Recent Blog Posts

The amazing members of ActiveRain produce hundreds of blog posts every single day of the year.  There is a wonderful mix of all things real estate and beyond for your reading pleasure.

This board rolls all day long with the newest blog posts to our site. You’ll find some diamonds in the rough on this page, so check back often to peruse the blog roll and learn from our committed community of real estate professionals.

The newest blog posts on ActiveRain

By John Pusa, Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest)
On September 28, 2023, Realtor.com reported the nationwide median weekly housing trends for the week ending September 23, 2023.Total available listings decreased 3.7% for the week ending September 23, 2023, from the same period of time in September of 2022.Time on the market unchanged 0 days for the week ending September 23, 2023,  from the same period of time in September of 2022.Median listing prices gained 1.1% for the week ending September 23, 2023,  from the same period of time in September of 2022.New listing in the market declined 7.5% for the week ending September 23, 2023, from the same period of time in September of 2022.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for the week ending in September 23, 2023, please click HERE
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Gaithersburg City Council Elections & KCA Meet the Candidates ForumBy Chris Campbell, KCA PresidentAs you may know, the City of Gaithersburg is in one of their election years. There are six candidates who are running for three positions on the City Council. The candidates include Neil Harris, Yamil Hernandez, Daniel Lukomsky, Shanika Whitehurst, Omodamola Williams, and Robert Wu. The three elected candidates will serve four-year terms. The City has posted candidate biographies. Then can be found here: https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/elections/candidate-information Election day is Tuesday, November 7th. You can vote in person or by mail-in. Approved mail-in ballots will be sent on Friday, October 6, 2023 and will not be mailed after November 1, 2023. Mail-in ballots must be dro...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
The real estate market in Lake Balboa Ca is still very active, during August Ten Homes Closed Escrow#lakebalboa,#lakebalboaca,#lakebalboahomesforsale,#lakebalboarealestate,#albertopachecorealtorCheck All Available Homes For Sale Here: https://www.sfvalleyhotproperties.com
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By Lauren Williams, CPO, CVPO, Professional Organizer: Puget Sound homes
(Casual Uncluttering LLC)
I will be starting a virtual Buried in Treasures support group in January 2024. Please email me at lauren@casualuncluttering.com or call me at 425-947-3976 for details.• Does your stuff overwhelm you?• Is it kinda easy to bring it into your spaces, and kinda hard to let it go?• Do you want to think differently about your things?Buried in Treasures support groups are weekly, 16-week-long evidence-based workshops developed by Lee Shuer, a person with lived experience of hoarding disorder, Dr. Randy O. Frost, a pioneer in researching and treating hoarding disorder, with editing contributions by Becca Radofsky, Shuer’s wife and business partner, designed to help people attempt to reduce their acquiring and saving habits and examine their beliefs about their possessions. It is their hope, an...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Top 5 Things a REALTOR Can Do in the Fourth Quarter - The Ninja Selling WayAs a real estate professional, the fourth quarter of 2023 is a critical time to close out the year strong and set the stage for success in the coming year. To thrive in the real estate market, it's essential to embrace the Ninja Selling philosophy, which emphasizes building relationships, providing exceptional service, and achieving sustainable success. In the spirit of Larry Kendall's Ninja Selling approach, we'll explore the top 5 things a REALTOR can do in the fourth quarter to finish the year on a high note. While I'm known as a disciple of Buffini & Company - I need to point out I've been a Ninja Selling agent longer than a Buffini-coached agent!1. Reflect and Set Clear Goals:In the Ninja Selling philosophy,...
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By Marcie Purcell, Realtor, Bucks & Montgomery Co PA
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Cassidon Realty)
Water has quite the calming effect on people whether it is sitting on a deck near a river, beach, bay, creek or lake.  It is also a life long dream for people to want to purchase a home with water views.   Let's talk about how Flood Insurance can protect you and what to look for when you are searching for home.  Trust me, I'm not going to talk you out of any dream you have and especially one with water views!  It's is also one of my dreams I'm working to come true!There are different types of flood insurance and flood zones.  FEMA ( Federal Emergency Management Agency)  declares flood zones through the United States.  In the area I live in Pennsylvania the "AE" Flood Zone is when you will need to get Flood Insurance.   There are exception to rules of course but your mortgage lender will...
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By Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS, South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!
