Thu.May 09, 2024

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A homeowners insurance perfect storm: Providers’ costs rise, users’ coverage shrinks

Housing Wire

Despite the necessary requirement for a homeowner to maintain insurance on their property for protection against human- and naturally-occurring disasters, the impacts of climate change are creating “natural” scenarios that are increasingly not covered by insurance. Such instances are accelerating in different parts of the country, leading insurers to drastically increase their prices, or, in some cases, pull out of areas they deem problematic.

Insurance 418
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NAR: Home Prices ‘Astonishingly’ Increased 3.4 Percent in Q1 Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

Appraisal Buzz

Despite higher mortgage rates, more than 90% of U.S. metros posted home price gains in the first quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). “Astonishingly, greater than 90% of the country’s metro areas experienced home price growth despite facing the highest mortgage rates in two decades,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, in a statement.

Mortgage 392
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Reverse mortgage volume and HMBS issuance improve in April

Housing Wire

Despite a challenging operating environment and broader concerns among industry professionals about connecting with new borrowers, the reverse mortgage industry’s key performance indicators showed improvements last month. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) endorsements increased by 2.3% to 2,105, while HECM case numbers also trended higher, continuing a streak of consecutive monthly increases.

Mortgage 412
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Mortgage Rates Fall for First Time in Five Weeks

Appraisal Buzz

The average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 7.09% this week, down from 7.22% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. It was the first time in five weeks that mortgage rates decreased. “After a five-week climb, mortgage rates ticked down following a weaker than expected jobs report,” says Sam Khater, chief economist for Freddie Mac, in a statement.

Mortgage 365
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Judge approves brokerage commission lawsuit settlement agreements

Housing Wire

After months of uncertainty, the real estate industry has a reason to celebrate, at least a little bit. Judge Stephen Bough has granted final approval to the commission lawsuit settlement agreements reached by Anywhere , RE/MAX and Keller Williams on Thursday. As part of their settlement agreements, Anywhere, RE/MAX and Keller Williams have agreed to pay $83.5 million , $55 million and $70 million , respectively.

Brokerage 397
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Pickleball is keeping folks moving in Ohio… Cleveland housing prices are also on the move!

Cleveland Appraisal Blog

Last year I purchased a pickleball set and have threatened to give it a try. It’s on me and my wife’s list of things to do this summer. We’ve determined that while we could throw our back out just standing up, bending over to pick something up, or sneezing, we still need to keep moving. According to the article below, “Nearly 70% of adults reported reduced stress and anxiety after playing pickleball, and 64% called the sport “uplifting,” according to a report

Inventory 344

More Trending

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Mortgage rates ease, but buyers still aren't getting a break

Real Estate News

After five weeks of increases, rates pulled back slightly, but rising home prices and record-high mortgage payments continue to hamper affordability.

Buyers 299
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Rocket bets big on AI for bespoke customer experiences

Housing Wire

Rocket Companies , the parent company of Rocket Mortgage , hired its first chief technology officer this week, bringing former Thomson Reuters and Intel executive Shawn Malhotra into the fold. The hire is Rocket’s latest move to bolster its already robust investment in artificial intelligence. Varun Krishna, Rocket Companies CEO, sat down with HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins at The Gathering event several weeks ago to talk about the company’s AI strategy and their new AI tool, Synopsis.

Clients 393
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Judge approves commissions settlements for Anywhere, RE/MAX, KW

Real Estate News

Despite a last-minute motion to delay the hearing, the proceedings went on as scheduled, ending buyer agent commissions litigation for the three brokerages.

Brokerage 290
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Guild posts origination gains in Q1, declares a dividend

Housing Wire

Guild Holdings Company , parent company of Guild Mortgage , recorded a 6% increase in mortgage originations and much higher revenue levels in the first quarter of 2024 than in 2023. Net income saw substantial improvements as the company continues to pursue an active acquisition strategy, according to an earnings report for Q1 released on Thursday. “I am pleased to report that our first-quarter results demonstrate the continued success and disciplined execution of our strategy with growth in orig

Inventory 389
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Sean Faries: How Lenders Can Navigate Construction Lending Technology Options

Appraisal Buzz

PERSON OF THE WEEK: At a time of lower-profit margins, a growing number of mortgage lenders are looking to lift their balance sheets by offering construction-to-per loans. This has led to the current boom in construction loan administration software designed to manage and simplify these complex products. But when it comes to construction lending technology, the options are as vast as they are unique.

