March, 2024

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NAR settles commission lawsuits for $418 million

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to pay $418 million in damages to settle the commission lawsuits. The story was first reported by the New York Times. NAR’s legal counsel approved the settlement agreement early Friday morning. It has yet to be filed in court. Lawyers for the trade organization told the Times that they anticipate the settlement will be filed in the coming weeks, however it will still be subject to court approval.

Agents 540
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What agents need to know about commission rule changes

Real Estate News

As a part of its proposed settlement, NAR agreed to significant policy changes that will impact how all agents do business — and how buyer agents get paid.

Agents 358
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The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire

Keeping Current Matters

If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal.

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Association of more than 200 MLSs blasts DOJ ‘flaws’ in Nosalek case

Inman

The Council of Multiple Listing Services, a trade group of about 225 MLSs, united with Northwest MLS on Wednesday to pen amicus briefs exposing alleged flaws in the DOJ's statement of interest.

MLS 195
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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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What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home?

RIS Media

Built in sections at a factory and assembled on-site, modular homes offer a unique blend of efficiency and customization. Their popularity stems from their ability to provide affordable, durable and sustainable housing options. We will examine the various benefits of modular homes and highlight why they are becoming a preferred choice for many. If you… The post What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home?

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Beyond the Headlines: Understanding How Proposed Changes in Real Estate Commissions Will Actually Impact You as a Buyer or Seller

Lighter Side of Real Estate

You’ve probably heard the news that there are changes coming in terms of how real estate commissions are paid. This might sound exciting and like a potential game-changer for you as a home seller or buyer, with headlines proclaiming things like: “Real estate commissions are being slashed!” “Selling your house will now be less expensive!” “No more paying 6% to real estate agents!

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Industry seeking clarity — and change — in FHA and VA lending

Real Estate News

NAR this week sent letters asking government lending agencies to allow buyers to finance agent compensation. Thursday, it started getting answers.

Lending 353
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Overflow Crowd Packs Gowanus Church for Rowdy Meeting Over Migrant Shelter

Brownstoner

Spaced elbow to elbow in Hoyt Street’s City Life Church Monday night, Gowanus locals aired their concerns at a community meeting on a migrant shelter for 400 men slated to open in a former factory building on 3rd Street. A vocal group dominated the meeting, heckling speakers and yelling snipes… Read More > The post Overflow Crowd Packs Gowanus Church for Rowdy Meeting Over Migrant Shelter appeared first on Brownstoner.

Marketing 132
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Moehrl attorney: Market shift after NAR settlement ‘will take time’

Inman

Robby Braun, partner at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, addresses "misconceptions" about the NAR deal's impact and says Realtors who try to ignore the changes "will get left behind.

Marketing 197
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Fed Chair Powell Affirms Rate Cuts Are Coming This Year as U.S. Moves Closer to 2% Inflation Goal

RIS Media

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday signaled that rate cuts are coming this year, sticking to the Fed’s cautious script about slashing rates too quickly before it has a sustained handle on inflation. “In our pursuit of our dual mandate, the Federal Reserve remains steadfast in promoting maximum employment and stable prices for the… The post Fed Chair Powell Affirms Rate Cuts Are Coming This Year as U.S.

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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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New Bill in Congress Targets Real Estate Investors—Here’s Why This Could Be a Big Problem

Bigger Pockets

Another bill is targeting real estate investors—this time, with a goal to “help Main Street compete with Wall Street.” What's in the bill? And what are the consequences for investors if passed?

Investor 132
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Mortgage rates helped by the Fed’s moderate stance

Housing Wire

Mortgage rates had a chance to break to new highs this year, but the Federal Reserve took a moderate tone at the last Fed meeting. We saw the benefit of lower mortgage rates with the last two existing home sales reports, which showed growth. Then mortgage rates rose, facilitating five weeks of negative purchase application data. As rates were hitting year-to-date highs, the fear was that the Fed would go hawkish in their March meeting, which could push mortgage rates toward 8% and tank 2024 dema

Mortgages 515
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These MLSs could be on the hook for $34 million

Real Estate News

The 30 broker-owned or hybrid MLSs not covered by NAR’s settlement agreement must decide whether to pay into a settlement fund, request mediation, or fight on.

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FHFA’s National Mortgage Database: Outstanding Mortgage Rates, LTV and Credit Scores

Calculated Risk Real Estate

Here are some graphs on outstanding mortgages by interest rate, the average mortgage interest rate, borrowers’ credit scores and current loan-to-value (LTV) from the FHFA’s National Mortgage Database through Q4 2023 (released this morning). Current Outstanding Mortgage Rates Here is some data showing the distribution of interest rates on closed-end, fixed-rate 1-4 family mortgages outstanding at the end of each quarter since Q1 2013 through Q4 2023.

Mortgages 131
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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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WATCH LIVE: Ed Zorn, NextHome CEO on the $418M NAR settlement

Inman

NextHome CEO James Dwiggins, Strategic Officer Keith Robinson and Ed Zorn, the California Regional MLS general counsel, tackle NAR's big settlement. Stream it live, exclusively at Inman.

