Wed.Nov 16, 2022

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Mortgage buy downs on the rise as builders try to entice more buyers

Housing Wire

Homebuilder confidence continued to drop in November, hitting its lowest level since June 2012, with the exception of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) report, released Wednesday. In November, builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes fell five points from October , ending at 33 points — less than half the level it was six months ago.

Mortgages 545
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Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter

Keeping Current Matters

There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house.

Marketing 245
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UWM expands buydown options to combat high mortgage rates

Housing Wire

United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) this week expanded its temporary rate buydown offerings amid higher interest rates and fierce competition. The Pontiac, Michigan-based lender now has an option for borrowers to reduce their rates by 3% during the first year of the loan, compared to the maximum 2% previously offered. UWM is also launching a lender-paid version as an alternative to the sellers-paid product, the company announced on Wednesday.

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An “Ultra Violent Cult” Is Stealing Cars & Using Canadian Real Estate To Launder: FINTRAC

Better Dwelling

Canadian real estate, an “ultra violent cult,” money laundering, and Toronto’s stolen cars. Sounds like a spy thriller, but that’s reality in Canada, according to FINTRAC. In 2017, the financial intelligence agency assessed the money laundering threat of an organized crime group called Black Axe. The group infiltrated the government, conducts mass fraud, and runs […].

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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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NewRez adds temporary rate buydown options for non-QM borrowers

Housing Wire

Mortgage lender NewRez added the temporary rate buydown feature to its “Smart Series” non-QM products to leverage the growing group of non-traditional borrowers. Borrowers of non-QM mortgages now have an option to reduce their rates by 3% in the first year, 2% in the following year and 1% in the third year – called a 3-2-1 rate buydown, the firm said Wednesday.

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One Stop Real Estate Investment Software

GeekEstate

[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of the GEM. Today’s showcase: PropStream]. PropStream consolidates real estate data and tools for investors, agents, brokers, property managers, and other real estate professionals. Users gain access to nationwide property data sourced from county recordings, MLS records, and private data sources, resulting in over 160 million properties in America—including distressed and off-market properties.

MLS 122

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America’s Hottest Markets Right Now Are Also Affordable—but Come With a Chilling Catch

Realtor.com

Getty Images (3) To find the hottest real estate markets in America, head to the coldest parts of the country. The most desirable places for homebuyers today come with one bone-chilling caveat: Many of these hot spots lurk in the snowier Northeast and Midwest, according to a recent Realtor.com® report. And while some house hunters might not love colder weather, most are likely to appreciate the cooler home prices and lower cost of living in these areas.

Marketing 107
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How to Buy Land

Point2Homes

Owning your own plot of land is a dream come true for many of us. But, if you’re ready to make that dream a reality, you might be wondering exactly how to go about buying land. So let’s look at the key steps you’ll need to take to become a landowner. 1. Find a Plot of Land. Nowadays, you have many tools at your disposal, with a wealth of online listing services showcasing land for sale across the country.

Land 98
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What Grants are Available for First-Time Home Buyers?

Realty Biz

Did you know it takes over four years for the average household to save enough money for a 20% down payment on a home? At first glance, four years might not sound like a long time. But it all depends on how much you make, what kind of house you want, and how much you're able or willing to set aside. For many, the thought of saving for a down payment is daunting.

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7 Memes That Reveal What Real Estate Agents Are Secretly Thankful for on Thanksgiving

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect upon the things we’re most thankful for in life, like our friends, family, health, and (of course) the ridiculous amount of food we’re about to eat. But for real estate agents, it’s also the perfect time to reflect upon the things we appreciate about our career, since it’s one of the rare days we have some down time to do so!

Agents 94
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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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How Does a Mortgage Broker Get Paid?

Realty Biz

In the first half of 2022, Mortgage lenders gave out 2.7 million loans ! Are you considering becoming a part of this thriving industry as a mortgage broker? Becoming a mortgage broker can be one of the most exciting careers you can start. However, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you will get for doing this kind of work. After all, you don't want to start a career and be uncertain about whether or not it can support your basic needs.

