Admin

Real Estate Industry

“All the news that's fit to print,” or to click, as the case may be, can be found right here at your favorite real estate social networking site, ActiveRain. And here you thought it was merely a great place to chat with colleagues and slap up a blog post or two.


We know you're busy – whether it's trying to fill your pipeline or following up on what's already popped out of the bottom of it. Who has time to read? And, while real estate market news geared toward consumers is easy to round up on the Internet, news for brokers and Realtors is a bit harder to come by.


Your friends at ActiveRain understand how important each of those 168 hours in every week is so we've made it easy for you by consolidating everything you need to know to keep up-to-date with the real estate industry right here, in one place.


How are housing starts looking? Has the FHFA launched any new efforts? How's that Fannie and Freddie loan limit rollercoaster doing?


You've got the questions and your colleagues here at AR have the answers. It's at your fingertips – finally.

Recent blogs on Real Estate Industry
By Ryan Jabbour, Ryan Jabbour is a top listing agent and buyers
(The Jabbour Group)
South Florida is in the middle of one of the most active building cycles in its history. From luxury towers rising near Boca Raton's Brightline station to thousands of new residential units under construction across Palm Beach County, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for developers and investors who know where to look. If you are weighing your next project or your first new-construction purchase in the region, here is what is actually happening on the ground — and how to position yourself to win.The numbers behind the boomIn the West Palm Beach–Boca Raton market area alone, roughly 5,999 residential units are currently under construction, adding about 7.2% to existing inventory. The most active submarkets right now are West Palm Beach–North, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach–Ce...
Comments 0
By Marte Cliff, Your real estate writer
(Marte Cliff Copywriting)
Years ago, before I even had my own brokerage, one of my co-workers got involved with two men who came to town saying they wanted to buy every inexpensive house in town.In those days (1980's) we had plenty of them. Some were under $20,000 and in rugged shape. But they said they wanted them. They wrote offers on several, but only got as far as closing on one. Naturally they wrote a personal check for their down payment. The transaction was being closed by a local attorney's office and the closer decided to hold off on finalizing the transaction until the check had had time to clear the bank. Unfortunately, she didn't wait quite long enough. The check bounced. The rest of the transactions never got as far as closing. Only as far as the seller's acceptance. Then these two left town and wen...
Comments 1
By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
As Australia’s capital evolves, a quiet design revolution is transforming how residents live. From leafy Ainslie to sleek Denman Prospect, homeowners are embracing biophilic design—an approach that brings nature indoors to improve health, comfort, and sustainability. With energy costs rising and city life becoming more disconnected, Canberrans are using house renovations Canberra to restore that vital connection between humans and the natural world.This shift isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating homes that breathe, flow, and respond to nature’s rhythms. Here’s how this movement is reshaping the capital’s homes and redefining modern living.From Concrete to Calm: Redefining the Modern HomeBiophilic design is built on a simple idea: humans thrive when surrounded by nature. Canbe...
Comments 0
On June 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide housing building permits declined 0.7% to 1,413,000 units in May of 2026 from 1,423,000 units in April of 2026, and down 0.2% from 1,416,000 in May of 2025. Single family building permits higher 0.6% to a rate of 886,000 units in May of 2025, from 881,000 units in April of 2026, and there were 474,000 multifamily building permits issued in May of 2025.Nationwide housing starts dropped 15.4% to 1,177,000 units in May of 2026, from 1,392,000 units in April of 2026 and decreased 8.7% from 1,289,000 units in May of 2025. Single family starts lower 1.9% to a rate of 882,000 units in May of 2026 from 899,000 in April of 2026, and there were 284,000 multifamily building starts ...
Comments 1
Most New York City landlords still enforce the 40x-rent rule: to rent an apartment outright, you typically need verifiable annual income of at least 40 times the monthly rent. On a $3,000 apartment, that means proving roughly $120,000 a year. Plenty of reliable, qualified renters - recent graduates, international students, freelancers, people just arriving in the city - fall short of that math even when they can comfortably cover the monthly payment. That's where a third-party rent guarantor comes in. Instead of leaning on a parent or a U.S.-based co-signer, a renter pays a service to act as the financial backstop a landlord requires. In the 2026 NYC rental market, where competition for inventory is fierce and brokers screen aggressively, a rent guarantor service has become one of the m...
Comments 0
