November, 2023

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The Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in Real Estate

RIS Media

In the world of real estate, first impressions are crucial. Making a property look its best can mean the difference between a quick sale and a property sitting on the market for months. Virtual home staging is one innovative tool that has emerged to help real estate professionals in this endeavor. Using computer-generated imagery, this… The post The Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in Real Estate appeared first on RISMedia.

Staging 141
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FHFA conforming loan limits increase to $766,550 in 2024

Housing Wire

The baseline conforming loan limit for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2024 will be $766,550, up 5.5% compared to the current limit of $726,200 , the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced Tuesday. Conforming loan limits are increasing at a slower pace, mirroring home prices, overall. That’s because the FHFA’s conforming loan limit increase is based on a formula related to home-price data in the third quarter of each year.

Loans 533
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Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year

Keeping Current Matters

As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market.

Marketing 315
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Nation’s biggest title insurer hit by ransomware attack, reports say

Inman

Fidelity National Financial acknowledges that a "cybersecurity incident" disrupted the provision of title and escrow services and other technology and mortgage services.

Title 209
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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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Hack at nation’s largest title company stalls closings

Real Estate News

Fidelity National Financial, parent company of Chicago Title and more, is blocking access to title and escrow services while it investigates a security breach.

Title 353
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Lawler: New Census Long-Term Population Projections Are MASSIVELY Lower Than Previous Projections

Calculated Risk Real Estate

From housing economist Tom Lawler: Last Friday Census released new long-term projections of the US resident population, this time going out to 2100. The last time Census released long-term population projections was in 2017 (going out to 2060), and the 2023 projections for the “middle” scenario are massively lower than the 2017 projections.

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Mr. Cooper hit with consumer class-action lawsuits over cyberattack 

Housing Wire

Mr. Cooper Group became the target of at least four consumer class-action lawsuits after disclosing a cyberattack at the end of October when customer information was compromised and the company shut down certain systems. On Oct. 31, the Dallas-based servicer and lender said it had experienced a cybersecurity incident with an unauthorized third party accessing certain portions of its technology systems and customer data.

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Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices

Keeping Current Matters

According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months.

Marketing 304
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Big drop in mortgage rates as unemployment hints at recession

Inman

After breaching 8 percent in mid-October, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have plummeted to levels not seen since September as more investors expect Fed policymakers to lower rates in the spring.

Mortgages 201
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Georgia homesellers file their own commissions lawsuit

Real Estate News

The case takes aim at NAR and local as well as national brokerages, while calling out the current system as a way to protect ineffective agents.

Brokerage 337
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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.

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‘Blank Check’ to Developers or Chance to Curb Displacement: Locals Comment on City of Yes

Brownstoner

Feedback on the Adams administration’s proposed citywide zoning text amendment for housing, which would increase developers’ ability to build bigger buildings in residential neighborhoods, eliminate parking mandates, and mix manufacturing and residential buildings, amongst a number of other changes, got heated at a public scoping meeting last week. Dozens of… Read More > The post ‘Blank Check’ to Developers or Chance to Curb Displacement: Locals Comment on City of Yes appea

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Living in The Suburbs vs. The City: The Pros and Cons of Each

RIS Media

When choosing a place to call home, one of the most fundamental decisions is whether to reside in the suburbs or the city. Both settings offer distinct lifestyles and advantages, catering to various preferences and needs. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand what suburban areas are, what the suburbs entail, and what… The post Living in The Suburbs vs.

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13 video marketing best practices for your real estate business

Housing Wire

When it comes to marketing your real estate business, video is king. Global statistics from 2023 show that people watch videos an average of 100 minutes a day, with millennials — the largest share of homebuyers in the U.S. — spending 10 to 20 hours a week watching videos. From short Instagram reels to longer videos on YouTube , video is here to stay.

Marketing 543
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The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast

Keeping Current Matters

The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home.

Marketing 297
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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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3 essential tips for estate planning with real estate

Inman

Estate planning is of prime importance for homeowners and their heirs. Properties are among the largest and most complex assets to be distributed — particularly when they’re luxury homes worth millions of dollars.

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Texas commissions lawsuit targets teams, associations

Real Estate News

Texas Realtor associations and 20+ brokerages and teams are being sued by a home builder and magazine publisher who call NAR the “creator of the conspiracy.

