First-time homebuyers have long faced a trifecta of high mortgage rates, low housing inventory and climbing home prices throughout much of the country, making homeownership a difficult journey. Despite these challenges, first-time homebuyers still made up the largest share (55%) of all agency mortgage...
Real Estate News
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) continued to decrease this week, from last week's average of 6.66% to an average of 6.74% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged...
The American Real Estate Association (formerly but no longer using the acronym AREA) conceived in January as a potential alternative to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), held its first event virtually, a “listening tour,” where they heard from agents across the country about...
The multifamily rental market recently stabilized as housing market challenges persist, seeing its first price rise in seven months. Yardi's latest National Multifamily Report for February found that multifamily rents rose slightly by $1 to $1,713, while year-over-year growth was unchanged at 0.6%. The...
Late last year, Washington, D.C. Attorney General (AG) Brian L. Schwalb announced the filing of a lawsuit against Curbio, a national pre-sale home renovation platform, for allegedly taking part in a scheme targeting the elderly and financially disadvantaged. Curbio is a fix now, pay-at-closing...
As I prepare for the excitement ahead at the upcoming Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sales Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, I can't help but anticipate all that this year's convention has in store. It's a time for networking, learning, recharging, and connecting in the vibrant...
Today, the affluent are purchasing homes with an eye firmly fixed on this being a long-term investment, as the rate of price increases has slowed. With that has come a change in their philosophy on what they want from a new home. While location, price and size are still ...read more
Above, Eileen Doherty Eileen Doherty Sales Associate Lamacchia Realty, Inc. Woburn, Massachusetts https://eileendoherty.lamacchiarealty.com Region served: Middlesex County Years in real estate: 40 Favorite part of your job: Making the deal and seeing my seller happy. Motto/work philosophy that you live by: Treat others the way you want to be ...read more
PropStream, a real estate lead generation platform, is set to attend the 2024 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., from May 4-9. With over 9,000 attendees, 50+ speakers, and 100+ exhibitors, NAR stated that the event is an opportunity for leaders in the real...
Following the usual pattern when mortgage rates decrease, mortgage applications increased this week, up 7.1% from one week earlier, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) for the week ending March 8, 2024. Of note this week...
Winds of change occurred in February as active listings at the end of the month finally surpassed their year-ago amount, according to Bright MLS's February 2024 Housing Report. Inventory was 6.3% above where it was in February 2023, making it the first gain since...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. The temperatures are rising, ice and snow are melting away, and the first day of Spring is...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. The temperatures are rising, ice and snow are melting away, and the first day of Spring is...
Above, Mathew Kallumadil, VP, Technology & Innovation, Stellar MLS, at the 22nd annual CoreLogic Clareity Conference. Photo by Rachel Jane Photo. Stellar MLS announced that Mathew Kallumadil, vice president of Technology & Innovation at Stellar MLS, recently joined hundreds of industry colleagues at the...
As home prices continue to see positive movement, despite some slows throughout 2023, home equity continues to grow for homeowners across the country. CoreLogic's homeowner equity report for Q4 2023 found that homeowners with mortgages (which account for roughly 62% of all properties) saw...
Motto Mortgage has announced the company has established a new office in Tampa, Florida. Motto Mortgage Mountaintop Partners is now open and serving all markets throughout the Sunshine State, a released stated. “Motto Mortgage Mountaintop Partners offers an advantageous alternative to the traditional mortgage...
eXp and CEO Glenn Sanford are seeking to dismiss a second lawsuit filed by a woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by high-profile recruiters at company events, arguing again that they are not responsible for the alleged misconduct of agents—although the same judge...
Above, Gail and Dave Liniger, Co-Founders of RE/MAX LLC Coming out this month, “The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth and Huge Success” is RE/MAX Co-Founder Dave Liniger's latest book in which he shares more than 50 years of...
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.3% in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on March 12. It marked the biggest increase since last fall. Over the last 12 months, the all...
Anywhere Real Estate Inc. announced the appointment of Eric Jacobs—the regional president of Select Brands for Anywhere Integrated Services—to the Corporate Board of Governors of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). Jacobs joins Anywhere colleague and CENTURY 21 President and Chief...
With so many topics impacting the residential real estate industry these days, and most unfortunately having negative aspects to them (high mortgage rates, low inventory, lawsuits, etc.), it has likely never been more crucial for agents and brokers to lock in on what is...
Above: Mark Willis, now CEO and president of Keller Williams. Keller Williams President Marc King announced in a company-wide email yesterday that he would be stepping down from that role, effective immediately, after three years in the position, with CEO Mark Willis assuming that...
Marcia Fudge, 18th secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has announced her retirement. Her resignation takes effect on Friday, March 22, 2024. Fudge ends her tenure at HUD after almost exactly three years (she assumed office on March 10, 2021, after Senate confirmation). From her position ...read more
Above, Melissa Hoff It has to be frustrating for a real estate team leader to bring in a new hire, train them, guide them and have them succeed, but then see them leave to start up their own business. For Melissa Hoff, broker associate...
In the competitive world of real estate, the power of a well-crafted listing description cannot be overstated. It's the first impression potential buyers have of a property, and a home description plays a crucial role in attracting interest and driving sales. If photography is...
Century 21 Real Estate is continuing its expansion in Western North Carolina with the affiliation of Weaverville-based brokerage Foley Realty Inc. Under the leadership of twenty-year industry veteran Dennis Foley, the company stated they have become a trusted name in real estate throughout Buncombe and Madison counties since it ...read more
As REALTORS®—especially to be a successful real estate team—it's important to keep up on the latest trends and news in the housing market to stay informed for your clients, as they often turn to you for expertise and knowledge. Branding your team as market...
Leaning into the stiff headwind of 7% mortgage rates and facing the prospect of more turbulence from the macroeconomy, brokers saw their confidence falter last month, though sentiment continues to trend higher during what is traditionally the slowest season for real estate. RISMedia's latest...
What Moves Her® announced Joanne Liscovitz, agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, as the inaugural winner of the Moved By Her Power Award. The award honors women who have made a significant impact in the industry and their communities. Out of the more than 100...
In the post-Burnett world, commission lawsuits continue to evolve across the industry. Cases such as Whaley vs. NAR, Gibson vs. NAR and Willsim Latham vs. Metrolist have all seen recent developments ranging from motions to stay, amended complaints and voluntary dismissals. While the commission...
In the latest RISMedia webinar—“Back to Basics: Business-Building Skills That Never Fail”—panelists Art Obleton, Jr., REALTOR® at eXp Realty; Kelly Sand, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty HomeVest Team; and Abby Waltz, national director at Homes for Heroes, discuss the strategies, skills and fool-proof...
It's been pointed out for decades that, “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards in high heels.” Yet despite the wry, if credible, suggestion that females have at least as much talent, flexibility and gumption as their male counterparts, women still lag...
Above, Amy Hullet Century 21 Real Estate has announced that REALTOR® Amy Hullet of CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty in Bismark, North Dakota has been inducted into the CENTURY 21® Dick Loughlin International Hall of Fame (IHOF). Hullet was recognized for her dedication to the...
Above, from left, DeAnn Golden, Stacey Johnson-Cosby, Jackie Louh and Laura O'Connor In honor of Women's History Month, we asked a few of our 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers to reflect on their leadership journey by answering this question: “You've impressively risen through the ranks...
Job growth news remained positive in February, with companies adding nonfarm payroll workers at the continued strong pace of 275,000 last month, but less robust than January's 353,000 new jobs; unemployment also broke its hold-steady pace, rising 3.9%, creating a mixed picture of a...
Editor's Note: The RISMedia series, Legislative Round-Up looks at pending and passed federal and state-level legislation that impacts real estate professionals. H.R. 5419: Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act Introduced to the U.S. Congress in September 2023, the bill if passed would...
Given the myriad challenges that defined the 2023 real estate market, from low inventory to mortgage rates surging to a 23-year high—and everything in between—it's not surprising that existing-home sales, measuring 4.09 million, sank to their lowest level in 30 years. With a lack...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. A new report from ICE found that despite the mortgage market challenges faced last year, first-time homebuyers made significant headway as they claimed 47%...
In his State of the Union Address last night, President Joe Biden addressed the affordable housing issues currently hampering the country, with proposals for change that heartened the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as well as...
In 1972, the National Commission on Consumer Finance issued a report identifying troubling patterns of credit discrimination against women. The report detailed how single women had more trouble obtaining credit than single men, creditors were unwilling to extend credit to a married woman in...
When you picture a home being built, more often than not, you probably picture the construction occurring onsite. Manufactured housing flips this on its head; a home is built remotely, factory-style, then transported to the land where it will rest. While Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge ...read more
The ability to negotiate successfully enhances an agent's reputation, fosters client satisfaction and contributes to long-term success in the competitive real estate world. Let's explore five must-use techniques to improve your negotiation skills and facilitate better deals, getting you more “yeses” at the closing table. Keep communication on the ...read more
The value of buyer agency remains under a microscope, with each successive commission lawsuit asserting more explicitly that buyer representatives are underworked and overpaid. While most consumers are not closely following these developments, with another trial scheduled for later this year and the increased...
Women are a dominant force in the U.S. real estate industry, comprising 62% of REALTORS®. Moreover, single women are the second-largest group of buyers after married couples. Therefore, it's fitting that we celebrate how women impact the real estate market during Women's History Month....
