Housing Wire

APRIL 6, 2021

The home checked off every box on Linda’s list. It had a large, fenced-in yard, modern appliances in an updated kitchen, a “man cave” for her husband, beamed ceilings, a massive master suite and was located in a good school district. The house, in the Nashville area, was listed at $405,000. Linda (who asked that her real name not be used) beat out a dozen other prospective buyers in a bidding war by offering $445,000 and waiving all contingencies.

Title search 540

Title search Loans Title Agents 540

Keeping Current Matters

APRIL 6, 2021

In a sellers’ market , some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known as For Sale By Owner , or FSBO ) instead of working with a trusted real estate professional. When the inventory of homes for sale is as low as it is today, buyers are eager to snatch up virtually any house that comes to market. This makes it even more tempting to FSBO.

Marketing 323

Marketing Agents Sales As-is 323

Better Dwelling

APRIL 6, 2021

One of Canada’s largest banks made an unusual move — they called out the role the Bank of Canada (BoC) played in the property bubble. Well, they subbed them. BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic sent clients a housing analysis this morning. He attributes the transition from a hot market to one that’s going to burn […]. The post A Large Canadian Bank Just Blamed The Bank of Canada For The Property Bubble appeared first on Better Dwelling.

Banks 145

Banks Marketing Mortgages 145

Eye on Housing

APRIL 7, 2021

A multigenerational home is desirable to some buyers, but not to all. According to What Home Buyers Want, 2021 Edition*, buyers are evenly divided when it comes to the desire for a home designed to house the buyer as well as a younger generation and an older generation: 39% would prefer such a home, but 39% would be against it.

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Design As-is 145

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

Technology

Housing Wire

APRIL 5, 2021

Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 916,000 jobs were created in March, and the previous month’s revisions came in positive. The rest of this content is for HW+ members. Join today with an HW+ Membership ! Already a member? log in. HW+ includes weekly long-form digital content, HousingWire Magazine, access to HousingStack, and free admission to all HousingWire virtual events.

Mortgages 520

Mortgages 520

Better Dwelling

APRIL 8, 2021

Canadian real estate markets may have got the first big cooling measure today. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced they are moving to tighten uninsured mortgage leverage. The organization that regulates Canada’s banks, eased the mortgage stress test last year. Now that it’s clear mortgages don’t need stimulus, they’re looking to […].

Banks 145

Banks Mortgages Marketing 145

Realtor.com

APRIL 9, 2021

Getty Images As you scroll through the real estate listings, you might spot a few that say the house is “under contract.” But what does “under contract” mean? In most cases, a property is listed as “under contract” once a buyer has made an offer and the seller has accepted. While that’s a big step, it doesn’t mean the deal is done quite yet.

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Backup offer Sales Inspection Closing 144

Housing Wire

APRIL 8, 2021

Mortgage credit showed signs of loosening up in March, and with it, more availability for lower credit scores and high LTV products to enter the housing market, the Mortgage Bankers Association said in a report on Thursday. The group’s Mortgage Credit Availability Index rose.6% to 125.4 last month, a positive indicator after pandemic-driven factors plunged the index from record highs previously seen in late 2019.

Mortgages 515

Mortgages Loans Lending Marketing 515

Keeping Current Matters

APRIL 9, 2021

Some Highlights. If your house is feeling a little cramped with the addition of adult children or aging parents, it might be time to consider a move-up into a multigenerational home that better suits your changing needs. With benefits that include a combined homebuying budget and shared caregiving duties, an increasing number of households are discovering the value of a multigenerational home.

Marketing 313

Marketing 313

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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.

Development

Better Dwelling

APRIL 5, 2021

Quantitative ease (QE) is a simple concept, but not well understood by most people. Increasingly folks tell me, “QE inflates home prices,” and “prevents prices from dropping.” The first part is true, but the evidence on the second part is a little shaky. It can help to push home prices higher during a tight market, […].

Marketing 145

Marketing 145

Maximum Exposure Real Estate

APRIL 3, 2021

Earnest Money/House Deposits Explained What is earnest money? How much is earnest money? How does earnest money work? What’s the difference between earnest money and down payment funds? These are all common questions that home buyers ask real estate agents daily. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a solid understanding of the answers […].

Agents 145

Agents Marketing 145

Housing Wire

APRIL 5, 2021

Prices are up sharply as housing inventory continues to plateau , leaving 40% fewer homes on the market compared to last year, according to a report prepared by Black Knight. Instead of making up for the shortfall, new listings have slumped further in 2021. Year-over-year, new listing volumes were down 16% in January and 21% in February — amounting to a 125,000 deficit in inventory compared to the same time in 2020.

Mortgages 500

Mortgages As-is Marketing Sales 500

Keeping Current Matters

APRIL 5, 2021

If you’re planning to buy a home this year, saving for a down payment is one of the most important steps in the process. One of the best ways to jumpstart your savings is by starting with the help of your tax refund. Using data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it’s estimated that Americans can expect an average refund of $2,925 when filing their taxes this year.

Closing costs 305

Closing costs Loans Closing As-is 305

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.

