We all know that luxury real estate trends ebb and flow based on numerous factors from the seasons to the state of the economy.  Equally, design preferences tend to fluctuate with some new fads occurring while other trends remain timeless. Today, design is all about individuality and creating experiences—gone are the days of formulaic interiors… The post Luxury Staging Trends and Tips for 2024...

Above, Cory Vasquez, left, and Vinnie Tracey Realty ONE Group International announced several high-level promotions Monday, including the promotion of Cory Vasquez, who will maintain her role as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer while moving into a co-president role alongside industry icon Vinnie Tracey. Tracey will work with Vasquez in a direct mentorship training role… The post Cory Vasquez...

The real estate industry has been abuzz since NAR’s announcement of their settlement in their ongoing commission lawsuits last Friday. Conversations are spurning left and right about the decision: the terms, what they mean and how that will trickle down the industry. To break down the proposed settlement’s terms: buyer’s agent commissions will not be… The post What the Industry is Feeling and...

Following a rise in mortgage rates last week, mortgage applications decreased 1.6% from after last week’s 7.1% increase, according to the latest Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) for the week ending March 15, 2024.  Here’s a look at this week’s numbers:  The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan… The post Mortgage Applications...

Chris Raveis Co-President/President of Residential Sales William Raveis Real Estate, a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Shelton, Connecticut https://www.raveis.com Region served: Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Vermont Years in real estate: Since 1993 Number of offices: 150 Number of agents: 4,500-plus Best...

The lack of understanding around how real estate transactions work—and misunderstandings and misinformation regarding the recent National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) settlement agreement—goes all the way to the top. In a campaign event yesterday, President Joe Biden, while speaking on housing affordability, incorrectly stated to thousands of people that “NAR agreed for the first time… The...

Fannie Mae’s most recent economic projections, up to March 2024, suggest that mortgage rates will remain elevated for a while longer.  Per Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group, the 30-year mortgage rate is now projected to sit at 6.4% by the end of 2024–higher than the previously projected 5.9%. This will likely cause… The post Fannie Mae Projects Higher Mortgage Rates For...

Above, Guaranteed Rate Senior Production Manager Mike Dye While the mortgage industry has traditionally focused on lenders’ needs and priorities, Guaranteed Rate has flipped the script by putting the interests of customers first.  “In the age of Amazon, society has conditioned us to want quick results. What we have effectively created together is a niche… The post Revamping the Mortgage Process for...

RE/MAX, which has pivoted to new leadership with a focus on recruitment in Q1 2024, has published its latest national housing report, chronicling the state of the U.S. real estate market up to February 2024. The report surveys and compares 50 large metropolitan areas to make conclusions about the market as a whole.  The report’s… The post RE/MAX National Housing Report Shows Sales Picked Up in...

Canceling a credit card that you rarely use or have paid off can feel good. It can give you a sense of accomplishment while lightening your wallet and giving you one less bill to worry about. It can, however, also cause your credit score to drop. But if you want to maintain your current credit score or improve it, then you may want to hold onto that card a little longer. Closing the account doesnt remove...