Price per square foot emerges as a foundational metric within real estate, offering a rudimentary gauge for assessing property values. By dividing a property's price by its total square footage, PPSF yields a figure that ostensibly facilitates direct comparisons across diverse properties. Its appeal...
Mortgage rates dipped slightly this week edging down from last week's average of 6.94%, to 6.88% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.88% as of March 7, 2024, down from last week ...read more
Although the legal battle over commissions and anti-trust in real estate is far from over, lawyers representing plaintiffs in the two oldest commission suits are hoping their payday comes sooner rather than later, as last week they filed their official request for “reasonable attorney...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC announced at its One21 Experience Global Conference in Las Vegas this week that Century 21 Curran & Oberski has been honored with the 2024 Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award. The 2100 Cup is awarded annually to an outstanding company...
January saw the highest rate of appreciation expected for 2024, as year-over-year single-family home price gains reached 5.8%, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI) and HPI Forecast™ for January 2024. While year-over-year price gains reached their height in January, growth is expected...
Often considered the holy grail of real estate success, effective lead generation is essential for generating a successful and sustainable real estate business—a topic discussed during RISMedia's Real Estate's Rocking in the New Year virtual event on January 11. Led by Ken Baris, CEO...
RE/MAX Co-Founder Dave Liniger. Photography by Michael Weschler. Bold. Wise. Wildly successful—all apt ways to describe real estate icon Dave Liniger. In his latest book—”The Perfect 10: 10 Leadership Principles to Achieve True Independence, Extreme Wealth, and Huge Success”—the RE/MAX co-founder recounts many pivotal...
My desire for personal growth and contribution to the field of leadership is my inspiration for this week's blog. Influence is an intricate dance of understanding, empathy, and strategic maneuvering. It's not about wielding power or manipulating situations for personal gain; rather, it's about...
According to the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Home Building Geography Index (HGBI), quarter 4 of 2023 showed signs of single-family home construction picking up. This “stirring” is attributed to “moderating” mortgage rates (i.e. demand is picking up) and the lack of inventory...
2023's housing market ended with a whimper. There were just over four million existing home sales nationwide last year, the fewest since 1995. Elevated mortgage rates and high home prices forced some prospective buyers to exit the market. However, a lack of inventory continues...
The Institute's Luxury Market Report is your guide to an analysis on the trends and comparative data on the top residential markets throughout the United States and Canada. February's report reviews the current statistics for the luxury market in North America month over month, as well as the 13-month ...read more
There's one less defendant in an Illinois-based commission suit known as Batton, filed this past November by homebuyers claiming to have suffered antitrust injury due to a conspiracy between the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and big brokerages. The seven plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their...
Mortgage applications increased 9.7% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending Mar. 1, 2024. This week's numbers: The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 9.7%...
Four women who are suing eXp, along with former and current influencers at the company, recently amended their lawsuit with more details about several sexual assaults allegedly carried out by influencers at eXp events, along with reiterating arguments that the company is culpable for...
Century 21 has unveiled the “Number Ones” for 2023 at its recent One21 Experience Global Conference. The brand stated they honored top-performing affiliated entrepreneurs, companies and relentless sales professionals who continue to deliver 121% for homebuyers, homesellers and property investors around the world with a focus on quality client ...read more
United Real Estate has announced that Premiere Plus Realty (PPR), the Naples-based, No. 2 market share leader in Southwest Florida, has joined its family of companies. Premiere Plus Realty and its 1,500 agents will continue operations under the same name and leadership. With this...
The amount of new homes for sale has been slowly recovering from historically low, COVID impacted numbers, as the total number of home completions and the rate of multifamily home completions were at the highest levels since 2007 and 1987, respectively. However, a realtor.com...
Anywhere Real Estate Inc. has been recognized for the 13th year in a row as one of the 2024 World's Most Ethical Companies. The list is presented by Ethisphere, a company designed to set standards for ethical business practices. The list, which Ethisphere stated...
Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of REALTORS®, has opened applications for the 2024 REACH Commercial technology growth program. The REACH program operates across North and South America, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. Led by managing partner Bob Gillespie, the...
Homesellers proved highly active this past month, as compared to a year ago, newly listed homes on the market were up 11.3%, and 14.8% more homes were actively listed for sale on a typical day in February, according to Realtor.com's February Housing Report. This marks the fourth straight month ...read more
It was after a distressing discovery that REALTORⓇ Jeffrey Decatur, a longtime broker associate with RE/MAX Capital, in Latham, New York, decided less is definitely more when it comes to open house food and drink offerings. “I am no longer a fan of food at open houses,” he asserts. ...read more
Following a brief uptick in new home sizes in 2021, the average size of a new home continues to inch smaller—dropping from 2,479 square feet in 2022 to 2,411 square feet in 2023, the smallest average size in 13 years—to match home buyer preferences...
ERA Real Estate announced ERA top producer awards for 2023. The awards feature the No. 1 ranked affiliated company, sales associate team, broker team and individual broker and agent at a national level in both number of transactions and total sales volume. The 2023 top producer award winners are ...read more
Century 21 Real Estate LLC has announced the affiliation of female-led Florida-based brokerage, Soflo Home Realty Corp. Located north of downtown Miami in Delray Beach, the six-year-old multilingual firm assists affluent clients in markets from luxury pre-construction and new construction homes. As of January...
Above, Dawn McKenna Dawn McKenna had a taste for luxury before she hit her teens. “I was brought up on Chicago's South Side with very little means,” she said. “But my mother and loved to tour high-end open houses and prowl through exclusive antique...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but the last week of February (into the first week of March) brought updates aplenty...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is strengthening its presence in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains with the affiliation of Asheville-based brokerage, Modern Mountain Real Estate LLC. The white glove service firm has assisted several communities along North Carolina's westernmost mountain ranges since 2019, including parts of Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, ...read more
Professionals interested in forming a team will likely take into account that the team, properly developed, will become one of the main assets they have. In 1965, Dr. Bruce Tuckman, who studied group dynamics and educational psychology, published a theory titled, “Tuckman's stages of...
Minority homeownership—specifically the state of Black homeownership—has been an ever-present topic of conversation in the real estate sphere for years. Beyond the current common challenges of homebuying, Black homebuyers are faced with hurdles created from systemic issues within the housing market and other facets...
United Real Estate Partners, an affiliate of United Real Estate, announced a merger with New Orleans Northshore agency, Team Geaux Realty. The move expands Metairie-based United Real Estate Partners to Mandeville. Agents will have access to United Real Estate's comprehensive marketing, expanded training opportunities,...
California-based Loan Factory and its CEO Thuan Nguyen are in hot water over allegedly using competitors' names, photos and likenesses who had no affiliation with the company to attract business, according to a new class-action lawsuit filed Thursday in a California court. This news...
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC has announced the appointment of Karrie-Ann Sheppard as vice president of learning. In her new role as VP of Learning, BHGRE stated that Sheppard will focus on creating and implementing strategic initiatives to foster the growth of agents and brokers within ...read more
Imagine if your CRM could tell you exactly which sources are providing the best return on investment, and which ones aren't. Imagine a true measurement of each of your marketing channels that calculates the return on your marketing spend all the way through from...
A new Bright MLS survey of 450-plus agents indicated that seller concessions have increased in the Mid-Atlantic housing market. Those interviewed consisted of agents who have worked with sellers in the past six months across the Bright footprint. Close to two in five of...
ERA Real Estate announced its 2023 Circle of Success Award recipients, recognizing affiliated brokerages and agents for their outstanding accomplishments, commitment to service and professional triumphs. The announcement came during ERA Real Estate's annual all-network conference—Fuel 2024—held in Nashville, Tennessee. “We are extremely proud of our ERA affiliated companies ...read more
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) continues to fight through the tides of the mortgage market. Despite some pitfalls in their Q4 2023 and full-year earnings, the company remains hard on their stance of success and is taking turns to adjust for the future. “2023 was...
Another commission lawsuit is facing the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), this time including Redfin and the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR). Referred to as the Freedlund suit, brought by sole Plaintiff Andrea Freedlund, the case, filed Tues., Feb. 26 in U.S. District Court...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. -Rocket, the largest lender in the country by most metrics, is shuttering Rocket Pro Originate, a platform for insurance agents, financial advisors, tax professionals...
In an attempt to counter the defendants' Dec. 19 request for summary judgment in their favor in the ongoing commission case known as Moehrl, the plaintiffs on Feb. 26 filed their own motion, essentially countering the defendants' ‘No, we didn't' insistence on whether they...
Property highlights: Location: Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Listing price: Starting at $500,000 Features: Beachfront residences ranging from the 580-square-foot oceanfront studio to the 6,411-square-foot four-bedroom penthouse. Added appeal: Access to resort amenities such as world-class dining, a state-of-the-art indoor fitness facility with an...
In real estate transactions, buyers and sellers often negotiate various aspects of the deal. Negotiations can include the purchase price, closing costs and contingencies. One element that frequently arises during these negotiations is referred to as seller concessions or repair credits. These credits can...
Forbes Global Properties has announced luxury specialists and market leader Coastal Properties Group International have joined its network. Comprised of more than 380 best-in-class local experts across 14 offices, Coastal Properties Group International will exclusively represent the brand in Tampa Bay's regional luxury markets....
