These five metrics give you a custom dashboard to plan smarter, grow faster and stop guessing, Josh Ries writes. Head into 2026 with a plan based on data, not hope.
While AI is no replacement for your expertise, seasoned agent and long-time coach America Foy says you can use it to simplify and explain critical information to clients.
Agents who wait for listings to fall in their lap are going to starve, Verl Workman writes. Agents who execute? They’ll own their markets.
Coach agents on how to shift from “turn-and-burn” tactics to intentional nurturing, smarter messaging and pricing that reflects today’s market realities.
Troy Palmquist talks to luxury real estate pros about why owning your platform, understanding SEO and using AI wisely is the new baseline for elite agents.
Polunsky Beitel Green LLP, a law firm representing residential mortgage lenders, on Tuesday named Prasad Kodibagkar as chief technology officer.
Kodibagkar brings more than 30 years of experience modernizing technology across the mortgage industry, having held senior technology roles at major mortgage institutions, including nearly a decade at Mr. Cooper, where he led digital and data transformation efforts.
He also served as CIO at Rushmore, CTO at Wells Fargo Home Lending Technology and most recently led AI, digital and data strategy in the consulting sector. He is a frequent industry speaker on generative and real-time AI in mortgage lending.
“We are thrilled to welcome Prasad, whose deep technical expertise and industry-leading vision make him one of the most talented and respected technology leaders in mortgage lending today,” said Allan Polunsky, managing partner and founder of Polunsky Beitel Green. “PBG has long been at the forefront of modernizing mortgage compliance and operational efficiency, and Prasad’s arrival positions us to accelerate that work and expand our capabilities in AI, automation, and data-driven innovation at a pivotal moment for our industry.”
At PBG, Kodibagkar will oversee technology strategy and investments in automation, AI-enabled document analysis, data analytics and compliance technology to support faster, more accurate services for lenders.
“PBG is not a traditional law firm but a fintech organization at the heart of mortgage lending,” Kodibagkar said. “The firm sits at the intersection of compliance, data, and operational complexity, and has a tremendous opportunity to leverage emerging technologies to simplify processes, lower friction, and deliver greater value to lenders. I’m excited to help advance PBG’s technology vision and build the next generation of intelligent, data-empowered solutions for our clients.”
Mortgage rates remain in a holding pattern at the start of December and the general consensus among market experts is that little will change even if the Federal Reserve implements another interest rate cut next week.
Mortgage News Daily reported that 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.31% on Monday, virtually unchanged from a week ago.
HousingWire’s Mortgage Rates Center, which relies on locked loan data across all credit profiles, reported 30-year conventional loan rates of 6.36% on Tuesday, down 1 basis point from a week ago. Rates for 30-year loans through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) averaged 6.13%, up 2 bps during the week, while rates for 30-year jumbo loans were down 1 bps to 6.19%.
The stable nature of mortgage rates in recent weeks is partially tied to the consistency in mortgage spreads. The spread between the 30-year mortgage rate and the 10-year Treasury rate is higher than its historic average of 1.60% to 1.80%, but at a current figure of 2.19%, it’s much lower compared to where it was in late 2023 and late 2024.
“Mortgage spreads were the unsung superheroes of the housing sector this year, because we wouldn’t have had mortgage rates near 6% without them improving,” HousingWire Lead Analyst Logan Mohtashami wrote over the weekend.
Despite the ongoing friction between employment data and inflation data that could pull the economy in opposite directions, interest rate traders are confident that the Federal Reserve will lower benchmark rates on Dec. 10.
The CME Group’s FedWatch tool shows that 87% of traders are anticipating a cut of 25 bps, which would bring the federal funds rate to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%. It hasn’t been that low since September 2022.
Bright MLS chief economist Lisa Sturtevant said last week that she didn’t expect much movement for mortgage rates even with a third straight Fed cut.
