May, 2025

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Agents share dueling opinions on off-market listings

Housing Wire

Industry debate around off-market listings or pocket listings has become increasingly heated. For some agents , these private transactions are tools of exclusivity and strategy. For others, theyre a disservice to sellers and a potential breach of fiduciary duty. Four agents with strong opinions; Isom Coleman in Sacramento, Calif.; Kevin Dombrowski in Arlington Heights, Ill.; Jaymes Willoughby in Austin, Texas; and Jovanka Novakovic in Chicago, offered contrasting views on the practice.

Agents 376
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Where small brokerages have an edge over the giants

Real Estate News

LeadingREs Jessica Edgerton explained how regional and family firms can excel by reacting to market changes quickly and building culture and trust.

Brokerage 290
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Why Waiting for 3% Rates to Come Back Around Could Cost You as a Homebuyer

Lighter Side of Real Estate

Theres a saying in real estate: Date the rate, marry the house. But lately, some buyers arent even swiping right unless the rate starts with a two. A new Real Estate News survey reveals that 1 in 4 would-be buyers say theyre sitting out until mortgage rates drop below 3%. Not 5%. Not even 4%. Three. The kind of rates economists are calling very unlikely in the foreseeable future.

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What to Know if You’re Using Gift Money for a Down Payment: Rules to Follow

Redfin

Buying a home is a monumental step, and for many, the idea of a down payment can feel like climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. But what if a generous loved one steps in to help? Gifting money for a down payment is a common and often crucial way to make homeownership a reality. However, it’s not as simple as receiving a check. There are specific mortgage down payment gift rules you and your gift-giver need to understand to ensure a smooth transaction and avoid unwelcome surprises.

Loans 31
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Welcome to the Future of Hospitality: Smart Rooms Start Here

Speaker: Jady West, VP of Hospitality & Chris Bennett, Head of Sales & Engineering

The modern hotel room is no longer just a place to stay—it’s an experience to remember. Today’s guests expect seamless 5G connectivity, personalized comfort, and high-tech convenience. From AI-powered smart room controls to in-room entertainment and app-based services, technology is redefining hospitality from the inside out. In this new session featuring industry pros Jady West and Chris Bennett, we’ll explore how high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity powers the innovations that are enabling

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How to Build Real Estate Systems That Actually Scale

BAM Media

If youre an agent trying to scale, or an overly ambitious new one, chances are youve said this recently: I just need better systems. I get it, Ive been there. But now I am here to tell you that perfecting your systems is not a plan. Stop Hiding Behind I Need Better Systems In reality, that phrase is a delay tactic. Its a safety blanket. It feels productive, but really, it keeps you stuck.

Agents 96

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Housing affordability drops sharply for middle-class: NAR

Housing Wire

Housing markets across the country are grappling with a number of issues that have resulted in historically low home sales, and chief among them is the lack of affordability. Thats largely driven by a national housing shortage thats leading to fewer listings and thus driving up home prices. According to a new paper from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the drop in affordability is present in all income brackets but its most stark among the middle class where the percentage of affordab

Sales 386
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1 in 4 potential buyers waiting for rates to fall — below 3%

Real Estate News

A new report suggests mortgage rates are continuing to delay purchase decisions, but younger buyers are most eager to trade renting for homeownership.

Mortgages 350
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Renters Need to Earn $100K in Twice as Many Markets Than in 2020 (April Rent Report)

Zillow Market Reports

The rising costs of living have impacted affordability for renters across the country. Nationwide, renters today need to earn more than $80,000 to comfortably afford the typical rental, up from $60,000 just five years ago. In eight major metro areas, renters now need to make six figures to comfortably afford rent. Since April 2020, rent for a typical U.S. apartment has increased by 28.7%, to $1,858, while rent for a single-family home increased by 42.9%, to $2,256.

Marketing 102
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Appraisal vs. Inspection for Home Buyers

Redfin

Buying a home is a monumental step, filled with exciting possibilities and crucial decisions. Among the most important are understanding the roles of a home appraisal vs. inspection. These two distinct processes, while often confused, are vital for ensuring you make an informed investment and avoid unwelcome surprises. Whether you’re starting fresh in your new home in Newnan, GA, aiming to understand the true value of your potential investment in Rocky Mount, NC , or looking to uncover any

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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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The 9 Biggest Takeaways from Redfin’s 2025 Agent Survey

BAM Media

Real estate agents are closing more deals and earning more. But theyre also feeling more burned out, underprepared, and uncertain about the future. Thats the picture Redfins latest agent survey paints. And its one every industry professional should pay attention to. To be clear: none of the 500 surveyed for this report are Redfin agents. This isnt a snapshot of Redfins internal culture.

Agents 59
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Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

Keeping Current Matters

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering whats next and whether now is really the right time to move.

Marketing 265
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Better mortgage spreads boost housing demand in 2025

Housing Wire

One of the lesser known storylines in housing economics is that the improvement in mortgage spreads since 2023 has contributed to a noticeable trend in purchase application data for 2025, which is now showing 15 consecutive weeks of positive year-over-year growth. Mortgage spreads recently turned negative due to market volatility, which resulted in an increase of 20 to 25 basis points in mortgage rates.

Mortgages 488
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Buyer agreements don't lead to lower commissions, Fed finds

Real Estate News

Research based on three decades of data suggests rising home prices are a more likely factor, which aligns with current reports on post-settlement compensation.

