Wed.Aug 24, 2022

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Why Today’s Housing Inventory Proves the Market Isn’t Headed for a Crash

Keeping Current Matters

Whether or not you owned a home in 2008, you likely remember the housing crash that took place back then.

Marketing 252
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Homepoint cuts rates by 75 bps for low-income borrowers

Housing Wire

Homepoint has launched a new program to reduce rates for borrowers with lower income, the wholesale lender announced Wednesday. The initiative comes after the company reported a loss in the second quarter of 2022 amid a price war, mainly from its wholesale-only rival United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM). . Homepoint is offering a 75 basis point pricing bonus for conforming conventional loans, with no additional cost to borrowers.

Loans 418
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The Cons of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Realty Biz

Over the last few years it has been an extreme seller’s market characterized by low inventory and rising home prices. Home sellers have been in the drivers seat. Most homes listed for sale have experienced bidding wars with sales prices ending up far over the asking price. It has been the ultimate nirvana for home sellers. Not so much for home buyers who have seen their dream home become more and more expensive.

Mortgages 118
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Tomo launches solution for the dreaded appraisal gap

Housing Wire

For the past two years appraisal gap clauses have been de rigueur in many markets , much to the disdain of frustrated homebuyers. Mortgage startup Tomo feels, however, that it has a solution. On Wednesday, the firm launched Tomo Appraisal Coverage. Tomo says its appraisal coverage product protects home buyers from having to bring more cash to the close when appraisals come in low, with the same APR, cash-to-close and monthly payment guaranteed.

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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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Slight Uptick for Missing Middle?

Eye on Housing

The missing middle construction sector includes development of medium-density housing, including townhouses, duplexes and other small multifamily properties. While townhouse construction has trended higher in recent quarters, the multifamily segment of the missing middle (apartments in 2 to 4 unit properties) has disappointed. For 2021, there were only 12,000 starts of such residences.

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UWM enters the HELOC space

Housing Wire

Top wholesale lender United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) is the latest originator to join the resurgent home-equity lines of credit (HELOC) market. The Pontiac, Michigan-based lender has started to offer standalone and piggyback options, as fast-rising home values allow homeowners to tap the equity in their houses to pay debts, expenses or investments. .

More Trending

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SoftPro integrates with Doma

Housing Wire

Title and closing software provider SoftPro has released a new integration with Doma Title Insurance, Inc. , the firm announced Wednesday. Through the integration , Doma agents who are customers of SoftPro can now issue closing protection letters, as well as commitment and policy jackets within their title insurance software. SoftPro says that this eliminates the need to leave the platform and the reentering of data.

Title 396
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Selling to Florida Cash Home Buyers: Tips from Experts

HomeLight

Disclaimer: A friendly reminder, information in this blog post is meant to be used for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional tax or legal advice. If you need help navigating the intricacies of selling your home in the state of Florida or elsewhere, HomeLight always encourages you to reach out to your own independent advisor. .

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Mortgage apps continue downward trend

Housing Wire

Demand for mortgage loans continued to decline last week, remaining at the lowest level in two decades, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The market composite index , a measure of mortgage loan application volume, fell 1.2% for the week ending Aug. 19, compared to the previous week. It was also down 63% compared to the same week in 2021.

Mortgages 370
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How Many Rental Listings Are Going Over The Asking Price?

Toronto Realty Blog

TorontoRealtyBlog. The rental market doesn’t get a lot of attention. Or at least historically, it hasn’t. Who cares about rentals, right? Tell us about bidding wars, bully offers, and 30% annualized price appreciation! Only through the last few months has the mainstream media taken notice of the red-hot rental market, and I figure: it’s about time.

Marketing 111
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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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3 HW Annual panels to reignite your passion for the housing industry

Housing Wire

It has been a nonstop year for the housing industry. From sky-high home prices to fluctuating mortgage rates and staffing changes, it is no wonder that Realtors, loan officers and other industry professionals are feeling burnt out. Not to worry, there are panels at HW Annual to re-ignite your passion for the housing industry and help you improve your work-life balance, or should we say work-life harmony, to avoid burnout. . 1.

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Selling a House ‘As Is’ in Connecticut

HomeLight

Looking to sell a house “as is” in Connecticut? Whether you’ve got a fixer-upper or recently inherited a relative’s home, sometimes the goal is to skip repairs, get a fair offer, and move on. According to Todd Auslander , who completes 27% more sales than the average Stamford, Connecticut agent, selling a house ‘as is’ in Connecticut is mostly done when the owner inherits the house, lives out of state, or the house is in really bad condition.

As-is 111
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Video of the Week: An Iconic Estate in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

Sotheby's International Real Estate

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week. ??. San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico | Marco Ehrenberg, Los Cabos Sotheby’s International Realty. Cielito del Mar is an iconic, two-acre estate nestled into the rocks of Chileno Bay Cove. Designed by famed mid-twentieth-century architect Cliff May, it is the last remaining original Chileno Bay home from Baja’s Golden Age.

Design 111
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6 Phrases to Help Your Sellers Price Their Home Correctly

HomeLight

Ever heard the saying “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”? In today’s changing real estate market, that phrase rings true more than ever. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, existing home sales sagged for the sixth straight month in July, and all four major U.S. regions recorded month-over-month and year-over-year sales declines.

