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 Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona
(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)
Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost HereIf you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching.Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house this year: “Home sellers on the fence waiting for that perfect moment to sell should start preparations, because the best time to list a home in 2023 is approaching quickly. The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers, more so than any other week in the year.” If you’ve been waiting for the best time to sell, this is your chance. But remember, before...
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By Scott Garrison, Top ORLANDO AREA Realtor…this Realtor WORKS!
(Re/Max Town & Country Realty)
Orlando-Area Those who have spent their lives working, caring for families, and making mortgage payments have a bigger net worth by the time they reach retirement age. The primary house is responsible for 90% of the wealth held by families in the United States that own rather than rent, and it accounts for 99% of the wealth held by the lowest 20% of low-income owners.One of the best ways to amass riches is by purchasing a home. According to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finance findings, the ownership of a primary house accounts for an average of ninety percent of a family's overall wealth. It's considerably worse for those whose incomes are in the bottom 20 % of the income percentile: The primary house accounts for 99 percent of the overall worth of a family's assets, which is the median...
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By Minna Reid, Associate Broker
(Killebrew & Company Realty, Inc.)
Realtor commissions in short sales: How can upside down sellers afford Realtor fees or closings costs if there's no money in the home to pay for one?In almost all Florida real estate sales the seller pays for all customary closing costs out of the proceeds of the sale. In a short sale, where there are no proceeds for the seller, these same closing costs are still due but things work just a bit differently. So who pays the Realtor fees? Short sale closing costs are paid out of the proceeds of the sale, with the lenders agreement. In a short sale, the seller’s lender will allow these same customary closing costs to be paid out of the proceeds of the sale, including: Realtor commissions Conveyance taxes Adjusted real estate taxes Legal fees Seller paid concessions to the buyer Junior lien...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
To stay competitive and successful in the fast-paced world of real estate, you need to be adaptable. The industry and market is always changing, and agents who can adapt will have a competitive advantage.  Here are 3 key areas that require being adaptable in real estate: Embracing New Technologies One of the most significant changes in real estate over the past decade has been the introduction of new technologies. From online listings to virtual tours, technology has transformed the way agents do business. Today's homebuyers expect to be able to view properties online, use digital signatures, and communicate with agents via email, text, and social media. To stay ahead of the curve, real estate agents must embrace new technologies and use them to their advantage. This could mean buying ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Many, many years ago, I represented a buyer on a new construction home. This is my 3rd post in the March to a Solution Challenge. These posts for this challenge have been very interesting for us all.In this particular situation, I was first contacted by Mrs. Buyer. She and I were in constant communication, she was the only person to actually look at the homes, and, she handled all of the negotiations. I knew that she was married, but until the day of the final walk-through, I had never met Mr. Buyer.Closing day had arrived and I finally met Mr. Buyer at the walk-through prior to heading to the title company. What was interesting is that the only words spoken to me by Mr. Buyer were regarding my commission. He asked me, "When will you be writing us a check for your 3%?I calmly replied, "...
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By Chuck Carstensen, Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert
(RE/MAX Results)
11589 290th Ave, Princeton, MN 55371 -- $299,900Take a virtual tour of this lovingly maintained Princeton home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms situated on a tranquil 0.63 acre corner lot with views of an abundance of wildlife. With quick access to Highway 169 for commuters, the property is situated between Princeton and Zimmerman close to Fairway Shores Golf Course, Sandy Lake Public Beach, and Young Park. 1,662 completed square foot! Vaulted ceilings! Open floor plan on upper level! Laminate wood floors throughout most of the home! Kitchen with stainless steel appliances! Dining room w/access to 18x14 cedar deck! Two nice sized bedrooms and a full bathroom on upper level too! Finished lower level includes a family room, two bedrooms and a laundry/storage space! Landscaped yard wit...
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By Kent Brown, Your IRS Tax Attorney
(Strong & Hanni)
Salt Lake City, Utah – My last few posts have dealt with payroll taxes.  Before I go into the IRS’s tax initiatives, alert programs, and other payroll compliance programs, I want to take a step back and look at the IRS Collection Division.The IRS Collection Division’s Mission Statement is:“The mission of Field Collection is to provide SB/SE [Small Business/Self-Employed] taxpayers with top quality post-filing services by helping them understand and comply with all applicable tax laws and by applying tax laws with integrity and fairness.”Despite this warm and fuzzy mission statement, my experience is that most taxpayers do not find the IRS “post-filing services” to be either “top quality” or fair. Instead, taxpayers find them abusive, scary, and financially devastating.  Taxpayers usuall...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mira Mesa Weekly Market Update March 20th - 26th, 2023 Concord Villas RECENTLY SOLD Summerdale Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 907 sq. ft. | $565,000 Heritage at Concord Square RECENTLY SOLD Summerdale Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 907 sq. ft. | $565,000
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Lannon WI Homes for Sale | Market Report for February 2023 Lannon is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The village has a total area of 2.46 square miles, 2.44 square miles of which island, and 0.02 square miles is water. It is bordered by Sussex to the west and Menomonee Falls to the north, east, and south.The village was originally mainly settled by immigrants. However, the first true sellers were Isaac Howard and William Lannon. The village got its final name from the latter, an Irishman who settled in the area with his bride in 1834.Eventually, the settlement expanded in both population and size. At present, there are just over 1,100 residents.Located just outside of Milwaukee, residents enjoy the advantages of a major metropolitan area without having to deal with the hustle a...