“We are entering the traditionally slowest period for the housing market. Monthly home sales are lowest in November, December and January. Listing activity slows down during the winter as prospective sellers set their sights on early spring,” Sturtevant said in written commentary.
“We are in a ‘wait-and-see’ housing market as we head into 2026. There are both buyers and sellers on the sidelines, watching not just where mortgage rates and the economy are headed, but also how confident they feel about their own personal situations.”
What will the Fed do?
Under the watch of Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve has typically shown solidarity with its monetary policy decisions. But dissension has grown in 2025 and was evident at the central bank’s late October meeting, when Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid voted for no cut, while Gov. Stephen Miran voted for a larger cut of 50 bps.
An article published Monday by The Wall Street Journal illustrated the divide. It listed four policymakers as “more likely to favor a cut” and five who are “less likely to favor a cut.” Powell, along with Gov. Lisa Cook and Vice Chair Philip Jefferson, could serve as the swing votes as their stances are less clear.
Beyond this month, the direction of interest rates could become more divisive. President Donald Trump is expected to announce Powell’s replacement soon, with the pick likely to align with Trump’s desire for much lower rates.
Kevin Hassett is the rumored frontrunner for the Fed chair job, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. Hassett is the director of the White House National Economic Council and a Trump ally who could push for lower rates on a faster timeline. Other candidates include current Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman; former Fed Gov. Kevin Warsh; and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder.
Whoever takes over as chair when Powell’s term ends in May 2026 will lead similar debates over interest rate policy and its impact on housing demand. And according to Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American, there are other factors at play that will influence home sales and mortgage origination volumes next year.
“An important dynamic for affordability is that household income is expected to rise faster than house prices next year,” Fleming said. “According to the New York Fed’s Survey of Consumer Expectations, median expected household income growth is 2.8 percent. When income growth exceeds house price growth, house-buying power improves — even if mortgage rates don’t decline meaningfully.
“This is a key driver of the roughly 3 percent improvement in affordability we expect between the end of this year and end of 2026, which would return affordability to levels not seen since the summer of 2022.”
This sprawling property in the heart of the Snowy Mountains region offers unbridled opportunity to snap up the spirit of the Alpine Country.
Bordering Kosciuszko National Park, 2911 Barry Way, Ingebirah is on 6,200 acre parcel of land with the opportunity for buyers to utilise the land as a tourism venture, working rural property or private estate.
Justin and Delia McInstosh purchased the property in February 2004 and transformed it into a brumbry refuge and business venture.
“At the time it was about 7,200 acres and we just fell in love with it and bought it,” Mr McIntosh said.
“When I got told that they accepted our offer for the 7,000-odd acres, I panicked a little bit and wondered, what the hell am I going to do with it?”
MORE: Racing car circuit for sale for $10m
2911 Barry Way, Ingebirah 6,200 acre land holding is currently on the market
The Main Homestead on the property
Previously living in Sydney, they were already familiar with the mountain country and looking for a property to “get a few horses”.
“Instead of having a couple of horses we have about 50 horses,” Mr McIntosh said.
Mr McIntosh said they had two horses to start with, with a gradual build and a big booking that had required 30 horses.
Mr McIntosh said the shootings of hundreds of brumbies in the area had “traumatised” him and influenced his decision to create a property that was also a safe haven for wild horses.
“I always had in the back of my mind if I was ever in the position to help the brumby I would,” he said.
MORE: Shock amount you’ll be paying in rent within a decade
Justin and Delia purchased the property in 2004
Mr McIntosh said they were initially looking for a property for “a couple of horses”
Mr McIntosh said the day they were told their offer was accepted, he declared it would become a sanctuary for brumbies.
“So we have about 55 wild horses as well as about 50 riding horses,” he said
They began operating Snowy Wilderness the same year of purchase.
“Within six months we started doing horse rides and so forth and about a year later we started renting out the accommodation,” Mr McIntosh said.
On the property is a circa 1990 homestead that was constructed using locally milled Australian pine and handmade mud bricks.