Industrial

Better Dwelling

APRIL 3, 2021

Canadian real estate prices are the most overvalued in the G7, measured against rents. IMF data shows Canada’s house price-to-rent ratio in Q2 2020 was the highest of any G7 country. The indicator is commonly used by analysts and economists to determine stretched valuations. Home prices across the G7 have grown faster than rents on […]. The post Canadian Estate Prices Are The Most Overvalued In the G7, Shows Another Indicator appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Realty Biz

APRIL 8, 2021

Understanding Comps in Real Estate Sales. Do you know what are real estate comparables? How about “comps”? These are slang terms some folks use to talk about similar properties. Setting a price of a home can be confusing to figure out. Many people, including real estate agents and appraisers, use the Multiple Listing Services or MLS to determine the right price for both the seller and future buyers.

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MLS Sales Agents As-is 142

Housing Wire

APRIL 7, 2021

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently released to Congress the 2020 Consumer Response report. While overall complaints were up 54% year-over-year, complaints against mortgage companies were up just 7.5%, and complaints against mortgage servicers were actually down, by 3.5%. These results are notable considering the sheer speed and impact the pandemic had on the mortgage finance industry.

Mortgages 490

Mortgages Principal Loans Finance 490

Keeping Current Matters

APRIL 7, 2021

Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report. The economy gained 916,000 jobs in March – well above expert projections of 650,000 to 675,000. The unemployment rate fell again and is now at 6%. What does this mean for you? Our lives are deeply impacted by our nation’s economy. The better the economy is doing overall, the better most individuals in the country will do as well.

Construction 297

Construction Marketing Residential Industrial 297

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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.

Agents

Better Dwelling

APRIL 7, 2021

One of the country’s top economists is calling bullsh*t on the supply-price narrative. BMO chief economist Douglas Porter sent a client note disputing an inventory shortage. He thinks it’s important to “crush” two myths about Greater Toronto’s blowout home sales in March. Let’s dive into that take. Myth 1: Last March Sales Were Distorted By […].

Sales 143

Sales 143

Realtor.com

APRIL 6, 2021

Getty Images By now, the birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and cloudless sunny skies are ahead. Warmer weather means more people will be spending time outdoors—and there’s no better time to rethink your backyard design and try something new. “While confined to our homes in 2020, many of us had to recreate a sense of normalcy using any extra space we had.

Design 141

Design Residential Construction As-is 141

Housing Wire

APRIL 5, 2021

Climate change and the rising threat of natural disasters is likely to significantly impact migration plans of American families, potentially changing the landscape of American real estate. Out of 2,000 people surveyed between Feb. 25 and March 1, 628 said they would move due to natural disasters, extreme temperatures, and rising sea levels in their area, according to real estate brokerage Redfin, which conducted the survey.

Loan Officer 473

Loan Officer Brokerage Technology Land 473

RIS Media

APRIL 6, 2021

Whether you’re just starting out in the business or you’re a veteran agent, marketing mistakes are inevitable. Strategies are constantly changing, especially with the rise of social media. From updating their current plans to mastering online marketing, real estate professionals should leverage new, modern tactics to grow their business.

Agents 137

Agents Marketing Branding As-is 137

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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.

Sales

Better Dwelling

APRIL 6, 2021

Greater Toronto real estate is now earning far more than most owners could make working. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) data shows home prices soared in March. A typical home saw prices rise by half the region’s median wage in just over a single month. That’s a typical home. A detached home jumped in […]. The post Toronto Real Estate Prices Rise More Than Half The Median Wage In A Month appeared first on Better Dwelling.

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Realtor.com

APRIL 9, 2021

David Duncan Livingston/Houzz This time of year is always bursting with color outside. And with all those blooming buds and fresh green shoots, it’s understandable that you would want to bring that vibrancy inside , too. Where to start? Well, as always, we do the heavy lifting for you— scrolling through Instagram for the latest inspiration , this time with an eye on the dining room (where hopefully you can host dinners again soon).

Design 136

Design Industrial As-is Closing 136

Housing Wire

APRIL 7, 2021

Chances are, you know someone who owns a home. Whether it’s a sibling, friend, or co-worker, you’ve seen someone go through the first-time home buying process – and it probably looked really complicated. At least, more complicated than simply paying rent to a landlord every month. While owning a home is rewarding, the process can be a lot of work.

Debt-to-income ratio 450

Debt-to-income ratio Fixed-rate mortgage Finance Loans 450

The Mortgage Report

APRIL 5, 2021

Requirements to buy a house aren't as strict as you might think. Requirements for credit, income, and down payment are lenient for first-time home buyers.

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136

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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.

Brokerage

Better Dwelling

APRIL 9, 2021

Canadian banks have begun to weigh in on new mortgage changes, and they aren’t optimistic. Earlier today, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced a revision to the uninsured mortgage stress test. The change will shrink supersized mortgage budgets, reducing the number of over-leveraged borrowers. Two of Canada’s largest banks say it’s […].

Banks 139

Banks Mortgages 139

Eye on Housing

APRIL 9, 2021

Prices paid for goods used in residential construction ex-energy rose 2.4% in March (not seasonally adjusted) and have increased 9.8% over the past 12 months, according to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Building materials (i.e., inputs to residential construction less food and energy) prices have declined just twice since December 2019.

Residential 134

Residential Construction 134

Housing Wire

APRIL 9, 2021

The Urban Institute ‘s Housing Finance Policy Center recently posited that down payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers could help turn the tide of systemic racism by reducing intergenerational wealth disparities. Researchers said federal, state, and local housing policies have “systematically excluded Black families and other families of color from homeownership,” with one UI study projecting the Black-white homeownership gap – at more than 30 percentage point

Equity 441

Equity Finance Closing Mortgages 441