Fri.Apr 19, 2024

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Freddie Mac’s proposed home equity product could unlock $850B in originations

Housing Wire

A Freddie Mac home equity product that was proposed this week has the potential to unlock $850 billion in origination volume. But it could face challenges due to the lack of a robust securitization market, according to strategists at Bank of America (BofA). On Tuesday, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a request for comment on a proposal to allow the government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) to purchase single-family, closed-end second mortgages when it owns the risk of the corresp

Finance 488
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Top portal rivals show mutual support for buyer agency

Real Estate News

This week, Zillow CEO Rich Barton praised Realtor.com CEO Damian Eales’ latest push to educate homebuyers about changes coming to the industry.

Buyers 312
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Prices for luxury homes soared in the first quarter 

Housing Wire

Luxury home prices in the U.S. surged by 8.7% year over year in the first quarter of 2024, with the median price hitting a record $1.225 million, according to data from Redfin. In comparison, prices for non-luxury homes rose by 4.6% to a median of $345,000, which is also a record high. Redfin defined luxury homes as those estimated to be in the top 5% of their metro area based on market value, while non-luxury homes are those with estimated values in the 35th to 65th percentile.

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Inventory is way up in Florida — but prices are still rising

Real Estate News

Active listings are back to pre-pandemic levels, but home prices — and home insurance costs — keep going up, creating a tough market for buyers and sellers.

Inventory 299
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Ginnie Mae denies majority of complaint in Texas Capital Bank lawsuit

Housing Wire

Ginnie Mae has filed a point-by-point response to the initial complaint of the case brought against it by Texas Capital Bank (TCB), which alleges that the government-owned company “extinguished, in return for no consideration, TCB’s first priority lien on tens of millions of dollars in collateral” stemming from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-sponsored Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program.

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People on the Move: Chicago Association of Realtors president resigns

Real Estate News

Drussy Hernandez said the move was necessary due to “external professional obligations.” CAR president-elect Erika Villegas will take over the role on May 15.

Realtors 278

More Trending

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Racial disparity in appraisals continues to improve

Real Estate News

After encouraging reports from 2022, new data shows the appraisal gap continued to shrink throughout much of the U.S. in 2023.

Appraisal 257
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Opinion: If you’re chasing volume, you’re chasing the wrong carrot

Housing Wire

One of the most notable surprises of 2024 has been the trajectory of mortgage rates. When the average rate on 30-year loans dropped from 8.01% on Oct. 25 to 6.84% on Jan. 31, more loan applications started coming in, and the mortgage industry breathed a sigh of relief. Many thought 6.5% would become the new ceiling and rates would be down to 5.5% by the end of the year, easy.

Mortgage 448
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Luxury home prices have reached new heights: Redfin

Inman

With a recent boost to inventory and steady demand for high-end properties, luxury homeowners are ready to cash out on existing homes and use their cash power to buy a new home, fueling price growth.

Inventory 199
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Brian Icenhower on impact of commission lawsuits and low volume

Housing Wire

The HousingWire award spotlight series highlights the individuals and organizations that have been recognized through our Editors’ Choice Awards. Nominations for HousingWire’s 2024 Marketing Leaders Leaders award are open now through April 30th, 2024. Click here to nominate someone. The recent commission lawsuits have had a profound impact on real estate agents and brokerages as they face increased scrutiny and pressure to provide more transparency in their commission structures and potential co

Training 448
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FormFree Enhances Passport Wallet

Appraisal Buzz

FormFree has enhanced its Passport Wallet solution by adding a new user interface that makes it easier for consumers to understand their ability to pay and match with lenders. Based on user feedback, more than 10 screens have been removed, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user journey. This enhancement is expected to increase the completion rate by consumers, reducing instances of app abandonment and ensuring a higher generation of Qualified Borrower Medallions, the company says in a r

Finance 195
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Ginnie Mae expands its monthly single-family reporting

Housing Wire

Ginnie Mae unveiled a significant revision on Wednesday to its monthly single-family reporting protocols. The government mortgage bond guarantor incorporated expanded its payment default status (PDS) reporting, including loan default information, any mitigation actions taken and the timing of these actions. The agency said that this move underscores its commitment to vigilant monitoring of delinquent loans, which can exert financial strain on nonbank entities.

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Mortgage Bankers Association Taps Alicia Goncalves as Director of Associate Membership

Appraisal Buzz

Alicia Goncalves, CMB, has joined the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) as director of associate membership. Before joining MBA, Goncalves served as senior customer success manager at fintech company, nCinco, Inc. Prior to that, she held ascending roles in lending at Norcom Mortgage, most recently as assistant vice president, assistant operations manager.