You will also find two masterbuilt holiday retreats the Kosciuszko and Crackenback Lodge’s as well as a high country stone cottage with floor to ceiling windows called the Swiss Cottage.
MORE: Listings drop fuels fears of price rises
The McIntoshes’s 50 horses are utilsed in their business venture Snowy Wilderness
Snowy Wilderness offer two to seven day horse riding
Snowy Wilderness offers camp sites strategically located throughout its land, horse riding, a 120 person function centre that also caters for weddings, 4WD and eco-friendly cottages and lodges.
“People come in to stay there and horse ride, we also do multi-day horse rides anything from two to seven day horse rides,” Mr McIntosh said.
“We don’t know who is going to buy it of course, but the best buyer would be someone who is probably going to continue the business as we do.”
MORE: Ex-Rugby League star cops $23m discount on mansion
Inside Crackenback Lodge
Inside the Main Homestead
Belle Property Snowy Mountains principal and agent Dani Kell said the size and pristine nature of the property is attracting buyer interest.
“It’s an interesting property and properties of that size don’t come up often,” she said.
“The interest has been quite broad and now people are just doing their due diligence to see what they want to do with it.”
Inside the Swiss Cottage
Inside Kosciuszko Lodge
Ms Kell said there has been a broad range of interest with some buyers with family in the area.
“I have one buyer where the property has been in the family before – it’s a big emotional heart decision for her,” she said.
The property includes DA approved Community Title subdivision comprising 16 generously sized lifestyle lots across just 53 acres of the broader 6,200 land holding.
“A property of that size, people are certainly looking at are they going to have a return on investement on it,” Ms Kell said.
“We will have buyers on the day I’m sure and will see what that translates to in price.”
MORE: Dirty move left family homeless before Xmas
The post Vast Snowy Mountains retreat and brumby refuge hits the market appeared first on realestate.com.au.
Karie and John McPherson won $100,000 off the price of their home through Wilson Homes. Picture: Supplied
What started out as a visit to select some home features ended in a wonderful surprise.
When Karie and John McPherson popped into the new Wilson Homes head office and design studio, little did they know the staff had something more in store for them.
While they were discussing the type of bricks, taps and fittings they prefer, the staff were sneaking up behind them.
Bang. Pop. What was that?
Next thing the couple knew, confetti was raining down and an oversized cheque for $100,000 had appeared.
“It was totally unexpected. Genuinely a shock. It knocked our socks off,” Mr McPherson said.
“It was overwhelming; a game-changer.
“We just thought we were just there to make some selections!”
MORE: Huge surprise helps first-time owners into a home
Home prices jump $51k in a year
Storybook home’s jumbo-sized sale pitch
Karie and John McPherson won $100,000.
Mr McPherson, 55, said the prize gave them the chance to make a few upgrades.
“We upgraded the kitchen, our laundry fittings, more storage, a better walk-in wardrobe. Everything, really! It has turned a good build into something that will be awesome,” he said.
“I’ve never built a new home before, so we are really looking forward to getting started.”
The couple plan to build on the Tasman Peninsula, a slice of Tassie paradise where they struggled to secure a builder.
Mr McPherson said some builders thought it was too far out of Hobart.
“Wilson Homes were happy to build our home,” he said.
“And we were able to work closely with the team to adjust the building’s plans, and make sure that it suited us perfectly.”
Tim Ribbons CEO of Wilson Homes.
Wilson Homes has been celebrating its 35th year in business this year, and has given five customers $100,000 each off the price of their new homes.
Chief executive, Tim Ribbons, said over the past three and a half decades, Wilson Homes has built more than 15,000 homes for Tasmanians.
“It’s not lost on us the trust that Wilson Homes has gained in the community, as Tasmania’s leader in the residential construction industry,” he said.
“When we were considering a promotion to recognise this milestone, it was important for us to truly give back and thank everyone for their commitment to the Wilson Homes brand and to recognise that we intend to continue to build more homes for Tasmanians.