Agents 111
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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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Pending home sales (contracts signed) fall 19.9% versus last year

The American Genius for Real Estate

Pending home sales fell monthly in all regions but the West, and fell annually by double digits across the nation. What's next for housing? The post Pending home sales (contracts signed) fall 19.9% versus last year appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

Sales 105
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How to Convince a Seller It’s Time for a Price Reduction

HomeLight

You’ve educated your sellers about the market conditions, agreed on a price, and still, no offers on their home. Any agent knows that means that it’s time for a price adjustment and one of those not-so-cozy conversations. There are six essential phrases you can use during the pricing conversation to help a seller set the right price when listing their home for sale.

Agents 110
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If Your Buyer Makes Home Inspection Requests, You Might Not Want to Say No Right Now

Lighter Side of Real Estate

It’s an industry joke that some buyers request the seller to repair even the most minor issue found on a home inspection, like a leaky faucet for example. But over the past couple of years, most sellers could list their house and it would quickly sell for over asking price — and buyers would often waive the home inspection — so sellers wouldn’t have to worry about that at all.

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5 of the Top We Buy Houses For Cash Companies in New Jersey

HomeLight

Disclaimer : This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of companies in this post do not constitute an endorsement. Individual program details can also frequently change — please visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date- information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more.

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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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How to Set Up a Smart Home Gym at home

Realty Biz

Going to a public gym has become unpopular in the past couple of years due to the impact of COVID-19 and related restrictions. If in 2019, the market size of the gym, health, and fitness club industry in the United States was $39.9 billion, in 2021, it decreased to $35.3 billion. However, Statista predicts that the market will recover in 2022, reaching $36.6 billion by the end of the year. .

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5 of the Top We Buy Houses For Cash Companies in Virginia

HomeLight

Disclaimer : This post is meant to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Links and mentions of companies in this post do not constitute an endorsement. Individual program details can also frequently change — please visit a company’s website for the most up-to-date information on each program’s fees, market coverage, business model, and more.

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Contract signings may have bottomed out in July

Real Trends

Pending home sales dropped for the second consecutive month in July, recording a 1.0% month-over-month decrease resulting in an index reading of 89.9, according to data released Wednesday by the National Association of Realtors. In May , the index rose slightly to 99.9, but it dropped 8% in June to 90.7. The Pending Home Sales Index has declined for eight out of the past nine months.

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Home affordability falls to lowest point in 33 years

Realty Biz

Mortgage repayments have risen by an average of 54% compared to the previous year, according to the National Association of Realtor’s June Housing Affordability Index. Meanwhile, household incomes have only increased by 5.8% over the same period. What that means is that housing affordability is now at its weakest level in 33 years, the NAR says. Median home prices have risen to a record-breaking $413,800, a pace that “far exceeds wage gains, especially for low- and middle-income workers,” said N

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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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Flooring Alternatives for That ‘Hardwood Look’ on a Budget

RISMedia

By Meghan Belnap Innovation in construction materials means there are a number of flooring alternatives that can give your home the hardwood look without the high price tag. Laminate and engineered wood are two popular choices that offer the beauty of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Let's take a look at some of […]. The post Flooring Alternatives for That ‘Hardwood Look’ on a Budget appeared first on RISMedia's Housecall.

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Get Ready for Spring With the 21st Annual Daffodil Project

Brownstoner

It might feel a bit early to be thinking of spring flowers, but if you want to beautify your neighborhood with bright blooms you can sign up now for free bulbs or some volunteer hours through the Daffodil Project. Begun in 2001, the more than nine million daffodils distributed through… Read More > The post Get Ready for Spring With the 21st Annual Daffodil Project appeared first on Brownstoner.

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NAHB Publishes Most Affordable Housing Markets in the US for Q2 2022

Mashvisor

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently published its list of the most affordable housing markets in the US for the second quarter of 2022.

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Roomy Prospect Heights Studio With Dressing Area, Renovated Kitchen Asks $549K

Brownstoner

With a layout that includes a sleeping alcove, dressing area and a foyer large enough for dining, this Prospect Heights co-op offers a generous amount of space for a studio. It is on the first floor of 230 Park Place in the Prospect Heights Historic District. When pitching the building to… Read More > The post Roomy Prospect Heights Studio With Dressing Area, Renovated Kitchen Asks $549K appeared first on Brownstoner.

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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 to craft a clever CTA that catches everyone’s eye

The American Genius for Real Estate

Realtors could always use a clever call to action (CTA) in their marketing. Use these tips on how to craft one perfect for your brand. The post How to craft a clever CTA that catches everyone’s eye appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

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How to Style Mismatched Bedroom Furniture to Create a Room That’s Uniquely Yours

Redfin

Creating a bedroom sanctuary doesn’t have to be expensive or require matching furniture sets. Make use of what you have and up-cycle your furniture, or check out your local thrift store for budget-friendly furniture styles. There’s no right way to style your bedroom, and if you find yourself with mismatched furniture, we’re here to help make it work.

Design 59
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Inventory Shortage To Get Worse?

BubbleInfo

Buyers who worry that their money doesn’t get them much these days will be bummed to hear that it’s probably not going to change. The changes in the market forces are conspiring together to create less inventory, and a couple of big blows this year could really drive down the number of houses for sale […].

Sales 58
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Los Angeles Breweries that Raise the Bar: Here’s What to Know about the Local Brew Scene

Redfin

The number of breweries in Los Angeles County has been growing steadily in recent years as the craft beer movement continues to gain popularity. Whether you own a home in Hollywood, CA , or rent in Downtown Los Angeles , the brewery scene is booming with local microbrews to nationally-recognized brands. If you’re looking for a place to relax with a pint or are eager to explore the city’s vibrant beer culture, there’s a brewery in Los Angeles for everyone.

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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.