Mon.Mar 04, 2024

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Inventory is 19% higher than a year ago: Altos

Housing Wire

At HousingWire , we have a debate about whether home sellers will freeze up again this year as mortgage rates stay stubbornly high. We’ve had seller growth for 18 weeks in a row. I’ve previously been confident that trend will continue. A couple months ago, when rates were in the 6s still, I suggested that we could see 15% home sales growth this year.

Inventory 488
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Latest filings in eXp case allege top execs put ‘profit over safety’

Real Estate News

In an amended complaint, plaintiffs in a sexual assault case describe the defendants’ roles in the misconduct and ask for a new trial date.

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Miami seeks new debt package to finance affordable housing: Bloomberg

Housing Wire

The mayor of Miami-Dade County wants to leverage the bond market to create a fund that will finance affordable housing projects, according to a Bloomberg report published Monday. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will propose a new property tax-backed debt package later this year that would raise $2.5 billion to cope with the local housing crisis. Out of the $2.5 billion, $800 million would be allocated to affordable housing projects, while the rest would be used to improve area parks, sewage systems a

Finance 440
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Commissions case ensnares Warren Buffett

Real Estate News

Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Energy — parent of HomeServices of America — added as a defendant in the Gibson case as filing calls out the billionaire’s actions.

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Rithm Capital to issue $775M in unsecured debt

Housing Wire

Rithm Capital , a New York-based asset manager with a focus on real estate — and the parent of multichannel lender Newrez — is the latest company in the mortgage space to issue debt. Rithm is joining a list that includes competitors Mr. Cooper Group , Freedom Mortgage , PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust and Pennymac Financial Services , each of which have issued debt since September 2023.

Investing 413
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C21’s Mike Miedler speaks on the power of a ‘to-don’t’ list

Inman

The real estate conference season is heating up, as multiple real estate brands descend on Las Vegas to rally agents and brokers for what will undoubtedly be another challenging year. Century 21 is the latest brokerage to roll the dice in Sin City, with its annual One 21 Experience taking place in the Fontainebleau from Mar. 4 to 7.

Brokerage 168

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Luxury forecast: What lies ahead for high-net-worth buyers in 2024

Inman

Recent luxury forecasts from Coldwell Banker and Christie's International Real Estate show optimism in the market, and plenty of demand for new technology. Intel examines their findings.

Buyers 167
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Opinion: I wish millennials would stop complaining about housing and rent prices

Housing Wire

We millennials (at over 40, I’m an elder millennial or Xennial) are a vocal bunch for sure, having been the designers and original influencers of social media (Think: Mark Zuckerberg and Kim Kardashian!)! Assuredly, social media is like our personal journals, for better or worse. As a result, unlike past generations, where often it was only prominent commentators and news reporters whose voices would reach thousands or more, saying the quiet things out loud, we are the first generation to come o

Tenants 390
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Doss debuts ‘accelerator’ program to waive franchise fees

Inman

Twenty participants in the new program will not have to pay Doss' normal $15,000 franchise fee, though they will have to commit to growing their businesses.

Business 155
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Illinois Realtors partner with HousingWire to unlock The Full Picture 

Housing Wire

In our dedication to providing the full picture to housing professionals across the U.S. housing market, HousingWire has partnered with Illinois Realtors , bringing exclusive news, market data and housing research to the 50,000 Illinois Realtors that power the state’s real estate market. Illinois Realtors is one of the largest trade associations in the country and is dedicated to advocacy, education and ethics for real estate practitioners.

Realtors 389
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Airbnb reports surge in bookings for the April 8 solar eclipse

Inman

Cities within the path of totality for the eclipse on April 8 are experiencing a 1,000 percent increase in searches for the short term rentals.

Marketing 149
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Warren Buffett dragged into real estate commission lawsuit fray

Housing Wire

The legendary billionaire CEO of Berkshire Hathaway , Warren Buffett , has found himself at the center of one of the nation’s largest real estate commission lawsuits. In an amended complaint filed on Monday, the plaintiffs in the Gibson commission lawsuit , which was filed in early November in Missouri by Michael Ketchmark, the attorney for the plaintiffs in the Sitzer/Burnett suit , added Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company to the list of defendants.

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Berkshire Hathaway Energy added to growing Gibson commission suit

Inman

Amended complaint alleges Warren Buffett's company abused the trust inspired by his name to encourage homesellers to use HomeServices and further alleged price-fixing conspiracy.

Brokerage 142
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Guideline Buddy launches AI-powered chatbot

Housing Wire

Add mortgage tech firm Guideline Buddy to the list of companies with an artificial intelligence -powered chat tool. Guideline Buddy’s chatbot leverages generative AI technology to simplify the loan qualification process by providing swift and accurate information, freeing professionals from the time-consuming burden of sifting through extensive documentation, the firm said.

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

BiggerPockets

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?

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Bayview mortgage servicers seek to block plaintiff’s filing in data breach lawsuit

Housing Wire

Three Bayview Asset Management -owned mortgage servicers are seeking to halt a plaintiff’s filing in a data breach lawsuit, citing an overabundance of confidential information shared about the incident, National Mortgage News first reported. The objection, filed on Feb. 28 in federal court, represents the latest development in an ongoing lawsuit involving a data breach.