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7 Mistakes Most People Make When Winterizing Their Yard

Realtor.com

Getty Images Temperatures are dropping fast, and it’s officially starting to feel like winter is coming, but what happens when yardwork beckons? If you’re a homeowner, it can be a real pain to bundle up, go outside, and prepare your lawn and garden for the frigid months ahead. But here’s the reality: If you don’t take care of certain yard maintenance tasks before temperatures fully plunge, you might face a mess of problems come springtime. “Not doing these things wi

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AgentPulse: “Date the rate; marry the house,” today’s advice to buyers

Real Trends

Today’s agents have had to shift messaging away from the price of the home to helping buyers find a home that has an affordable payment. “I am telling buyers, ‘Let’s find the home that still has an affordable payment. Rates will go back down, and then they do, you will be positioned to refinance,” said an Orlando, Florida-based Keller Williams sales associate, in RealTrends Q4 2022 AgentPulse survey.

MLS 89
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Credit Conditions for Builders and Developers Continue to Worsen

Eye on Housing

During the third quarter of 2022, credit continued to become less available and generally more costly on loans for Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) according to NAHB’s Survey on AD&C Financing. To analyze credit availability, responses from the NAHB survey are used to construct a net easing index, similar to the net easing index based on the Federal Reserve’s survey.

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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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Quick Hits!

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog. I don’t believe I’ve cracked 3,000 blog posts yet, but I’m close. In Major League Baseball, three thousand hits is what they call a “lock” for the Hall of Fame. I mean, unless you’re one of the steroid guys , like Rafael Palmeiro. And for those of you thinking Barry Bonds , he didn’t have 3,000 hits.

Banks 79
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Redecorating After Divorce: 7 Ways To Remake Your Home in Your Own Image

Realtor.com

Getty Images Was COVID-19 the last straw? Or had the issues been quietly simmering for a while? Whatever the reason, a subset of homeowners called it quits during and right after the pandemic—and now they’re facing a challenge: carving out a postdivorce space at home. “While I don’t like to concentrate on the negative reasons why some people need to redecorate, a change in partnership creates new needs and allows you to update your style and decor,” says Pamela O’Br

Design 79
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Keep It On File: Critical Rental Forms That All Landlords Need

Bigger Pockets

This article is presented by RentPrep. Read our editorial guidelines for more information. Keeping clear documentation is an essential part of your work as a landlord. With the correct paperwork, it will […].

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Automate your real estate prospecting without sounding like a robot

Real Trends

In the past decade, my career has been focused on building meaningful relationships with my prospects and clients. In my opinion, nothing beats a traditional handshake. But what happens when your sphere of influence is too large to personally connect with? What do you do when you have hundreds of leads— old and new — that need to be touched and reminded that you’re here to serve their needs?

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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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Landlord Tax Loopholes That’ll Help You Pay ZERO Taxes in 2022

Bigger Pockets

Non-investors hate real estate tax loopholes. It always seems like the wealthiest landlords, apartment owners, or short-term rental hosts walk away with not only massive income but little-to-no tax bills […].

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The Essential End-of-Year Checklist for Real Estate Agents

Agent Fire

Real estate agents only need these 8 steps to wrap up their year in business on the right note and set the pace for the next twelve months. The Essential End-of-Year Checklist for Real Estate Agents is just one of many great real estate strategies on The Spark.

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Inflation Jumped 7.7% in October 2022—How Is It Affecting Real Estate?

Mashvisor

Inflation went up slightly month-over-month in October 2022. It means inflation may be slowing down, but how does it affect investors?

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West Midwood Standalone With Mantels, Deco Baths, Garage Asks $1.499 Million

Brownstoner

For a buyer looking to put in a bit of work, this early 20th century standalone house has some period details, a generous amount of living space and a private driveway leading to a garage. The estate-condition property at 769 Argyle Road is in the Flatbush micro nabe of West Midwood,… Read More > The post West Midwood Standalone With Mantels, Deco Baths, Garage Asks $1.499 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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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Snag a Charming High-Rise in Downtown St. Louis for Just $1.4M

Realtor.com

MLS via Realtor.com A five-story building known as The Cosmopolitan sits right in the heart of downtown St. Louis. And for buyers in search of their very own historic high-rise, this one can be snapped up for $1.4 million. It was built around the turn of the 20th century for National Cash Register and later served as a showroom for Clark Peeper Furniture.

