Wed.Mar 27, 2024

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The Real Brokerage looks to build on 2023’s explosive growth

Housing Wire

With its supercharged growth over the past two years, it is no surprise that The Real Brokerage topped the 2024 RealTrends 500 Top Movers list for both transaction side count and sales volume. In 2023, Real recorded 48,905 sides, up 14,721 sides from 2022, and a sales volume of $21.2 billion, up $6.80 billion over the prior year. Not only were these figures good enough for the top mover spot, but Real ranked at No. 6 and No. 10 nationwide for transaction sides and sales volume, respectively.

Brokerage 454
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Climate Change: What it Means for the Mortgage Industry

Appraisal Buzz

In this week’s episode, host Hal Humphreys speaks with Toni Moss, CEO of AmeriCatalyst LLC and Speaker on Climate Change and its effects on the mortgage industry. Moss discusses her experience in the real estate industry, her research and findings on extreme climate conditions, and how these impact home insurance, mortgages, and real estate at large.

Mortgage 365
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Renters gain financial edge over homebuyers in key U.S. markets: Realtor.com

Housing Wire

As first-time homebuyers contemplate their housing options, the financial calculus between renting and owning is essential. Against the backdrop of elevated mortgage rates and soaring home prices , discerning the evolving financial dynamics between renter-friendly and buyer-friendly markets is also paramount. A report released Tuesday by Realtor.com highlights a significant disparity in costs between buying and renting a starter home across the country’s 50 largest metropolitan areas.

Marketing 446
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Do appraisers deduct value if there are concessions?

Sacramento Appraisal Blog

It’s been a heated week of conversation in light of the NAR lawsuit, and one part that feels misunderstood or even controversial is how appraisers might handle concessions ahead. Let’s talk about it. Any thoughts? UPCOMING SPEAKING GIGS: 4/11/24 Lindsay Carlisle Event (private) 4/25/24 HomeSmart iCare Realty (details TBA) 4/26/24 Prime Real Estate (private) 5/9/24 […] The post Do appraisers deduct value if there are concessions?

Appraisal 342
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NAR wants VA to change rules that prohibit veteran buyers from paying broker commissions

Housing Wire

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) urged the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to revise its policies that ban veterans from paying broker commissions, an issue that is gaining attention following the NAR’s landmark $418 million settlement. Earlier this month, the NAR announced the settlement of various lawsuits filed by home sellers, which allege that the real estate industry colluded to keep agent commissions artificially high at 5% to 6% of a home’s sale price.

Buyers 446
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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.

Insurance 352

More Trending

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Herding the commissions copycats: Judges to hear arguments

Real Estate News

Even as settlements continue to roll in, a panel of judges will hear arguments tomorrow about merging the remaining buyer agent commission lawsuits.

Agents 263
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Special report: Jacksonville’s brokerage competition visualized

Housing Wire

Pre-pandemic, Jacksonville’s housing market was propelled by strong tailwinds: affordability relative to the rest of the Sunshine State, Florida’s lack of income tax and the quality of life benefits of having a river and oceanfront, to name a few. Those advantages, coupled with cheap land, made the city a favorite for homebuilders like DR Horton and Lennar that brought plenty of new inventory to market.

Brokerage 415
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Mortgage Applications Dipped Last Week Despite Dip Rates

Appraisal Buzz

Mortgage application volume decreased 0.7% during the week ended March 22, despite a slight decrease in mortgage rates that brought the average rate for a 30-year to 6.93%, down from 6.97% the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey. Applications for refinances fell 2% compared with the previous week and were down 9% compared with than the same week one year ago.

Mortgage 195
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Figure Technology Solutions takes another step to become public

Housing Wire

Figure Technology Solutions (FTS), the parent company of Figure Lending LLC , took another step this week to become a public company, just one week after announcing a reorganization of its enterprise structure. On Wednesday, the company said it “has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement” with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the proposed initial public offering of its equity securities.

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Bindiya Jain: To Personalize Offerings, Mortgage Lenders Should Look at Both Credit and Property Data 

Appraisal Buzz

PERSON OF THE WEEK: Mortgage lenders are struggling in this challenging market. As a result, many are turning their focus on their existing customers and looking for ways to expand and customize their offerings. But how can mortgage lenders looking to tailor their offerings gain a more comprehensive view of their customers’ needs? How can they personalize their offerings so as to meet the needs each borrower?

Mortgage 195
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In quest to grow reverse business, US Mortgage Corporation hires Krajewski

Housing Wire

New York-based multichannel lender US Mortgage Corporation is expanding its efforts in the reverse mortgage space, illustrating its focus on growth. The company recently hired reverse mortgage industry veteran Ken Krajewski to serve as its managing director and head of reverse mortgage lending. US Mortgage recently surpassed 30 years in business. The expansion of its dedicated reverse lending division, which has been active for more than a decade, follows on other recent trends that have seen mo

Business 398
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A New Appraisal Approach?

George Dell

“A new valuation modeling paradigm” are the words used by the late Dr. Marv Wolverton. He is the author of the Appraisal Institute’s book on statistics for appraisers. He created the term in a response to my peer-reviewed Appraisal Journal article: “Common Statistical Errors and Mistakes: Valuation and Reliability.” The article itself can be summed […] The post A New Appraisal Approach?

Appraisal 195
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Kelly Davids named president of The Appraisal Foundation

Housing Wire

The Appraisal Foundation this week named Kelly Davids, former superintendent of the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, as its new president. Davids, who has been a foundation staff member since 2013 as a senior vice president, is also a former foundation trustee and has served various roles in Ohio politics over the past 40 years.

Appraisal 384
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Buyer agents: Explain yourselves

Real Estate News

Brokerages and agents need to communicate exactly how they serve buyers, just as they do for sellers — and what value those services bring to clients.