In today's fast-paced business landscape, the importance of great leadership in fostering unstoppable teams cannot be overstated. As someone deeply passionate about effective leadership and team dynamics, I've come to realize that successful teams are built on a foundation of community, careful recruitment and...
As a real estate agent, it is important to converse with clients to figure out what they are looking for, and what they aren't, when shopping for a home. Some buyers, especially those on a tight budget, may have some specific non-starters when it...
A federal judge is allowing four women to move forward with civil claims that they were drugged and sexually assaulted by eXp recruiters at company events, ruling the alleged victims have “plausibly” contended that two high-profile influencers raped them—and that the company and CEO...
While Redfin reported losses during quarterly earnings reports in 2023, the company maintained a mood of cautious optimism. CEO Glen Kelman stressing any losses were controllable and downturns were predictable, while Redfin's fundamentals remain strong with potential for growth. Redfin reported its Q4 earnings...
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) increased slightly this week, from last week's average of 6.9% to an average of 6.94% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.94%,...
Above, Paul Boomsma, left with Diane Turton Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®'s (LeadingRE) 2024 Conference Week kicked off on Weds., Feb. 27 at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas with an inspiring general session—bringing together some of the brightest minds in the...
Compass reported increases of principal agent count by 7.7%, up 1,046, and quarterly market share up 4.41%—a jump year-over-year by nine basis points and quarter-over-quarter by 10 points—in Q4 of 2023, boasting respectable averages across the board despite constant challenges facing the market. Founder...
In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for leaders in the real estate industry to step up and guide their teams through the challenges ahead. As President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTORS® and BeachesMLS, I have witnessed firsthand...
The March issue of RISMedia's Real Estate magazine is now available, and not to be missed are several exclusive features, including an in-depth look at REW's new and top of the line CRM: REW Deals. In addition, RISMedia speaks with Dave Liniger about his...
Pending home sales in January dropped 4.9%, according to a report issued Feb. 29 by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The Northeast and West posted monthly gains in transactions while the Midwest and South recorded losses. All four U.S. regions registered year-over-year decreases....
No news appears to be good news as far as inflation data goes, with investors celebrating as the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of price increases fell in line with expectations today, as some economists argue that fundamentals are actually better than the data shows....
A plunge in demand surrounding office spaces may negatively influence the commercial market, resulting in bank failures in pockets of the nation, an assessment made recently by Ken H. Johnson, a real estate economist in FAU's College of Business, and Rebel A. Cole, a...
Imagine you could start a team in 2024 with every possible advantage: access to the best real estate coaches and business leaders across the entire globe; a database of 10,000-plus recently captured leads with hundreds more added every month; the best website, marketing and...
ERA® Real Estate has named ERA Brokers Consolidated in Saint George, Utah; ERA Colonial Real Estate in Harker Heights, Texas and ERA Donahoe Realty in Temecula, California as the winners of its 2023 Gene Francis Memorial Award for Top All-Around Company. The award, named...
Mortgage applications decreased 5.6% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending Feb. 23, 2024. This week's numbers: The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 5.6%...
CubiCasa—the global leader of interior property data mapping through simple smartphone scanning—announced the addition of 10 more MLSs to its growing MLS Partnership Program, designed to make floor plans ubiquitous in U.S. real estate listings. This expansion of the program marks yet another landmark...
After hitting a two-year high last month, consumer confidence fell in February to 106.7, down from a revised 110.9 in January, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. “The decline in consumer confidence in February interrupted a three-month rise, reflecting persistent uncertainty...
Century 21 Real Estate LLC. has announced its latest affiliation in Colorado's Front Range, CENTURY 21 Prosperity. Based in downtown Denver, the firm was founded in October of 2022 by the entrepreneurial duo of William Lawrence and Kelvin Caiati, according to a release. In only a year, the firm ...read more
Above, from left, Peter Hunt, Pat Hirsch and Pat Williams ERA Real Estate has announced three inductions into the ERA® Hall of Fame Class of 2023. The induction ceremony took place recently at the ERA brand's Fuel 2024 International Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 2013, the ERA Hall ...read more
In the wake of the Burnett decision, copycat lawsuits are popping up across the country. There's no denying that organized real estate is being challenged, but looking ahead, our motto is clear: Disruption only happens to the unprepared. While the future of compensation hangs in the balance, being able ...read more
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. In the wake of a revealing and foreboding intervention by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a commission lawsuit settlement, the broader...
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 5.5% annual gain in December, up from a 5% rise in the previous month. The data released Feb. 27 for December 2023 also shows that 17...
On Feb. 26 a handful of real estate giants, including Compass, Redfin, United Real Estate and Douglas Elliman responded for the first time to the oldest—and largest—Burnett copycat case, revealing how the industry has evolved in its legal strategies against allegations of price-fixing and...
In a Q4 2023 earnings call Feb. 26, iBuyer Offerpad put a positive spin on negative news of a $15.4 million loss, down 23% from Q3 2023 and 87% down from a year ago, when the company lost $121.1 million. Offerpad's overall 2023 net...
January saw median rents drop for the sixth straight month, with year-over-year prices down -0.3%, according to Realtor.com's January 2024 Rental Report. Renters are experiencing much-needed relief, although prices are still 18.3% higher than pre-COVID. There is strong demand for rental units, and not...
The recent legal verdict involving the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has sent shockwaves across our industry, sparking concerns among brokers and managers. In a candid forum aimed at addressing these concerns and supporting agents through this turbulent period, I shared a crucial perspective:...
Divorce is not just an emotional upheaval but also a time of significant financial and legal decisions. It's especially true when it comes to shared housing. The marital home is often more than just an asset. It's a repository of memories and dreams. Deciding...
Brenton Hayden, an entrepreneur who received national recognition for founding Renters Warehouse in 2008 and selling it in 2015, has come out of retirement to build a real estate business under the RE/MAX brand, RE/MAX has announced. Hayden and his business partners—his wife and...
Above, from left, Robert Little, Nina Gallagher and Erik Coulter Robert (Bob) Little was a mortgage broker in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007 when the industry imploded during the worst recession in his memory. But it may have been a blessing in disguise. “In...
As the housing market correction continues to unfold in 2024, with inflation slowing and mortgage rates leveling out, new-home sales saw continued growth in January after a bounce-back in December. New-home sales registered at a rate of 661,000 in January, 1.5% above December's rate of 664,000 and up 1.8% ...read more
In the wake of a significant but expected ruling by a federal judge allowing class-action claims by recent homebuyers against real estate incumbents to go forward, both parties are laying out diverging roadmaps for a case that could prove much more significant than any...
In a forceful commentary regarding the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Feb. 15 Statement of Interest calling for “decoupled commissions” in rebuke of a lawsuit settlement of a case known as Nosalek v. MLS PIN, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) said the decision would...
PropStream is integrating with the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® (SFAR) MLS and bringing PropStream to their over 4,500 agents via SFAR's product dashboard. “We are excited to be partnering with the San Francisco Association of REALTORS®,” said PropStream's CEO, Brian Tepfer. “Our best-in-class...
Since jumping into real estate, Heather McColaugh has taken the industry by storm. After years of managing her career in pharmaceutical sales and caring for her three adopted children, McColaugh realized that something needed to change. “I had absolutely no control over my day,...
FBS, the North Dakota-based real estate software company responsible for the Flexmls platform, has released the new Launch SSO Dashboard feature. This dashboard assists Flexmls users and MLS Administrators by showcasing MLS-provided apps and services in one convenient, secure and reliable single sign-on dashboard....
Steven James (right) on set at NY1 for an interview. VITALS: BHHS New York Properties' New York City Years in business: Since 2018 Size: 1 office, 120 agents Regions Served: New York City (all five boroughs) 2022 Sales Volume: Just over $200M 2022 Transactions: 121 The story of ...read more
Rocket Companies stated that they are increasing their focus on technology and AI as they continue to thrive amidst mortgage and housing market challenges. 2023 had some ups and downs for the company, like many others. Despite the lawsuit filed against the company for...
Last year was filled with pressing difficulties in the real estate realm—throughout the United States and beyond—although virtual brokerage eXp was able to increase its Q4 revenue by 5%, a notable jump compared to the same period in 2022, amounting to $983 million year-over-year....
Good news for homeowners: Mortgage delinquencies are on the decline, dropping to their lowest point since October 2023, according to Intercontinental Exchange's (ICE) First Look at January 2024's mortgage performance data. The national mortgage delinquency rate dipped to 3.38% in January, marking a welcome...
In January 2024, OneKey MLS—which covers the New York market territories of Montauk to Manhattan, as well as north through the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains—reported a regional, single-family, closed median sale price of $649,000, an 8.2% increase over the reported January 2023...
RE/MAX announced Thursday that CEO Nick Bailey is leaving the company, an unexpected announcement that came at the same time the company released its Q4 earnings, which showed further declines following reported losses the previous three quarters of 2023. Stepping into the leadership role,...
As February 2024 marks Black History Month, it's a time to reflect on the profound contributions and enduring legacy of Black leaders throughout history. From civil rights activists to trailblazing entrepreneurs, Black individuals have shaped our world and inspired generations with their resilience, courage,...
