Law Office of Michael J BelleReal Estate News | Law Office of Michael J Belle

What’s the rent? A whole month’s pay, 1 in 5 renters tell Redfin

Redfin report finds 22 percent of U.S. renters say they pay their all of their monthly income to afford rent. They’re borrowing money, getting a second job and pulling from retirement to cover the cost.
How to build a reputation that speaks for you and tells your story

Think of branding as a cumulative effort, broker Nick Schlekeway writes, where each post, interaction and marketing campaign adds another layer to the image you’re building.
EXp is scooping up teams and top-tier agents: CMO Wendy Forsythe

EXp Realty’s chief marketing officer also told Inman that the company’s revenue share can be life changing for some agents, and expressed cautious optimism for the housing market in 2025.
Get no respect? Here’s how to elevate our profession

Broker-owner Butch Leiber offers tips for providing a higher level of service to clients and conveying a higher level of professionalism to the public.
Bored? Distracted? Here’s the real reason you don’t meditate

You know that mindful practices can change how you feel and how you work, but the truth is they’re often boring and hard to implement. That’s actually the whole point, Aaron Hendon writes.
Cultivate enduring relationships from first contact to lifelong client

Leverage past clients, drum up new business and show your value with these relationship-building strategies from luxury real estate agent Evan Roth.
Slight pickup in homebuyer loan demand may prove short-lived

Applications for purchase mortgages were up 2 percent last week when compared to the week before but down 1 percent from a year ago, according to a weekly survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Low-risk homes appreciate as climate concerns shift the market

A recent Redfin analysis reveals that Americans are increasingly factoring natural disaster risk into their homebuying decisions, with homes in low-risk areas appreciating in value more quickly during the past year than those in high-risk areas. This marks the first time in over a decade that such a shift has occurred.
Keller Williams appoints new director of growth operations

Texas-based franchisor Keller Williams has promoted longtime team leader and MAPS coach Shanan Steere to director of growth operations, according to an announcement on Thursday.
Real Brokerage lands at No. 38 on Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list

The list identifies companies in technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech and energy tech fields.
Century 21 celebrates ‘The Joy of Home’ in Times Square campaign

Despite the year’s challenges, Century 21 is focusing on the bright side with its latest ad campaign, “The Joy of Home.” The campaign includes a one-minute commercial, five print and digital ad variations and two Times Square billboard placements, which will go live on Nov. 25.
Dramatic downward revisions for projected 2025 home sales: Fannie

Fannie Mae and MBA forecasts dampened expectations for projected home sales in 2025 while offering a more cautious outlook on the prospects of mortgage rates coming down in the new year.
Broker Spotlight: Mike James, Coldwell Banker Realty Hawaii

Learn how this Air Force veteran and former small business owner creates optimal outcomes for clients looking for their own little piece of paradise.
Award per homeseller in Sitzer is about $913 and getting smaller

Over 491,000 homesellers have filed claims for a portion of the $700 million raised by real estate settlements in Sitzer, with more to come before May 2025 deadline.
Diddy’s LA mansion, allegedly tied to ‘freak offs,’ gets $30M offer

Amid ongoing controversy surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Los Angeles mansion, linked to infamous alleged “freak offs,” the property has attracted a $30 million offer — half its $61.5 million listing price, the “New York Post” reported Thursday.
NAR signals worst of downturn may be over as existing-home sales rise

Annual existing-home sales increased for the first time in more than three years in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. “The worst of the downturn in home sales could be over.”
Inman unveils winners of its 2024 Best of Proptech award

This prestigious recognition celebrates those who are at the forefront of property technology innovation and redefining the real estate industry.
11 key takeaways from the 2024 Teams Report

This year’s Teams Report offers a roadmap for navigating the challenges and opportunities of today’s real estate market for teams, Chris Pollinger writes.