MLS 69
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4 Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace

RISMedia

By Lizzie Weakley You might already have a furnace installed in your home, and the thought of replacing it might not have really been on your mind yet. These are a few possible signs that it might be time for you to purchase a new furnace. Your Heater Hasn't Been Heating Properly You’re supposed to […]. The post 4 Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace appeared first on RISMedia's Housecall.

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Built in 1680, a Massachusetts Farmhouse Is the Week’s Oldest Property

Realtor.com

MLS via Realtor.com / Realtor.com A farmhouse in Haverhill, MA, built for the town founder is the oldest property to hit the market this week on Realtor.com®. The well-preserved property offers lots of updates. It also sits on 1.5 acres with two additional, buildable lots to construct the family compound most could only dream of. Other historic homes on the market this week include the New Jersey stone home of a former Revolutionary War soldier, a federal farmhouse in Pennsylvania, and a New Yor

Land 65
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Daily Links: Voice of Gowanus Continues Fight Against Rezoning, Requests Injunction

Brownstoner

In the News Family Feud Explodes Over Ownership of East Flatbush Building [Eagle] Installation at Prospect Park Bandshell Encourages Viewers to Look Inward [BP] Construction of Con Ed’s ‘Reliable Clean City’ Projects Under Way in Brooklyn [BP] Remains of Fallen WWII Soldier From Bed Stuy Make Journey Home [ABC] Gowanus 'Voice' Emerges With Murky Legal… Read More > The post Daily Links: Voice of Gowanus Continues Fight Against Rezoning, Requests Injunction appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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.

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This $2.2M Castle-Style Home Reigns Over Marietta, GA, Neighborhood

Realtor.com

MLS via Realtor.com At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Marietta, GA , sits a regal home with turrets. It’s a 13,714-square-foot, modern-era castle that really stands out in the area’s array of high-end homes. Built in 1995, the castle is listed for $2,195,000 and was a passion project for owners Clark and Terri Ullom. They knew they wanted to build something extraordinary and went searching for ideas, which they found on a driving trip through England and Scotland.

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Motivated Sellers Only

BubbleInfo

There are three types of sellers: Sure I’m motivated… if I get my price. I’ll sell for what the market will bear. Desperate. Unless the home is a real trophy property, this isn’t the market that tolerates aspirational sellers. For those who will only sell if they get their price – you should wait this out… and […].

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Nicole Curtis of ‘Rehab Addict’ Shares Renovation Struggles With Her Own Home—and What She May Regret

Realtor.com

HGTV Nicole Curtis , best known as the star of HGTV’s “ Rehab Addict ,” now has a spinoff show, “Rehab Addict: Lake House Rescue,” where she renovates her own personal passion project. The backstory: Curtis had bought this lake house in her hometown of Lake Orion, MI, because it was slated to be torn down. “I saved this little lake cottage from demolition eight years ago,” she explains.

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Hygge Design and Decor: The Secrets to Creating a Happy Home

Redfin

This guide will show you everything you need to know to create a cozy, inviting, and stress-free home. Choosing the right furniture and decor and creating a snug ambiance can transform your interior into a tranquil and warm setting perfect for living the hygge life. . So whether you’re renting a house in Santa Clarita, CA , or purchasing a home in Bakersfield, CA , get started now and enjoy the benefits of a hygge lifestyle all winter long. .

Design 63
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Real Estate Solutions: How to Crush Your Sales Goals and Fuel Your Pipeline

Speaker: Mary Maloney, Founder & Team Leader at Hometown Realty

The sales cycle in real estate is frequently measured at 3+ months. During this time, real estate agents frequently lose contact with clients and miss out on opportunities because they fail to follow up and provide value to the client. Top real estate agents are distinguished from developing agents by their ability to convert organic connections into sales opportunities.