I’ve always had an analytical streak, some might call it a blessing, others a curse that constantly scans for opportunities to improve how we work. Whether it’s a project, product, or process, I’m wired to evaluate the good, the bad, and the ugly in search of ways to make things better. We all have blind […]
The path to automation Read More »
The real estate industry is at an inflection point. Affordability has become the single most pressing issue for consumers, regulators, and professionals alike. For decades, buyers searched by list price, even though every lender knows that what really matters is the monthly payment a family can carry under underwriting standards. Now, search-by-payment is no longer
Affordability-first search: Why patent revival puts real estate at a crossroads Read More »
The non-qualified mortgage market has experienced significant growth since its introduction nearly a decade ago. 10 years in, credit ratings agencies regularly release performance metrics for investors, which provide remarkable insight into this extremely versatile asset class. In a recent default study on non-QM performance over the years, for example, KBRA analysts note that non-QM
Here’s why non-QM earned its place at the mortgage dinner table Read More »
Last month, a federal appeals court ruled that many of the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal. Gulp. The tariffs in question — sometimes called “reciprocal” tariffs — had raised import tax rates up to 50% on India and Brazil and as high as 145% on certain Chinese goods.
When tariffs hit home Read More »
The U.S. rental market is shifting in 2025, but for rental agents, opportunity remains abundant. National vacancy rates reached 7 percent in the second quarter, up from 6.6 percent a year earlier, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A wave of new construction and moderating rent growth has created a more balanced market, but in
Where rental agents are cashing in: The states to watch for the remainder of 2025 Read More »
The reliability of Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks, following groundbreaking changes in the way these models are now being tested. The implications for home equity lenders, who rely heavily on AVMs to determine property values, could be far-reaching, especially as the industry grapples with new regulatory questions
If you’ve ever been told “you don’t fit the box” even though you can comfortably afford the payment, you’ve felt the limits of traditional mortgages. Non-QM loans exist for exactly that situation. “Non-QM” stands for Non-Qualified Mortgage. It sounds technical, but the idea is simple: fully documented loans for creditworthy people whose finances don’t slot
What are Non-QM loans and who are they for? Read More »
After talking with and interviewing hundreds of mortgage professionals, I can say with certainty: the loan officers who win in this market aren’t the ones with the best/lowest rates.They’re the ones who know their database. The reality is most loan officers treat their database like a phone book. Names and emails stored away, touched only
Winning starts with your database Read More »
One of the most important parts of a real estate agent’s job is helping buyers understand why working with you matters, especially now that the new rules around representation and compensation have changed the conversation. Now, more than ever, it is important for buyers to understand the value your representation brings to the table. Since being an agent is ultimately about building relationships, your goal is to connect with your buyers
Real estate pros: Explain the value of buyer rep without sounding like a script Read More »
When it comes to real estate, the best outcomes rarely happen by chance. The buyers who succeed are usually the ones who prepare early, long before they walk into their first showing. Preparation starts with understanding what a lender is willing to offer, and that can take one of two paths: a simple pre-qualification or
The quiet advantage in real estate: Pre-approval Read More »