MLS 195
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Don’t Forget the Basics: How to Market a Home in a Seller’s Market

RIS Media

Selling your home is a significant decision. The right strategies can make the process smoother and more profitable. Even in a seller’s market, you can’t take the basics of selling a home for granted. We will cover critical strategies, including professional photography, online platforms and writing compelling descriptions. We aim for clarity, brevity and effectiveness… The post Don’t Forget the Basics: How to Market a Home in a Seller’s Market appeared first on RIS

Marketing 126
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Extensive Construction in Gowanus Forecasts a Very Different Neighborhood Ahead

Brownstoner

Gowanus, an industrial and low-lying neighborhood, has been undergoing a sudden and sweeping transformation over the past year and a half. Swathes of low slung 19th and early 20th century brick industrial buildings have been demolished. In their place, ubiquitous on many blocks, are active construction sites ringed by green… Read More > The post Extensive Construction in Gowanus Forecasts a Very Different Neighborhood Ahead appeared first on Brownstoner.

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‘Find buyers before agents!’ Mortgage industry reacts to the NAR settlement

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement of commission lawsuits nationwide is expected to force mortgage lenders and loan officers to find new ways of approaching listing agents and borrowers, give LOs a more significant role in the home-buying process, and encourage housing professionals to pursue dual-licensing, industry experts told HousingWire.

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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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California homeowners face another insurance company pullout

Real Estate News

State Farm, which stopped issuing new homeowner policies in the state last year, will no longer renew existing policies starting in July.

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NAHB Releases What Home Buyers Really Want, Study Shows Buyers Want Smaller Homes

Eye on Housing

Continuing NAHB’s commitment to be at the forefront of research on home buyer preferences, the 2024 edition of What Home Buyers Really Want was recently released at the International Builders’ Show. The primary objective of the study is to provide builders, manufacturers, architects, and the general residential construction industry with a thorough analysis of what.

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Barbara Corcoran on the $418M NAR settlement: It’s ‘not a big deal’

Inman

Corcoran told Yahoo! Finance she doesn't believe the effects of the settlement will be as earth-shattering as many make them out to be, but that "the confusion it's causing is amazing.

Finance 193
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Luxury Staging Trends and Tips for 2024

RIS Media

We all know that luxury real estate trends ebb and flow based on numerous factors from the seasons to the state of the economy. Equally, design preferences tend to fluctuate with some new fads occurring while other trends remain timeless. Today, design is all about individuality and creating experiences—gone are the days of formulaic interiors… The post Luxury Staging Trends and Tips for 2024 appeared first on RISMedia.

Staging 126
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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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Renovations and Improvements That Give Home Sellers High Return on Investment

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

What Renovations Should I Make at My House Before Selling? Are you wondering about the best renovations for ROI and resale? If so, you are wise to do so. Many potential homeowners never give it a second thought. Many sellers assume that any renovations or repairs they do to their house will automatically increase the […] The post Renovations and Improvements That Give Home Sellers High Return on Investment appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.

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Keller Williams faces three lawsuits tied to its profit-sharing program 

Housing Wire

Three agents formerly affiliated with Keller Williams Realty — Jerri L. Moulder, David L. Bueker and Robert E. Hill — have taken legal action against the real estate brokerage by filing three separate class-action lawsuits, Inman first reported on Tuesday. The lawsuits contest alterations made to Keller Williams’ profit-sharing program, with one of them seeking a court order to halt further payouts until the case concludes.

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Plaintiffs seek whopping $4.7 billion from HomeServices

Real Estate News

The last defendant in the Sitzer/Burnett commissions case said it anticipated the motion and will respond with its own court filings in April.

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WA approves more funds for tenant attorneys as evictions remain high

Seattle Times Real Estate

About $3 million in new funding will help hire more tenant attorneys to handle cases across Washington, particularly in the areas with the highest eviction numbers.

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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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Compass to pay $57.5M to settle commission lawsuits

Inman

The news comes one week after NAR's whopping $418 million settlement was announced. Compass also agreed to make some minor changes to its business practices as part of the settlement.

MLS 193
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Pros and Cons of Making Home Improvements Before Selling a House

RIS Media

Selling a home is a significant decision involving many considerations. Among these, deciding whether to make improvements before listing the property is paramount. This decision can dramatically influence not only the sale price but also the speed and smoothness of the transaction. Understanding the pros and cons of home improvements before sale is essential for… The post Pros and Cons of Making Home Improvements Before Selling a House appeared first on RISMedia.

Sales 126
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Housing Affordability Conditions Made Progress in January 2024

NAR: Economic Outlook

Housing Affordability Conditions Made Progress in Janua At the national level, housing affordability increased in January 2024 compared to the previous month, according to NAR’s Housing Affordability Index.

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First-time homebuyers made up a record share of agency purchase loans in 2023

Housing Wire

First-time homebuyers made up 55% of agency purchase mortgages in 2023, according to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) eMBS data, the highest such share in the 10 years ICE has been tracking the metric. A record 47% of government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) purchase loans in 2023 came from first-time homebuyers, a number that’s been trending gradually higher throughout the past decade.

Loans 504
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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.