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By Linda Blumenthal, NYS Licenced Real Estate Salesperson, CBR
(Hampton Crossing - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - 631-466-4087)
March 27th - National Joe Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal.
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
1. I am a successful real estate agent, attracting clients ready to buy or sell their homes.2. I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide the best service to my clients.3. I am confident in my abilities to negotiate deals and close sales.4. I am constantly learning and improving my skills to serve my clients better.5. "My goals are supported by an amazing team that surrounds me and provides encouragement every step of the way."6. I am passionate about real estate, and my enthusiasm is contagious to my clients.7. I am worthy of success, and I attract abundance into my life.8. I am grateful for the opportunity to help people find their dream homes.9. I am focused, driven, and motivated to succeed in my real estate career.10. I believe in myself and my abilities and can achiev...
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By Steve Penner, REALTOR / Pro Ledger Online (owner)
(Royal LePage / Pro Ledger Online Software)
To stay competitive and successful in the fast-paced world of real estate, you need to be adaptable.The industry and market is always changing, and agents who can adapt will have a competitive advantage. Here are 3 key areas that require being adaptable in real estate:Embracing New TechnologiesOne of the most significant changes in real estate over the past decade has been the introduction of new technologies. From online listings to virtual tours, technology has transformed the way agents do business. Today's homebuyers expect to be able to view properties online, use digital signatures, and communicate with agents via email, text, and social media.To stay ahead of the curve, real estate agents must embrace new technologies and use them to their advantage. This could mean buying the ne...
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By Pocono Luxury Homes The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos Luxury Homes
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
Long time native of White Haven Pa, she has been in the hospitality industry for many years and is looking at helping buyers and sellers with the most important purchase they may ever make. Find me at My Website Anna TruskowskiRE/MAX Property SpecialistsEmail: anna.truskowski@remax.netOffice: 570.972.2940Cell: 570.855.6309 
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
  Local Market Update  Makiki & Moili'ili Honolulu, February 2023   Single Family Homes February Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 2 / 8  -75% 9 / 15  -40% Median Sales Price $5.7M / $1.5625M  265%   $1.6M / $1.64M  -2%   Percent of Original List Price Received 93.7% / 102.2%  -8% 91.4% / 100.8%  -9% Median Days on Market Until Sale 28 / 26  8% 22 / 22  0% New Listings 12 / 14  -14% 25 / 20  25% Pending Sales 11 / 9  22% 21 / 14  50% Active Inventory 24 / 24  0% ---    Condos February Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 20 / 56  -64%  45 / 110  -59%  Median Sales Price $375,000 / $402,500 -7%   $382,000 / $398,750 -4% Percent of Original List Price Received 95.7% / 99.7%  -4% 96.9% / 99.1%  -2% Median Days on Market Until Sal...
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By Rocky Dickerson, Superior Service!
(Realty One Group)
Come on, it may be Monday, but you could use an extra smile today, right? So, how about a look at the humor of the hilarious Tim Hawkins?  Sit back, make it look like you are working hard on some research, and enjoy! And now this is the latest installment of Mayhem Merriment Monday.
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
With spring fast approaching we have lots of special offers to help kickstart your 2023 marketing and save you money.  Here are the details: Deal 1 – buy one single property Website licenses, and get one free! That’s a $50 saving! Deal 2 – buy five single property Website licenses, and get two free! That’s a $125 saving!Deal 3: - buy one PowerSite Pro single Property Website and get VIP pricing for life (limited time offer). Deal 4 – buy ten single property Website licenses, and get five free! That’s a $350 saving!Deal 5 – buy twenty-five single property Website licenses, and get ten free! That’s a $875 saving!Our most frequently asked questions:Q: Is the domain name included?A: Yes!Q: Are there additional or recurring charges/costs?A: No!Q: When does the single property Website expire?...
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By John Pusa, Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest)
On March 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide new single family home sales gained 1.1% to an annual rate of 640,000 homes in February of 2023 from 633,000 homes in January of 2023, but dropped 19.0% from 719,000 homes in February of 2022.The median new home sold value was $438,200, while the average sales price was $498,700 in February of 2023.There were estimated 436,000 new houses for sale, and 8.2 months supplies of available inventory at the end of February of 2023.For complete more detailed information about HUD and U.S. Census Bureau report of new home sales February of 2023, please click HERE
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
One very popular feature of AgencyLogic single property Websites is their ability to leverage Google Analytics, an enterprise-class Web analytics solution that gives you rich insights into your Website traffic and marketing effectiveness.Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way. With Google Analytics, you're more prepared to write better-targeted ads, strengthen your marketing initiatives and create higher converting websites.Features include:Advertising ROIMeasure the success of your display, search, new media and offline advertising efforts.Cross Channel and Multimedia TrackingCompare your site usage metrics with industry averages and track Flash, video, and social networking sites and applications.Visualizing Dat...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
To create an AgencyLogic single property Website PowerSite Pro account, follow these steps. Step 1: Visit PowerSitePro.com and click the "Free Trial" or "Create a Free Account" button:  Step 2: Enter your required information and click the "Create Account" button:  If you have additional questions, email: support@agencylogic.com Or give us a call on: (888) 201-5160
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