Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The landmark antitrust lawsuit settlement agreed to by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in March has put the practices of real estate agents in the spotlight for both regulators and clients alike. Now, with agent commissions starting to decline, agents naturally want to convey the value of their services to buyers and sellers. New research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta attempts to answer one question — can my agent get a better sale price on my home than a competing agent?

Agents 488

Agents Real Estate Agent Real Estate Sellers 488

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

This piece originally appeared in the September 2024 edition of MortgagePoint magazine, online now. As the mortgage industry adjusts to changes in regulatory compliance, rising interest rates, declining purchase volume, and overall economic uncertainty, servicing becomes more important to both mortgage holders and their homeowners. Homeowners are increasingly interested in a seamless and digital, user-friendly experience throughout the mortgage journey, from application to closing and on to t

Technology 406

Technology Tools Investing Mortgage 406

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

More than 16 million Americans who are 65 or older are living alone, but the depth of their experiences is largely unknown. This is according to a recent story published by KFF Health News. “This slice of the older population has significant health issues: Nearly 4 in 10 seniors living alone have vision or hearing loss, difficulty caring for themselves and living independently, problems with cognition, or other disabilities, according to a KFF analysis of 2022 census data,” the story explained.

Technology 482

Technology Government Development Marketing 482

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

August showed an improvement in homeowner affordability, with purchase applicants’ national median payment falling from $2,140 in July to $2,057 in August. This is supported by the Mortgage Bankers Association ‘s (MBA) Purchase Applications Payment Index (PAPI), which uses information from the MBA’s Weekly Applications Survey (WAS) to assess how new monthly mortgage payments change over time in relation to income.

Mortgage 395

Mortgage Inventory Housing Market Buyers 395

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Starter homes are more affordable to the average American than they were a year ago, but they have become significantly less affordable over the past decade. That’s the conclusion Redfin reached in a data report released Monday. The national real estate brokerage analyzed household income levels and monthly housing payments to calculate its affordability metric.

Buyers 476

Buyers Real Estate Mortgage Brokerage 476

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The 16th annual Appraisal Summit , held from September 14th to 17th, 2024 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, provided attendees with a packed agenda of education, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. With experts from across the industry sharing their insights, attendees left with fresh perspectives on both challenges and innovations shaping the future of appraising.

Appraisal 349

Appraisal Legal Valuation Tools 349

Real Estate News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Home Price Index went up 4.1%, while starter homes are more affordable than they’ve been in four years — in part due to a shift in perspective.

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Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The rate of home sales is picking up! The number of homes under contract across the country has risen for the last few weeks. Purchase mortgage applications are up for five weeks in a row. It seems like mortgage rates are getting closer to 6% are shaking loose a few transactions. These are small moves, and it’s early. It’s not a big rush of home sales of course, we’re just looking for any signs of resuscitation, and we can finally start to see some.

Mortgage 459

Mortgage Contracts Inventory New Listings 459

Real Estate News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Plaintiffs in the Sitzer/Burnett commissions case are seeking preliminary approval for deals with 15 non-Realtor MLSs and 13 real estate brokerages.

Brokerage 264

Brokerage Realtors Real Estate 264

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Two of the top five lenders in the reverse mortgage industry are now engaged in a legal skirmish over marketing practices that one lender calls deceptive. Longbridge Financial , a top five reverse mortgage lender and servicer based in New Jersey, is suing Mutual of Omaha Mortgage over a series of websites maintained by the latter. Longbridge alleges that these websites are both deceptive and in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) as well as guidance from the Federal Tr

Mortgage 458

Mortgage Marketing Advertising Tools 458

Real Estate News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The nation’s largest independent brokerage has launched a new natural language search experience on its website, powered by ListAssist to rival portals.

Brokerage 260

Brokerage 260

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

In the newest episode of the Power House podcast, host Clayton Collins chats with Robert Pieklo, chief operating officer of American Financial Resources (AFR), and Adam Carmel , CEO of Polly. They discuss the latest developments in the mortgage market, along with key dynamics and growth strategies for lenders as interest rates continue to fall. The conversation also covers cost-to-completion metrics, new technology and tactics strategies for making customers happy in today’s market.

Mortgage 458

Mortgage Marketing Technology Business 458

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Fay Servicing SVP of Data Science Josh Balson Fay Servicing has announced that Josh Balson has joined the company as SVP of Data Science. In this newly created role, Balson will lead Fay’s data science initiatives, focusing on leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the overall borrower experience and drive internal operational efficiencies.

Architecture 221

Architecture Technology Investing Clients 221

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is jumping into the artificial intelligence (AI) technology game. On Monday, the family-owned firm announced the launch of HomeFinder AI through a partnership with technology firm ListAssist. HomeFinder AI users can type their exact search parameters into the platform — including phrases like a “modern kitchen with tons of natural light” or a “spacious backyard with a pool” — and they will be matched with properties.

Tools 435

Tools Real Estate Technology Modernization 435

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Brookstone Management Director of Operational Initiatives Kerrie Crace Brookstone Management has announced the appointment of Kerrie Crace as new Director of Operational Initiatives. Crace brings more than two decades of experience in mortgage, banking, and default servicing to her new role with Brookstone, with long tenures at both Wells Fargo and Key Bank.

Clients 221

Clients Development Business Mortgage 221

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Compass has announced yet another addition to its team in Texas. Adrian Jacobs, a luxury agent who has sold more than $29 million in volume over the past year, has rejoined Compass’s Dallas office from Douglas Elliman. Coming with him is Genna Skolnik, the leader of The Venture Group. She rejoined Compass last year from The Agency. “Understanding quality real estate opportunities requires both a broad marketplace context and a detailed understanding of asset types,” Jacobs said in a statement.

