Real Estate Agency News

Scam: Deepfake Phone Calls from Trusted Cohorts

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ChatGPT fake writing can now be used with software that imitates voices. That means a seemingly personal call from a client, title agent or friend could be a scam. NEW YORK – You have just returned home after a long day at work and are about to sit down for dinner when suddenly your phone … Read more

N.Y. Coldwell Banker Settles Discrimination Allegation

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A Newsday report on Long Island, N.Y., housing discrimination led the state’s attorney general to investigate. This week she announced a settlement with Coldwell Banker. NEW YORK – Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday a settlement with Coldwell Banker, putting an end to the real estate brokerage’s alleged discriminatory practices against Black, Hispanic, and … Read more

Study: Almost 50% of Sellers Making Concessions

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Nationally, it’s 45.5%, though slightly less in the two Fla. metros noted: 41.7% in Miami (up from 31.8%) and 41.3% in Orlando (up from 33.3%). SEATTLE – Home sellers gave concessions to buyers in 45.5% of home sales recorded by Redfin agents during the three months ending Feb. 28, 2023, in a year-to-year comparison, according … Read more

Scam Alert: List an Airbnb, Rent It for ‘Showings’

A scam converts Airbnb listings into discounted “Home for sale” ads targeting first-time buyers. If a buyer asks to tour the home, the scammer rents it for a day to do so. PORTLAND, Ore. – Airbnb hosts in Oregon are warning of a new scam, saying that some guests could be using local Airbnb properties … Read more

Top Claim Against Agents: Failure to Disclose

Not revealing known property defects to a buyer – a common problem in real estate, studies show – can land you in court. Follow these best practices to avoid liability. CHICAGO – When a homebuyer discovers a property defect that wasn’t disclosed by the seller or listing agent, the buyer may sue, claiming the home … Read more

Tech and RE: Big Changes Now, More on the Way

In general, technology simplifies complicated tasks. It’s doing that now with writing, and it’s expected to soon speed up the mortgage-approval process. NEW YORK – Real estate already uses automation technology for various applications, including machine-learning algorithms that can identify homeowners likely to put their property up for sale in the immediate future. Chatbots can … Read more

Why Do Home Prices Rise as the Market Deflates?

MIAMI – Many prospective homebuyers sent a strong message at the start of 2023: They are done trying to buy homes in South Florida, as annual sales nosedived in January in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. For residents patiently waiting to buy a bigger house here or move to a different neighborhood for better quality of … Read more

Breaking Into the Luxury RE Niche: 4 Tips

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High-end clients want luxury agents – or at least agents that look like they are. Your personal brand should suggest luxury as you attend charity events or galas. NEW YORK – Before focusing on the luxury market, real estate professionals need to analyze their current personal brand to make sure it speaks to high-end shoppers. … Read more

Marketing: How Many Social Sites? One? Two? More?

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Is limited marketing time for social media best spent domineering one site, such as Facebook, or developing a lighter presence on many social media sites? NEW YORK – Real estate professionals may have good results focusing on a particular digital marketing channel, but Angela Boyer-Stump, senior global real estate advisor and licensed salesperson at Sotheby’s … Read more

Slowdown Hits Zillow, Redfin Profits in 2022

Year-end earnings reports from Redfin and Zillow showed substantial losses after mortgage rates almost doubled – the “scenario we feared would happen.” SEATTLE – Seattle’s real estate tech companies are feeling the effects of the cooling housing market on their bottom lines. Despite cutbacks and layoffs in 2022, year-end earnings reports from Zillow and Redfin … Read more