US economy avoids recession yet again — no thanks to real estate

With the gross domestic product eclipsing expectations in 2Q, the US appears to have avoided a long-predicted recession, even as the real estate industry remains mired in a deep contraction. Continue reading

Pending home sales post first increase since February

Homes under contract inched up 0.3 percent between May and June to a measure of 76.8 on the Pending Home Sales Index, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors. Continue reading

‘Fight it tooth and nail,’ LA agents warn as Chicago mulls mansion tax

As Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson narrows in on a 2.65 percent tax on purchases of properties over $1 million, luxury agents in Los Angeles offered their advice to concerned Windy City agents. Continue reading

After pausing in June, Fed hikes rates to highest level since 2001

Federal Reserve policymakers keep their options open for another rate hike in September, but futures markets investors and some economists think the Fed is probably done hiking rates. Continue reading

New-home sales wilt in June but remain elevated amid low inventory

New-home sales drooped 2.5 percent from May to a seasonally adjusted rate of 697,000 — 23.8 percent higher than June 2022, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. Continue reading

Will the second quarter of 2023 match real estate’s Q1 meltdown?

Major real estate companies began reporting Q2 earnings this week against a backdrop of high rates, low inventory and a sluggish economy. Analysts shared what they’re watching with Intel. Continue reading

Demand for mortgages wanes as rates plateau near 2023 highs

A decrease in applications for FHA loans popular with first-time homebuyers helped push the average purchase loan application to $432,700, according to the latest MBA lender survey. Continue reading

Stop paying 35-40% to the portals for leads

Instead of throwing away money on paid leads month after month, author and trainer Bernice Ross teaches you how to generate both buyer and listing leads at little or no cost. Continue reading

How Harvard’s housing report sees the current (and future) market

With natural growth slowing, writes economist Matthew Gardner, states will recognize the importance of attracting new residents from other markets as domestic migration will become a more important driver of household growth and housing demand. Continue reading

10 ways to help real estate clients overcome commitment issues

Whether they’re not quite ready to put in an offer or they get a case of cold feet, dealing with commitment issues from clients can leave you feeling frustrated. Coach Darryl Davis offers mindset shifts and strategies to help nurture client relationships. Continue reading