Real Estate Agency News

Short ‘Days on Market’ Shifts to the North

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Albany, N.Y., homes went under contract in 8 days in Sept., followed by Rochester (9) and Grand Rapids, Mich. (9). In 8 Fla. metros, it ranged from 25-58 days. SEATTLE – The U.S. supply-demand balance for real estate has shifted over the past year. In Albany, N.Y., the typical home sold in September went under … Read more

Miami-Dade House Prices Fall for Third Month in Row

MIAMI ­– Home prices in Miami-Dade County fell for the third month in a row in September, giving breathing room to aspiring buyers on tight budgets who have waited months on the sidelines. Median sales prices dropped last month to $600,000 for single-family houses and $415,000 for condominiums, from $620,000 and $416,000, respectively, in August, … Read more

NAR Preview: Burnett Trial Starts Monday

A verdict in the Kansas City trial is expected Nov. 10. “NAR fundamentally disagrees with how (they’re) characterizing our rules,” says NAR’s top legal officer. KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR), along with HomeServices of America and Keller Williams Realty, begin trial Monday in Kansas City, Mo., in the case Burnett … Read more

Buyers’ Tactics in the Face of High Mortgage Rates

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NEW YORK – Mortgage rates have risen to their highest levels in more than 20 years, making it harder to afford a home. And yet, out of necessity or desire, hundreds of thousands of people buy homes every month. With the 30-year fixed rate topping 7%, NerdWallet asked real estate agents and mortgage loan officers … Read more

Grow Your Social Media Presence

Tips to improve your “social” skills? RE agents’ profiles should highlight their best content and have a professional headshot, short bio and uniform color scheme. NORWALK, Conn. – Real estate agents should incorporate a number of elements into their social media profile to create a standout presence, especially if they wish to appeal to millennial … Read more

Doing Your Own Drone Photography? There Are Risks

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The FAA has specific rules on drones used commercially, and there are additional real estate risks, including accidental damages to drones or property that most business insurance policies won’t cover. ORLANDO, Fla. – Many real estate agents include listing photos and videos taken by a drone – aerial scenes of a home that show nearby … Read more

Mold in a Home? Tips for Detecting and Removing

Any home can have mold, but it’s a notable problem after storms like Hurricane Idalia. The EPA says mold can sometimes be present but unseen. Start with a smell test. MARSHALL, Texas – Hurricanes and other severe storms, a humid climate, leaky pipes or continuous rain can make homes susceptible to flooding and mold. According … Read more

RE/MAX Settles Claims in Compensation Lawsuits

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Another large brokerage settled a lawsuit over buyer agents’ commissions, but NAR will continue the fight for “pro-competitive local MLS broker marketplaces.” CHICAGO – A second defendant in the two class-action lawsuits challenging real estate compensation fees reportedly has reached a settlement with the plaintiffs. RE/MAX, one of several large brokerages named in the suits, … Read more

Citizens Customers Getting Buyout Letters this Week

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About 300K Fla. homeowners with Citizens – Fla.’s “insurer of last resort” – will receive a letter that automatically transfers them to a private insurer if they don’t respond. MIAMI – A warning to Floridians with Citizens Property Insurance coverage: Check your mailbox. About 300,000 customers of the state-run insurer of last resort are receiving … Read more

Buyers Still Waive Appraisal Gap in Some Markets

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To secure a home, some U.S. buyers still agree to make up the difference when a mortgage appraisal comes in at less than the contract price – an often risky move. NEW YORK – Some buyers looking for a luxury home in a competitive market waive the so-called appraisal gap to entice a seller to … Read more