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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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Only 21% of Agents Would Recommend This Career…Here’s Why That Matters

Lab Coat Agents

Only 21% of Agents Would Recommend This Career Theres a stat from Redfins 2025 Industry Survey that hit me hard: Only 21% of real estate agents say theyd recommend this career to someone else. Thats less than 1 in 4. In an industry thats been marketed for years as the ultimate path to freedom and financial potential, this should be a wake-up call for all of us.

Agents 98
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Why Your Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working and How to Fix It

Redfin

Garbage disposals are a convenient kitchen tooluntil they stop working. A jammed, humming, or completely silent unit can disrupt your daily routine and lead to plumbing problems if left unaddressed. In this Redfin article, well walk you through the most common reasons your garbage disposal might not be working, how to troubleshoot it, and when its time to call a prowhether youre in a house in Chicago, IL or a home in Phoenix, AZ. 1.

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Stop Posting “What $500K Gets You.” Here’s What to Do Instead.

BAM Media

Lets be real: The Heres what $500K gets you in XYZ city trend is tired. Its a staple in real estate content , sure, but is it actually helping buyers understand what they can afford? More importantly, is it helping you get clients? Probably not. If your goal is to use Instagram to generate actual business (and not just likes from other agents), its time to rethink your strategy.

Staging 65
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How to design a loft: Unlocking urban living with style and personality

Apartment Guide

Whether youre looking for a new loft apartment in North Hollywood or an expansive loft apartment in Brooklyn , loft living embodies a unique charm, a blend of raw industrial aesthetic and open-plan freedom. Unlike traditional apartments, lofts often boast high ceilings, expansive windows, and exposed structural elements. This distinctive space demands a thoughtful design approach to harmonize these features with personal style.

Design 59
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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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Will the real Tamir Poleg please stand up?

Housing Wire

Tamir Poleg, chairman and CEO of The Real Brokerage , closed out the prepared remarks section of his firms first-quarter 2025 earnings call by addressing the transformative technological era the industry is currently operating in. The catch was, listeners thought it was Poleg, but it wasn’t. The rise of AI is not just another tool but a fundamental shift that, in our view, will reshape industries, professions and entire business models.

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Inventory is up — but high rates continue to drag on the market

Real Estate News

Existing home sales slid in April and the return of 7% mortgage rates isnt helping the depressed spring buying season.

Marketing 280
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States With Lowest Mortgage Rates Today – May, 27 2025

Marco Santarelli

If you're in the market for a home, you're probably glued to mortgage rates. On May 27, 2025, the states boasting the cheapest 30-year new purchase mortgage rates were New York, California, Washington, North Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New Jersey, with rates ranging from 6.94% to 7.10%. Finding the best rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan, so let's dive into what's driving these differences across states and how you can snag the best deal.

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7 Money-Saving Moving Tips

Redfin

Tips for Moving on a Budget: 7 Ideas to Save Money As inflation continues to impact the economy and the housing market shifts across the U.S., the cost of moving in 2025 is undergoing noticeable changes. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new state, its more important than ever to understand what factors influence moving expenses and plan ahead when moving on a budget.

As-is 55
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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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Nearly 30% of Home Shoppers Say a Recession Would Make Them More Likely to Buy

BAM Media

BAM Key Details: According to Realtor.coms Q1 2025 Site Visitor Survey, 63.4% of home shoppers expect a recession within the next year, yet nearly 30% say it would make them more likely to buy. The report also found that 44.3% of buyers are struggling to find suitable inventory, while just 7.7% cited overbidding as a concern, down from 10.4% last year.

Finance 59
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Unlocking the Dream of Homeownership in Portland: A Comprehensive Guide from Offer to Keys

The Living Room

Embarking on the journey to homeownership in Portland, Oregon, is an exciting endeavor. With its vibrant neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and a dynamic real estate market, Portland offers a unique backdrop for finding your dream home. This guide aims to navigate the complexities of buying a home in the Rose City, from understanding market dynamics to sealing the deal on your dream property.

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NAR: Americans want a tax plan that supports the American dream

Housing Wire

As Congress continues its effort to rewrite major portions of the tax code, the National Association of Realtors ( NAR ) unveiled new polling showing just what the American people are looking for in the legislation. The national survey shows overwhelming bipartisan support for tax provisions that strengthen homeownership, support small business owners and the middle class, and unlock more housing inventory.

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Homecoin Reviews: Is This Flat-Fee MLS Service Right For You?

HomeLight

When selling a house, its natural to want to keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Some homeowners decide to sell without a Realtor to save on agent commissions. However, they still want their house to appear on the multiple listing service (MLS), the local marketplace of home listings compiled by real estate agents. FSBO sellers can pay a flat-fee MLS service company like Homecoin to do this.

MLS 52
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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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Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Keeping Current Matters

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home.

Loans 241
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How to Pack Books for Moving: 8 Expert Tips for Your Literary Treasures

Redfin

Books may not seem like a packing challenge at first; until you realize how deceptively heavy and fragile they can be. Whether you’re relocating from an apartment in Seattle, WA , a home in Austin, TX , or a rental in Denver, CO , knowing how to pack books for moving is essential to protect your collection and your back. This Redfin guide covers expert-backed strategies and creative book packing tips to help you pack your books safely and with your book storage solutions with minimal stres

Title 31
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Trust is the Cornerstone of Sales: 4 Powerful Ways to Build It

BAM Media

Building trust is an absolute necessity in business. If you want people to buy a home from you, they need to know, like, and, most importantly, trust you. After years of running marketing campaigns for over 100,000 businesses (yes, you read that right!), Ive identified four strategic ways to build that critical trust with your ideal prospects. Lets dive in. 1.

Sales 59