A villa in the Algarve region of Portugal Casaiberia Real Estate Lagoa, Portugal Paulo Lopes, CEO https://www.casaiberia.com Tell us about your company. Casaiberia, established in 2007, stands as a prominent figure in Portugal's real estate realm. With a diverse, multilingual team, our roots intertwine with Portugal's international ...read more
The Federal Reserve acknowledged in its last meeting that rates have likely hit their peak, but they're continuing to keep a watchful eye on key economic indicators and inflation, balancing a sense of optimism with some caution, according to meeting minutes released Wednesday. The...
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage Group located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, is the latest firm to join the lifestyle real estate brand. Founded in 2010, the company is headed by its six-person leadership team of Tennessee natives: Melissa Sterling, who serves as principal...
Home buyouts, especially in the throes of a divorce or during the challenging process of family inheritance, are laden with more than just financial considerations; they carry a heavy emotional weight. Often seen as a haven and a repository of memories, the home becomes...
Following a drop to its lowest level in three decades by the end of last year, existing-home sales reversed course last month, rising 3.1% from December to a rate of 4.00 million in January, down 1.7% year-over-year, or 4.07 million sales, according to the...
Since Q3 2023, real estate companies—from MLSs to title servicers—have been beset by cyberattacks that have compromised their users' personal data. Such attacks are typically ransomware (or hackers holding data hostage for a payout). A company-wide cyberattack can be devastating, with a price tag...
Nearing a return to 7% territory, the 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage continued its ascent this week, up to 6.9% from last week's average of 6.77%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.90% as of February 22, ...read more
First-time homebuyers have been struggling through the housing market in recent years. Many challenges have locked them out, creating little opportunity for these buyers to take the steps they need to begin building wealth and equity. The major thing industry economists recently said would...
Real Estate Webmasters announced a demand-based pricing promotion aimed at real estate professionals seeking to enhance their online presence. Typically, REW stated that the first quarter sees a slowdown in “net new” orders for their professional services. However, this year has deviated from the norm. Morgan Carey, CEO of ...read more
California Regional MLS (CRMLS) has entered into an agreement with software firm Immobel to offer two new products to its 110,000-plus users: MLS Match, an agent referral network program, and Xomio, an IDX website that provides visibility online in 19 languages. MLS Match is...
This year will mark a breakthrough in deploying AI in real estate. As AI continues to rapidly advance in its capabilities as a personal assistant, real estate agent teams have become the perfect partner for this cutting-edge technology. The rise of AI in real...
Growing and maintaining a real estate career is a promising yet challenging endeavor. The failure rate for agents is staggering—nearly half of all agents fail in the first five years. If you make it past this hump, you are still not immune to the...
In a split decision Feb. 20, the judge overseeing the goliath buyer-side commission case dismissed some state-level claims by plaintiffs—and dropped one of the defendants entirely—in an opinion that appears to be a relatively small victory for big real estate brokerages, with most claims...
Homeownership rates for racial minorities increased in 2022, with Asian and Hispanic Americans achieving historic peaks. Despite these advancements, disparities persist among racial and ethnic groups, notably with Black homeownership lagging. People of color continue to endure significant buying challenges throughout and after their...
Mortgage applications decreased sharply this week, down 10.6% from last week's decrease of 2.3%, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association for the week ending Feb. 16, 2024. Here are this week's numbers: The refinance share of mortgage...
CoStar-owned Homes.com has remained an ubiquitous presence across television broadcasts, internet browsers and radio airwaves over the last couple weeks, thanks to a billion-dollar marketing push (included four Super Bowl commercials) and has so far achieved 560 million impressions. On the company's Q4 and...
The National Association of REALTORS® announced Curbio as a new partner with NAR REALTOR® Benefits. Curbio, which operates in more than 55 markets nationwide, is a pay-at-closing contractor for pre-sale home improvements of any size. As part of the agreement, NAR members and their...
PropStream announced they will attend the 2024 Joint AE Institute Event in San Diego, California, from Mar. 12-15. Hosted by The National Association of REALTORS®, this event is a premier professional development opportunity for MLS staff and local and state REALTOR® associations. Programs can...
Mortgage servicer Guaranteed Rate is expanding its Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed mortgage products. The company cites this move as demonstrating its “proven commitment to supporting housing affordability.” The HomeReady (offered by Fannie Mae) and Home Possible (administered by Freddie Mac) mortgage grant programs...
Software firm Inside Real Estate has announced the acquisition of Folio by Amitree, an AI-powered email productivity solution. The tool, highlighted as a valuable one for real estate professionals, securely detects a real estate professional's transactions and organizes them in real time. Folio, as...
The rally in new-home demand isn't letting up as homebuyers facing inventory challenges on the resale market turned to new construction to realize their homeownership dreams. Mortgage applications for new-home purchases jumped 19.1% in January compared to a year ago and rose 38% month...
While social media is an essential tool for real estate professionals looking to expand their reach, knowing the best (and worst) practices is crucial. Having a successful online presence involves careful consideration of the content you share, and an understanding of what could lead...
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. declined by 0.4% in January 2024 to 102.7, following a 0.2% decline in December 2023. The LEI contracted by 3.0% over the six-month period between July 2023 and January 2024, a smaller decrease than...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. It's been yet another week of riveting court case drama surrounding the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and powerhouse brokerages, in addition...
As the real estate market continues to change and evolve, clients look to their agent for assurances about homeownership and the process involved in buying or selling a home. In the experience of Charles El-Moussa—president of Coldwell Banker Realty in Texas—home warranties are a key piece of the ...read more
In a letter entitled, “The Real Story” emailed to members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and posted to the NAR website Feb. 16, a defiant-sounding Interim CEO Nykia Wright said that while others outside the association may offer critical commentary and stories...
Matterport, Inc. has launched Property Intelligence, a collection of AI-powered features that provides customers with access to automated measurements, layouts, editing, and reporting capabilities generated from a Matterport digital twin of their property. These new features bolster the company's property marketing, design and construction,...
January saw a notable drop in housing starts across the country—dropping 14.8% from December—to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.33 million units, a 0.7% decrease below the rate in January 2023, as indicated by a new data report from the National Association of Home...
Consumers' feelings continue to thaw toward the economy this winter, according to the latest data from the University of Michigan. Consumer sentiment grew an astounding 0.8% in February, following a 13.1% leap in January and a sharp increase in December. “The fact that sentiment...
Opendoor Technologies Inc., an e-commerce platform for residential real estate transactions, on Feb. 15 reported financial results for Q4 and full-year 2023. The numbers, like so many industry companies after the bruising year, were not good. While the company earned $870 million in Q4 revenue, it was a 70% ...read more
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. According to the Primary Mortgage Market Survey® from Freddie Mac, last updated Thursday, February 15, 2024, the 30-year mortgage rate sits at 6.77%. The...
Inside Real Estate announced a wave of new product innovations and enhancements, as well as a look at their 2024 roadmap, designed to make it easy for their clients to increase productivity and profit through a fully connected front-to-back office ecosystem. In a recent...
In a lengthy and methodical court filing late last night, lawyers for the Department of Justice (DOJ) excoriated a recently proposed settlement in one of the many ongoing commission lawsuits, in a move that is sure to cast doubt on other settlements agreed to...
The adage “location, location, location” continues regarding real estate. The location remains paramount despite the myriad factors contributing to a property's market value—including size, condition and features. We will examine how the geographical positioning of a property significantly influences its desirability and, consequently, its...
In today's ultra-competitive real estate market, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage; it's a necessity. Artificial Intelligence is not a buzzword anymore; it's a powerful tool reshaping how real estate agents operate, connect, and succeed. At Homes for Heroes, we...
Lone Wolf Technologies has introduced a new tool–Market Dynamics–within their BrokerMetrics software kit. “Throughout the industry, we are starting to see a rising sense of optimism and positive market indicators,” said Jimmy Kelly, CEO of Lone Wolf. “It has always been our mission to...
In today's consumer-driven society, purchasing new or used appliances is a common dilemma. While brand-new appliances come with the allure of the latest technology and warranties, buying used appliances has advantages and disadvantages. We will examine the pros and cons of buying used appliances....
“Find something you love and mold your opportunities around it. When your work aligns with your passions, it transforms each day into a fulfilling pursuit.” -Morgan Pankow, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Realty Finding the perfect “hole-in-one” property might be a fairway to heaven for any...
The 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage average 6.77% this week, up from last week's average of 6.64%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.77% as of February 15, 2024, up from last week when it averaged 6.64%. A year ...read more
A Yardi Matrix Multifamily Supply Forecast update predicts that the company's Q4 2023 report is still on course: new construction has eased, the under-construction pipeline is vigorous and elevated deliveries are expected for the remainder of 2024 and 2025. Multifamily markets tracked by Yardi...
Continuous rate pauses from the Fed coupled with cooling mortgage rates have homebuilders feeling more and more positive, according to new data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) found that builder confidence grew four points...
In a combined Q4 and full-year 2023 earnings call Feb. 15, Anywhere Real Estate reported falling revenue of $1.250 billion in Q4, down 6% from Q4 2022, when it was $1.323 billion. For 2023 in full, the net loss overall was $97 million, which...