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UWM returns to profitability in Q1 amid MSR sales, improved margins

Housing Wire

UWM Holdings Corp. , the parent of United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), returned to profitability in the first quarter of 2024 despite higher rates, a lack of inventory and a decline in the fair value of its mortgage servicing rights (MSRs). The quarter’s positive performance was supported by increased origination volumes at improved margins and servicing sales, which resulted in a non-GAAP net income of $141 million from January to March, compared to a $361 million loss in the previous quarte

Mortgage 273
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GenWay Home Mortgage Joins IndiSoft’s National Housing Advocacy Platform

Appraisal Buzz

GenWay Home Mortgage Inc., a GNMA Issuer headquartered in Richardson Texas, has joined the NHAP, a cloud-based technology solution seamlessly connecting key stakeholders in the residential mortgage banking industry on a unified, single-sign-on platform. Through the HomePrep module within the NHAP, HUD-approved counseling agencies (HCAs), connect to other NHAP participants like state housing finance agencies, Freddie Mac, independent mortgage bankers, state-chartered and national banks, private

Mortgage 195
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Judge approves Keller Williams, Anywhere, RE/MAX settlements

Inman

The ruling by Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday resolves antitrust claims in the Sitzer | Burnett, Moehrl and Nosalek commission cases. However, it won't quash other existing suits from buyers.

Buyers 187
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Multifamily Developer Confidence Declines in First Quarter

Eyes on Housing

Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS).

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How diversity can enhance your growth and enrich your business

Inman

Diversity is the way of the future, writes The Agency’s Mauricio Umansky. Here, he unpacks the advantages of intentionally building a diverse team for your clients, your agents and your business.

Business 183
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How brokers can stay ahead as banks gain ground

Mortgagebroker News

Recent figures show a decline in sentiment towards brokers. How can you avoid letting your business slide?

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10 tips for hosting standing-room-only office meetings

Inman

Want your agents to look forward to meetings? Broker Joseph Santini shares five tips for making your office meetings must-attend events (and five things to avoid at all costs).

Agents 165
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Revealing the top mortgage products of 2024

Mortgagebroker News

Find out the best products brokers are offering this year

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UWM hiring ‘hundreds’ as mortgage originations surge 24%

Inman

Q1 net earnings of $180.5 million were boosted by the sale of $70 billion in mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) and a $141 million markup in the value of the $230 billion in MSRs UWM retained.

Mortgage 164
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Retired at 49 on an Average Salary after Getting a “Late Start” to FIRE

BiggerPockets

Think it’s too late for early retirement? Do you feel like just because you’re in your late thirties, forties, or fifties, FIRE doesn’t make sense for you?

88
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More US mortgages are ‘seriously underwater’ as equity dwindles

Inman

The share of seriously underwater mortgages moved up slightly from 2.6 percent to 2.7 percent in the first quarter, according to a report from Attom released Thursday.

Mortgage 164
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BiggerNews: Why Low Mortgage Rates Can’t Solve Our Affordability Crisis

BiggerPockets

Housing prices won’t budge, but there could be some relief on the horizon for homebuyers.

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Fathom Realty has more agents, fewer Q1 sales than a year ago

Inman

CEO Marco Fregenal says the flat-fee brokerage is making progress toward achieving 2024 goals despite seasonality and broader industry challenges driving a $5.9 million Q1 net loss.

Realty 163
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Canadian homebuyers stay cautious despite more choices

Mortgagebroker News

Inventory rises in major markets, but high borrowing costs continue to dampen buyer activity

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NAR board of directors votes to keep membership dues at $156

Inman

The trade group had earlier signaled plans to raise dues in 2025, but during a board of directors meeting Thursday at the Realtors Legislative Meetings voted 894-20 to keep them at $156.

Realtors 158
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Rookie Reply: The Rental Property Expenses You CAN’T Afford to Miss

BiggerPockets

How do you know if a rental property will make enough cash flow before you buy? Budgeting is KEY.

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Report reveals struggle LGBTQ+ buyers face after retirement

Inman

An LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance survey has revealed the challenges of retirement for LGBTQ homeowners, who worry about safety and acceptance more than their straight counterparts.

Buyers 158
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CAMLA to host second annual Ontario expo

Mortgagebroker News

Brampton's Pearson Convention Centre will play host

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Redfin CEO trying not to ‘count chickens’ after solid Q1 earnings

Inman

A solid Q1 earnings report has Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman feeling confident. However, persistent market headwinds are keeping the CEO from being too bullish.

Marketing 157
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The 5th Annual Northern California Residential Appraiser Conference Recap

Yolo Solano Appraisal Blog

Thanks to everyone who came to the 5th Northern California Residential Appraiser Conference jointly hosted by the Real Estate Appraisers Association (REAA) and the Northern California Chapter of the Appraisal Institute last week. While attendance was somewhat lighter than in past years, it was great to see so many in person.

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Here’s who sank and who soared in Q1 2024 earnings

Inman

Q1 2024's real estate earnings are in. CoStar and Rocket Mortgage excelled, while RE/MAX and Opendoor face challenges. We've compiled the key highlights in one place. Here's what you might have missed.

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New Requirements Aim to Reduce Appraisal Bias

Empire Appraisal Group

New Requirements Aim to Reduce Appraisal Bias The new Reconsideration of Value policy requires lenders to provide a pathway for borrowers to request reviews of home appraisal valuations. WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced new policies that will allow borrowers to challenge property appraisals if they believe the appraisals were inaccurate or biased.

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Broker Spotlight: David Caskey, Caskey Real Estate Group

Inman

Learn how this Manhattan Beach broker brings client-first service and genuine care to his Southern California market.