(Fathom Realty Washington LLC)
 Foods for Thought 10/2/2023  (Quotes to ponder & motivate you!) Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, Fathom Realty WA LLC Kitsap, Pierce and Mason county, Washington's preferred waterfront real estate Agent & BrokerIf you're competitor-focused, you have to wait until there is a competitor doing something. Being customer-focused allows you to be more pioneering!Attributed to Jeff Bezos (1964~) Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog post! This post was researched, authored, and photo is by Paul Henderson, REALTOR®, © 2008-2023, all rights reserved. All information is deemed reliable; however it should be independently verified by the reader. Any reproduction of this blog post is prohibited without the prior written permission of the author…
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By Frank Worrell, Turning BPOs Into Six-Figure Incomes
(BPOS FOR LIFE LLC)
🚀 Introduction 🚀Welcome back to another episode of the Coconut Chronicles! Today, we're diving deep into the art of navigation, not just in the literal sense but also as a metaphor for personal growth, relationships, and business acumen. For seasoned agents like many of you, who have ridden the waves of market changes, today's focus is on a less shiny but more stable coin—BPOs.🌊 The Early Years: A Young Navigator 🌊As a young boy, my imagination knew no bounds. My uncle Tilford's plumbing toolshed doubled as my spaceship, complete with laser guns and a complete navigation station. But sometimes, my uncle would rearrange the toolshed, and my starship controls would go haywire. I had to adapt, regroup, and reorganize—lessons that would serve me well in the years to come.🏠 The Real Estate B...
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By Bob Crane, Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671
(Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified)
CHIPPEWA COUNTY FOREST HUNTING & TIMBER LAND WANTED! Fall 2023   Buyers are ready to invest in Your Wisconsin Forest Land.  Who do you know that may be ready to sell for the right price?  Timberland, both mature and growing stock.     Red, Jack, and White Pine     Quality Central and Northern Hardwoods   Hunting Land, both turnkey premium hunting parcels and camps and those properties that have potential with the right management.     Old farms     QDM enhanced properties     Heavily managed habitat.     Non-managed habitat.     Nearly any partially wooded property may fit one of our buyers' needs.    Give us a Call and let us know who You know that may be interested in Selling their land for the right price.   We are the Forest Land, Timber Land, and Hunting Land Experts with several ...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
The ole adage fish where the fish are can be very true when a Pensacola, Pace, or Gulf Breeze seller is ready to sell and yes interest rates are hovering around 7% but the right realtor combined with the right mortgage company can get creative and both sellers and buyers can be very happy campers at the end of the day. I remember buying my first home at a 14% interest rate of course at 18 years old I just wanted a home and to be on my own but I quickly learned as a young investor wannabe that I had a lot of options. Offer a lot lower price to offset the interest rate, borrowing 1/2 from the bank which is what the seller needed to do what he wanted and he carrying a second for the rest at no interest for three years I figured that the powers to be would start to lower the rates and that...
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By Brian Rugg, Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est
(Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700)
Text Version  Sun City Texas Real Estate Report© & Home Sales SummarySeptember 2023 Results See online at www.SunCity https://www.ruggrealty.com/sun-city-tx-real-estate-market-reports/   September-23 September-22   Summary Sale Price Sale Price Change from prior year Low $275,000 $326,000 -15.6% High $825,000 $847,500 -2.7% Average $402,003 $458,997 -12.4% Median $372,000 $401,750 -7.4% Units Sold 38 30 26.7% Days on Market 54 30 80.0%           Sept YTD 23 Sept YTD 22   Summary Sale Price Sale Price Change from prior year Low $272,500 $250,000 9.0% High $850,000 $869,990 -2.3% Average $438,532 $478,761 -8.4% Median $400,000 $450,500 -11.2% Units Sold 322 377 -14.6% Days on Market 60 12 400.0% Data gathered from ACTRIS MLS October 2, 2023 Month of Sept.– Unit sales of 38 exceeded prior ...
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By Karina Kfuri Leal, ABR®, SRES®, PSA, Sales, Rentals & Prop. Manag. - FALO PORTUGUES!
(Leal USA Realty 561-350-3503 ( FALO PORTUGUES))
LAKEFRONT HOME OF A SMALL, PET-FRIENDLY, GATED COMMUNITY IN TRENDY DELRAY WITH SPACIOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN. GRANITE COUNTERTOPS IN THE KITCHEN. STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR & OVEN & VAULTED CEILINGS. RELAX IN THE HIS-AND- HERS BATHROOM WITH JACUZZI TUB IN THE MASTER SUITE OR ENJOY THE SERENE LAKE VIEW FROM THE SCREENED-IN PATIO. COMMUNITY POOL, JACUZZI, CLAY TENNIS COURT, CLUB HOUSE & EXERCISE ROOM ARE JUST STEPS AWAY. JUST A SHORT DRIVE TO ATLANTIC AVE, THE BEACH, & DOWNTOWN DELRAY. NO PET RESTRICTIONS & THE LOW HOA FEE INCLUDES CABLE, ALARM, LAWN CARE & SPRINKLER SYSTEM. WOOD/LAMINATE & TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT. 3RD BEDROOM IS A DEN WITH A CLOSET. NO RENTALS ALLOWED FOR THE 1ST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. SHORT DRIVE TO THE BOYS MARKET & POST OFFICE. HOUSE FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE**  CALL NOW KARIN...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Buying a home is an emotional roller coaster!   There are a LOT of processes for home buyers to understand and all of it needs explaining.  Legal terms and definitions are oftentimes foreign for buyers as these "one-time" events happen every few years.   As with any profession, we realtors know a LOT of terms, terminology, and timelines.  But consumers don't always know these.  And to make matters worse, real estate forms and processes can be completely different from state to state.   In Arizona, we have a purchase contract that spells out all of the contingencies that are included.  This 10 page document can be confusing.  Including the other forms, buying real estate in Arizona may mean over 40 pages of forms!   Our Homeowners Association (HOA ) Addendum works both as a disclosure an...