Although we're in the midst of a market correction, the future of the housing market is still up in the air—with many questions centering around first-time homebuyers. While there are still individuals embarking on the journey of first-time homeownership, it's less than what we've seen in the past. Recent ...read more
Hosting open houses is a great way to show off your listings, chase buyer leads and meet new clients. That said, there's always a risk with meeting unfamiliar people, and home security is an industry all unto itself. It is an agent's job to...
Editor's Note: The Playbook is an RISMedia biweekly segment centering on what brokers and agents are doing to ensure they not only survive but thrive in these challenging times. Industry professionals explain the strategies they're employing and unique ideas they've formulated. Tune in every...
As a regional president of Coldwell Banker Realty, Rob Norman leads a region with over 60 offices and approximately 7,000 agents operating from the top of Westchester County, New York, down through the Manhattan metro area, southward into New Jersey and Delaware, and west...
Realty ONE Group, the self-titled ‘UNBrokerage,' has announced the growth of its franchising across Canada, with four offices opened in the last year and more coming soon. The company's expansion into Canada began with the expansion into Eastern Canada in 2022, and the momentum carried the brand from coast ...read more
This week my travels find me at home in northern California. As I sit in my office this week, reflecting on the past conferences I've attended throughout my career and the upcoming Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Sales Convention in March, I'm struck by the profound...
In January 2024, there were 33,270 properties with foreclosure filings, default notices and scheduled auctions or bank repossessions, according to ATTOM's latest U.S. Foreclosure Market Report. This is an increase of 5% from January 2023, and 10% from this past December. The report also noted that foreclosure starts ...read more
CoStar Group has selected Arlington County, Virginia for its global headquarters. The real estate giant will relocate to Central Place Tower, a 560,000-square-foot office building in Arlington, Virginia in late 2024. CoStar Group will occupy 175,000 square feet of commercial office space and employ...
Mortgage applications reversed course this week, decreasing 2.3% from last week's increase of 3.7%, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) for the week ending February 9, 2024. Here are this week's numbers: The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan ...read more
While her career path and accomplishments are impressive by any measure, perhaps the most important thing to know about National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) interim CEO Nykia Wright—right now, in this moment—is that she is no stranger to handling adversity. Having served as a...
In a fourth quarter and full-year 2023 earnings call Feb. 13, Zillow Group basically sang the same song as it did for its Q3 report: solid quarterly revenue of $474 million, 9% higher than a year earlier, but a net loss of $73 million,...
PropStream, a leading lead generation platform, has announced the company will be attending CoreLogic's Clareity24 Workshop for MLS executives upcoming in Scottsdale, Arizona, from February 26-28, 2024. Related: Propstream Announces New Mortgage Feature PropStream's CEO, Brian Tepfer and Monica Pena, Head of Industry Relations, will be in attendance to ...read more
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw another rise last month, up 0.3% in January after rising 0.2% in December, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.1%...
ERA® Real Estate has announced its latest affiliation with ERA Top Agent Realty, a veteran-owned full-service company that has assisted residents across Southeastern Louisiana and Mississippi since 2008. The brokerage, owned by Stephen Molero since 2013, is located in Sidell, which lies between the...
This Valentine's Day, love is in the air amongst homeowners who have just moved. More than 2 in 5 recent home buyers (42%) report finding love after buying their new home, according to a new report from Zillow. The share is even higher for...
Utah is the latest state to be on the receiving end of a Burnett copycat commission lawsuit, as recent homesellers joined the ongoing parade of class-actions accusing the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and big brokerages of conspiring to fix commission prices. Filed late...
The February issue of RISMedia's Real Estate magazine is now available, and not to be missed are several exclusive features, including an in-depth look at Homes.com plan to change the portal space with their multi-million dollar advertising campaign for Super Bowl LVIII. In addition,...
Anywhere Real Estate yesterday announced a significant shakeup of its executives, adding a new chief technology officer with a background in fintech, as chief operating officer Melissa McSherry stepped down after less than two years with the real estate juggernaut. Rudy Wolfs, who recently...
What appears to be a nationwide, fraudulent, real estate crime ring is allegedly responsible for presenting fake listings with stolen agent information to hopeful buyers for a costly monthly fee through their 16 persuasive websites. The organization is targeting potential homebuyers through a confirmed...
Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, has announced the inclusion of nine innovative companies to the 2024 REACH Australia and New Zealand program. Launched in 2019, NAR stated that the REACH Australia and New Zealand program is now entering its fifth year ...read more
PropStream has announced that they are reintroducing subdivision comping as a filter in their search tool. “At the heart of our business model is our commitment to user satisfaction, as we deeply value our loyal customers who have played a pivotal role in shaping our platform into what it ...read more
Above, Rike Palese, far left, and Erica Chouinard, back row standing, third from right, with their team, The Real Estate Experts of Denver. Rike (pronounced Rick) Palese spent many a youthful weekend touring model homes in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. Fascinated by design,...
Coaching is a valuable tool that offers numerous benefits to agents and brokers, let alone teams. Working in real estate requires constant education and development to be at the top of your game, and coaching provides an easy way to pursue this. Hiring a...
Divorce can be challenging and emotional, and one of the significant decisions couples often face is selling their house. Selling a house during divorce can complicate an already difficult situation. That's where hiring a REALTOR® with divorce experience comes in. Divorcing couples can navigate...
CRS Data announced an innovative new partnership with Earth Advantage's Green Building Registry (GBR). Through this new partnership, CRS Data's MLS Tax Suite will connect to GBR's proprietary API, displaying environmental and home performance information within real estate listings—including energy labels, solar installations, and...
In today's shifting real estate climate, it's more important than ever for real estate teams to adapt and find new ways to accelerate their business. The real estate market is constantly changing, and real estate teams need to be aware of changes like fluctuating interest rates, economic conditions and ...read more
PropStream, an AI-powered software company that provides real estate data to its users (such as investors) has announced a new tool on its platform's search engine: the mortgage recording date filter. With this filter, users can select a beginning-to-end date range for mortgages on...
What are the greatest challenges facing real estate brokers in 2024? The new 2024 Delta Real Estate Leadership Survey asked that of more than 130 brokerage leaders (representing firms that collectively were responsible for 2 out of 3 residential real estate transactions in 2023)....
As copycat lawsuits of Burnett appear right and left throughout the real estate industry, major companies are pursuing legal avenues to overturn Burnett and thereby end all copy suits before they begin. While this occurs, many suits are seeing stays in their proceedings due...
The glass booth, transparent except for looping letters spelling out “Homes.com,” sits at the back of what can best be described as a small settlement. Spread across several thousand square feet of the Anaheim Convention Center during the 2023 NAR NXT, the orange glow...
The glass booth, transparent except for looping letters spelling out “Homes.com,” sits at the back of what can best be described as a small settlement. Spread across several thousand square feet of the Anaheim Convention Center during the 2023 NAR NXT, the orange glow...
The latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) shows an increase of 3.5 points in January to 70.7, its highest level since March 2022. Overall, the full index is up 9.1 points year over year. The index and its assessment are based on...
The latest Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) from the National Association of Home Builders finds that home affordability remains at a record low as of Q4 2023. The report attributes this to elevated mortgage rates, high construction costs as well as...
The National Association of REALTORS® today announced the opening of applications for its 2024 Good Neighbor Awards. 2024 marks the 25th year of honoring NAR members who exemplify dedication to volunteer service and make significant impacts in their communities. “NAR's Good Neighbor Awards highlight...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. Mortgage rates saw very little movement this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage went...
Above, a screenshot from one of Homes.com's new ads featuring Dan Levy of Schitt's Creek fame and SNL's Heidi Gardner. During one of America's most enduring traditions, Super Bowl Sunday, Homes.com plans to make history, regardless of who takes home the championship trophy. Through four commercials reaching some ...read more
Above, a screenshot from one of Homes.com's new ads featuring Dan Levy of Schitt's Creek fame and SNL's Heidi Gardner. During one of America's most enduring traditions, Super Bowl Sunday, Homes.com plans to make history, regardless of who takes home the championship trophy. Through four commercials reaching some ...read more
Propelled by ongoing job growth, December 2023 saw continued home price gains, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI) and HPI Forecast for the month. Annual single-family home price growth continued its slight upward trend this past December to 5.5%, which is the highest rate of appreciation since ...read more
California Regional MLS (CRMLS) now offers TheQwikFix, a service that allows agents to upload property reports and then receive detailed and competitively priced repair quotes from local, licensed contractors who are available to complete the job before or shortly after closing. To combat the...
Purchasing a home is a significant investment. It's crucial to ensure that you clearly understand the property boundaries and potential issues that may affect your ownership. One essential step in the home-buying process is getting a property survey. We will explore the reasons for...
Property highlights: Location: Brooklyn, New York Listing price: $3.25 million Features: Waterfront corner model with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Added appeal: Treehouse playground, a 50-foot indoor saltwater pool, a fitness center and private outdoor spaces. Nestled along Brooklyn's scenic waterfront, Greenpoint has emerged as a captivating haven, drawing ...read more
Anywhere Real Estate Inc. has released its 2023 Anywhere Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report. The report highlights how Anywhere has delivered on its commitments to integrity, community and culture, and inclusion, while leveraging the unmatched scale across its integrated real estate businesses, leading brands,...
Our industry confronts the question, “What would the market look like if there were no MLS?” Bright believes that one “Value of the MLS” is its critical role in ensuring fair and equitable access to housing for all Americans. We launched our “Value of...
