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 Candice Silverthorn, "Let me do all the heavy lifting!"
(Candice Silverthorn, Realtor, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks)
Having a dock on the Lake of the Ozarks requires a little maintenance, right?? Anybody that has a dock on the lake would probably say "a little??" Ha ha. Yeah maybe more than just a little lol.Well my husband and I tackled our dock after we bought a home on the lake. We knew it needed a lot of repair. But my husband is a carpenter, so how bad could it be?? We managed to fix three areas by ourselves. That includes the walkway in the water, which was detached from the pier, and two areas with the boards popped up with the floats sticking out.Well our dock did not have big enough floats, so we bought 6 4x8x20 new floats, ($469 a piece) and hired two fantastic companies to help finish the hardest part! They were both a Godsend! Beasley's Mobile Welding & Repair LLC. and Wicked Welding LLC. ...
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By Kent Brown, Your IRS Tax Attorney
(Strong & Hanni)
Salt Lake City, Utah, 2023.  You have been watching late night television, you have seen the commercials - "take care of that tax debt", "pay pennies on the dollar."  "Enough of those sleepless nights" you tell yourself, it is time to pay those pennies and move on.  The late night commercial then shows a happy couple on a golf course after they have paid those pennies.  Is this to good to be true?  Yes!!!To pay those pennies on the dollar the taxpayer usually does this through what is called an offer-in-compromise.  There are two types of offers-in-compromise: Doubt-as-to-Collectability Offer: this is where the taxpayer does not disputes the amount owed in back taxes, but the taxpayer cannot pay the tax debt in full; or Doubt-as-to-Liability Offer: this is where the taxpayer offers to s...
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By Gregory Pomp, We make you feel "right" at home.
(Just Right Inspection Services)
Home inspections generally take 2 to 3 hours. There are several factors that can cause an inspection to go over that time, such as: Older home: older homes will generally have more delayed maintenance items and items that do not meet the current standards. These all require additional time to document in the report. Clutter: homes with a lot of clutter can take additional time to work around and access crucial components such as attic accesses, panel boxes, and mechanical equipment. Poorly maintained Home: homes that have not been well-maintained often will take longer as well because of the large amount of issues to document in the report. This is usually from elderly homeowners or homeowners that do not know how to maintain their home. Large Homes: larger homes can take more time to n...
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By Destany Ramirez, REAL ESTATE AGENT
(LEOLINDA REALTY LLC)
 Enjoy our Arizona winter weather in this beautiful home. Here in Arizona we shovel sun!This Sun City West home features an updated kitchen with quartz countertops, new hardware, and fresh paint. What sets this duplex apart from the others is the added lanai overlooking out to the full-grown citrus trees. Work was done by licensed contractors according to tax records where the floor was leveled out and enclosed for more privacy. When you enter you will be pleasantly surprised by the open concept, new carpet, and shutters throughout. This home is ideal for a snowbird or year-round resident as the windows can be open during the cool winter days and closed for the hot summer nights.  The bedrooms are perfectly sized to fit king beds, with plush neutral-colored carpet and oversized closets ...
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By Jackie Sons
(Native Wildflowers Nursery)
Sometimes, life can be very challenging. You can keep a positive spirit. However, there are times when it seems like something needs to be fixed professionally and/or personally, no matter how a person strategizes. And when this happens, there are things we can all do instead of throwing in the towel, getting angry to the point where it raises our blood pressure, and more. There are healthier alternatives, and the following includes those alternatives: Make a Great ListWhen everything fails, it can be hard to maintain self-confidence. Nevertheless, after going through frustration and other negative feelings, it is vital to get a hold of oneself and start to make great lists. One list is of all the things to be grateful for. The other list should be all the accomplishments one should be ...
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By Sean Gilliam, Real Estate on the Front Range
(LoKation Real Estate)
Metropolitan Districts, also known as metro districts or metro tax districts, have become an integral part of local new construction communities in recent years. Here in Northern Colorado, homes are being built in or reside in these districts and they have important implications for home buyers. I’ll share with you the purpose and definition of a metro district per the Colorado Revised Statute, some research completed on the implications for homeowners, pros and cons and finally some due diligence you can do to see if living in a Metro District is a good fit for you.  
