footprint with newest shop opening in California. Engel & Völkers today announced its newest real estate shop location opening in Mendocino, CA under the leadership of license partner Paul Benson, general manager Mike Muters, broker Scott Brackett and shop managers Gayle and Jerry Boren.

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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 one lender is putting the focus back on people and relationships

Housing Wire

HousingWire recently chatted with Homepoint Chief Experience Officer Ginger Wilcox about the company’s rebrand and hiring surge in the middle of a global pandemic. Wilcox explains how Homepoint is redefining the home buying and homeownership experience moving forward. HousingWire: Ginger, it’s quite the turnaround to join a company and architect a massive company rebrand within your first 10 months on the job.

Loans 367
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Nightly Snowfall Throughout December

Waterfront Properties

Throughout the month of December, Rosemary Square, formally CityPlace, in West Palm Beach hosts daily holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy. Every night the outdoor shopping and lifestyle center hosts a Nightly Snowfall and Lightshow event to bring a little snow and holiday cheer to South Florida. The Nightly Snowfall and The Wishing Tree Lightshow kicked off the holiday season in November and will continue every night throughout the month of December.

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LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Selects RESAAS to Power Referrals to All Members

RIS Media

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance recently announced it has selected RESAAS to house its member referral business and lead optimization services across North America. Founded in June 2020, the Alliance is an all-inclusive organization dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ+ community on the path to homeownership. The Alliance has more than 50 chapters in the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Jonathan Dickinson State Park | Waterfront Properties

Waterfront Properties

Just a few minutes from Jupiter, close to 11,500 acres of unspoiled Florida landscape called Jonathan Dickinson State Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with a wide array of activities to reunite you with nature. For those who want to get some physical activity and see the park at the same time, canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals are available. If you prefer a more comfortable view, guided tour options by boat, canoe, horseback, and buggy are available as well.

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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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Living Space and Work-from-Home Appeal in the World’s 50 Most Famous Cities

Point2Homes

Working from home and more flexibility was the ideal scenario everyone had dreamed of prior to the pandemic. But working from the kitchen table during lockdown and the flexibility to help their homeschooled children with homework during lunch or after dinner, is the reality everyone got. In 2020, our homes went from being a safe haven to becoming a crammed cubicle away from the office and, practically overnight, space became the most precious commodity.

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5 Times Landlords Are Willing To Renovate Your Apartment—and Even Pay for It

Realtor.com

Highwaystarz-Photography / Getty Images Renters often bemoan the fact that they’re not allowed to renovate their space. They assume their landlord would never splurge on fancy upgrades like a new sink or washer and dryer—or if they do, they’d wait until the current tenant moves out. But is this true? Based on the landlords and real estate experts we talked to, we found that under certain circumstances, landlords are actually happy to renovate—and to foot the bill.

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2021 Conforming loan limits range from $548K to over $1 million

The Mortgage Report

Conforming loan limits for 2021 rose more than 7% across the United States. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loans now go up to $548K in most counties.

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Crye-Leike Relocation Services Receives Awards for Quality Relocation and Customer Services

RIS Media

Crye-Leike Relocation Services, a core service of Crye-Leike Real Estate, has recently earned high-end industry awards from Aires, a global relocation management company, and SIRVA Worldwide Relocation and Moving, a global moving and relocation services company. Aires recently presented Crye-Leike Relocation Services with the 2020 Circle of Excellence award.

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Rise of The Apps: Building Your Dream Tech Stack For Real Estate Success

Speaker: Trey Willard, Realtor/Team Leader at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

In order to create continued success in today’s real estate market, realtors need to utilize an arsenal of technology that will increase their efficiency and presence on social media. Using technology to manage your prospects and tap into their needs through websites, social media, and other channels is critical for real estate success in 2022 and beyond.

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Events in Southern California | December 2020

First Team Real Estate

While the usual holiday events and get-togethers aren’t possible this year due to coronavirus, there are several festive events in Southern California this December 2020 that can be enjoyed safely. From LA to San Diego, here are all of the boat parades, holiday drive-through experiences, and more to get you into the holiday spirit this year! *Due to these unusual times, events are subject to change.

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United Real Estate Merges With Benchmark Realty, Announces Goal of Creating $1 Billion in Transaction Efficiencies by 2025

RIS Media

United Real Estate , a division of United Real Estate Group, announced its merger with Benchmark Realty, LLC on Wednesday. Operating out of seven Greater Nashville locations with 1,300 agents and $3.2 billion in total annual sales, Benchmark is the largest independent real estate brokerage in the Middle Tennessee region. Both companies operate tech-enabled, next-generation real estate brokerages with 100-percent/fee-based agent commission models.

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Charges Filed Against Midwood Attorney for Alleged Deed Fraud

Brownstoner

The Brooklyn District Attorney announced charges on Monday against a Midwood lawyer who allegedly stole the deeds to eight homes throughout the borough, totaling nearly $8 million in ill-gotten property. According to prosecutors, Sanford Solny, whose license to practice law was suspended in 2012, targeted seven homeowners whose properties were… Read More > The post Charges Filed Against Midwood Attorney for Alleged Deed Fraud appeared first on Brownstoner.

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Goldman Sachs Eyeing Palm Beach County For Major Move

Waterfront Properties

Finance titan Goldman Sachs is on the move and Palm Beach County could very well be its final destination. It has been widely reported that Goldman Sachs will be moving an $8 billion dollar division of its company to the sunshine state. The report comes after many major companies have fled the high taxes and clustered New York City work places, many of which have since set up in South Florida.

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5 Data Proven Ways Agents Can Do 18% More Business

Curious as to how you could do 18% more business? How about 14 more transaction sides per year? Check out this infographic with data from a RealTrends study to learn more.