First Blog Posts

Sometimes, it can be scary to write your first blog post! Luckily, the supportive community of ActiveRain is just the place to start.

On this page you will find a running list of “first blog posts” written on ActiveRain by members of the real estate industry. These new bloggers have taken the leap to begin their blogging journey. Our first-time real estate bloggers deserve a big welcome and some extra encouragement from you!

Take a read, leave a comment, and say hello. You'll make that author’s day and help to give them a great first impression of our community.

Agent's first blog posts on ActiveRain

By nathan oulman, Goodyear Living local magazine for realtors.
(Goodyear Living Local)
Imagine waking up to awesome desert views. Imagine enjoying sunshine all year. Imagine having great things to do close by. That's life for people in Goodyear, Arizona. Goodyear is a growing city that’s great for families. It’s also close to Phoenix. If you want to know about Goodyear real estate, you're in the right place. This guide will help you find your dream home.Understanding the Goodyear Real Estate Market What's happening with Goodyear homes right now? Let's look at the market. We’ll check out prices and how many homes are for sale. What makes Goodyear real estate special?Current Market OverviewHomes in Goodyear are selling fast. The average price is going up. Houses don't stay on the market for long. This means it's a good time to sell. It also means buyers need to be ready.Fac...
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By Juliette M. Davis, "Do All Things with Kindness"
(Northoint Realty & Asset Mgmt Co)
At NorthPoint, we’re always looking for innovative ways to serve our clients. Recognizing the growing demand for more flexibility and affordability in real estate transactions, we are proud to announce the launch of our Flat Fee MLS listing service. Designed for sellers who want to maintain control of certain aspects of their home sale, this cost-effective option provides essential listing support and professional guidance—without the traditional commission structure.Our new Flat Fee service ensures your property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), making it visible to a vast network of buyers and agents. You’ll still receive personalized support from our knowledgeable team at NorthPoint Realty, but now with a pricing model tailored to help you keep more of your hard-earned...
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By Josh Taylor, Selling Tampa Bay | Tampa's #1 Sales Group
(Selling Tampa Bay )
Florida’s condo market is undergoing a major shift as new state laws impose stricter inspection requirements, higher reserve funding, and increased financial transparency for older buildings. As a result, existing condo sales have plummeted, with buyers wary of potential special assessments and rising association fees. However, this changing landscape has created a prime opportunity for new construction condos, which offer modern designs, stronger safety standards, and financial stability without the burdens of aging infrastructure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest new construction condo developments in the Tampa Bay market, highlighting the benefits of buying brand-new in today’s evolving real estate environment.  A pre-construction condo is a property you purchase before or...
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When you hire a real estate agent, you expect them to have your back, right? They’re supposed to guide you through the complex world of buying and selling homes, looking out for your best interests. But what happens when they drop the ball? Worse yet—what if they intentionally put their own interests ahead of yours? Welcome to the world of neglected fiduciary duties, where bad agents put your money, your trust, and your dreams at risk. What Happens When Fiduciary Duties Are Neglected? The Bottom LineReal estate is more than just transactions—it’s about trust, responsibility, and ensuring clients get the best possible outcome. If an agent neglects their fiduciary duties, they’re not just risking their license; they’re risking your future. So, choose wisely, ask questions, and make sure y...
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 Selling your home can feel stressful. But don't worry! You can sell fast with the right approach. Maybe you're relocating, facing money troubles, or just eager to move on. No matter the reason, this guide will help you get buyers quickly and close the deal without hassle.Why Selling Fast MattersA house sitting too long on the market is a red flag for buyers. They start wondering if something is wrong. Also, keeping a house costs money. You still pay for the mortgage, maintenance, and property taxes. The faster you sell, the more you save.1. Price Your Home RightPrice matters the most when selling fast. If it’s too high, buyers won’t even consider it. Too low? You lose money.How to get the right price: Compare prices of similar homes nearby. Get an expert home appraisal. Price slightly ...
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By Hazel X Cardenas Real Estate, Expert insights on buying, selling,
(Hazel X Cardenas Real Estate)
Benicia is a hidden gem in the Bay Area, offering an exceptional mix of luxury, charm, and waterfront beauty. If you’re searching for high-end properties that combine elegance with small-town tranquility, you’ll find stunning homes, upscale neighborhoods, and an incredible quality of life.But buying luxury real estate isn’t the same as purchasing a standard home. You need a strategic approach, insider market knowledge, and expert negotiation skills to secure the best high-end property. That’s why working with a real estate agent like Hazel X. Cardenas ensures you find the perfect luxury home that fits your lifestyle and investment goals.What Makes Benicia Ideal for High-End Living?Benicia is one of Solano County’s most prestigious cities, offering exclusivity, waterfront views, and stun...