Mortgage 195
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Pennsylvania home sales surge in March

Housing Wire

Even though the spring homebuying season got off to a slow start across much of the U.S., one of the most populous states saw increased activity. Home sales in Pennsylvania jumped 23.6% from February to March, according to a report released Friday by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR). On a year-over-year basis, sales were down 10.5%, but the 8,790 transactions that closed last month were a positive sign for real estate professionals in the Keystone State.

Realtors 440
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Protected: RSDS APPRAISAL DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE HIRING OF W-2 STAFF APPRAISERS

Appraisal Buzz

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: The post Protected: RSDS APPRAISAL DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE HIRING OF W-2 STAFF APPRAISERS appeared first on Appraisal Buzz.

Appraisal 195
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7 strategies to turn today’s bad economic news into more deals

Inman

Frustrated and anxious about economic conditions? Trainer Bernice Ross writes that, instead of waiting for change, agents can move forward with confidence by following these strategies.

Agents 192
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Is New York’s Eviction Bill a Compromise? Or Just More Pain for Landlords and a Blueprint for Other States to Follow?

BiggerPockets

New York State legislative leaders have agreed on a preliminary housing deal aimed at tackling affordability and supply problems, which are especially severe in New York City.

Tenants 92
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Agents maneuver a labyrinthine legal landscape: The Download

Inman

There's been a heapin' helpin' of new developments in the commission lawsuits. Here's how to pivot and be ready for whatever comes next.

Legal 190
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The 25 Best Sunbelt Markets for Cash Flow—And a Closer Look at the Top 4

BiggerPockets

Jazz icon and Los Angeles native Roy Ayers once famously sang, “Everybody Loves The Sunshine.” Never have truer words been said.

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Commission lawsuits, updates, getting listings: Inman Top 5

Inman

Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Brokerage 187
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Partnering Is a Great Way to Invest—As Long as You’ve Worked Out These 13 Details

BiggerPockets

In the last 16+ years, I’ve worked with many investors. Occasionally, I am asked about two or more people pooling their resources to buy properties.

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Digital insurance marketplace Matic grows mortgage clientele

Inman

With new clients including USA Mortgage and New American Funding, Matic says it's doing business with more 100 mortgage lenders and servicers that together process 20 percent of U.S. home loans.

Insurance 186
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Swivel Mortgage taps seasoned broker for director role

Mortgagebroker News

Leader to drive expansion efforts across Ontario

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‘RHONY’s’ Erin Lichy heads to Compass to launch new team

Inman

The reality TV star has left the Eklund Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman to start the Erin + Alex Team at Compass with the firm's Alexandra Hedaya. The team will operate in New York, the Hamptons and Florida.

Brokerage 185
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Budget 2024 promises open banking, but timelines remain hazy

Mortgagebroker News

Timing gap leaves companies in limbo

83
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Gone, not forgotten: The Oklahoma City bombing 29 years later

Inman

Kari Watkins, Chris Fleming and Donna Weaver were forever changed by the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing. Twenty-nine years later, they reflect on life since.

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Ontario mortgage broker fined $10k for providing false information

Mortgagebroker News

FSRA imposes penalties and restrictions following false renewal application

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Defendants fight to get homebuyer commission suits tossed

Inman

The National Association of Realtors, Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX, Compass, eXp and others offered a slew of arguments for why the Batton 1 and Batton 2 cases should be thrown out.

Realtors 179
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What should brokers be advising clients on the interest rate outlook?

Mortgagebroker News

Future rate trajectory remains shrouded in uncertainty

Clients 81
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Proptech investment is way down — but these 4 areas still see demand

Inman

AI, green building and energy transition, and property and transaction management solutions are still seen as stable investments by VC firms, recent reports show, despite an overall decline in investments in proptech.

Investing 178
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State Level Employment Situation: March 2024

Eyes on Housing

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 44 states in March compared to the previous month, while six states and the District of Columbia saw a decrease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 303,000 in March, following a gain of 270,000 jobs in February. On a month-over-month basis, employment.

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Shape real estate’s future: Take the Inman Intel Index survey for April

Inman

The Inman Intel Index goes beyond sentiment and trends by tapping into the real estate industry's most engaged community. Add your voice to real estate's most ambitious monthly survey today.

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Massachusetts Home Prices Up in March, Q1 2024

Buys Brokers Only LLC

The median price of a single-family home in Massachusetts rose in March and during the first quarter of 2024, while inventory and sales declined, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

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You have 3 brokerage models to choose from. Which works for you?

Inman

Once you've passed your real estate exam, broker Joseph Santini writes, your first order of business will be deciding what type of brokerage will serve you best in your new career.

Brokerage 173