Fri.Jan 14, 2022

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CEO Matt Widdows pushes HomeSmart toward IPO

Housing Wire

HomeSmart is a growing real estate brokerage that may go public, but the company faces questions about its business model and the compensation of founder and CEO Matt Widdows. Founded in 2000, Scottsdale, Arizona-based HomeSmart is the seventh largest brokerage in the country by transaction sides, or how many times a HomeSmart agent represented the buyer or seller in a deal, according to RealTrends.

Brokerage 421
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Canadian Cities Have Seen Up To 90% of New Real Estate Supply Scooped By Investors

Better Dwelling

Canadian real estate is being scooped up by investors with excessively cheap credit. Ownership data for residential real estate across four regions show a significant share owned by investors in 2020. What’s most impressive is how fast this trend must have accelerated. Cities have seen up to 90% of recently completed homes go to investors, […].

Investor 145
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Agents scramble to meet demand…in Rochester?

Housing Wire

Rochester, New York. On Saturday, high temperatures in Rochester, New York, will plummet to a frigid eight degrees Fahrenheit and the city has already seen over 18 inches of snow since the start of the year. . That’s standard for Rochester, a city on the banks of Lake Ontario that quickly grew after the American Revolution and gave birth to Eastman Kodak and Xerox , but whose population has tumbled from around 350,000 in the mid-20th century to just over 200,000 today.

Agents 421
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Building Materials Prices Increase 1.5% in December, Lumber Volatility at 75-Year High

Eye on Housing

The prices of goods used in residential construction ex-energy climbed 1.5% in December (not seasonally adjusted), according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index was driven higher by large price increases for wood products. Building materials prices increased 15.9% in 2021 and have risen 18.6% since December 2020.

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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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Wells Fargo reports lower GOS and origination volume in Q4

Housing Wire

Wells Fargo originated $48.1 billion worth of mortgages in the fourth quarter, down from $51.9 billion in the previous quarter. The bank’s mortgage lending gain on sale margin — the earnings stemming from its originations — tumbled from 204.5 basis points in the third quarter of 2021 to 162.16 basis points in the fourth quarter. A year ago this time, Wells Fargo’s gain on sale margin was 215.96.

Lending 389
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The Irresistible Charm of a Cozy Kitchen: The Top 5 Instagram Looks To Steal This Week

Realtor.com

Photos via Instagram by sharonrembaumdesign / lawsonfenning / thewelldressedhouse. If you’ve been bit by the dreamy hibernation bug recently—well, you’re not alone. There’s just something about this time of year that makes many of us want to stay inside and luxuriate in the comforts of home. That craving for snugness makes January the ideal time to tackle some fun interior design projects that will add loads of charm to your kitchen, the hygge heart of every home.

Design 119

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Brooklyn NYCHA Tenants Continue to Face Heat Outages After Private Management Takeover

Brownstoner

The New York City Housing Authority converted several Brooklyn properties to private management late last year, but tenants say they have not yet gotten a reprieve from the myriad issues endemic to NYCHA, while they also face new problems often seen in privately managed buildings. East New York’s Linden Houses is… Read More > The post Brooklyn NYCHA Tenants Continue to Face Heat Outages After Private Management Takeover appeared first on Brownstoner.

Marketing 105
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Lunch & Learn : The Role of Appraisers in the Future of Valuation

Housing Wire

Hosted by Accurate Group. Collateral valuation is a critical component of mortgage lending and the home sales process. During the course of the pandemic, mortgage professionals have seen origination volumes for refi and purchase skyrocket as they have simultaneously faced challenges of accessing properties and completing in-person inspections. The appraisal process is ripe for change, and we’ve seen an acceleration of innovation in the last two years.

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Heavy Demand, 2022

BubbleInfo

To demonstrate the imbalance between the supply and demand, look at the view counts of our new listing on the two search portals in the first 33 hours on the open market: Views: 3,051 Saves/Favorites: 171 I received three phone calls from agents letting me know that they have interested buyers and will be attending […].

