Wed.Jan 29, 2025

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New homes account for the highest share of sales since 2005

Housing Wire

The housing market in 2024 was about as frustrating for the real estate industry as you can imagine. High mortgage rates, low inventory and sky-high prices resulted in historically low sales at a time when agents are already wrestling with the changes related to the $418 million antitrust settlement signed by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Sellers 488
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More agents are using AI — and fewer brokerages are worried

Real Estate News

Real estate leaders are getting more comfortable with artificial intelligence and expect it to redefine operational efficiency in 2025, a new survey found.

Brokerage 283
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In leaving rates alone, the Fed hides behind solid labor market

Housing Wire

The Federal Reserve didnt raise or cut interest rates today, but the meeting highlighted something I have been emphasizing since 2022: the Fed is shaping its policy around the labor market more than inflation. Both times when mortgage rates fell without Fed rate cuts (in late 2022-early 2023 and in mid-2024), it was primarily due to the economic and labor scares.

Marketing 429
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LA fires: What we know so far, and what’s ahead for housing

Real Estate News

Brokerage leaders, data scientists and other experts have helped paint a picture of the scope and impact of the California wildfires on the LA housing market.

Brokerage 262
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The Constructors Digital Transformation Playbook: Reducing Risk With Technology

Speaker: Dylan Secrest

Construction projects are high-stakes operations where even minor inefficiencies can lead to costly delays, safety concerns, and budget overruns. Managing risk in construction has always been a challenge, but as projects grow in complexity, traditional methods no longer cut it. Enter Digital Transformation - a game changer approach that replaces inefficiency with AI-powered analytics, real-time monitoring, and automated workflows to proactively manage risk.

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California attorney general cracks down on rental price gouging

Housing Wire

Californias attorney general is making it clear that he will not tolerate price gouging for shelter in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires. On Monday. the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced it was pressing charges against a second unnamed Realtor for price gouging. According to the attorney generals office, the agent allegedly attempted to price gouge a family who was evacuated due to the Los Angeles Eaton Fire.

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Servicing QC 2025 outlook: Identify risks amidst changing rules

Housing Wire

No one can know what, exactly, will change in 2025 for the mortgage servicing industrys quality control units, but experts agree there will be changes. Rohit Chopra, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is unlikely to remain at the bureaus helm after the new presidential administration is inaugurated, which will probably mean new priorities and protocols.

Tools 362
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CFPB Examines the Struggles of U.S. Renters

Appraisal Buzz

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released two reports examining rental payment data from September 2021 to November 2024. The percentage of renters who paid late fees in the last year reached 23% in February 2023. While the rate declined to slightly less than 14% in November 2024, the CFPBs analysis found that the median outstanding rental balance rose 60% between September 2021 and November 2024, suggesting increased financial distress among affected households.

Appraisal 221
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Qualia acquires RamQuest, E-Closing from Old Republic

Housing Wire

Real estate closing platform and software provider Qualia is acquiring RamQuest and E-Closing from Old Republic National Title Holding Company. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Like Qualia, RamQuest and E-Closing are closing platforms, with RamQuest being one of the most widely used by title professionals in addition to Qualia and Softpro.

Insurance 370
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Mortgage Applications Dropped 2 Percent Last Week as Rates Remained Flat

Appraisal Buzz

Mortgage application volume fell 2.0% during the week ended January 24, as the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage remained unchanged at 7.02%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey. The results include an adjustment for the Martin Luther King holiday. Applications for refinances decreased 7% compared with the previous week but were up 5% compared with the same week one year ago Applications for purchases decreased 0.4% compared with the prev

Mortgage 195
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Need Curated Pre-foreclosure Lists to Generate New Real Estate Leads? Trellis Has the Data!

Trellis is a state trial court research and analytics platform that provides Real Estate Professionals (Buyers, Foreclosure, Loan Modification, etc.) with LEADS on Pre-Foreclosures, Lis Pendes, Distressed Assets and more — to help uncover **new** opportunities and grow their business. The process is quick and easy — and all in real time. Trellis will supply you with a link to the relevant dockets, a Leads sheet and access to its UI where applicable.

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LA area rental market under strain as fire victims look for housing

Housing Wire

Victims displaced due to the Los Angeles wildfires are straining Southern Californias already tight real estate and rental markets, according to a report from Homes.com. The report, published on Wednesday, found that nearly all two-bedroom rentals from Santa Monica and Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach have been leased. Additionally, housing demand has also risen drastically in Brentwood, Bel Air and Beverly Hills, as well as Newport Beach and Orange County.

Marketing 351
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MBA: Delinquency Rate for Commercial Mortgages Increased in Q4

Appraisal Buzz

Delinquency rates for mortgages backed by commercial properties increased during the fourth quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports. As of the end of the fourth quarter, 5.3% of CMBS loan balances were 30 days or more delinquent, up from 4.8% at the end of the third quarter, according to the MBAs latest commercial real estate finance (CREF) Loan Performance Survey.

Mortgage 195
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Downward trend in agent movement continues through December

Housing Wire

Relitixs latest release of the Agent Movement Index (AMI) through December 2024 confirms acontinuation of the downward trajectory observed in recent months,underscoring the year-end slowdown and persistent market caution.While December often marks the lowest point seasonally, this yearsresults reinforce the subdued climate that has defined much of 2024.

Agents 338
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Case-Shiller: U.S. Home Prices Increased Slightly in November

Appraisal Buzz

U.S. home prices increased 0.4% in November compared with October and were up 3.6% compared with November 2024, but the rate of appreciation continues to slow, according the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index. Month-over-month, the indexs 20-city and 210-city composites measuring home prices in the 20 largest U.S. metros each increased 0.4%, on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Marketing 195
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AI usage is becoming the new standard for most brokerages

Housing Wire

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming the new norm for many real estate agents and brokerages. Real estate technology provider Delta Media released a new report that highlights a sharp jump in AI usage from last year. Delta’s annual real estate leadership survey explores insights from brokerage leaders on AI, marketing technology and forward-thinking insights.

