Opinion

Florida’s single-family rental market is resilient, but not without risk

Contributors, Florida, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate, Rental Properties, Renters, Single-Family Rentals / Ricky Vasquez

Florida’s growth story is well-documented, and it continues to fuel demand for rental housing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Association of Realtors, Florida welcomed approximately 475,000 new residents in 2024, leading the nation in net migration. The state’s lack of income tax, favorable weather, and business-friendly climate are powerful attractors. However, […]

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Culture over commission: Building a top-producing team that lasts

Contributors, HWmember, Opinion / Ricky Vasquez

Some brokerages are what I sometimes think of as “Lily Pads” because they’re waystations where agents sometimes go—albeit briefly—to level up their commission splits. And then they move on. Lily Pad brokerages attract and recruit based on a higher split, but fail to retain a cohesive team because they don’t lead with a culture focused

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Prefab tiny homes: Here’s what you need to know – Part 1

Contributors, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate / Ricky Vasquez

Prefab Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are revolutionizing the way homeowners are considering their living space. Whether you’re looking to create a rental property, a guesthouse, or a private retreat for family members, prefab tiny home ADUs offer a streamlined and efficient alternative to traditional construction. But are they the right fit for your needs? From

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How agents can support first-time sellers in an uncertain market

Agent, Contributors, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate / Ricky Vasquez

We’ve entered the busiest season in the real estate industry at the same time that markets are more uncertain than ever. Nearly 40% of annual home sales happen between May and August, and we’re quickly approaching the most popular day to list your home: June 1*. Meanwhile, the economic landscape is shifting — mortgage rates,

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Global readiness: Preparing for the luxury summer selling season across markets

Agent, Contributors, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate / Ricky Vasquez

Preparing for the summer season — typically a peak period in most real estate markets —requires strategic planning and a keen focus on the client experience. Competition can heat up quickly and as a global brokerage, here’s how we’re preparing for a successful luxury summer selling season across the markets we serve — and how

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How AI is already transforming—and improving—the mortgage underwriting process

Artificial Intelligence, Contributors, HWmember, Mortgage, Opinion, Origination, Technology / Ricky Vasquez

AI-based tools are now substantially reducing both the time and labor of routine mortgage processing. Traditional procedural steps—such as employment proofing, income verification, fraud detection and title checks—have long resulted in an unnecessarily lengthy time for a mortgage application’s approval. But the potential benefits of the AI revolution in mortgage lending aren’t just speculation; they are

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Building an empire starts with your POS

Artificial Intelligence, Contributors, HWmember, Mortgage, Opinion, Origination, Technology / Ricky Vasquez

Millennial homebuyers (born between 1981 and 1996) are reshaping the real estate landscape with their strong preference for digital tools and technology-driven experiences. As the largest cohort of homebuyers in the U.S., their tech-first approach influences how properties are marketed, searched and purchased. Here’s the hard truth. If these buyers are looking online for lenders

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DIY automation isn’t always a win: What mortgage lenders need to know

Contributors, HWmember, Mortgage, Opinion, Origination, Technology / Ricky Vasquez

DIY automation pitfalls/myths: It’s time to rethink your strategy In today’s mortgage industry, nearly every organization is battling inefficiencies caused by manual processes. Whether it’s a loan officer pulling data from one system to enter it into another, or underwriting teams relying on endless email threads and spreadsheets, the day-to-day operations behind most lending workflows

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When “transparency” becomes a weapon

Agent, Brokerage, Contributors, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate / Ricky Vasquez

For years, the real estate industry has leaned on “transparency” as both a shield and a sword. Whenever innovation threatens the status quo, gatekeepers quickly rally behind consumer protection. But who’s really being protected? Let’s take a step back. Not long ago, Zillow led the charge into iBuying, buying homes from sellers directly, often at

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She buys: How single women are reshaping today’s real estate conversation

Agent, Contributors, Homebuyers, Homebuying, HWmember, Opinion, Real Estate / Ricky Vasquez

Lately, I’ve found myself pausing at headlines about the rise of single women in real estate, not just as influencers, but as owners, investors and decision-makers. While it’s no secret thatwomen often drive home buying choices within families, what stands out today is howconfidently many are making those decisions independently. Here in Florida, I’ve seen

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Florida’s single-family rental market is resilient, but not without risk

Culture over commission: Building a top-producing team that lasts

Prefab tiny homes: Here’s what you need to know – Part 1

How agents can support first-time sellers in an uncertain market

Global readiness: Preparing for the luxury summer selling season across markets

How AI is already transforming—and improving—the mortgage underwriting process

Building an empire starts with your POS

DIY automation isn’t always a win: What mortgage lenders need to know

When “transparency” becomes a weapon

She buys: How single women are reshaping today’s real estate conversation

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