Agents 105
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Non-QM lenders hunt for LOs as consumer-direct model falters

Housing Wire

While layoffs sweep the mortgage industry, particularly consumer-direct lenders, non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) lenders are going on a hiring spree. Non-QM lenders Angel Oak Mortgage , Acra Lending and Newfi alone currently have at least 130 openings on jobs listings sites. According to Evan Kidwell, chief operating officer at Griffin Funding , a consumer-direct lender that launched non-QM operations in November 2020, the company is willing to hire newbie LOs and processors and give them on-the

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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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Luxury Real Estate Pros Reveal Marketing Secrets Used to Sell Miami Beach Property for a Record-Setting $75 Million

RIS Media

After just four months on the market, a property on Star Island—a neighborhood in Miami Beach, Florida—sold for $75,000,000. At press time, that number set a record as the most expensive sale in the history of Miami real estate. The waterfront mansion, located at 8 Star Island Drive, sits on nearly two acres of land on the ultra-exclusive Star Island, a man-made island connected by a causeway.

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Daily Links: Greenpoint Post Office Closes Over Staffing Issues

Brownstoner

In the News These Lucky Artists Live Rent Free in a $6 Million Bed Stuy Mansion [NYP] Brooklyn Duo Collaborate on New Independent Film [Eagle] Bed Stuy’s Playground Coffee Asks Neighbors for Help Staying Open [BK Reader] Flatbush Homeowner Fights Allegedly ‘Predatory’ Emigrant Bank [BK Reader] What's Going on at the Post Office on Meserole… Read More > The post Daily Links: Greenpoint Post Office Closes Over Staffing Issues appeared first on Brownstoner.

Closing 98
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Should You Install Board and Batten Siding on Your House?

RIS Media

Board and batten siding consists of large boards and narrow strips of wood that are known as battens. Boards and battens are alternated to give a house a layered, rustic appearance. Boards can be installed vertically, horizontally or both, depending on the house’s design and the owner’s preference. Attractive, Durable and Long-Lasting Siding. If you want to make a good impression on your guests and neighbors, board and batten siding is an excellent choice.

Design 98
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A Boerum Hill Italianate With Wide Plank Floors and One More to See, Starting at $2.895 Million

Brownstoner

Our picks for open houses to check out this chilly weekend are found in Boerum Hill and Bed Stuy. They range in price from $2.895 million to $3.495 million. While it's lost a few original details, enough remain to lend this circa 1860s-1870s Boerum Hill row house a simple yet elegant… Read More > The post A Boerum Hill Italianate With Wide Plank Floors and One More to See, Starting at $2.895 Million appeared first on Brownstoner.

Lending 98
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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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Should You Hire an Attorney to Help You With a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

RIS Media

If you file a claim with your homeowners insurance company, you want to get an amount that will cover the cost to make repairs and replace damaged belongings. Your insurance company wants to maximize its profits and pay out as little as possible. If you don’t receive the amount you believe you deserve, hiring an attorney is one option. Why Your Claim May be Denied.

As-is 98
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Reasons Why Aspen Real Estate Is an Excellent Investment

Realty Biz

Having a vacation rental home (or several units) in Aspen is an excellent investment. This is a popular luxury resort destination with activities for all four seasons. There is much to do and enjoy in this mountain paradise all year round, from the fantastic skiing in winter to the hiking, biking, golf, and fishing in summer. The housing market is chilly as of December.

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Adwerx Introduces Motion™ Ads to Boost Engagement for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network Members

RIS Media

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) launched Automated Advertising powered by Adwerx to the franchise system’s nationwide network of over 50,000 real estate agents in May 2019. Since the initial launch, the company and its network members experienced tremendous financial return, with both new network agents and top producers winning more listings as a direct result, according to the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices leadership team.

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Everything You Need to Know about Asbestos in the Home

Point2Homes

Image: robert coolen / Shutterstock.com. The thought of having asbestos in the home can worry anyone. But is it as bad as it’s made out to be? Before you panic, it’s worth knowing a little more. So with that in mind, read on to find out what it is, how to identify it, and if you should be worried about it or not. What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral made out of thin, hair-like fibers.

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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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Experts Address Inflation Fears During RISMedia Panel

RIS Media

An ongoing and historic rise in inflation has shaken not just the real estate industry, but has affected nearly every business and consumer across the country. With December’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) topping 7% year-over-year —the largest increase since 1982—real estate professionals are asking just how profound the impacts will be on their clients and markets.