Brokerage 332
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Ensuring Accuracy and Protection: Real Estate Appraisal and E&O Insurance

Appraisal Buzz

Joined by industry experts Susan Lomeli, Sales Director at Intercorp, Inc., and Anthony Carolei, Director of Risk Management for Professional Liability at Hanover, host Hal Humphreys explores the critical intersection of real estate appraisal and E&O insurance. The conversation dives into the risks appraisers and AMCs faceand how the right insurance coverage can safeguard their professional reputation and financial stability.

Insurance 195
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Home equity investment provider Splitero announces expansion into five new states

Housing Wire

Splitero , a San Diego-based fintech provider of home equity investments (HEIs), is continuing its growth this year. The company announced on Wednesday that it’s expanding to Florida , Nevada , Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. In its announcement, Splitero said the move aims to combat rising living expenses and inventory shortages in housing markets nationwide.

Investing 329
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Q4 Delinquency Spotlight: A Look at Commercial Mortgage Trends 

Appraisal Buzz

While many office and retail buildings remain delinquent throughout the U.S., the fourth quarter experienced some significant activity. The most recent commercial real estate finance (CREF) Loan Performance Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows that delinquency rates for mortgages backed by commercial properties rose in Q4 of 2024.

Mortgage 195
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Mortgage applications drop over MLK holiday, inauguration week

Housing Wire

The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 2.0% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) latest weekly mortgage applications survey. This weeks results for the week ending Jan. 24, 2025, include an adjustment for the Martin Luther King holiday.

Mortgage 332
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2nd LA real estate agent charged with price gouging

Inman

Lar Sevan Chouljian of Team Rock Properties in Glendale allegedly offered a family who evacuated the Eaton Fire a rental whose asking price exceeded its original price by more than 50 percent. Chouljian has denied the accusation.

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Side, other brokerages settle new copycat commission lawsuit

Housing Wire

The real estate industry is facing yet another copycat commission lawsuit. But unlike previous cases, this one appears to have simply been a vessel to facilitate nationwide settlement agreements. Filed on Monday in Missouri, the lawsuit’s lead plaintiff is Jeremy Keel, but other named plaintiffs include some well-known names in the real estate space, including Rhonda Burnett, Don Gibson, Daniel Umpa and Christopher Moehrl.

Brokerage 317
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Canopy MLS introduces AI assistant Ardi

Inman

Canopy MLS said it will be implementing the AI assistant to provide subscribers with quick and easy access to critical information anytime, anywhere. It partnered with Voiceflip to create the assistant.

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UWM extends its 60-bps incentive program into spring

Housing Wire

Michigan-based United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) has extended its 60 basis points (bps) pricing incentive until March 31 “due to its strong success and the substantial competitive edge its offered independent mortgage brokers in todays market,” a spokesperson from UWM confirmed. The original program, dubbed 60bps for 60 Days, was originally only available through January 31 and was intended for the slow mortgage market activity period which is attributed to the holiday season.

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Unlocking hidden ROI through mindfulness for real estate pros

Inman

The best agents know that their mindset is their most significant asset, Aaron Hendon writes, and mindfulness is the key to unlocking its full potential.

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BC Assessment vs Home Appraisals

D Fritz Appraisals

House Appraisal vs BC Assessment: How They Impact Your Homes Value Understanding the difference between residential home appraisals vs BC assessments. These two commonly misunderstood yet crucial home evaluation tools, help to navigate the complexities of the real estate market in British Columbia. While assessments and appraisals both provide property valuations, their purpose, methods and impact on homeowners differ vastly.

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Tongo adds tax management partner april

Inman

Tongo offers financial tools for agents and has partnered with april, a software company offering an integrated tax management solution.

Tools 153
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Appraisal 101: Key Facts You Might Not Know

Birmingham Appraisal

Brush Up On Your Appraisal Knowledge Most people have a basic understanding of the appraisal process. If you’ve ever purchased a home or refinanced your mortgage you’ve most likely had to get your home appraised. On the surface it looks like the appraiser visits your home, does some measuring, and looks around. Beyond what you see during the appraisal inspection do you understand the appraisal process or anything about what appraisers do?

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Why most Realtors are failing at social media (and how to improve)

Inman

Whether you're a seasoned real estate agent or just starting out, Rick Guerrero's video will equip you with the knowledge to stand out online and convert your audience into clients.

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A Pause for the Fed

Eyes on Housing

In a widely anticipated announcement, the Federal Reserve paused on rate cuts at the conclusion of its January meeting, holding the federal funds rate in the 4.25% to 4.5% range. The Fed will continue to reduce its balance sheet, including holdings of mortgage-backed securities. The Fed noted the economy remains solid, while specifying a data.

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Teams Spotlight: Jenniffer Burnley, The Winsey Group

Inman

Find out how this Houston Realtor moved from Lima, Peru, and became lead associate on a team that's committed to community involvement.

Realtors 119
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More Canadian snowbirds are selling off their Florida properties

Mortgagebroker News

Is Florida's housing market starting to feel the chill?

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Former Douglas Elliman broker heads to Coldwell Banker Warburg

Inman

New York City real estate specialist and broker Jacob Wood has left Douglas Elliman for Coldwell Banker Warburg, the firm has informed Inman.

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Worried About AI? Here’s How Real Estate is Changing Faster Than Ever

BiggerPockets

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept reserved for tech startups and science fiction.