Time is running out to participate in RISMedia's 36th Annual Power Broker Survey—the deadline is one week away, Feb. 16, 2024. The Power Broker Survey is the residential real estate industry's preeminent report identifying and ranking the nation's top brokerages based on sales-dollar volume and transaction sides. View the ...read more
In the fourth quarter of 2023, 46.1% of mortgaged residential properties were deemed equity-rich, meaning that nearly half of homeowners outright own a notable amount of their properties in comparison to the outstanding mortgage or debts associated with them, according to ATTOM's fourth quarter...
The 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage remained stagnant this week, averaging 6.64%, up from last week's average of 6.63%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.64% as of February 8, 2024, up slightly from last week when it averaged ...read more
In around a dozen federal courtrooms across the country, and percolating in the offices of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, change is brewing for real estate. Class-action lawsuits are advancing on multiple fronts, and regulators seem poised to come down hard on...
In May 2023, Florida ratified Senate Bill (SB) 264, the law named “Interests of Foreign Countries.” The law restricts the sale or purchase of property in Florida by or/to citizens of countries including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described...
More than 85% of metro markets (189 out of 221) registered home price increases in the fourth quarter of 2023 as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped from 7.79% to 6.61%, according to the National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) latest report on Feb. 8....
Earlier this year my mom passed away at the age of 93. I wanted to dedicate this week's blog to her and the leadership lessons we've learned from all mothers. If you're interested in reading my mom's eulogy I've included a link below to...
In an analysis released Feb. 5, following a 2.1% annual membership decline in January, National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun said in the comment section that it was mainly due to the housing market's poor performance in 2023, and that...
ERA® Real Estate has announced the appointment of Frank Malpica to senior vice president of franchise development, mergers & acquisitions. In this role, he will be the architect of strategic growth and expansion of the brand's footprint by identifying key partners in new and...
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Winans, based in North Texas, has announced that founders David and Dana Winans have sold ownership of the firm to their daughter and son-in-law, Leah and Mark McDonough. David and Dana will continue in an advisory role. The...
In the dynamic world of real estate, discovering untapped opportunities is the key to success. One avenue worth exploring is expired listings. Tip: An expired listing is a property listing that has reached the end of its contractual agreement between the seller and the listing agent without resulting in ...read more
REcolorado announced new data-sharing partnerships that will expand access to property listings outside of Colorado for REcolorado broker and agent subscribers, giving them more home listings and insights to share with their clients. The partnerships will also make Colorado home listings available to agents...
We're still in the throes of winter, mortgage rates are still more than double what they were during 2020-21, and listings are few and far between, but brokers are telling RISMedia that an early seasonal rebound is already here as consumers adapt their behavior...
In another positive sign for a more robust spring buying season and shift in what has been one of the industry's most challenging headwinds, homes listed for sale across the housing market grew by 7.9% over the same period last year, according to the...
Mortgage applications increased 3.7% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending Feb. 2, 2024. This week's numbers: The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 3.7%...
United Real Estate posted strong net agent count growth throughout all four quarters of 2023, outperforming the national real estate market by 14.7% at year-end 2023 and exceeding the 20,000-agent mark. The news comes on the heels of the National Association of Realtors' December report. NAR reported a 1.7% ...read more
From left, Kevin Sears, Jessica Edgerton and Bess Freedman An impressive group of real estate industry leaders touched on a variety of important issues during Lamacchia Realty's Crush It In Real Estate/2024 Kick Off event Feb. 1 in Boston. New National Association of REALTORS®...
Editor's Note: Social Skills is a bi-monthly feature in RISMedia's Daily News focused on social media and digital marketing tips, trends and solutions for agents and brokers. Real estate has always been a social business. Before the internet and social media, a REALTOR'S® marketing...
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. has announced the company has been recognized as one of the top franchises across the United States and Canada for the 20th straight year by Entrepreneur Franchise 500®, a leading franchise ranking. Entrepreneur assesses several factors for its evaluation...
The Keyes Company has recruited industry veteran Madeline Mordarski as its new chief marketing officer. Based in Miami, Mordarski will oversee the firm's marketing efforts and work closely with Keyes executive leadership on strategies to support the firm's “ambitious” growth plans. Mordarski has an...
If the deluge of commission lawsuits that have descended on the real estate industry have you concerned about what business changes may come, where to find answers for your agents' questions and how their bottom line could be affected, don't miss three industry leaders...
Freddie Mac announced that potential homebuyers earning 50% of area median income or less are eligible for a $2,500 credit that may help with down payment and other costs at closing. The initiative will extend more broadly to very low-income families who qualify for...
The National Association of REALTORS® will hold a policy forum on Feb. 8 in Washington, DC, entitled, “American Dream Deferred: How Can We Keep Homeownership Within Reach?” The event will address the challenges hindering homebuyers with discussions uniting housing and economic experts, policymakers, and...
2023 was quite the year for real estate, with attention-grabbing headlines throwing new curveballs at each and every turn. From a shifting market to historically high mortgage rates and the legal challenges targeting organized real estate, there was a lot to talk about. Now that the sun has set ...read more
Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions ever. Finding the right real estate agent to guide you through the process is crucial. There are many excellent reasons to have a buyer's agent. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned...
@properties Christie's International Real Estate has acquired the Michigan brokerage Christie's International Real Estate North Harbor, a boutique brokerage firm in the town of Petoskey. A popular vacation spot for Midwesterners, Petoskey is located on Little Traverse Bay at the northern tip of Lake...
Whether your office actually has a water cooler or not, small talk with fellow agents is an occupational hazard when you're working on a team (at least if you're not all remote, but I digress). If you're busy (as REALTORS® tend to be), then you may feel like there's ...read more
As the sluggish 2023 housing market retreats farther from view, new industry data points to reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the upcoming spring home-buying season. Thanks to lower mortgage rates as of late, affordability pressures have eased. The share of income needed to...
Editor's note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia's weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. As 2024 marches on, the real estate industry continues to face lawsuits in the wake of the Sitzer/Burnett ruling (currently facing appeal)...
An influx of multifamily housing hitting the market is expected to “dampen” the national average asking rent growth in 2024, according to a report from Yardi Matrix. The report also predicts that the economy will “slow significantly for two or three quarters.” This new...
Curbio announced the addition of HomeSmart to its brokerage partnerships program. Through this partnership, Curbio has become the pre-listing home improvement service for HomeSmart, providing their agents with access to a completely turnkey concierge solution with pay-at-closing terms for their clients. In an industry where demand for fix now, ...read more
Homes for Heroes Foundation—the charitable arm of Homes for Heroes, Inc.—has announced its philanthropic activity in 2023 totaled $262K in charitable grants. The organization also supported 6,514 heroes that bought or sold a home, and gave out $15.8M in Hero Rewards Savings to heroes...
Selling a listing requires careful planning and execution. In today's competitive real estate market, making a positive first impression is more crucial than ever. One effective strategy to enhance a property's appeal and facilitate a quicker sale is through the art of home staging....
The National Association of REALTORS®' (NAR) Bias Override video series, produced in collaboration with the Perception Institute, has won an Anthem Award. These awards “honor the purpose and mission-driven work of people, companies, and organizations worldwide.” “By amplifying the voices that spark global change,...
Job growth was unexpectedly strong in January, with companies adding workers at the robust pace of 353,000 last month, another data report pointing to the strength of the U.S. economy. The latest data, issued Friday by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics landed well above the 255,000 monthly average ...read more
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. –A potentially landmark Supreme Court case is scheduled for oral arguments later this month, focused on a requirement that lenders pay interest on homeowner...
The latest Survey of Consumers from the University of Michigan finds that consumer sentiment in January remains relatively rosy, suggesting optimism about the economy as the new year gets underway. The Index of Consumer Sentiment, calculated by surveying consumers, currently sits at 79, a...
Amidst ongoing lawsuits countrywide surrounding the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and large brokerages, many have sided with NAR as pro-consolidation these past couple of weeks, and some companies for the first time—hoping for the implementation of 19 commission-related class-action suits into a single...
United Real Estate announced the appointment of Chastity Davenport to the role of vice president of Brokerage Development. Davenport brings over 15 years of real estate and brokerage development experience to United, the company stated. Formerly senior vice president of Franchise Expansion at JPAR...
America's national rent crisis could be coming to an end. Rental prices have been elevated for years—and renters' income hasn't caught up to match—but per findings from the Waller, Weeks and Johnson Rental Index, rents are on the decline as of December 2023. The...
In the dynamic world of leadership, the strength of a team hinges on the collective commitment to excellence. I firmly believe that each team member plays a crucial role in shaping the overall success. However, what happens when a standout player, once a beacon...
From rising interest and mortgage rates, to elevated home prices and persistent inventory deficits, to ongoing lawsuits and unexpected scandals, 2023 presented more than its fair share of challenges to the real estate industry. While we saw some make headlines for all the wrong reasons, there were many more ...read more
Curbio has announced that it is expanding its pay-at-closing home staging service to all markets following a successful pilot period and increased demand nationwide. Curbio's physical home staging services include a team of design experts who strategically place furniture and décor to appeal to potential buyers and accentuate the ...read more
Buying a house under construction is a more viable option now than it has been in the recent past. That's because a lot of builders are undertaking to fill market needs due to the limited inventory of current homes for sale. Mortgage rates in...
