A lot of concern has been raised about Zillow’s “Instant Offers” pilot program. But, NAR states, experiments like these can also reinforce the value of REALTORS®. “There’s a human element to buying and selling a home that can’t be replaced,” said NAR President William E. Brown. “NAR is the sum of its REALTOR® members, and […]
Violating the Code of Ethics?
CVAR Director of Member Services Barbara Goldberg explains the latest change to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics for 2017.
You Can Do This! Facebook Live Home Tour
Using Facebook Live to present your “open house” online is an effective way to market a property to people who can’t physically make it to your open house. But take it from someone who’s been making CVAR videos for your information and viewing pleasure–this is LIVE! Do some pre-planning of the highlights you want to […]
Trump Tax Proposal Impact on Homeowners
Analysts are examining who will benefit from the President’s Tax Reform proposal. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (right) said the plan will eliminate all personal tax deductions other than the mortgage interest deduction and charitable contributions. The tax plan would reduce individual and corporate income tax rates, from 35% to 15%, and repeal state and local […]
What’s Happening to Appraisers?
Appraisals are a crucial to the real estate industry, and a shortage of appraisers has put deals at risk. The N.A.R. reports that most appraisers are satisfied with their work, but they’re worried about the rise of automated appraisals and are not happy with appraisal management companies. (See report) “Appraisers provide the credible, outside opinion […]
REvive: FBI Expert on Cybercrime in Real Estate
“Our industry is squarely in the sites of cybercriminals,” says N.A.R.’s Associate Counsel Jessica Edgerton (see video below). About 50% of small to mid-size businesses reported a cyber attack in 2016, she adds, and the US National Cyber Security Alliance reports that about 60% of small businesses go out of business within 6 months of […]
Interest Rates on Rise in 2017
Following several weeks of decreases, mortgage rates were back on the rise this week. “The 10-year Treasury yield increased more than 10 basis points this week,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “The 30-year mortgage rate moved up as well to 4.19 percent, a 10 basis point jump. This week marks the first […]
Housing’s Headwinds Coming in 2017
Under a backdrop of rising mortgage rates and shrinking consumer confidence, expect modest gains in existing-home sales in the new year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2017 housing forecast, released last week. The decline in affordability in many parts of the country is taking a toll on the public’s outlook about their housing […]