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By Phyllis Ross, Realtor Central Kansas Residential Sales
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
  Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home. Build Your Credit Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run. So how do you make sure your credit is in the best shape possible when it’s time to buy? A recent article from NerdWallet lists a few tips you can use as you work to build and strengthen your credit. They include: Tracking your credit and disputing...
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By Christian Halas, Tax, Insurance, Investment Specialist
(Halas Consulting)
I perform tax prep and planning, as well as IRS and state civil tax representation for Pittsburgh and vicinity, as well as the rest of the Commonwealth of PA. The time is now to make your last-minute tax moves for 2022. Not a whole lot can be done after December 31st. 1. Prepay rent using IRS Safe Harbor RulesThe tax rules allow you pay up to 12 months in expenses in advance without challenge, adjustment or change by the IRSExample: Your rent is $3000 per month and you would like a $36,000 (or less) deduction for 2022, so on Friday December 30th you mail a check your landlord for up to $36,000. He receives the money on Tuesday January 3rd. You deduct the up to $36,000 in rent in 2022, the year you paid it. He claims it in 2023 the year he receives it. You get a tax deduction in 2022, an...
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By Scott Schulte
(Scott Schulte LLC)
Sun City Grand Surprise ArizonaIf you are searching for a home to spend your retirement in style or you are looking to make some new friends, the Sun City Grand Surprise, Arizona, offers you a chance to get out and enjoy the Arizona sunshine. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing, or just being out in nature, you'll find plenty to do here. Sun City Grand PickleballLocated near Phoenix, Sun City Grand is one of the greatest active adult communities in the state. The community has nearly 4,000 acres of land and almost 9,500 residences.Sun City Grand is not a gated community but features several amenities. It features two fitness centers, four golf courses, and many other recreational facilities. The community is also home to several bocce ball courts, tennis courts, and pickleball co...
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By Stephanie Huber, Real Estate Brokerage serving Port St. Lucie, FL
(www.thehubergroup.com | Huber Real Estate Group of Florida)
 Price spikes might have come to an end in the third quarter as rising mortgage rates dampened expectations for real estate appreciation according to the most recent NAR report.The third quarter of this year saw a continuation of the increasing trend in home prices, but the National Association of REALTORS®' most recent quarterly report suggests that the trend may be finally coming to a stop. Although home prices rose in almost every major metro in the third quarter, higher mortgage rates are starting to slow down the increase of home prices. 46 percent of the 185 markets that NAR monitors even saw double-digit growth.In the third quarter, the national median price for a single-family existing home increased by 8.6% to $398,000. The median price increased 14.2% year over year in the sec...
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By KW ELITE Keller Williams Realty, NAME: KW ELITE Keller Williams Realty ADDRESS: 9 P
(KW ELITE Keller Williams Realty)
NAME: KW ELITE Keller Williams RealtyADDRESS: 9 Plaza Drive Suite #1, Hattiesburg MS 39402PHONE NUMBER: (601) 819-0399https://goo.gl/maps/8msJx5rSwUoPb5AYAhttps://www.kwsellingmississippi.com/
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In the summer, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working. A hot, stuffy house is no fun for anyone, so if your AC isn't doing its job, it's essential to find out why and get it fixed as soon as possible. Follow this guide to understand some of the most common reasons your air conditioner might not be cold and what you can do about it. The Filter Might Be CloggedOne reason your AC might not be blowing cold air is that the filter is clogged. The filter's job is to prevent dust and dirt from entering the air conditioner, but over time, it can get full. When this happens, the airflow is reduced, causing the AC to work less efficiently.To fix this, simply locate the filter and clean or replace it as needed. Depending on how often you use your AC, you may need to do ...
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By Buddy & Liz Contreras, Serving Phoenix West Valley
(Realty One Group)
Perfect for a small business owner or hobbyist.The detached workshop is professionally built and has electricity running to it. Solid block construction home with great curb appeal. Lush grass front and backyard. Check it out!https://openhouse.propertypath.com/properties/241123Liz Contreras602.402.4268CENTURY 21 Arizona Foothills
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By Eunice (Santos)Martinez
Why is it best to be authentic and honest in all of our interactions? Something that comes to mind when I think of this question is, because sometimes we only have one opportunity, one shot and no second chances. Either way being honest will always save you from experiencing the horrible feeling of regret and stress. Dishonesty on your part will always catch up to you.Friendly reminder that being honest can help build your confidence and also a good reputation. You're word becomes more valuable therefore more will trust, respect you and will want to work with you!Honesty brings peace of mind that I believe makes it totally worth it in the long run! 