Still hovering in the mid-sixes, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) ticked down this week, averaging 6.63%, down from last week's 6.66%, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.63% as...
Selling a house can be a significant undertaking. For many homeowners, the desire to sell a house fast is a top priority. When relocating, downsizing, or having other reasons for a speedy sale, implementing effective strategies can make a substantial difference. Whether selling a...
As expected, the Federal Reserve indicated that rate cuts aren't in proximity unless there is “continuing evidence” revealing inflation is decreasing toward the Fed's 2% goal, as stated by Fed Chair Jerome Powell in a press conference after yesterday's meeting. Inflation has, however, “eased...
In December 2023, the U.S. median rent price decreased across all 0-2 bedroom properties, and rent was slightly lower than its 2022 peak—according to a year-end report from Realtor.com. As indicated in the report, median rent saw a year-over-year decline for the eighth consecutive...
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has unveiled its sixth iteration of the “That's Who We R” national advertising campaign, offering consumers a first-hand look at what REALTORS® can do for them. The company stated that this year's advertising campaign will be seen across modern touchpoints, including broadcast and ...read more
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has unveiled its sixth iteration of the “That's Who We R” national advertising campaign, offering consumers a first-hand look at what REALTORS® can do for them. The company stated that this year's advertising campaign will be seen across modern touchpoints, including broadcast and ...read more
Bright MLS has announced that its “Open Housing Marketplace” campaign, designed to increase awareness about a fair housing market, has been selected as a two-category winner (Responsible Technology and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards. Launched in 2021 by The...
Bright MLS has announced that its “Open Housing Marketplace” campaign, designed to increase awareness about a fair housing market, has been selected as a two-category winner (Responsible Technology and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) in the 3rd Annual Anthem Awards. Launched in 2021 by The...
At 21% of the current U.S. population, older Gen Zers (ages 18-27) are making their way into the world. With inflation slowing and the housing market seeing a correction, this generation is about ready to take their first steps into homebuying. However, despite better...
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Feb. 27 to decide whether a New York state law that requires mortgage lenders to pay homeowners interest earned on mortgage escrow accounts should be enforced. That's according to Supreme Court docket files and reporting...
Mortgage industry analysts have been watching and waiting to see what the Federal Reserve will do—or say—next about rate cuts. They're hedging their bets that the Fed will cut rates this year and, as an indirect result, mortgage rates will fall, too, and help...
Rental markets are beginning to “soften,” and rent growth has nearly come to a halt after historically high increases in 2021 and 2022, according to the 2024 America's Rental Housing report led and presented by Whitney Airgood-Obrycki, a senior research associate at the Harvard...
While mortgage rates still hovering in the mid-sixes fluctuated little this past week, mortgage applications decreased 7.2% from one week earlier, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) for the week ending January 26, 2024. Last week's...
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® announced the addition of 36 new members to its professional community in 2023. The new member firms to have joined LeadingRE's network last year include property businesses from the UK, Europe, United States, Canada, Latin America, Caribbean,...
Buffini & Company has announced the return of its Master Class. This business-building event will take place in Anaheim, California, from February 8-9, 2024. The event combines networking, coaching and training, with the promise of learning how to boost ones' referrals and with it,...
Real estate brokerage leaders are once again bullish on housing and the economy in 2024, according to the newest Delta Real Estate Leadership Survey. The survey includes responses from more than 130 brokerage leaders representing firms collectively responsible for more than 65% of all...
Editor's Note: Click here to purchase replays of RISMedia's Real Estate's Rocking in the New Year and see the full videos of all 16 sessions and 50+ industry leaders. Also, don't miss Jessica Edgerton, Chief Legal Officer for LeadingRE, James Dwiggins, Co-Founder and CEO...
Data released Jan. 30 showed 12 out of the 20 major metro markets reported month-over-month home price decreases. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 4.8% annual change for the month, up from a 4% change in September....
Above, Bob Hale, HAR president and CEO, co-moderates a panel with RISMedia Founder and CEO John Featherston at the 2023 CEO & Leadership Exchange Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) President and CEO Bob Hale, regarded as a titan in the U.S. residential real estate...
Consumer confidence increased 6.8 points to 114.8 in January, the third consecutive month of increases and the highest reading seen since December 2021, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. “January's increase in consumer confidence likely reflected slower inflation, anticipation of lower interest rates ahead and generally ...read more
The National Association of REALTORS® has announced the release of the fourth season of its docuseries, “First-Time Buyer,” now available to stream. Filmed in Chicago, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, this season delves deeper into the home-buying process, showcasing the value and expertise that agents...
Selling a home is a significant undertaking. Choosing the right listing agent can make a world of difference in the success of your real estate venture. It becomes exceptionally crucial for a first-time seller to know the importance. Finding the best listing agent involves...
The recent antitrust lawsuit inadvertently highlighted something interesting during the trial. The plaintiffs' attorney successfully argued that the whole real estate industry engaged in collusion and price-fixing. As real estate professionals, we know that isn't true, right? Here's the interesting part: Those attorneys who...
With the real estate contract cancellation rate for new and existing homes roughly 20% as of early 20231, it's more important than ever for agents to have effective closing strategies. Budget pressure from rising home prices and higher interest and insurance rates, more choices...
RE/MAX announced that consumers voted RE/MAX as the brand with the #1 Most Trusted Real Estate Agents in the U.S. and Canada. In an independent annual survey conducted by BrandSpark International, in collaboration with Newsweek magazine, more than 26,000 American shoppers and 25,000 Canadian shoppers provided unaided, top-of-mind responses ...read more
In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, technological tools have become indispensable in many industries, and the real estate sector is no exception. The tech revolution has changed everything: from property transactions to smart home technology to home improvement projects. This transformation...
Real estate isn't a numbers game. It's a relationships business. Though many have tried, no one has yet succeeded in turning the practice of buying and selling homes into an equation that can be worked out and solved on paper. But while your team's...
Above, Michael Ketchmark, left and Anthony Lamacchia Editor's Note: Don't miss Anthony Lamacchia along with Jessica Edgerton, Chief Legal Officer for LeadingRE and James Dwiggins, Co-Founder and CEO of NextHome, in an exclusive panel for brokers moderated by Darryl Davis, Founder of Darryl Davis...
During 2023, national homesellers made a $121,000 profit on the typical sale, leading to a 56.5% return on investment, according to ATTOM's Year-End 2023 U.S. Home Sales Report. Gross and profit margins were stagnant—still near record levels—but decreased from 2022, which indicates the first...
Just as the litigious real estate landscape seemed to be settling down, the ground has shifted again, with a surprise settlement in one especially dangerous and advanced case, and the sudden dismissal of another. Simultaneously, after months of new cases piling up, the push for consolidating commission-related class-action lawsuits ...read more
OneKey MLS, which covers the southern counties of New York (the NYC metro area, Long Island, and Hudson Valley), has released its latest market report for the region. The report tracks both month-to-month (November to December 2023) and year-to-year (2022 to 2023) changes. For the latter, sale prices increased ...read more
Forbes Global Properties has announced the addition of luxury specialist Power Infra Pro Pvt Ltd to its network. The firm will now operate under the new name of India Forbes Global Properties and represent the brand throughout the New Delhi region. “It is an...
New construction is having its time in the sun. Applications for new-home purchases jumped 22.2% in December 2023 compared to a year ago, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) released this past Thursday. This marks the 11th...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. loanDepot provided an update this week on the cybersecurity attack that forced the company to shut down some of its systems back on Jan....
The personal consumer expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, increased 0.2% in December, according to estimates released Jan. 26 by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Excluding food and energy, the PCE price index increased 0.2%. Real DPI increased 0.1% in December, and real ...read more
Pending home sales rose 8.3% in December, the largest jump seen since June 2020's 14.9% increase, according to the latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). NAR's Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) for December registered at 77.3, reflecting a moderate level of...
Realty ONE Group is the #1 real estate brand for the third year in a row on Entrepreneur's 2024 Franchise 500® ranking. This is the eighth year the company has made the list, climbing each time. The Las Vegas-based international franchisor sold 81 new...
Today we're going to explore the Japanese word, Kaizen. Discovering the potential of making small, gradual changes to transform one's life. Inspired by this approach, I aim to share insights on how incorporating small steps into your journey can lead to remarkable improvements. Join...
Above from left, Sue Yannaccone, Sherry Chris and Lindsay Listanski What Moves Her®, the advocacy organization designed to help women in the real estate industry, is making waves with its latest endeavor: the Balance Blueprint campaign. Spearheaded by Sue Yannaccone, the powerhouse behind Anywhere...
Above from left, Sue Yannaccone, Sherry Chris and Lindsay Listanski What Moves Her®, the advocacy organization designed to help women in the real estate industry, is making waves with its latest endeavor: the Balance Blueprint campaign. Spearheaded by Sue Yannaccone, the powerhouse behind Anywhere...
You might think that the five states people are moving away from the most would be the ones trying the hardest to gain new residents, but that is not the case, according to a new report from MakeMyMove.com. The states losing residents fastest are...
In real estate, effective marketing is the key to success. As a REALTOR®, implementing savvy marketing strategies can significantly impact your ability to attract potential buyers, showcase properties, and ultimately close deals successfully. We will examine quick and easy marketing tips tailored for REALTORS®....
