TechAutomated valuations a 'conversation starter' for agentsInstant home values (like Zillow's Zestimate) are getting better, and can be a tool for underwriters and savvy agents. Linda F. HerseyFebruary 22, 2023
By the NumbersLower mortgage insurance premiums to reduce costs for first-time buyersThe government announced a plan to cut mortgage insurance rates by 0.3 percentage points, which could save eligible homeowners an average of $800 a year.Dave GallagherFebruary 22, 2023
AgentsAgents Decoded: There's no excuse for bad (agent) behaviorMost agents are hardworking and professional, says broker Phil Faranda. But those who aren't can damage your brand and the industry — and should be terminated.J. Philip FarandaFebruary 22, 2023
IndustryCoStar’s Andy Florance: ‘We are not buying Move’Florance, founder and CEO, made the announcement during a Q4 earnings conference call Tuesday, which also highlighted the company's revenue gains.Linda F. HerseyFebruary 21, 2023
MLS/AssnConsolidation means fewer MLSs and associations in 2023T3 Sixty's annual report on Organized Real Estate found a 7.6% drop in the number of MLSs and a 3.8% drop among Realtor associations since 2020.Dave GallagherFebruary 21, 2023
By the NumbersU.S. home sales drop for the 12th straight monthSales of existing homes fell again in January, but the slower rate of declines suggests the market is "bottoming out."Linda F. HerseyFebruary 21, 2023
BrokeragesAt family-owned Windermere, relationships are a top priority for 2023Led by co-presidents OB Jacobi, Jill Jacobi Wood and Geoff Wood, the company continues to grow but strives to retain its family-oriented culture.Dave GallagherFebruary 21, 2023
BrokeragesGary Keller says 2023 will be a ‘very, very hard’ year in real estateDuring KW's Family Reunion event on Sunday, Keller talked about the state of the real estate market — which, he says, may get worse before it gets better.Dave GallagherFebruary 20, 2023
IndustryMutual of Omaha acquires Keller Mortgage Keller Mortgage will continue to operate alongside existing divisions of Mutual of Omaha, with Gary Keller as co-owner.Dave GallagherFebruary 20, 2023
BrokeragesWhy some brokerages are embracing property managementThe rental market is massive. Between investor purchases and property management, it can be a lucrative business for brokerages — and a source of buyer leads. Linda F. HerseyFebruary 20, 2023
AgentsHow one bad neighbor can sabotage a saleYou can fix up a house — but you can't fix the neighbors. Despite the horror stories, there are a few ways to prevent neighbor woes from ruining a sale.Nicole BrodeurFebruary 19, 2023
By the NumbersSpring outlook still cloudy, but economists are cautiously optimisticAn upward trend in mortgage rates, after weeks of declines, has raised concerns about whether buyers will return. But pent-up demand may push them to act.Dave GallagherFebruary 18, 2023
AgentsLawsuits against agents and brokers are on the riseAgents worry about homes showing well or deals falling through — should they also worry about getting sued? Unfortunately, it happens more than you may think.Mary BooneFebruary 18, 2023
By the NumbersReal estate investors sat out the fourth quarterA recent report found a record drop investor purchases as interest rates rose and prices began to decline.Dave GallagherFebruary 17, 2023
BrokeragesBrokerage Beat: Affiliations for BHGRE and Sotheby's Realty, a $44M sale, moreA family business joins BHGRE, KW opens in Germany, Howard Hanna launches community-based mortgages, Sotheby's Realty grows in Texas, and more brokerage news.Real Estate News StaffUpdated March 2, 2023
TechReal estate tech firm forges ahead with power buyer programThe software company zavvie has introduced its cash offer and buy-before-you-sell products to brokerages in 11 states, with plans to expand later this year.Dave GallagherFebruary 17, 2023
BrokeragesRedfin revenues down 25% but better than expectedCEO and founder Glenn Kelman said the company is continuing to cut expenses and looking to increase the number of online visitors who hire Redfin agents.Dave GallagherFebruary 16, 2023
BrokeragesMixed results for RE/MAX in Q4: Quarterly declines, annual gainsThe company noted that it closed out the year with a relatively small drop in revenue considering the sharp decline in home sales in 2022. Amie FisherFebruary 16, 2023
By the NumbersMortgage rates move in the wrong direction for would-be buyersInterest rates are up for the second week in a row, and signs point to further bumps. This could put a damper on the spring selling season.Dave GallagherFebruary 16, 2023
By the NumbersForeclosures creating ripples, but not wavesThe number of distressed properties remains well below pre-pandemic levels, thanks to a strong job market and federal moratoriums, but they're creeping up.Dave GallagherFebruary 16, 2023