News – Michael Gersitz

Key Takeaways: Though off-market properties are homes not listed on the MLS, they can provide buyers and investors with exclusive opportunities. Networking, direct outreach, and online platforms are common strategies. Real estate agents often have insider access to upcoming listings.

Townhouse vs Condo: A Buyer’s Guide to Lifestyle and Costs

Picture yourself house hunting. You walk into a sleek downtown condo with floor to ceiling windows and a rooftop pool. The next day, you tour a row of townhouses where kids ride bikes along the sidewalk and each home has

3 Tips for Using Power of Attorney for a Real Estate Closing

If you plan to use a power of attorney for a real estate closing, preparation is key. From making sure the document is legally valid under your state’s laws to coordinating with your title company and choosing the right agent,

Can I Get an FHA Loan if I Already Own a Home? Rules and Exceptions

For many buyers, FHA loans make homeownership more accessible thanks to lower down payment requirements and flexible credit guidelines. But what if you already own a home? Can you still get an FHA loan? The short answer is yes, it’s

What is a Virtual Open House? The Modern Way to Show Your Home

In today’s digital world, more buyers are starting their home search online. This has led to the rise of the virtual open house, an innovative way for sellers and real estate agents to connect with potential buyers without the need

Urban vs Suburban Living: Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?

Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and it shapes your daily life more than you might realize. Some people thrive on the constant buzz of the city, enjoying the excitement and convenience at

Divorce Home Appraisal: How Do They Work and Who Foots the Bill?

Divorce can be both emotionally and financially complex, with one of the significant issues to resolve being what happens to the marital home. To divide assets fairly, a divorce home appraisal must provide an objective assessment of the property’s fair

Today’s Mortgage Rates September 30, 2025: 30-Year FRM Slightly Higher, Refinance Rates Jump

As of September 30, 2025, mortgage rates have slightly increased for 30-year fixed loans but show mixed trends across other loan types. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose by 3 basis points to 6.62%, while the 15-year fixed rate marginally

Big Jump in Mortgage Rates Today: 30-Year Refinance Rate Rises by 62 Basis Points

If you’re thinking about refinancing your home, you need to know that mortgage rates today have seen a significant shift. According to Zillow, the national 30-year fixed refinance rate has climbed a substantial 62 basis points, moving from an average of 7.03% to

Mortgage Rates Predictions This Week: September 28 to October 4

This week, from September 28 to October 4, 2025, the mortgage rate outlook suggests a period of relative calm, with the average rate for a 30-year fixed loan likely hovering around the 6.3% to 6.4% mark. While we might see minor ups

No. 1 eXp mega team Pemberton Homes branches out on its own

When much of the real estate industry is consolidating, Parker Pemberton, who runs the No. 1 team globally at eXp Realty, has decided it is time to strike out on his own. “I think that the marketplace needs strong local

Mortgage Rates Predictions for the Next 6 Months: October 2025 to March 2026

Thinking about buying a home or perhaps refinancing your current one? If so, you’re probably wondering what’s going to happen with mortgage rates over the next six months. My best guess, looking at all the expert chatter and economic signs,

Automate half your real estate business, keep all your humanity

Most real estate agents think automation means replacing people with cold, robotic systems. I get it —your buyers and sellers want you, not a machine. But here’s the truth: when used right, AI doesn’t replace your humanity, it amplifies it. By

Elevate your value with clear communication of real estate professional fees

With the NAR settlement behind us and new rules on professional fees in place, conversations with clients have shifted. MLSs no longer display offers of compensation, and most buyers are signing Buyer Agency Agreements that spell out how their real

Estimated damages in Batton commission lawsuit come in at over $10 billion

Almost five years have passed since the original Batton homebuyer commission lawsuit was filed, and the plaintiffs are finally asking for certification of their proposed class. Filed in U.S. District Court in Illinois, the lawsuit alleges that the National Association

Mortgage rate shift turns fall into a ‘new spring’ for lenders

Recent moves in mortgage rates have industry experts predicting that this fall could feel like a “new spring” for originations — even as the threat of a federal government shutdown looms. On Tuesday, HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, which tracks locked

Trump administration plans deep cuts to homeless housing program

The Trump administration is preparing to slash funding for permanent housing programs aimed at addressing homelessness and shifting billions toward transitional housing that requires work or service participation, according to a report from Politico. The Department of Housing and Urban

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