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July 14.2025
2 Minutes Read

Realtor.com Gets Innovative with Tax Appeals; PropStream Elevates Lead Generation

Futuristic real estate tech concept with city skyline and neon house icon.

Understanding the New Property Tax Appeal Tool by Realtor.com

In an effort to assist homeowners facing rising housing costs, Realtor.com has integrated a new property tax appeal tool in partnership with Ownwell. This tool provides users with valuable resources that many are unaware of: the ability to appeal tax assessments. With fluctuating home values, this new service serves as a powerful resource for homeowners to potentially lower their annual tax expenses.

eXp Realty's Innovative CRM of Choice Program Explained

eXp Realty has recently introduced a noteworthy initiative called the "CRM of Choice" program, allowing agents to select among three different CRM platforms: BoldTrail, Cloze, or Lofty. This flexibility not only caters to the varied business models agents might embrace but also reflects eXp's commitment to providing tailored technology solutions aimed at enhancing growth and improving client relationships.

REsides: Empowering Real Estate Professionals Through Subscription Flexibility

In another exciting development, REsides has launched a tiered MLS subscription model, consisting of Essential, Select, and Premier tiers. This new structure empowers agents and brokers with more autonomy regarding the tools they utilize, thus fostering an environment of innovation and growth. The absence of mandatory association membership combined with an equity-ownership model positions REsides as a forward-thinking player in the market.

PropStream's Strategic Acquisitions for Enhanced Lead Generation

PropStream is making headlines with its acquisitions of Batch Leads and Batch Dialer, allowing for a seamless blend of property data, AI-driven lead generation, and multichannel outreach tools. These enhancements promise real estate professionals a more streamlined communication process and better targeting capabilities, which can significantly aid in the competition for leads in today’s marketplace.

Partnerships Expanding Access to Rental Resources

RentSpree has taken steps to facilitate rental applications and tenant screening through its partnership with Hive MLS. This collaboration brings essential tools to subscribers at no extra cost, addressing the increasing demand for rental properties in the Southeastern states, particularly in Georgia and the Carolinas. This integration is especially beneficial for agents grappling with rising prospects in the rental market.

Conclusion: Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Real Estate Landscape

As technology continuously reshapes the real estate landscape, tools and collaborations like those from Realtor.com, eXp Realty, and PropStream are crucial for agents to remain competitive. By embracing innovative solutions and staying informed about market trends, real estate professionals can strengthen their capabilities to serve clients effectively. Whether it's appealing property taxes or leveraging advanced CRM platforms, the opportunities for growth and improvement are abundant.

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07.16.2025

Understanding the Housing Market: Mike Simonsen's New Role at Compass

Update Mike Simonsen Takes on a Pivotal Role at Compass The real estate industry is abuzz with the news of Mike Simonsen's appointment as the first chief economist at Compass, the nation’s largest brokerage by sales volume. This strategic hire marks a significant move for Compass as it aims to enhance its analytical capabilities in a fluctuating housing market. Unlocking Market Insights for Agents As founder of Altos Research, Simonsen is renowned for his ability to distill complex housing data into actionable insights. The brokerage's CEO, Robert Reffkin, expressed excitement about Simonsen's unique skill set, emphasizing how it will empower agents to communicate more effectively with their clients. “Mike has a unique ability to take complex housing data and turn it into something everyone can understand,” Reffkin stated. This is crucial as agents navigate through the ongoing home sale recession, providing them with the tools needed to inform buyers and sellers. The Importance of Real-Time Data In an era where immediate information can shape decisions, the ability to interpret real-time housing market analytics becomes indispensable. With Simonsen at the helm, Compass plans to revolutionize its market reports and strengthen its content built around data. He articulated his excitement about leveraging Compass’s expansive reach and resources to enhance understanding of the housing market further. “This role helps me continue what I’ve been working on for so long – helping agents communicate to clients,” he said. A Fascinating Time in Real Estate Simonsen also highlighted the current climate of the housing market as a compelling time for analysis. As the industry faces a third consecutive year of decreased home sales, understanding market fluctuations has never been more critical. Real estate professionals are keenly aware of how economic indicators, such as potential recessions or shifts in interest rates, influence consumer behavior. By providing clarity amid the chaos, Simonsen aims to reassure agents and their clients in making informed decisions. What’s Next for Compass and Its Agents? With Simonsen's deep experience and passion for market insights, Compass is poised to offer substantial advantages to its agents. The data-driven approach, combined with the brokerage's extensive network of 37,000 agents, allows for unprecedented growth in knowledge sharing. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of trends will be vital for agents to succeed. They can anticipate that Simonsen’s insights will serve as a guiding light through uncertain times. Conclusion: Embracing Change and Insight Mike Simonsen’s entry into Compass signifies a major shift towards a more informed real estate practice. The synthesis of data analytics with practical application will not only enhance agent-client interactions but also elevate the overall adaptability of Compass in the housing market. Real estate professionals need to stay engaged with these developments, as understanding the market dynamics is crucial for future success. For real estate agents looking to stay ahead, keeping abreast of insights from industry experts like Simonsen is critical. As the market evolves, adaptability and knowledge will distinguish successful agents from the rest.

