| ADVERTISEMENT
LPS is the best choice to meet virtually any valuation, due diligence or quality control need. Choose the right solution for you: Automated valuations and analytics, Desktop hybrid valuations by certified staff appraisers and Field valuations with local broker expertise.
TODAY'S TOP STORIES
 = Premium Member News - Join Now »
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
 Part 4: Brokers boost tech spending, recruiting
By MATT CARTER Real estate brokers are cutting office staff and reducing marketing and advertising expenses to survive the downturn, but most have still managed to beef up spending on technology and agent recruitment and training in the past year, according to a broker survey conducted by Inman News. The survey shows most brokers haven't pushed to increase their share of commission splits with agents in the past year, either -- or the fees they charge to agents for services. Working with distressed properties was also seen as crucial, with 77 percent of brokers surveyed reporting additions to that area of their business in the past year. More »
Real estate dodges tech bullet
Steve Jobs has stuck out his tongue at me again -- figuratively speaking, of course -- and it was this little act of defiance that inspired this article. The iPad may or may not be the best thing since the takeout carton, but the one thing I know for certain is that I won't be able to use it for real estate in my market. More »
Homebuyers gain bargaining power
Homebuyers negotiated higher discounts in December, according to a study by real estate search and valuation site Zillow. More »
Mortgage apps surge
Mortgage applications surged a seasonally adjusted 21 percent last week on increased demand for both refinancings and purchase loans, the Mortgage Bankers Association said today in releasing the results of its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey. More »
8 sentenced in fraud scheme
Eight people have been sentenced to serve a total of 26 years in prison -- or an average of three years, three months each -- for their roles in an Indianapolis, Ind.-area mortgage fraud scheme that prosecutors said involved at least 136 fraudulent loans totaling $16.6 million. More »
Buyers allege 'sick home' cover-up
In the case Sims, et al. vs. Weyerhaeuser, et al., the Sims family purchased a home and became ill after they moved in. They filed suit against the sellers (the Boscheinen family), claiming that the sellers were aware of mold, heavy metals and bacteria in the home, and fraudulently misrepresented ... More » |