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By Shad Burgess, Connecting Agents and Investors with Seamless TECH
How AI in Real Estate Gives Us More Time to Cherish What Matters: The New Freedom in Our IndustryIn today’s fast-paced world, technology is transforming industries at lightning speed. In real estate, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leading the charge by automating tasks that used to take hours or even days. But here’s the twist—AI is not just about efficiency. It’s actually giving us more time to apply the things that truly matter: human connection, emotional care, and the values that make real estate a people-centered business.Efficiency in Action: Automating the MundaneAI works by taking over the routine, repetitive tasks that once consumed most of our workday. Lead generation, appointment scheduling, follow-up emails, document management—AI can handle all of it. What this means is th...
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By Real Estate Provider Directory, Find Your Best Real Estate Service Provider
Buying or selling real estate is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Yet, many buyers and sellers dive in without proper knowledge—leading to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and regrets. The question is: Do you want to keep making these costly mistakes, or do you want to take control and become a real estate expert? The Price of Ignorance in Real Estate Overpaying for a Property – Without market research, you might end up paying more than a home is worth. Skipping Home Inspections – Hidden defects can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Not Understanding Contracts – Misinterpreting clauses can lead to legal troubles. Selling Without Strategy – Listing at the wrong price or failing to stage your home properly can cost you thousands. The Power of Real Estat...
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By Kim Bongiorno, Delivering Real Estate Dreams
(Buyers Information Service)
Kim Bongiorno, Broker and Agent located in the beautiful state of Arizona is showcasing this new rental property in Gilbert, AZ.  Charming & Private! Newly Remodeled Home in a Beautiful Setting Among the Trees on Corner Home site for more Privacy! Front & Back View Patios *New Kitchen & Stunning Wood/Look Flooring Art Deco Colorful Fiber-optics Fireplace Walk out Patio off Dining Room* Community Center with Sparkling Pool & Large Jacuzzi Spa *Includes Fitness Center Billiards Lounge Area & More! *Low Maintenance!*Great Convenient Location Gilbert Rd & Baseline Minutes to I60 Fwy Lots of Shopping Trader Joe's Sprouts Restaurants & Schools Close by!Make this Beautiful Home Yours & Enjoy Your new Lifestyle! *Water is included!Contact Kim directly at 602-647-4888 for more information.Enjoy ...
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By Maricelle Rivera, Serving Dorado, San Juan, Guaynabo, Bahia Beach
(Keys to Paradise LLC)
Rockefeller's Vision for Dorado Beach: A Legacy of Luxury and InnovationLaurance Rockefeller's vision for Dorado Beach was transformative, aimed at creating a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. He envisioned a resort that respected the environment while offering a unique and upscale experience for visitors. By focusing on low-density development and incorporating sustainable practices, Rockefeller set a precedent for nature-driven resorts that prioritize ecological preservation.Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico became the focal point of this ambitious vision. Rockefeller's innovative approach involved leveraging the island's natural beauty to promote tourism without compromising the landscape. His commitment to conservation is evident in the thoughtful design of the resort, which harmonio...
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By Eric Beaverford, Realtor in Edmonton www.ourhouseprice.ca
(Maxwell Polaris)
 Finding Great Investment Properties in Edmonton – Maximize Your Cash Flow!Attention real estate investors! Looking for cash-flowing properties in Edmonton? The key to making smart investment decisions is knowing the true market value before you buy. Whether you're looking for duplexes, legal suites, infill lots, or multi-unit rentals, here’s how you can find great properties and ensure they’re profitable.Step 1: Check the Market Value Before You Buy💰 Before making an offer, find out the property's true value and rental potential.🔎 Use www.ourhouseprice.ca for a free home value estimate and make sure the numbers work!✅ Are rents high enough to cover costs?✅ Is the price in line with market trends?✅ Will this property appreciate over time?Step 2: Find the Best Investment Deals🏡 Looking f...
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By Dustin Ely, Content Marketer for Real Estate Professionals
(A+ Content)
I often get asked: “How do I know if a property is really popular, or if it’s simply overpriced?” My first go-to tool is always Google Analytics (GA).It helps me understand what’s really happening behind the scenes on a property listing’s webpage—whether it’s getting enough eyeballs, whether those visitors are sticking around, and whether they’re returning for a second look.Let me show you how to do the same.The Basics: What You’ll NeedBefore you dive into analyzing traffic, make sure you have: A website with actual traffic (if no one’s visiting, there’s nothing to analyze!). Listings, typically via an MLS feed or some similar system. Without specific properties, you can’t identify which pages might be underperforming. Google Analytics set up on your site. Otherwise, there’s no data to ...
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By Patrick Van Horn
(Thaynes Canyon Development)
