Housing Wire

JANUARY 7, 2021

The average U.S. mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell two basis points this week to 2.65% – the lowest rate in the Freddie Mac ’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey’s near 50-year history. This week’s mortgage rate broke the previous record set on Dec. 24. With this week’s record drop, there have now been 22 consecutive weeks when average mortgage rates have been below 3%, and this is the 17th time this year rates have broken a record.

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Keeping Current Matters

JANUARY 4, 2021

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move.

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Realtor.com

JANUARY 5, 2021

skynesher / Getty Images You hear these terms thrown around all the time: Second home, investment property, vacation home, rental property. But is there any real difference among them? And does it even matter what you call it? As it turns out, there are some very big differences between second homes and investment properties, especially if you are financing it.

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Point2Homes

JANUARY 5, 2021

Image: Casper1774 Studio / Shutterstock.com. Credit Scoring Explained. Credit bureaus gather information on you and use a formula to create your credit score , which can range from 300 to 850. Where you fit on that scale will have a significant effect on whether you can get the loan you want. Lenders and other businesses use this credit score to assess you because it shows them how likely you are to repay the money you borrowed.

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Debt-to-income ratio Loans As-is Finance 143

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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.

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Housing Wire

JANUARY 5, 2021

There’s a common misconception that you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. But the truth is, your down payment depends on your lender, credit score and the type of mortgage you qualify for. For example, some loans require as little as 3% down. . If you’re thinking about buying a house, we have good news. Some lenders will let you buy your home with a much smaller down payment.

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FHA loan VA loan Loans Mortgages 546

Keeping Current Matters

JANUARY 7, 2021

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae , 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a go

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Homes.com

JANUARY 5, 2021

It’s often said you’ll never forget your first home — and we couldn’t agree more! For most, a home is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. While this can seem scary, there are plenty of tips and helpful hints to help you save money for your first home. Our first-time buyer’s guide has everything you need to know from choosing the right down payment option, to how COVID-19 has changed the real estate market.

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Marketing 142

Housing Wire

JANUARY 4, 2021

If you’re looking to buy a home, you’ll stand the best chance in a buyer’s housing market, where listings are flush, demand is low and buyers have the upper hand — not to mention most of the negotiating power. Seller’s markets, on the other hand, are on the opposite side of the spectrum. They’re marked by high levels of competition and rising home prices, and in most cases, you’ll have a harder (and more expensive) time finding a home.

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Marketing Equity Construction Mortgages 546

Keeping Current Matters

JANUARY 8, 2021

Some Highlights. Choosing the right real estate professional to work with is one of the most important decisions you can make in your homebuying or selling process. The right agent can explain current market conditions and break down exactly what they mean for you. If you’re considering buying or selling a home this year, make sure to work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, negotiations, and more.

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Agents Marketing 327

The Mortgage Report

JANUARY 8, 2021

Here are five ways to pay off your mortgage faster. Plus, what to consider before putting your hard-earned cash toward early mortgage payments.

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Mortgages 140

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

JANUARY 5, 2021

Canadian mortgage delinquencies are falling, except for people really behind. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data shows the change of mortgages past due in Q3 2020. Most segments of days past due (DPD) show a sharp decline in the most recent reported quarter. This was largely expected due to payment deferral programs. One segment […].

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Mortgages 138

Housing Wire

JANUARY 4, 2021

The end of 2020 won’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to the favorable 2% mortgage rates that hit historically low levels 16 times over the past 12 months. In fact, most industry observers believe rates will remain at the same low levels in 2021 as the Federal Reserve uses low rates as a weapon to combat the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mortgages Finance As-is Loans 539

Keeping Current Matters

JANUARY 5, 2021

The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season. 1.

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Realtor.com

JANUARY 4, 2021

Viorel Kurnosov/Getty Images Buying a home sight unseen might seem like a massive gamble: plunking down hundreds of thousands (maybe millions) of dollars on a property you’ve never set foot in, your fingers crossed it looks just like the photos and doesn’t have major issues ! So how lucky do you feel, anyway? But during the pandemic—when stay-at-home restrictions made touring a property difficult and folks were eager to get out of densely populated cities—greater numbers of buyers th

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Inspection Technology Agents Loans 137

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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

Realty Biz

JANUARY 3, 2021

The world is becoming more connected as the Internet of Things makes its way into every part of our homes. Bathrooms have become a focus for homeowners looking to renovate their homes in the 21st-century, with a 40 percent rise in remodels by 2015, Home Advisor reports. Working with a reputable contractor to make your bathroom remodel dreams come true, is a good option in Houston and other parts of the U.S.

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Housing Wire

JANUARY 5, 2021

Chicago-based lender Guaranteed Rate is acquiring multi-channel lender Stearns Holdings for an undisclosed sum, multiple sources told HousingWire Tuesday. Employees at Stearns, which is owned by financial giant Blackstone Group , were told in an all-hands call on Tuesday afternoon, sources told HousingWire. In a statement confirming the deal Tuesday afternoon, Guaranteed Rate said the acquisition of Stearns would enable a boost in retail loan originations and further scale its JV platform, while

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Lending Bankruptcy Loans Mortgages 538

Keeping Current Matters

JANUARY 6, 2021

Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted : “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equity…Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial st

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Realtor.com

JANUARY 4, 2021

Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images The pandemic hasn’t stopped fed-up Americans from fleeing colder, more expensive parts of the country and moving to warmer, cheaper locales. Instead, it’s sped up the exodus for many folks who would have otherwise waited. The state people can’t seem to get out of fast enough is none other than New Jersey, according to United Van Lines’ 44th Annual National Migration Study.