Agents 434

Agents Real Estate Brokerage Clients 434

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Steve Schulz Informative Research , a technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, has announced the addition of Steve Schulz as EVP of Product Management, where he will lead the vision, strategy and innovation methodologies to introduce disruptive ideas, improve existing products and processes, and foster a culture of innovation.

Clients 195

Clients Design Lending Technology 195

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Mauricio’s Umansky’s The Agency is getting into the mortgage business. The brokerage has entered into a joint venture with Barrett Financial Group to offer what the companies believe will be a wide range of mortgage products and streamlined underwriting to The Agency’s luxury clients. Dubbed Aclara Lending, the joint venture will start in Southern California with plans to expand in the near future.

Mortgage 434

Mortgage Lending Clients Brokerage 434

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Home affordability improved in August, due mainly to lower mortgage rates, according to First American. It was the first time since 2021 that affordability improved, according to the firm’s Real House Price Index. First American, however, remains cautiously optimistic about the housing market’s future. Although rates have dropped, home prices continue to rise, and may rise at a faster pace once rates drop more.

Housing Market 195

Housing Market Mortgage Appraisal Marketing 195

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

California-based loanDepot on Monday announced it has closed a $300 million offering of notes backed by a revolving warehouse line of credit and secured by mortgages. loanDepot said this is the 10th time it has closed a transaction of this kind. It follows other strategies to strengthen its financial position, including selling mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and extending debt.

Finance 433

Finance Mortgage Lending Marketing 433

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

M2 Lending Solutions is using LenderLogix ’ mortgage point-of-sale and automation software to provide an automated, digital-first borrower experience. Specifically, M2 lending has implemented LenderLogix’ QuickQual, LiteSpeed, and Milestone Text Updates solutions to provide borrowers high-touch, white-glove service. “Our philosophy is to find the best mortgage product for each customer, so it made sense to apply this same philosophy to our technology,” says Chris Murphy, founder and principal at

Lending 195

Lending Real Estate Agent Loan Officers Modernization 195

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

According to a recent report by Forbes, over half of all real estate investors are now turning to private lenders. With this comes a more crowded marketplace, which means that existing lenders need to consider ways to stand out from the crowd, to survive. The rise of private lending Private lenders disrupted the monopoly of traditional banks and the private lending market has since seen a remarkable rise, reaching $1.5 trillion in assets under management globally at the start of 2024.

Lending 427

Lending Technology Client Relationships Tools 427

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

University of Buffalo contracts law professor Tanya Monestier's sample form makes clear the buyer is on the hook for buyer broker compensation so long as they successfully close a deal.

Contracts 190

Contracts Law Buyers Realtors 190

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Cooler fall temperatures have brought less intense housing market conditions to the once white-hot market of Bergen County , New Jersey. “We are not seeing that same buyer frenzy we were seeing six months ago,” said Audra Fontanella, the broker-owner of Bergen County-based RE/MAX Venture Realtors. “We are seeing some price drops start to happen and a little bit longer days on market.

Housing Market 404

Housing Market Marketing Inventory Agents 404

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Most real estate professionals say little has changed since new commission rules went into effect in August. But for a smaller group, the changes have unleashed a completely different experience.

Agents 188

Agents Real Estate Clients Buyers 188

Eyes on Housing

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

In September, mortgage rates maintained their downward trajectory, returning to levels last seen two years ago. According to Freddie Mac, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.18%, a decline of 32 basis points (bps) from August. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage saw an even steeper decline, decreasing by 42 bps from August.

Mortgage 167

Mortgage Finance 167

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Entrepreneurs aligned with a major network, like RE/MAX, can leverage a brand consumers know and trust.

Real Estate Agent 183

Real Estate Agent Real Estate Business Agents 183

Eyes on Housing

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The latest NAHB study on home buyer preferences – What Home Buyers Really Want Study – asked consumers about the features and amenities they would want in a home, specifically regarding windows and exterior doors. Respondents were asked to rate eight window and four exterior door features using the following four-point scale: Windows ENERGY STAR.

Buyers 158

Buyers 158

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

In the first eight months of 2024, only 25 out of every 1,000 U.S. homes changed ownership, marking the lowest housing turnover rate since 1994, according to an analysis by Redfin released Monday.

Inventory 179

Inventory Mortgage Marketing 179

Appraisal Buzz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

CV3 Financial Services , a private money lending firm, is using the loan servicing component of The Mortgage Office ‘s platform. As one of the largest private lenders in the country, CV3 selected The Mortgage Office following an extensive evaluation process to achieve greater scale, control, and efficiency in servicing its loans in-house. By moving its loan servicing onto The Mortgage Office’s platform, CV3 gains a trusted system of record with robust functionality, underscoring its commitment t

Mortgage 150

Mortgage Training Lending Business 150

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

The California Association of Realtors expects existing single-family home sales to reach more than 300K units by the end of 2025. Active inventory is due for a 10 percent boost as well.

Realtors 176

Realtors Inventory Real Estate Marketing 176

BiggerPockets

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Some cities across the United States are emerging as economic powerhouses, creating ideal conditions for real estate investors. Here's where to look.

Real Estate 91

Real Estate Investors Housing Market Marketing 91

Inman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

As 2025 approaches, Ophir Adar writes, many real estate agents are wondering how to thrive in a rapidly changing market. The key to success lies with your focus, mindset and ultimately, your results.

Real Estate Agent 176

Real Estate Agent Real Estate Agents Marketing 176

BiggerPockets

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

Snowballing a $20,000 investment into eleven rental properties…in under four years?!

Real Estate 90

Real Estate Investors Investing 90