Above, Thomas L. Reed As conversations around data ownership, access and interoperability continue to intensify, the role of MLSs is coming into sharper focus—a dialogue that will become more important as the industry shifts toward being more data-driven and technology-dependent.  “Listing data isn’t just information sitting in a system,” says Thomas L. Reed, the broker-in-charge…

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It’s Real Estate Agent 101 to highlight any or all positive attributes around a home for sale. After all, many buyers may be unfamiliar with the surrounding area, so showcasing things like parks, shopping areas, schools and more can only move the process forward. But what about things that most people may not want to…

The post How to Handle Potentially Thorny Affordable Housing Convos With Clients appeared first on RISMedia.

In a major maneuver potentially solidifying its status within the real estate industry, the American Real Estate Association (ARA) has announced that Chris Lim, president and chief growth officer at REMAX, has joined its board of directors, as well as Andrew Dodge, a prominent investor and businessman. “This is a big moment for ARA, and…

The post Top REMAX Exec Joins NAR Rival Board in Coup for ARA appeared first on RISMedia.

The latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index showed that Americans are upbeat about the economy this month compared with May. The index, which evaluates the relative level of current and future economic conditions through a survey of approximately 500 consumers, recorded a reading of 49.5, compared with May’s 44.8. While the 10.5% month-over-month increase…

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Bright MLS has announced it will join a HouseCanary-powered program that surfaces home listings directly in Google mobile search results—a move that would make it one of the first major regional MLSs to plug into the initiative. Bright MLS covers six states—Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia—and the District of Columbia, serving…

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Above, from left, Rick Haase, Tara Brown, David Howell and Whitney LaCosta The dizzying pace and scale of industry consolidation has left some brokers eager to take advantage of the trend, and some concerned about the implications for their business—and the future of the industry.  Real estate experts will weigh the pros and cons of…

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The Summer selling season is here, which means it’s not just your sales figures that could heat up. As you go about your daily business during sunny, or worst case, scorching days, here are some simple tips for staying cool. Keep your car cool even when not in use If you spend your days hopping…

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There is no shortage of chaos in today’s world, and real estate is no exception. Our industry is being pulled in multiple directions at once. There are “new” business models emerging, shifting rules and regulations, a steady stream of clickbait headlines and a growing number of agents and brokers who are overwhelmed, disengaged or simply…

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Above, from left, Rick Murr and Curran Scarlata United Finds Its Rhythm in Nashville Rick Murr Co-Owner Curran Scarlata Co-Owner United Real Estate Middle TN Murfreesboro, Tennessee UnitedRealEstateMiddleTN.com  Region served: Nashville and surrounding counties Years in real estate: Rick Murr: 16; Curran Scarlata: 12 Number of offices: 1 Number of agents: 71 Keys to continued…

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As pending sales and existing home sales showed modest improvement in May, economists say despite mortgage rates remaining around 6.5%, homebuyers seem to be adapting to the current environment.  The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased 2 basis points to 6.49% from 6.47% last week, according to the latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), released…

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