Brokerage 320
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Tenant moves out of Brentwood Airbnb after 570 rent-free days. She said she had a right to stay

Seattle Times Real Estate

The woman who refused to pay rent while at a Los Angeles Airbnb for 570 days was recently escorted off the property by police. She's locked out but the legal fight may drag on.

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Op-Ed: Agent Commissions’ Possible New World: A Step Backward for Fair Housing

RIS Media

The United States real estate market is actually the envy of the world. The U.S. boasts the world’s most orderly, efficient and equitable housing market—and many other countries are attempting to emulate it. Our system’s efficiency is driven in large part by agents and brokers competing aggressively, while also sharing their listing information with each… The post Op-Ed: Agent Commissions’ Possible New World: A Step Backward for Fair Housing appeared first on RISMedia.

Agents 138
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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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What will lower mortgage rates do to spring housing inventory?

Housing Wire

Lower mortgage rates tend to take housing supply off the market and demand has been picking up lately as rates have fallen. However, the recent drop in housing inventory has more to do with seasonality factors than lower mortgage rates. Higher mortgage rates did push inventory higher during the seasonal period when it would normally be declining. However, seasonality tends to rule the day eventually.

Mortgages 536
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Woman Who Claimed Abandoned East New York House Fights Investors for Possession

Brownstoner

Ten years ago Sybil Green, who goes by the name Tami, was biking down a stretch of Jackie Robinson Parkway's residential frontage road, which connects Vermont Street in East New York with Highland Park, when she noticed a house that looked in disrepair, with a door ajar and a bright… Read More > The post Woman Who Claimed Abandoned East New York House Fights Investors for Possession appeared first on Brownstoner.

Investor 133
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Commission lawsuits are piling up. Keep track of them all right here

Inman

In the wake of the Sitzer | Burnett verdict, the number of bombshell lawsuits has rapidly multiplied — putting more pressure than ever on real estate's status quo. Here's a rundown of all the cases.

Brokerage 195
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Don’t believe the doomsayers — buyer agency is here to stay

Real Estate News

Following the Sitzer/Burnett verdict, the internet has been buzzing about the end of buyer agency. Industry expert Russ Cofano says that's just a lot of noise.

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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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WA adopts new rules to phase out fossil fuels in new construction

Seattle Times Real Estate

Under new the new codes adopted Tuesday, builders would need to match the energy efficiency of heat pumps in order to install gas in new buildings.

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Should a Buyer Consider a House on a Corner Lot? A Look at the Upside and Downside

RIS Media

Choosing a new home is an exciting and significant decision in one’s life. One of the many choices you’ll encounter when searching for the perfect home is whether to buy a house on a corner lot. Corner lots are unique in many ways, offering various advantages and disadvantages. Examining the pros and cons of corner… The post Should a Buyer Consider a House on a Corner Lot?

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Mortgage rates fall to levels not seen since September

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates headed lower this week as the 10-year Treasury yield dropped below 4.3% for the first time since September, according to new data from Freddie Mac. The 30-year, fixed mortgage rate averaged 7.22% for the week ending Nov. 30, according to Freddie Mac ‘s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. That’s down significantly from last week ’s 7.29% and up from 6.49% the same week a year ago.

Mortgages 512
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Rising Mortgage Rates Push Housing Affordability to Lowest Level in Index History

Eye on Housing

Rising mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and limited existing inventory helped push housing affordability in the third quarter of 2023 to its lowest level in more than a decade. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), just 37.4% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and end of September.

Mortgages 130
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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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Leaders in luxury: Delroy Gill

Inman

Delroy Gill doesn’t just sell homes — he builds relationships. Born and raised in London, England, he understands complex transactions and international relocation and brings world-class service and out-of-the-box thinking to every detail of real estate transactions.

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Mark Willis returns to CEO role at KW

Real Estate News

Willis previously held the top leadership position at Keller Williams Realty from 2005-2015 and had recently rejoined the company in a consulting capacity.

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Molbak’s says it’s being cut out of Woodinville redevelopment project

Seattle Times Real Estate

Molbak's, the 67-year-old Woodinville garden center, says it's been suddenly cut out of a massive redevelopment project in the Seattle suburb's downtown.

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Who Pays Real Estate Transfer Taxes at Closing?

RIS Media

Real estate transactions involve many costs and fees, many of which are due at closing. One such expense that often raises questions among buyers and sellers is real estate transfer taxes. Understanding who pays these taxes and how they work is essential for anyone involved in a real estate deal. We will delve into transfer… The post Who Pays Real Estate Transfer Taxes at Closing?

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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.