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By Sally Crane, Woodland appraisal support.
(WMS)
CLARK COUNTY FOREST HUNTING & TIMBER LAND WANTED! Fall 2023   Buyers are ready to invest in Your Wisconsin Forest Land.   Who do you know that may be ready to sell for the right price?   Timberland, both mature and growing stock.     Red, Jack, and White Pine     Quality Central and Northern Hardwoods   Hunting Land, both turnkey premium hunting parcels and camps and those properties that have potential with the right management.     Old farms     QDM enhanced properties     Heavily managed habitat.     Non-managed habitat.     Nearly any partially wooded property may fit one of our buyers' needs.     Give us a Call and let us know who You know that may be interested in Selling their land for the right price.     We are the Forest Land, Timber Land, and Hunting Land Experts with severa...
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By Myrl Jeffcoat, Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired
On a pleasant drive, in the Greater Sacramento region is a mysterious place in nearby Ione.   We really can’t say Preston Castle comes “alive” this time of year, because many folks claim ghosts of the dead remain there still. The purpose for building the Castle was to accommodate the Preston School of Industry (reform school), in an attempt to rehabilitate juvenile offenders.  The Castle was completed in June 1894, and in 1960 the Castle closed, when a new building was constructed. Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark.The castle’s sandstone was quarried a few miles from Ione, and the bricks were created at Folsom and San Quentin prisons.  The cornerstone was set with pomp and ceremony, in late 1890. The Castle is now empty, with some action being made to restore it.As ...
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By Jennifer Carstensen -The Real Estate Agency, We specialize in selling houses (License: 317824)
(The Real Estate Agency (Office License: 265417))
If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now. While those market factors are important, there’s more to consider. You should think about the long-term benefits of homeownership too. Think about this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 76% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment. Here’s a look at how just the home price appreciation piece c...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Emergency Alert Test on WednesdayIMPORTANT: On Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 2:20 p.m. ET, there will be a nationwide emergency alert test on cell phones, wireless devices, radios, and TVs. This is a standard test that occurs at least once every three years. No action is needed. Info & FAQs: http://fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023The City of Gaithersburg posted this FEMA announcement. 
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By The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos - RSPS - The Jeff Rickert Team
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
Click here for price and locationIf you're looking to be lost in the serenity of nature, this is the one for you! This 1.19 acre wooded lot is located near the State Game lands and you can listen to the stream just across the street. Just as peaceful as it is, it's also conveniently located near the interstate and just minutes from the town. Bring your own builder or we can recommend one for you! Call Brittany Berkheimer today at (570) 657-5323 for more information! Click here for price and location
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
               Latest rates, based on 20 percent down, $200,000 owner-occupant mortgages. The rates and terms may vary; check with lenders for details. Rates may have changed click here to verifyWednesday, September 27, 2023  Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union808-531-3711NMLS#377314 15-YR Fixed 5.875 3.125 6.560 30-YR Fixed 6.875 1.875 7.183 5-YR ARM 5.875 0.875 6.065 American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 6.500 1.875 6.946 30-YR Fixed 7.125 1.750 7.398 5-YR ARM 6.875 2.000 7.871 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 6.750 1.500 6.992 30-YR Fixed 7.375 0.875 7.464 5-YR ARM 6.625 1.875 7.662 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 6.500 2.250 7.017 30-YR Fixed 7.000 2.000 7.302 5-YR ARM 7.625 0.000 8.108 Fi...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Selling your home is a big deal, and hiring the right listing agent can make a big difference!  You want to make sure and hire a top listing agent in your market, so you need to be able to tell the difference between a GOOD agent, and a GREAT one!  Find out what makes the difference in the video!We'd also love it if you'd LIKE this video, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! #sellingahome #elkgrovehomesellers #elkgroverealestate #elkgroveagent #elkgroverealtor #topagent 
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