Agents 98
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Survivalist Prepping in Luxury: Post Malone’s $3 Million Utah Compound Doubles As a Doomsday Bunker

Fancy Pants Homes

After reaching stardom , Post Malone lived in a posh Beverly Hills mansion worth $26 million In 2015 , the Rockstar singer bought a secluded ranch in Northern Utah The music artist left Los Angeles in 2019 and moved into his 6.75-acre compound set just outside of Salt Lake City Malone’s Utah house is ready for whatever the future might bring, doubling as an apocalypse shelter.

MLS 97
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Why Dramatically Cutting Calories to Lose Weight May Backfire

RIS Media

If you want to lose weight, you may think that slashing the number of calories you eat is the way to go. That approach can backfire and can even cause harm. Your body needs a minimum number of calories every day to perform essential functions and give you the energy needed to work, exercise, and perform other activities. The exact number of calories you need depends on several factors, including your gender, size, age, and activity level. .

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week of January 2022

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Catania, Italy | Danila Addario, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. The stunning property, known as the castle of the Pennisi Family of Floristella, spans a whopping 43,055 square feet and is truly fit for (Hollywood) royalty. The history of the grand estate dates back to the end of the 19th century when Baron Pennisi tapped Palermo architect Giuseppe Matricolo to build a villa fo

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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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What Is a Rent-Back Agreement?

RIS Media

Sometimes a buyer and seller are ready to move forward with a transaction, but the seller would like to stay in the house a little longer for some reason. Under those circumstances, a rent-back agreement can be advantageous for both parties. How a Rent-Back Agreement Works. A rent-back agreement allows the seller to continue to live in the house for a period of time after closing.

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Rotten Wood Makes for a Major Snag in Rehab of 1970s Shag House

Realtor.com

Realtor.com The shag is gone—but the ’70s vibe remains. When we last checked in with Alysha and Nate Jackson six months ago , demolition was underway at the 1970s time capsule home they had bought in Fort Wayne, IN. To jog your memory, there was colorful shag carpet everywhere when they bought the place—even in the kitchen and bathrooms. Fans of over-the-top color schemes may have been mourning, but there were practical reasons for its removal.

Design 95
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Illustrated Properties Names Daniel Dennis New President of Keyes Company

RIS Media

Illustrated Properties, a member of The Keyes Family of Companies, has announced Daniel Dennis as the firm’s new president. The industry veteran is relocating from Mobile, Alabama, where he served as CEO of South Alabama’s largest real estate firm for more than a decade. As Illustrated’s President, Dennis is responsible for the firm’s strategic planning and operations.

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Justin Timberlake Made an Insane Profit on His NYC Penthouse, and This Picture Explains Why

Realtor.com

Getty Images / Realtor.com Justin Timberlake is likely feeling the lyrics to his hit tune “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” these days, particularly the part that goes, “‘Cause I got that sunshine in my pocket.” But in Timberlake’s case, his pocket’s filled with an extra $9 million, thanks to the recent sale of his New York City penthouse. .

Land 92
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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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Headliners Week of 1/10 – 1/15

RIS Media

Catch Up on This Week's Biggest Stories. [link]. RISMedia Blog and Social Media Editor Jameson Doris delivers this week's Headliners, a video recap of the week's top stories in real estate. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter. Read This Week's Top Stories. Luxury Real Estate Pros Reveal Marketing Secrets Used to Sell Miami Beach Property for a Record-Setting $75 Million.

MLS 98
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America’s Housing Market Is In the Grip of an Inflation Storm

Realtor.com

Getty Images. Housing is the largest expense for many Americans. And it’s taking a bigger bite out of people’s wallets, as far as the Consumer Price Index is concerned. The shelter component of the inflation barometer increased 0.4% between November and December, down slightly from a 0.5% uptick the prior month. Nevertheless, annual growth set records.

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If You Lose Power, Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Food That Goes Bad?

RIS Media

If you lose electricity and it takes several hours or days for power to be restored, food in your refrigerator and freezer can spoil. Your homeowners insurance company may or may not compensate you for your loss, depending on the specific circumstances. The Source of the Power Outage Is a Key Factor. If you lose power because of a covered peril, such as a storm, you will most likely be able to file a claim for spoiled food.

Land 97
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Mortgage and refinance rates today, Jan. 14, 2022

The Mortgage Report

Today’s mortgage and refinance rates Average mortgage rates moved moderately higher yesterday after two days of falls. They haven’t yet reached their recent high, but they’re not far off. However, […].

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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.