ActiveRain Community

One of the most common questions I receive from buyers is:"Can anyone buy a home in Laguna Woods Village?"The short answer is yes—but there are some important details that often cause confusion.Laguna Woods Village is one of the largest and most unique 55+ communities in the country. With 12,736 residences, multiple golf courses, clubhouses, swimming pools, fitness centers, and hundreds of clubs and activities, it's easy to see why so many people are interested in living here.Because it is a 55+ community, many people assume only individuals over the age of 55 can purchase property in Laguna Woods Village. That isn't actually how the rules work.Ownership and Occupancy Are Different ThingsOne of the biggest misconceptions involves the difference between owning a property and living in it... 06/15/2026

06/15/2026

From Galveston to the Nation: A Real Estate Blogger’s Guide to the History and Spirit of JuneteenthAs real estate professionals, our blogs are more than just digital catalogs of active listings, open houses, and market reports. They are community hubs. When we write about local events, neighborhood histories, and cultural milestones, we prove that we don't just sell houses—we understand, respect, and build communities.With June 19th recognized as a federal holiday, many of your clients, neighbors, and potential leads are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate, learn, and reflect. Providing a thoughtful, historical overview of Juneteenth on your ActiveRain blog is an excellent way to provide high-quality localized content, show cultural awareness, and spark engaging conversations with ... 06/15/2026

5419 Stoneleigh Ave., DallasHOUSE OPEN for INSPECTIONTuesday, June 16@ 12:00-1:00PMHouse for Sale @ AuctionLearn More and Make Your Offer HereResidential Home AuctioneersReal Estate House AuctionTexas Real PropertyHome & LotDallas County0.156 +/- Acres1,292 +/- SqFt2 Bed 1 BathDallas ISDBuilt 1937Single Family HomeSpecial terms and conditions,Buyer's Premium apply for all sales.Information About Brokerage ServicesTexas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection NoticeTo Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and RegulationGeneral Terms and Conditions  06/15/2026

Zestimates Compared to CMAs and Appraisals leave buyers confused! They are all valuations of a property’s worth but they do not necessarily reflect the same valuation. Which one should you rely on? Do you have a choice?Zestimate ExplainedWhen Zestimates are compared to CMAs and appraisals, a buyer may be surprised to discover they result in different valuations. The Zestimate provided by Zillow is a home valuation tool that uses an algorithm to estimate property values based on various data points and factors. It’s designed to be a quick, real-time estimation of a property’s worth, whether it’s currently listed (on-market) or not (off-market). However, there are important distinctions between a Zestimate, a CMA (comparative market analysis) provided by a Realtor and a traditional in-per... 06/15/2026

 Good afternoon and hello there again from Tim in Cottage Grove, MN.  Hope you are doing well this Monday and had a fantastic weekend.  Wanted to share Tim's Time Outs with you again. FOCUS ON THE OUTCOME: Base your actions not on what just happened, but on what you would like to now make happen. You can't change what already is...BUT you most certainly have influence over what will be.   Choose your actions and responses based on the outcomes you desire...NOT on the history you've experienced.  Sure, it's great to let the past inform you, but not good at all to let it control you.  Instead of trying to win an argument or prove a point, or assign blame, put your energy into creating new vaue.  Instead of being drawn into a useless negative reaction, choose a useful, helpful and postive ... 06/15/2026

Knowing yourself is hard work. Each of us have different life experiences that often prevent us from truly knowing ourselves. As the years age us, we have additional opportunities to understand those past and current life experiences and how they impact the knowledge we have or think we have about ourselves.“As the years go by, you get to know yourself better and learn what works for you.” Marie HelvinIn my executive consulting practice, I had the hard and raw data that people knew what they didn’t do well over 92% of the time. However, these same individuals from CEO’s to Salespeople to even private individuals, did not know what they did well. Miguel Cervantes shared these words of wisdom in the novel Don Quixote:“Make it your business to know yourself, which is the most difficult les... 06/15/2026

For years, the housing industry has focused on the same conversations. Rising costs. Labor shortages. Project delays. Housing shortages. Yet many of the solutions already exist. The challenge is that too many professionals never get access to the information, strategies, and real-world examples that are changing how housing gets delivered across America.That is one of the reasons we created the free webinar replay library at Modular Home Source Professional.Whether you are a developer looking to improve project economics, a Realtor searching for new opportunities to serve clients, or an economic development professional focused on workforce and affordable housing, these webinars were designed to help you better understand where the housing industry is headed.The future of housing will n... 06/15/2026

On June 9, 2026, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that median home value price was $429,300 in May of 2026 up 1.3% from the price of $423,700 in May of 2025. Single family home sales were at annual rate of 3.8 million units in May of 2025 increased 3.5% from April of 2026, and rose 3.3% from home sales in May of 2025. The median single family home price was $424,300 in May of 2026, grew 1.3% from May of 2025.Condominium and co-op sales were annual rate of 370,000 units in May of 2026 unchanged 0.0% from April of 2026, but gained 1.7% from May of 2025. Median existing condo price was $378,200 in May of 2026, higher 1.7% from May of 2025.Distressed homes sales were 1.0% in May of 2026 decreased from 2.0% in April of 2026, and lower 3.0% in May of 2025.The Housing Affordabi... 06/15/2026

One of the things I love about performing magic is that no matter how much you rehearse, the unexpected can happen.Many years ago, I was performing a comedy handcuff routine for an audience of about 300 to 400 people. The show was on a stage about four feet high, and I needed a volunteer. The routine worked best with a lady who was trim and a little shorter than me, so I spotted what looked like the perfect volunteer sitting far back in the audience.I sent my assistant to ask if she would be willing to participate. He came back and said, "She said yes."Halfway through the show, I invited her on stage.As she walked up and stood next to me, I immediately realized I had made a mistake. From a distance, she had looked several inches shorter than me. Standing beside me, she was actually seve... 06/14/2026