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By Andrew O'Reilly, Residential and Commercial Real Estate Agent
(Seaport Real Estate Services )
There is overwhelming news and media coverage regarding today's real estate market. It seems that, based on most coverage out there, it's both a great time to buy and a great time to sell. Social media is the same narrative, everything is great for everyone. When the world is telling you to have your cake and eat it too, something isn't right. So what is the truth? Let's take off the rose colored glasses for a moment and look at the numbers and what's driving them, interest rates. In less than a year, rates went from historic lows in 2021 to 30-year highs today. To illustrate the effect of rates on today's market, let's examine what your mortgage payment will be in three different mortgage scenarios. Fair warning; you will be grossed out. Numbers don't lie, and laid out this way they sh...
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By Chris Carter, Shelter is a basic human need....so rent or own?
(Chris Carter, Mortgage Broker)
A "loan officer" is NOT equal to a "Qualified Mortgage Broker". If your lender can't commit to these things 100% of the time, we should chat:✔ Lower Rates & Fewer Fees✔ FAST closings✔ NO Overlays (hidden loan requirements)✔ FULL, Accurate Pre-Approvals In 24 Hours✔ Seamless Communication Throughout✔ NO disappearing at ANY point before, during or after escrow! Shall I Go On...?     👀 Watch     👂 Listen     📖 Read     Inquire 👉 https://lynx.ly/ccf8eb5a. #chriscartermortgagebroker #home
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By chris hoffman, real estate broker serving the Lehigh Valley
(Lehigh Valley Just Listed)
A lot of people ask, is the Lehigh Valley PA a good place to live? I grew up here so of course my answer is going to be yes! but let's talk a little bit more about the Lehigh Valley and see if it really makes sense for you. The first thing you might want to know is where is the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania? The Lehigh Valley is located in northeast Pennsylvania, about 1.5 hours north of Philadelphia, right along the Jersey border. It's also known as the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton metropolitan area which is comprised primarily of two main counties, Lehigh county, and Northampton County  Pennsylvania is a very large state and Lehigh Valley is the third most populated area next to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. One of the reasons why they have all these great place to live, is the location. ...
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By Catina Willis, MBA, Real Estate Broker, Passive Income Coach
(Next Level Realty & Investments)
TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms, and it's perfect for real estate marketing. Why? Because TikTok is all about short, attention-grabbing videos. And what's more attention-grabbing than a beautiful property or the crazy real estate business? If you're thinking about joining TikTok or are simply curious about how to use TikTok for business read on for everything you need to know.How to Use TikTok for your Real Estate Business Create a personal TikTok page with a branded profile that promotes your real estate business. Use relevant keywords in your profile name and bio. Make sure your account is public and include a link in the bio to increase traffic to your website or blog. Use TikTok to share behind-the-scenes footage of what it takes to sell a h...
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By Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector
(Home Inspection Insider)
If you're considering getting an electric fireplace insert, you might wonder what your options are. I'll give you a rundown of the different types of electric fireplace inserts and the pros and cons of each one. That way, you can decide which type of electric fireplace insert is right for you and your home.1. Standard Electric Fireplace InsertsThese are the most common type of electric fireplace inserts. They typically come with a metal surround and a glass front. The standard electric fireplace insert is designed to be placed into an existing fireplace opening. Electric fireplace inserts are insertable units that can be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in various styles and can be used with or without gas lines. Many people choose electric fireplace inserts because they off...
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By George Moorhead, Your Home Sold at a Price Acceptable to You
(Bentley Properties )
The housing market is booming. In fact, real estate experts predict that the U.S. housing market will continue to see strong growth through 2022. This means that homeowners who want to sell their homes now might be able to get top dollar for them.You don't necessarily have to wait until you move out of your current house to start thinking about selling it. There are several ways you can increase the amount you'll receive for your home. Read on to learn 7 ways you can make more money when you sell your home.Start By Listing Your House With a Real Estate AgentRealtors are experts at marketing homes and negotiating deals. They also provide valuable services such as staging houses, preparing listings, and managing showings. In addition, they have access to information about local markets an...
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