Buyers 239
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Judge denies HomeServices’ motion to decertify the class in Sitzer/Burnett suit

Housing Wire

HomeServices of America , the remaining defendant in the Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit , suffered another blow on Tuesday. In a filing, Judge Stephen Bough, who oversaw the Sitzer/Burnett trial in Oct. 2023, denied the HomeServices defendants’ motion to decertify the class. HomeServices of America first filed its motion to decertify the class in early January 2024.

Law 380
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Northwest MLS criticizes DOJ commissions stance

Real Estate News

The 35,000 member multiple listing service calls the DOJ’s statement of interest an “ill-informed” interpretation of its compensation practices.

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Corcoran launches first franchise in Oregon

Housing Wire

The Corcoran Group has expanded in recent years and this week welcomed its first franchise in Oregon, Corcoran Prime , the company announced on Tuesday. Owned and led by Becky Jackson, the new brokerage will serve clients in the Greater Portland metropolitan area, with an office located in Portland’s Pearl District. “Portland’s market holds immense opportunity, and to be entering the market with Corcoran Prime is an ideal accompaniment, not only to our strong existing west coa

Brokerage 378
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William Raveis celebrates 50 years with an official state proclamation

Inman

Governor Ned Lamont on Wednesday proclaimed March 27 "William Raveis Day" in Connecticut as the brokerage celebrated 50 years of service with an unforgettable anniversary bash.

Brokerage 176
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11 real estate events & conferences to help you thrive in 2024

Housing Wire

It’s no secret that forging new connections at in-person events can help to grow your business. Nothing sets you up for success like learning the habits and best practices of more experienced agents, brokers and other housing professionals. While your online presence is crucial to your success, each real estate event or conference on our list can help you stay current with the latest market, tech and industry trends, build your skills and expertise, and expand your referral network.

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Mortgage rates are chasing Treasury yields lower — for now

Inman

With a key inflation report due Friday, mortgage rates and long-term Treasury yields have retreated to levels not seen in two weeks after Fed signals it could ease up on "quantitative tightening.

Mortgage 173
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Opinion: Why real estate agents shouldn’t worry about commission changes

Housing Wire

Snakes. Vultures. Con artists. Liars. These are all untrue and offensive words that come up when searching “Realtors” or “Real estate agents.” And before getting my real estate license in 2009, I had the same opinion, too. But even with all the negative nouns used to describe some real estate agents, the majority of real estate agents are professional and valuable.

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Dr. Shani Mott spent her last days fighting for housing equality

Inman

The Baltimore homeowner succumbed to cancer before she could celebrate a landmark appraisal bias win. She's part of a long legacy of Black homeowners who've died while fighting for their rights.

Appraisal 169
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Commercial Real Estate Appraisal: How to Reduce Commercial Property Taxes

Appraisal Hub

In the bustling city of Toronto, commercial real estate stands as a cornerstone of investment and business operations. However, with great property comes great responsibility, including the inevitable property taxes that can significantly impact your bottom line. Understanding the nuances of commercial real estate appraisal is key to navigating these waters and potentially reducing your commercial property taxes.

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7 crisis management tips for handling commission uncertainty

Inman

The critical difference between survival and downfall during turbulent times, such as the commission lawsuits, is effective crisis management, Keller Williams' Julia Lashay Isreal writes.

Brokerage 168
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How to Write Off Your BPCON Travel as a Business Expense

BiggerPockets

For business travel to be tax-deductible, you need to leave your tax home. This is where you ordinarily conduct business, and you typically have to travel far enough to warrant an overnight stay (100 miles is a good rule to follow).

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$188M Palm Beach estate — the city’s priciest — goes into contract

Inman

The estate sits alone on its own 2.3-acre man-made island, and went into contract on Monday. The negotiated price and the buyer's identity are still unknown.

Contracts 175
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Market Madness: 10 College Markets That Are Great for Cash Flow

BiggerPockets

With the college sports season’s thrilling climax, this is also an exciting time for real estate investors who own rentals in college towns that are being given a high profile.

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Compass brings on Atlanta’s Beacham & Company

Inman

Glennis Beacham founded the former indie brokerage in 2006 after growing her career over the course of more than two decades to become one of Atlanta's top luxury agents.

Brokerage 164
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Utilizing the 5 M’s for Multifamily Success in 2024 and Beyond

BiggerPockets

This article is presented by DeRosa Group. Read our editorial guidelines for more information. Real estate investing, particularly in the multifamily sector, is both a rewarding and complex venture.

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Nepo Babies grow up as data points to new phenomenon: Nepo Buyers

Inman

Thirty-six percent of Gen Zers and millennials who plan to buy a home in the near future intend to use a cash gift from family to contribute to a down payment, according to data from Redfin released Wednesday.

Buyers 158
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Strategic Accounting for House Flipping Success

BiggerPockets

There’s a lot that goes into house flipping. You need to choose the right market, negotiate a competitive price, work with the best contractors, and get an agent to help you sell for a profit. On top of that, a defined accounting strategy for house flipping is critical to your long-term success. Here’s how to create one.

Agents 74
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LoanDepot settles high-profile appraisal bias lawsuit filed in 2022

Inman

Lender revises appraisal policies and practices in wake of lawsuit by Baltimore couple who claimed their home was undervalued by more than $250,000 because they were Black.

Appraisal 154
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Taxes & Buying a Home—Here’s What You Should Know

BiggerPockets

Many people understandably wonder what costs and expenses could be tax-deductible and what additional taxes they may need to pay as part of the homebuying and ownership process. Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about taxes and home purchases, including what you’ll pay, potential deductions you may benefit from, and more.

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