Journal Entry for the June Challenge  Be the Difference. Here is what I Can Do to Strengthen ActiveRain. I can stay more connected by providing education by using my God given talent and my own creativity. By doing so, I can add value to the AR community. ActiveRain is all about people.Since 2010, ActiveRain has given me education, an opportunity to use my creativity, and to build stronger relationships with amazing people in this community.Here are ways I thought of creating a ripple effect.Be the light in other people’s eyes for it is written: “You are the Light of the World,” Matthew 14-16.  I shall stay true to my Values for they are the stepping stones to make others feel comfortable. I will remain strong especially when our ActiveRain Community is experiencing technological issues... 06/15/2026

I have a question for you.What is something you wish you had done 20 years ago?Bought Apple stock in 2006?Purchased Bitcoin when it was worth pennies?Invested in Amazon before e-commerce became mainstream?Bought a home before prices doubled and tripled across much of the country?Most people can instantly think of opportunities they missed. Not because they were impossible to see, but because they felt risky, unfamiliar, or too early at the time.The interesting thing about regret is that it rarely comes from taking action. More often, it comes from waiting too long. I see the same thing happening in construction today. For decades, the industry has struggled with labor shortages, cost overruns, project delays, weather disruptions, material waste, and declining productivity. We know the p... 06/14/2026

"I touch the future. I teach." — Christa McAuliffeThis quote resonated with me this past week as I spent several days with my granddaughter, Beckett.While her parents enjoyed a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and her brother attended a week-long Spurs basketball camp in San Antonio, Beckett and I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time together.At almost 12 years old, she is already becoming an impressive young lady, disciplined, organized, responsible, and committed to her goals. Each day she faithfully walked, fed, and played with their white Lab, June Carter. Every morning she headed off to work out from 9:00–10:00, followed by volleyball camp until 1:00. I'd pick her up afterward, and we'd enjoy lunch and a little downtime together.One evening, I took her to her favorite... 06/15/2026

06/14/2026

Every year on June 14th, and this year on Sunday June 14, 2026, we celebrate the Happy National celebrate Flag Day, to remember all the sacrifices people made to protect our Flag.The flag has thirteen red and white stripes represent the Union of original Colonies, and stars represent the states. Congress on August 3, 1949, designated June 14 of each year as “Flag Day."I am personally very grateful to everyone for the sacrifices they made to protect our Flag, so we can live a better life. God Bless United States of America and the Old Glory of our “Flag.”I want to wish to all my friends and to all members at Active Rain community a Happy Flag Day. 06/14/2026

The ActiveRain Community has been challenged to share ideas on how we can strengthen the platform and the community we have built together.Before we can fully answer that question, I believe it helps to understand how we arrived where we are today.Many of us remember when  ActiveRain was sold years ago. The transition created significant disruption for the community. The platform's visibility in search engines suffered, member engagement declined, and many long-time contributors left. While we can only speculate about what  ActiveRain might have become had that sale never occurred, we do know the consequences were substantial.When Ben Kinney purchased  ActiveRain and brought it back to life, there was both hope and uncertainty. Ben shared a vision for the future of the platform and has ... 06/13/2026

Looking for Something Special up to $750kI have a buyer relocating to Baltimore from out of state who hopes to purchase a home within the next couple of months. He is searching for a property with character, substance, and a setting that feels established and serene.His ideal home would be an older, stately residence- think center hall colonials, stone homes, classic architecture, and quality craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. At the same time, he also appreciates exceptional modern design. He would consider a striking contemporary home featuring stone, glass, or concrete elements if it offers the right setting and style.One thing is non-negotiable: he is looking for a "leafy" neighborhood. Mature trees, winding roads, wooded views, and a sense of privacy and tranquility are... 06/15/2026

The $375 Consultant Who Cost More Than Everyone ElseA Buyer Beware Story Every FHA 203(k) Borrower Needs to ReadThere is an old saying in construction:"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten."Over the years, I have seen that lesson play out hundreds of times.Sometimes it involved contractors.Sometimes it involved lenders.Sometimes it involved inspectors.And occasionally, it involved FHA 203(k) consultants.This is one of those stories.It started with a borrower who thought he had found a bargain.At least that is what he believed.The house was exactly what he wanted. It needed work, but not enough to scare him away. The location was perfect, the school district was good, and the price left room in the budget for renovations.His lender e... 06/13/2026

There are closings, and then there are closings that stay with you forever.Today was one of those.No, it wasn't my biggest settlement. Not even close. It certainly wasn't my quickest. We're talking years, not days, from the time we first discussed selling until the day we finally sat down at the closing table.It was a studio apartment. Click to Take a look Over the years, many people told me it would be difficult to sell. Some didn't like the size.  Some had no idea what a coop was. Others didn't understand the charm. Many commented on the furniture, the antiques, the artwork, and the very personal style that filled the space.But my seller never wavered."I told you,"  She said to me more than once. "The right person will find it."And today, she was right.One of the most beautiful parts ... 06/13/2026

Real estate can be a humbling business.Sometimes a past client gets their license.Sometimes a friend or relative lists a house with someone else.Sometimes someone you've helped for years makes a decision you never saw coming.When it happens, resist the urge to take it personally.You rarely know the whole story. It could be company culture, a mentorship opportunity, family pressure, a business partnership, or simply a path they felt was right for them.The best response?Congratulate them.Wish them success.Keep the relationship intact.This business is built on relationships, not transactions. Not every client, friend, or family member will choose us every time, and that's okay.Professionalism is often measured not by how we handle the wins, but by how we handle the disappointments.Keep ser... 06/13/2026