New home sales reversed course in December after a two-month downward slide, thanks to falling interest rates in the closing weeks of 2023 that helped to bring buyers off the sidelines and provide a boost for new home sales. Data from the U.S. Department...
In today's market of high home prices and mortgage rates, the buying population has become very specific about the needs of the homes they want to buy. And since the majority of buyers are either relocating, retiring or downsizing, they want move-in ready properties....
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) increased slightly this week, from last week's average of 6.6% to an average of 6.69% this week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) from Freddie Mac released Thursday. This week's numbers: The 30-year FRM averaged 6.69%,...
Mortgage rates never fell below 6% in 2023 and you probably didn't even have to follow the news to notice; you'd just have to observe how so many of your leads were hesitant to buy. Even as mortgage rates have declined from their more than 7% peak in Q4 ...read more
Buffini & Company has unveiled its groundbreaking “Do It N.O.W.” marketing campaign. Do It N.O.W. is an initiative that aims to rewrite the playbook for thriving in a fluctuating market. As the real estate terrain transforms, the key to triumph in tumultuous real estate...
Buffini & Company has unveiled its groundbreaking “Do It N.O.W.” marketing campaign. Do It N.O.W. is an initiative that aims to rewrite the playbook for thriving in a fluctuating market. As the real estate terrain transforms, the key to triumph in tumultuous real estate...
Three of the largest MLSs in the country agreed to a settlement in one of the most expansive and highest-stakes lawsuits that specifically targets MLS rules and practices, according to a court filing yesterday. ThePLS.com v. National Association of REALTORS® et al was originally...
This past November, single-family rent growth increased 2.7% year-over-year, as stated in a new report from CoreLogic. According to CoreLogic's latest Single-Family Rent Index, attached single-family rental prices also rose by 3.3% year-over-year this past November, in comparison with a 2.3% increase for detached rentals. Key highlights: Single-family rent ...read more
With the number of commission-focused lawsuits in the dozens—and growing every week—and with all of them making almost identical accusations and arguments, some sort of consolidation seemed inevitable as soon as the first copy-cat suit was filed. Yesterday, the process of combining major commission...
Cloze, a software company that delivers AI-powered real estate solutions, has announced that Illinois-based real estate firm Baird & Warner has adopted the Cloze Platform. The Cloze platform includes specific programs devoted to marketing, lead generation and an AI-powered CRM. “As an independent company,...
United Real Estate has announced the appointment of Doug Adams to the role of vice president, franchise development, effective January 2024. Adams began his career at United's sister company, United Country Real Estate, as Broker Associate in 1999. After holding several successful positions at...
In 2022, 42 million households in the United States were cost-burdened, paying one-third of their income toward housing—a statistic that increased substantially due to the impacts of the COVID pandemic, rising to the highest level since 2015, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing...
Mortgage applications continued their uptick this week, increasing 3.7% from last week's notable bump of 10.4%, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) for the week ending January 19, 2024. The results include an adjustment to account...
Editor's Note: Click here to purchase replays of RISMedia's Real Estate's Rocking in the New Year and see the full videos of all 16 sessions and 50+ industry leaders. Also, don't miss Jessica Edgerton, Chief Legal Officer for LeadingRE, James Dwiggins, Co-Founder and CEO...
Above, Jason Haber In an exclusive interview with RISMedia on Tuesday, Jan. 23, Jason Haber, an associate real estate broker currently with Compass in New York, delved into the details of why he and business partner Mauricio Umansky decided to launch an alternative trade...
Above, Mauricio Umansky, left, and Jason Haber Already embroiled in controversies and lawsuits over the past year, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) now looks to be having to deal with a new group intent on potentially supplanting it. Mauricio Umansky, a celebrity agent...
Milestones, a portal for homeowners to manage their experience (from buying to selling), has seen a 513% increase in sign-ups. Milestones' centralized hubs offer access to essential documents, home service providers, home improvement suggestions, timely and seasonal home maintenance tasks and reminders, wealth-building insights,...
Curbio announced that it is expanding its Brokerage Partnerships Program to meet the increased demand for vertically integrated brokerage solutions. Through its partnerships program, Curbio provides real estate brokerages with a pay-at-closing pre-listing home improvement product branded to their company and powered entirely by Curbio. Partnerships with the company ...read more
As the real estate industry continues to evolve, so do the strategies that set successful agents apart. This year, one of the key differentiators is the ability to weave captivating narratives that not only generate leads, but help do the ultimate task for agents—sell...
In a recent hearing for one of the largest and most important pending commission cases, Judge Andrea R. Wood said she was almost certainly going to rule against defendants' motion to throw out the case, and also agreed to consolidate the class-action suit with...
For better or for worse, real estate is local. Driven by county- and city-level land-use laws, individual neighborhoods and towns can offer vastly different opportunities and challenges for housing. On the plus side, this allows a local expert (hopefully, every real estate agent) to...
December 2023 exhibited a traditional end-of-year slowing in housing market activity, punctuated by many similarities to 2022, according to a new report from RE/MAX. RE/MAX's National Housing Report for December 2023 found that homes sold were on the market an average of 47 days,...
The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) has completed the migration of its Residential Listing Service (RLS) to the Real Estate Standards Organization Web Application Programming Interface (RESO Web API). This modernization will allow RLS data to move more quickly and efficiently between...
Local Logic, a location insights provider for the real estate industry, has announced the launch of NeighborhoodIntel. True to its name, the platform offers insights (climate, demographics, etc.) for any address the user searches for, collected via shareable reports featuring over 250 unique location insights per address The solution ...read more
Spring is a season of renewal and blossoming flowers and a prime time for the real estate market. As nature awakens, so does the housing market. It presents the best opportunities for those looking to sell their homes. We will explore expert spring home...
Above, Ty Evans, left and her daughter Natalie Evans It was her sales career with Estee Lauder that took Ty Evans from New York to Seattle some 45 years ago. But the switch to real estate was all about her love of beautiful homes....
A new year is here and change is coming to the real estate industry in a big way. In celebrating 35 years in business, Lone Wolf Technologies, the leader in residential real estate software, today announces plans for the year and beyond: A new...
Rising home prices—along with high mortgage rates and inflation—have created a strong challenge of affordability in the housing market. It's grown to the point where renting has become the favored choice amongst the masses because average wages will no longer cover the costs of homeownership. In fact, renting and ...read more
Equity Angels, an organization dedicated to advancing diversity in technology startups, has launched with fractional executive solutions and accelerator programs for early-stage fintech and proptech companies. Research suggests that founders with diverse gender and ethnic backgrounds deliver higher returns for investors upon exit than their peers. Data analysis by ...read more
It is indicative of just how different the legal landscape is post-Burnett verdict that two new commission lawsuits were filed, and we can say it was a relatively quiet week in the courtroom. But looking ahead, this coming week is shaping up to offer...
Amid a period of historic turmoil for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), its newly appointed President, Kevin Sears, will be speaking to agents in person for the first time since his recent inauguration, taking the stage at Lamacchia Realty's 2024 Crush It in...
Michigan firm @properties Christie's International Real Estate has announced it is expanding to Ann Arbor. An independently owned and operated affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate, the firm has grown from $100 million to $1 billion in annual sales in the past three years,...
With headwinds like low inventory, elevated mortgage rates and still-increasing home prices, it's been a difficult time for many Americans to become homeowners. Adding to that struggle has been another inhibitor—institutional buyers. These types of buyers, such as hedge funds and other financial firms,...
Professional education, and specifically education that leads to real estate licensure, is advancing the future of online education. While online learning has become popular, it often comes with a lack of standard technology and student support. Colibri Real Estate is surpassing the norms of...
Sentiment in the remodeling market saw a slight increase in Q4 2023, demonstrating an increased willingness in the housing market to tackle fixer uppers and home improvement projects. According to the latest National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index, remodeling market...
RISMedia's 36th Annual Power Broker Survey—the residential real estate industry's preeminent report identifying and ranking the nation's top brokerages based on sales-dollar volume and transaction sides—is now open. Participating in the survey provides you with an exclusive opportunity to position your firm among America's...
Existing-home sales decreased 1% from November to a rate of 3.78 million in December, down 6.2% year-over-year, according to a new report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). 2023's total reading of 4.09 million sales is the lowest level in 30 years, while...
Consumer sentiment grew an astounding 13.1% in January, following a sharp increase in December, according to data from the University of Michigan. “Consumer sentiment soared 13% in January to reach its highest level since July 2021, showing that the sharp increase in December was...
When Bright MLS Chief Economist Dr. Lisa Sturtevant finished predicting 2024 mortgage rates, inventory levels, inflation numbers and more at RISMedia's Rocking in the New Year virtual event during her session titled, “The 2024 Economy: Are Things Finally Getting Better?” she made two points...
Editor's Note: The Mortgage Mix is RISMedia's weekly highlight reel of need-to-know mortgage-industry happenings. Watch for it each Friday afternoon. The latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® from Freddie Mac, released January 18, 2024, comes with big news: mortgage rates are at their lowest since...
NextHome Co-Founder and CEO James Dwiggins thought the residential real estate industry's current buyer agent commission structure would lose in court if challenged years before the Burnett trial even began. He was proved correct last October, when the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and...