Mortgage rates inch up from 2023 lows on strong jobs report

Strong job numbers spark fears that the Fed will need to stick to its guns and continue to raise rates and keep them elevated for some time to fight inflation.

The Property Brothers Point Out a Huge Eyesore Nearly Every Home Has—and How To Hide It

HGTV

Property brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott know that kitchens and primary suites often garner the most attention during a renovation. But on the latest “Brother vs. Brother,” they prove that it’s those extra spaces that can truly make or break whether a home makes a lasting impression.

On the episode “Extra Spaces Showdown,” the Scott brothers redesign the extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry space.

“The final spaces of the house are key,” Jonathan explains. “It’s one thing to make kitchens and main suites look phenomenal, but bringing the extra rooms to the next level takes a lot of hard work and creativity.”

Their efforts will be judged by Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson of “Married to Real Estate,” who know plenty about boosting a home’s bottom line as the winners of Season 3’s “Rock the Block.”

Adding another bedroom from the top down
A distinctive den
A TV with a screen that ascends from a console at the touch of a button.
Jonathan laments getting the wrong sized tub.
One closet and a converted office alcove
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NFL Cribs: Our Latest Look at the Homes of the Kansas City Chiefs

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For the third time in four seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs are prepping for the Super Bowl.

We’ve previously covered their homes thanks to their appearances in football’s supreme showcase in 2020 and 2021, so what’s left to be said about the real estate of these AFC overlords?

MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes hasn’t made any huge moves to add any properties to his extensive portfolio, but there’s quite a bit of property we’ve yet to uncover when it comes to the homes of the Chiefs. And with consistent roster churn a fact of life in the NFL, there are a few new characters in town making a splash in the luxury housing market.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has also remained stable at his mansion in the heart of Dallas’ ritziest neighborhood. But we’d be remiss if we neglected to mention where the Hunt family likely stays when they’re in Kansas City: a three-bedroom apartment built right into Arrowhead Stadium:

Mahomes property
Lees Summit, MO
Kelce's Kansas City home
Chris Jones house
Douglasville, GA
Harrison Butker home
Hardman home
Liberty, MO
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Homebuyer dollar stretching further as rates drop: Zillow

As mortgage rates have dropped from a roughly 7 percent peak, buyers can now buy homes about 84 square feet larger than those they could purchase in October with a $3,000 monthly payment.

Bess Freedman on BHS’ 150 years — and that thing with Ryan Serhant

The CEO was unapologetic about her mantra "old school is the best school," while acknowledging that the ability to evolve while keeping agents and clients at the forefront have contributed to the brokerage's longevity.

90% of all US metros charted price jumps in Q4 despite big rate hikes

Existing-home sales prices increased in nearly 90 percent of metro areas, but gains were smaller than the previous quarter, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

What’s the biggest rookie mistake agents make? The pros sound off

By avoiding common rookie mistakes, new real estate agents can set themselves up for success and establish a positive reputation in the industry. 

They Didn’t Need Fancy Amenities or a Garden, but Closets Would Be Nice. Which Brooklyn Condo Did They Choose?

After years of living in an apartment with no closets, a couple decided it was time to move when the rent rose to $2,800 a month. Here’s what they found.

Smokin’! Jim Carrey Lists His Spectacular L.A. Mansion for $28.9M

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With its tennis court, custom Art Deco theater, and yoga pavilion, Jim Carrey’s luxurious estate is seriously swanky.

After almost three decades, the 61-year-old star is letting go of the 12,704-square-foot home he bought in 1994 for about $3.8 million.

The posh pad was built in 1951 in Brentwood, an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood. Its $28,900,000 list price makes it the community’s fifth-most-expensive residence for sale.

“This home provides a setting for those wishing to enjoy sophisticated entertaining or … plenty of room for children to play and explore in a magical setting,” says listing agent Janelle Friedman, of Sotheby’s International Realty–Santa Monica-Venice Brokerage.










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On the House: Is Down Payment Assistance Available to First-Time Homebuyers?

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Q: What kind of down payment assistance programs are available to first-time homebuyers?

Who doesn’t love free money—especially when it can help you to afford your first home?

Saving up for a down payment on your first home isn’t fun. About a quarter of first-time buyers rated coming up with that money as one of the most difficult steps of the homebuying process, according to the National Association of Realtors®. And it’s not getting any easier. Inflation and rising rents are whittling away at paychecks, student loan and car payments keep coming due, and there always seems to be some sort of emergency you have to throw money at.

That’s where down payment assistance programs can help.

There are at least 2,000 federal, state, regional, and local programs available across the nation. Some employers even offer them. Many of these are little-known programs typically offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private lenders and can put anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars into the hands of homebuyers.

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Homes for Sale in Manhattan and Brooklyn

This week’s properties are on the Upper East Side, in Hell’s Kitchen and Windsor Terrace.

Homes for Sale in New York and Connecticut

This week’s properties are a four-bedroom in Pound Ridge, N.Y., and a three-bedroom in Norwalk, Conn.

The Best Cities for Minimalists

Few people can toss everything and live off the land, but a new study highlights the cities where principles of simple living are more easily practiced.

Ahead of the Super Bowl, Short-Term Rentals Fumble in Phoenix

Homeowners and investors were banking on a big payday, but an oversaturated vacation rental market and nearly full hotels have dampened those prospects.

Broker Spotlight: Ivan Chorney, Ivan & Mike Team, Compass

This week, the spotlight shines on Ivan Chorney, a Miami broker specializing in luxury real estate developments.

How to create engagement-worthy content, top agent tips for 2023 and the future of finance

Expand your knowledge and unlock this week's newest classes with Inman Access. Watch on any device, anytime, anywhere.

They Didn’t Need Fancy Amenities or a Garden, but Closets Would Be Nice. Which Brooklyn Condo Did They Choose?

After years of living in an apartment with no closets, a couple decided it was time to move when the rent rose to $2,800 a month. Here’s what they found.

How the 5 love languages can transform your work life

Because many teams work closely together, it's smart to take time to discuss love languages as a team. Help individuals identify their specific love language, and then work to develop an office culture that helps effectively nurture each other and builds on each other’s strengths and love languages.

A New York Home Built by the English in 1688 Is the Week’s Oldest Property

Realtor.com

One of the first English-built homes on the North Fork in Greenport, NY, is the oldest property to hit the market this week on Realtor.com®.

The four-bedroom house has been updated over the years, but it still offers many period details. Highlights include wide-plank floors, wooden beams, and hand-plastered walls.

Other homes to hit the market this week include an updated Pennsylvania farmhouse, a classic Colonial in Massachusetts, and an 18th-century dwelling listed on the Connecticut Registry of Historic Places.

Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.











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CA Christie’s affiliates show huge growth in year of new partnerships

The luxury brand's billion-dollar growth in terms of agent business came in large part from strategic recruitment by its Sereno and Orange County affiliates, as well as the addition of star agent Aaron Kirman.

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