Connect buyers to the financial help they need You can help renters make the leap into ownership with loan programs that offer help with a down payment—but make sure your clients know what they're getting into. Full Story: REALTOR® Magazine (March 4, 2020)
Instagram renames Branded Content Ads, boosts capabilities Instagram is changing the name of its Branded Content Ads to Partnership Ads, allowing the inclusion of more content such as @mentions and people and product tags, and removing the need for an existing post to create a Partnership Ad using a creator's handle. Instagram claims that campaigns that combine partnership and typical ads yield 53% higher click-thru rates and reduce the cost per actions by 19%. Full Story: Social Media Today (5/1)
Expert advice on entryway design A home's entryway "sets the stage for what's to come in the rest of the house," says interior designer Jennifer Bunsa. Wallpaper, tiles and statement lighting are among elements that can help make a good impression. Full Story: The New York Times (4/25)
Photos: Listing showcases work of notable architect Bitsa Freeman of Boulevard Marin is the listing agent for this John Marsh Davis-designed home in Kentfield, Calif. "The grand scale of the rooms and the views of Mount Tam will draw many potential buyers," Freeman says. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (5/1)
Technology & Innovations
3D-printed community looks to attract first buyers A neighborhood of 3D-printed homes is under construction in West Texas with the dwellings starting at $900,000. Amenities will include a bathhouse, a restaurant, a hammam and an infinity pool shared with a hotel that is also being built using 3D-printing technology. Full Story: New York Post (4/27)
Fair & Equitable Housing
'We need to attack this on several fronts' Since the Newsday investigation into housing discrimination on Long Island, N.Y., REALTORS® have made strides in leading change. In the second installment of the "Level Up" video series, join a frank discussion about how the real estate community was forced to take a hard look at itself—and then take action. Full Story: REALTOR® Magazine (4/26)
Legislation & Regulation
Jumbo mortgages reportedly behind First Republic demise A large contributor to the collapse of First Republic Bank was its robust portfolio of jumbo mortgages, an area of business that fueled the bank's growth before ultimately leading to its demise in the new high-rates environment, sources say. The bank's portfolio of high-dollar low-interest mortgages, which catered to wealthy Silicon Valley borrowers, reportedly lost a significant portion of value amid the Federal Reserve's monetary tightening cycle. Full Story: Bloomberg (5/1)
Citi's Fraser warns on consequences of debt ceiling debate The ongoing debate over whether to raise the U.S. debt ceiling is "more worrying" than previous standoffs and could have serious economic consequences, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser told the Milken Institute Global Conference. Fraser also said the new era of remote working is contributing to stress in the commercial real estate market. Full Story: Bloomberg (5/1),Reuters (5/1)
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The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of NAR, bringing expert insight to real estate trends, tools, and business strategies.
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