07.16.2025

How to Prepare for the Next Generation of Homebuyers and Investors

Update Understanding the New Landscape of HomebuyersThe American workforce is undergoing a seismic shift as more professionals are leaving traditional W-2 jobs for flexible freelancing opportunities. By 2027, it's projected that over 86.5 million Americans will join the gig economy. This change brings about a new cohort of homebuyers who don't fit the conventional molds that real estate agents have relied on in the past. The emergence of this shifting demographic means real estate agents must adapt their strategies to meet the needs of these new buyers and investors.Why Small Investors Are Gaining GroundIn this evolving market, the landscape of home investment is changing dramatically. Realtor.com indicates that the share of small investors is increasing while larger investor activity is on the decline. In fact, small investors accounted for approximately 13% of all home purchases in 2024, showcasing a growing trend among everyday Americans seeking to invest in real estate. This shift prompts a critical question for real estate agents: Are they prepared to assist these small investors?Non-QM Lending: A Game Changer for Real Estate AgentsTo effectively serve this emerging buyer demographic, real estate agents must understand non-QM (Qualified Mortgage) lending. Many brokers may still have reservations about non-QM products, often due to misconceptions about risk. However, today’s non-QM loans are far different from their subprime predecessors. Under current regulations, these loans are meticulously underwritten, meaning that borrowers—with an average credit score of 735—are often better qualified than one might expect.Innovative Underwriting PracticesModern non-QM lending emphasizes robust underwriting practices that provide a clearer picture of borrower stability. Rather than relying on outdated “no-doc” loans, lenders are assessing financial health through detailed analyses of bank statements, profit and loss statements, and debt service coverage ratios. This adaptability to various financial situations strengthens the overall offering of real estate services in a more nuanced marketplace.Bridging the Knowledge GapUnderstanding the complexities of non-QM products can give agents a competitive edge. Brokers who engage with this market are not only broadening their client base but also helping more individuals achieve homeownership. This means recognizing that borrowers may require alternative income documentation and improving accessibility to these non-traditional products can effectively serve a wider array of buyer needs.Conclusion: Take Advantage of New OpportunitiesAs the market continues to evolve, real estate agents must remain committed to understanding the changing landscape, especially with the rise of the gig economy and the increasing number of small investors. Embracing non-QM lending options will not only enhance agents' service offerings but also empower aspiring homeowners who may have previously been overlooked. In this dynamic environment, it's essential for agents to adapt, innovate, and educate themselves continuously.

07.15.2025

Why Is Housing Inventory Decreasing? Insights for Real Estate Agents

Update What’s Driving the Drop in Housing Inventory? Last week, housing inventory saw a surprising dip, falling from 853,180 to 846,833 homes available on the market. This downtrend has raised eyebrows among real estate professionals, especially considering the significant year-over-year increase in purchase applications—up 25%. What could be causing this inconsistency in the housing market? While the recent reduction in inventory is alarming, it’s essential to understand the context behind these numbers, particularly around the holiday period. Understanding Market Fluctuations The week leading up to the July 4th holiday is often a time of disruption in housing data. Many potential buyers and sellers temporarily pause activity due to summer vacations, causing a ripple effect throughout the market. Observers saw a stabilization in housing data prior to the holiday as mortgage rates reached their lowest levels of the year. It's important to highlight that the two-week holiday disruption has historically impacted inventory figures. Looking back at last year’s data shows an increase from 645,713 to 652,518 in the same time frame, illustrating that while the market has its ebbs and flows, the overall trajectory is improving as inventory grows more substantially throughout the year. Analysis of New Listings New listings gave an interesting perspective as well; they peaked early in the year but took a significant dive last week. With only 60,726 new listings reported, the data is still considerably above the previous year’s numbers. However, this is far from the 250,000 to 400,000 range seen during the housing boom years. Real estate agents need to be aware of this decreased activity as it reflects a shifting landscape. While the seasonal peak initially brought a promising surge of listings, the expectation for consistent numbers through summer has not been met. This presents an opportunity for agents to adjust strategies and engage more effectively with potential sellers. Price Adjustments and Market Dynamics In a typical market cycle, approximately one-third of homes experience price cuts. This adjustment reflects homeowner sentiment as they navigate rising inventory levels and interest rates. The clear takeaway is that stability in the market may likely return post-holiday, but agents must remain vigilant and responsive to localized trends. Looking Ahead Given the current economic indicators, there is potential for a resurgence in inventory in the coming weeks. If mortgage rates maintain their lower trajectory, more sellers may feel compelled to list, increasing market activity. This is essential for maintaining a favorable environment where buyers feel they have options, thus supporting sales volume overall. Conclusion As real estate professionals, understanding these dynamics not only aids in planning but also empowers agents to better serve their clients. Enhancing your strategy now can position you favorably for favorable market conditions expected to arise soon. Stay informed and be ready to pivot as needed. If you found this information useful, consider subscribing for more insights to navigate the evolving real estate landscape effectively.

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