          This one is hard to see why someone would do this. Not only is this selfish and goes against other ways to lose your license, but it also is very dishonest. Is it really worth it to get that extra 1-3% to lose your license and potentially never get any sales again? No, it probably isn't. Plus once each client finds out, you probably lose those clients for future business as well.         I have not had this exact thing happen to me. But I was the seller on a home where my listing agent represented myself and the buyer. At first I thought I would be ok with it, but after the deal started going down. I promised myself I would never have an agent represent both sides. It would not matter if I was the seller or buyer. You would need to be certain the agent can truly be a 3rd party...
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By Dane Crosby, Surfing Realtor
(Crosby Home Team)
The Port of San Diego and the City of Imperial Beach are moving forward with the much-anticipated second phase of enhancements for the iconic Imperial Beach Pier. This phase focuses on upgrading the pier’s aesthetics, safety, and visitor experience, incorporating new artistic elements, interactive features, and structural improvements to make it a more engaging destination for both locals and tourists. Exciting New Features Among the most striking additions is a brand-new artistic shade canopy featuring a shark and water design. This eye-catching structure, located over the mid-pier extension near the public restrooms, will provide much-needed shade while enhancing the pier’s maritime character. The unique design is expected to become a signature feature, adding to the pier’s charm and ...
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By Nathan Street, Hard Money Lenders Servicing Most of US
(Novum Wealth)
How to Buy Rental Properties with No Money Down Using Hard Money Loans Securing financing is one of the biggest challenges new investors face. Traditional lenders demand large down payments, high credit scores, and extensive financial history—barriers that prevent many from starting. However, alternative financing methods, such as hard money loans, provide investors with a way to acquire properties without using personal capital. What Are Hard Money Loans? Hard money loans are asset-based, short-term loans used primarily for real estate investments. Unlike banks, hard money lenders focus on a property’s value rather than the borrower’s credit score. These loans close quickly—often within days—making them ideal for competitive markets and distressed property purchases. Though interest r...
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By John Russo, Naples Realtor | Investments & 2nd Home Expert
(John Russo | Naples Realtor)
Naples Real Estate Market Update – March 2025The Naples real estate market has undergone a significant shift over the past year, creating a strong buyer’s market with increased inventory and longer listing times. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Naples, here’s what you need to know about the latest market trends and the broader economic factors influencing real estate in Southwest Florida.Inventory Surge: More Homes, More ChoicesOne of the most striking changes in the Naples market is the sharp rise in housing inventory. As of March 2025, there are 7,226 homes on the market, a notable increase from 5,386 homes in February 2024. This represents a 34% increase in available properties, giving buyers significantly more options when searching for their next home.With more in...
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By Tina White, THE FUTURE OF REAL ESTATE IN JAMAICA, NEW YORK
(The Building Block Collective)
Sold As-Is with Multi-Family Potential! Asking Price: $675KDiscover the perfect canvas for your next real estate venture at 176-43 133rd Rd, Jamaica, NY 11434. This single-family home, sold as-is, offers endless possibilities for investors, developers, or visionary homeowners ready to transform this property into something extraordinary. Welcome to 176-43 133rd Rd, a rare opportunity to own a single-family home with multi-family development potential in the heart of Jamaica, NY. This two-story detached frame home, built in 1925, sits on a 3,870 sq. ft. lot with 1,208 sq. ft. of living space and two buildings on the lot—perfect for investors, developers, or visionary homeowners looking to transform this gem into a high-value asset. Property Highlights:🏡 Lot Size:3,870 sq. ft. (40 ft x 96...
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By Jordan Jacobson, Real Estate Student in Tooele
(N/A)
Failure to disclose a material fact about a property is a quick way to lose your license.Back in 2018, I was representing a client in purchasing a home for her and her husband. I took the couple to see the home, they loved it, we made an offer and it was accepted.When it came time for the inspection, we opted to test the home for Radon. When the test came back with a dangerous positive, I let my client's know I would handle the situation.I spoke to the seller's agent about the Radon and showed her the test results. She agreed it was a dangerous level, and that it needed to be mitigated. When she spoke to her client, he absolutely refused to mitigate. The seller's agent informed me of this, and that the seller was willing to back out of the contract if we were not willing to waive the mi...
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By Emma Ferguson, Mortgage Broker
(Forward Loans)
One of the biggest obstacles many buyers face—especially first-time homebuyers—is coming up with a down payment. As a real estate professional, you’ve probably worked with clients who are financially ready to own but just need that extra boost to get to the closing table. That’s where down payment assistance (DPA) programs come in.If you’re working with buyers in Arizona, here are two powerful programs that can make homeownership more accessible and help you close more deals.1. Arizona is Home ProgramThis program is available in select counties across the state and provides 4% down payment assistance, forgivable after five years. It’s a fantastic option for first-time homebuyers, but it’s also available to other eligible borrowers.Why This Matters for Your Clients: The assistance is ful...
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