Mortgage 371
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Quick Strategies: Earn More Money By Renting Your Property by the Room

BiggerPockets

Renting by the room is still a sound strategy for those looking to invest in 2024, especially prospective house hackers looking to get into real estate investing. Here's how you can do it today.

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Reverse mortgage retail originations beat wholesale numbers in 2023

Housing Wire

The reverse mortgage industry already knew that Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) endorsement volume in 2023 was cut nearly in half compared to 2022, but new data shows that the decline was not the same between the retail and wholesale channels of the business. The pullback in retail was not as severe as the one in wholesale. HECM endorsements in the retail channel dropped by 43.4% in 2023, while the wholesale channel saw a steeper decline of 55% compared to 2022, according to recent data f

Retail 354
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Seeing Greene: $100K In Equity But NO Cash Flow, Should I Sell?

BiggerPockets

Where’d all the cash flow go? More than ever, rental property owners are waking up to find less and less mailbox money coming in every month.

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The homebuilding space consolidates after strong results in 2023

Housing Wire

In many respects, 2023 was the year of the homebuilder. The persistent scarcity of existing homes drove buyers toward newly built properties, allowing builders to maintain double-digit margins. New construction accounted for approximately 30% of active for-sale housing inventory, doubling the usual figures for a standard year. This surge in new construction activity sparked a wave of consolidation within the industry, with public and private homebuilders engaging in 12 merger and acquisition (M

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Budgeting Tips for Families Living on ONE Income

BiggerPockets

Can you really be a one-income family in 2024? Not if you don’t know how to budget!

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Calgary's housing market surges again

Mortgagebroker News

February activity soars

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Redfin Report Shows Investors “Piling In” to Low-Cost Properties—Here’s Why It’s Likely to Stay That Way

BiggerPockets

Investors must switch up strategies now that easy money policies are a thing of the past. Low-cost properties have become a bigger slice of the pie, and it's likely to stay that way, even when mortgage rates inevitably fall.

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Choosing the Right Lender

PennyMac

If you’re like most people embarking on a home-buying journey, one of your first steps will be finding a mortgage lender. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right one — everything from interest rates, loan types and fees to service and experience. When comparing lenders, it’s worth taking your time and choosing carefully. Purchasing a home is a big step, and you want a knowledgeable lending partner by your side as you weigh your financing options and navigate the paperwork i

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Here’s the Blueprint to Financial Freedom Today—Even When Mortgage Rates Are High

BiggerPockets

Most investment strategies touted by gurus involve first buying a course to learn their strategy to get rich in real estate.

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker

Lamacchia Realty

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT MORTGAGE BROKER The journey of buying a home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for those who may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the process. Because excited buyers are typically caught up in house hunting, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: hiring a mortgage broker. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, choosing the right mortgage broker can significantly impact your overall home-buying experience.

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New CMBA-ON president talks priorities, focus areas in role

Mortgagebroker News

Well-known CMI executive Taylor Lewis has been named president and chair

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What Is a Home Warranty and How Much Does It Cost?

Mashvisor

You can protect your appliances and home systems with a home warranty. Make sure to include the home warranty cost in your annual expenses.

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Who will lead TD Bank next?

Mortgagebroker News

Investors await clarity on plans

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Appraisal Quality Tip: Location matters — The key to choosing comparable properties

Clear Capital

For this month’s tip, we’ll focus on the three biggest factors in real estate. Can you guess what they are? That’s right — location, location, location!! In the world of real estate, location is king as it’s a primary consideration for buyers and the foundation of property values. A top revision request item from our mutual customers is around requests to address alternative sales.

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Mayors assert role as community builders amidst political tension

Mortgagebroker News

Canadian municipalities push back against 'gatekeeper' label

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Plaintiffs in eXp Realty sex trafficking suit file second amended complaint

Housing Wire

After partially succeeding in getting one claim dismissed each, eXp Realty and its founder and CEO Glenn Sanford are facing renewed allegations that they turned a blind eye on two former eXp agents and recruiters, Michael Bjorkman and David Golden , who allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted women at recruiting events. Originally filed in February 2023 by Fabiola Acevedo and three Jane Does, two of whom have now been identified as Tami Sims and Christiana Lundy, the lawsuit accuses eXp World H

Realty 438
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5 Landscaping Tips To Increase Home Value

D Fritz Appraisals

Essential Landscaping Tips and Tricks Details such as landscaping designs and quality craftsmanship in a home can make a dramatic first impression on prospective home buyers. D. Fritz Appraisals Inc. has decades of experience and ideas to help homeowners increase the curb appeal of their homes. Industry experts agree home landscaping provides an excellent return on investment.

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Harry Macklowe asks $38M for ‘unlivable’ Hamptons home

Inman

The all-white mansion on the shores of Georgica Pond boasts 951 feet of frontage on the exclusive waterfront — but can't legally be lived in

Legal 171