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Commercial As-is Marketing 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.

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Fancy Pants Homes

JANUARY 7, 2021

The three Hemsworth brothers have parted ways with their scenic California getaway. We got word that the four-bedroom home with ocean and mountain views just sold for $4.25 million, after being listed back in September 2020 with a $4.9 million asking price. Liam, Luke and Chris Hemsworth bought the house roughly four years ago and used it for family stays while they were filming in nearby Los Angeles.

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Renovation As-is Sales Closing 132

Housing Wire

JANUARY 8, 2021

Are you considering purchasing a home for the first time? Then you’re probably already saving money for your down payment. But what about all the other costs needed to complete the transaction? Understanding what expenses are required at closing to buy a house will help you budget and save more effectively. In this article, we break down exactly what closing costs are so you’re prepared when you start shopping for a home: What are closing costs?

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The American Genius for Real Estate

JANUARY 8, 2021

(EDITORIAL) Keeping up productivity can be a hard goal to shoot for, so sometimes It helps to see what others are doing. Here's our list of 10 ways to stay productive. The post 10 productivity tips to get the most out of yourself and your team appeared first on The American Genius Real Estate.

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Realtor.com

JANUARY 7, 2021

LPETTET / Getty Images If you’re selling a home, it’s always exciting when a buyer makes an offer that you accept. Although this is a major milestone on the march toward closing, there are many points where this deal can go off the rails—like if you find out your home buyer wasn’t approved for a mortgage. What now? If you find yourself in this situation, you could be thinking all hope is lost.

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Loans Purchase and sale agreement Pre-approval Debt-to-income ratio 133

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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

Realty Biz

JANUARY 7, 2021

What is The First Right of Refusal (ROFR)? Are you wondering what exactly is a first right of refusal in real estate? When you’re buying a home, no matter if you’re a first-time buyer or someone who is onto their 50th property, you may find different clauses that will affect and define just how you can and can’t purchase a home you like or sell the one you currently live in.

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Housing Wire

JANUARY 6, 2021

For many middle-aged and older homeowners with several years of equity on their homes, 2021 could be a prime time to refinance from a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage into a 15-year mortgage. The three primary reasons homeowners refinance to shorter-term loans are to save money on interest, to pay off the loan faster, and to build equity. But the possibility of reduced future earnings is another key reason some refinance into a 15-year loan.

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Fixed-rate mortgage Mortgages Loan Officer Loans 528

Fancy Pants Homes

JANUARY 6, 2021

If you’re a fan of the mountain farmhouse aesthetic, you’re in for a treat. Nestled into a hillside just minutes away from Aspen core sits the Mount Daly House , one of the twelve modern ranch retreats at the 800-acre Aspen Valley Ranch. The massive Colorado ranch — owned by oil and gas executive Charif Souki — was initially listed back in May 2020 for $220 million, which propelled it to the top of the list of most expensive residential properties for sale in the U.S.

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Realtor.com

JANUARY 8, 2021

The Morson Collection/Houzz A new year is the perfect time for new beginnings, especially when it comes to your home decor. And what better space to refresh than the room where you start each new day? To provide you with inspiration for your decor endeavors, we turned to Instagram ( as we do every week ) and we scrolled through hundreds of bedroom posts, seeking out the cutting-edge looks that racked up the most likes.

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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.

Agents

Eye on Housing

JANUARY 4, 2021

In October, national home price appreciation reached all-time high. Home prices in all 19 major markets increased. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, reported by S&P Dow Jones Indices, rose at a seasonally adjusted annual growth rate of 22.3% in October, faster than an 18.6% increase in September. It marks the highest annual growth rate in the.

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Marketing 128

Housing Wire

JANUARY 5, 2021

Over the past few decades, the inventory of affordable homes has been in sharp decline while home prices have risen dramatically. In fact, since 2012, the average price of a home has risen by almost 47%. As a result, affordable housing solutions like manufactured homes may be more suitable for homebuyers looking for a starter home or seeking to downsize.

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Homes.com

JANUARY 7, 2021

When selling your home, it's important to ensure the space is safe for you, your family, potential buyers, and your agent. Our safety checklist will help you create a safe environment before their home ever hits the market! The post Selling Your Home? Read this Listing Safety Checklist First! appeared first on Homes.com.

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Agents Marketing 124

Realtor.com

JANUARY 7, 2021

cnythzl/Getty Images If the dream of owning a home is on your bucket list, you’ve likely combed through listings, narrowed down your home preferences, and even attended a few open houses. But while you might be mentally ready to buy a home, your financial situation might tell a different story. “Renters who are ready for homeownership should have their financial house in order before contemplating a purchase,” says Ben Creamer , co-founder and managing broker of Downtown Realty Company i

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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.

Agents