“To recognise this, we offered $35,000 cash back off all of our homes to recognise the 35 years of operations.
“We then partnered with Haier and Fisher & Paykel to provide ducted heating as well as upgraded appliances and a fridge, washer and dryer to complete the offer at no additional cost to our customers.”
The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied
The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied
Mr Ribbons said the impact that the celebration prizes have had on their clients is “clearly significant for everyone”.
“For the five lucky winners who received $100,000 off their build, it can only be described as life-changing,” he said.
“For first-home buyers, young families and couples downsizing to build their last home, it literally changes their lives and has a major financial impact on them, allowing them to reduce their loan and ultimately pay off their loan years sooner. For our staff there was genuine excitement — and a few happy tears — to be involved in each announcement.
“To see the surprise on our customers’ faces, it was truly something special for everyone.”
The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied
The builder has just opened its new headquarters in New Town.
Mr Ribbons said, with the support of parent company NEX Building Group, Wilson Homes has invested over $3.5m in fitting out its purpose-built office and MyChoice Design Studio.
“The corporate office space is one of the best office environments in Hobart and is a nod to one of our values, ‘People Matter’,” Mr Ribbons said.
“The MyChoice Design Studio is fitted out with almost every option you could consider for fitting out your new home.
“From bricks to cladding, paint, lighting, fixtures, and fittings, it’s all in one location, saving our customers time and the best part is, they can be confident to make selections with the support of our qualified interior designers.
“This new office can be a testament to Wilson’s commitment to continue to be trusted and Tasmania’s leading residential builder for years to come.”
The post Builder stuns couple with life-changing $100k prize appeared first on realestate.com.au.
640 Forrest-Apollo Bay Road, Barramunga, sits at one of the Otways’ highest points.
Wellness entrepreneurs can tap into nature’s bounty at a scenic Otway property where the seed is already planted for a booming native superfood business.
The home of Barramunga Superfood has hit the market atop Mt Barramunga which, at 445m above sea level, is one of the region’s highest points.
From its specular vantage point, 640 Forrest-Apollo Bay Rd, Barramunga, has uninterrupted views over the West Barwon Reservoir that can never be built out.
RELATED: AFL star Surf Coast property move revealed
Blush Bar owner selling $5m Jan Juc home
New boom regions: Where to buy now
The current owner has cultivated a range of native superfoods, including lemon myrtle, pepperberry, Illawarra plum and muntries at the 1.378ha property.
Charles Stewart, Colac listing agent Josh Lamanna said a newly constructed shed designed as a processing and packaging plant paved the way for someone to grow the business.
He said the vendor had tapped into growing demand for indigenous ingredients, which have become a booming industry.
Celebrated Danish chef, Noma founder Rene Redzepi, is among big names who have championed native Australian foods.
“The vendor has seen a gap in the market which he has jumped on,” Mr Lamanna said.
“The first year that they had it all in, they are producing about 10kg of lemon myrtle and about 6kg of mountain pepper leaves.
The building includes a kitchen and bathroom.
The property overlooks the West Barwon Reservoir and is about seven minutes’ drive from Forrest.
An underground drip irrigation system supports the plants.
“A lot of the plants have a long way to go but there is a quite a market for them.”
Studies have found both lemon myrtle and pepperberries have high antioxidant properties, making them highly sought after among herbalists and healers.
The property, selling via expressions of interest for $600,000 to $660,000, also comes with a planning permit to build an off-grid house overlooking the Otways.
Mr Lamanna said it was a beautiful part of the world.
“It is tucked up there at the top of the Otways effectively and it’s got beautiful views that are never going to change,” he said.
Kitchen and bathroom facilities, self-sufficient power supply and 22,700 litres of rainwater storage are already in place.
Expressions of interest close on December 8.
The post Otways superfood farm listed for sale with off-grid home permit appeared first on realestate.com.au.
JKDS is a licensed New York State real estate brokerage firm. #10351200205