By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏡💰 SHOULD YOU PAY A BUYER'S CLOSING COSTS? WHAT TODAY'S SELLERS NEED TO KNOW 💰🏡A few years ago, sellers could call most of the shots.Today's market? Not so much.As inventory continues to grow, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the home-selling process again.One of the most common requests sellers are seeing today:👉 "Will you help with my closing costs?"Before you immediately say "no," here's what you should know.📊 What Are Closing Costs?In addition to a down payment, buyers typically pay for:✔️ Loan fees✔️ Appraisals✔️ Inspections✔️ Title fees✔️ Attorney fees✔️ Surveys and other transaction costsFor a $400,000 home, that can easily add up to:💰 $8,000 - $20,000+For many buyers, coming up with that extra cash is often harder than qualifying for the monthly payment.📈 More Sellers ...
Comments 1
By Peter Mohylsky, Broker, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
There are a lot of things that need to be done *just right* when selling your home – pricing it well & competitively is one of the most important.There is no majic app that help you determine the listing price.  The general rule is that you determine the listing price guided y all the above items but then experience kicks in and hopefully, you get showings followed shortly after with an offer.  It is not a science , it is an art.  Lucky for you, I'm an expert and can help you hit that sweet spot in home pricing.Just send me a message when you're ready to begin your home-selling adventure!#thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a061626 #homeowner #realestate
Comments 0
By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
🏗️🏡 HOUSING STARTS DROP TO A 6-YEAR LOW — WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR BUYERS? 🏡🏗️The latest housing data is in, and it's sending a clear message:📉 Single-family home construction fell to its lowest level since September 2025.📉 Overall housing starts dropped 15.4% in May — the weakest level in six years.Why?🔹 Mortgage rates remain elevated🔹 Construction costs continue to rise🔹 Labor shortages persist🔹 Builders are facing increased pressure from higher material and import costs📊 Key Numbers🏠 Single-family housing starts: 882,000 annual pace (-1.9%)🏢 Total housing starts: 1.177 million annual pace (-15.4%)📋 Building permits: Single-family permits rose slightly (+0.6%)💡 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?Fewer homes being built today could mean:✅ Continued inventory shortages in many markets✅ More competition f...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Choosing the right solar installation provider can be a complex decision for homeowners looking to transition to renewable energy. Among various options in the market, Sunfinity Power stands out with its exceptional service and expertise. This article explores the reasons why homeowners prefer Sunfinity Power Solar Installation over other providers, delving into their unmatched expertise, reliability, cost-effective solutions, and outstanding customer support. These factors combine to make Sunfinity Power a top choice for those looking to harness solar energy efficiently and effectively.Sunfinity Power's Unmatched Solar Installation ExpertiseSunfinity Power boasts a team of skilled professionals who bring extensive experience to every solar installation project. Their expertise is evide...
Comments 0
In real estate, buyers rarely purchase only what they see in front of them. They also buy what they believe a property can become.That is why some homes are harder to market than others. An empty living room may feel cold online. An outdated exterior may hide a strong architectural structure. A property that needs renovation may be full of opportunity, but many buyers struggle to imagine the finished result. Even a well-priced listing can lose attention if the photos do not communicate possibility.For real estate professionals, this creates a familiar challenge: how do you help buyers understand the potential of a property without overpromising or misrepresenting it?This is where AI visualization is becoming a practical tool for agents, developers, stagers, designers, and property marke...
Comments 0
Creating engaging commercial spaces is a complex task that requires expertise in both design and functionality. Agencies often face the challenge of transforming these spaces to meet the dynamic needs of businesses and consumers alike. United Constructors Inc. stands out as a leader in this field, leveraging its extensive experience and innovative approaches to turn commercial spaces into vibrant environments. This article will explore their methods, key design elements, successful case studies, and future trends in commercial space design with United Constructors Inc.How United Constructors Inc. Enhances Commercial SpacesUnited Constructors Inc. employs a meticulous approach to enhance commercial spaces, beginning with a thorough Client Onboarding Workflow. This ensures that all client...
Comments 0
By Linda Edelwich, Serving Glastonbury & Beyond | 218 New London Trnk
(William Raveis Real Estate)
A meaningful portion of the buyer conversation in Hebron, Connecticut involves septic and well systems, particularly with buyers relocating from areas where public utilities are standard. Helping them move from unfamiliarity to confidence is often one of the more useful things an agent can do early in the process. Why the concern is usually disproportionate to the realityBuyers who have never owned a home with private utilities tend to arrive with vague concerns that become more manageable the moment they understand what the systems actually involve. Septic and well ownership in Hebron is the norm, not an exception, and the systems are reliable when properly maintained and inspected before purchase. The gap between how complicated these systems sound and how straightforward they are to ...
Comments 1
Corporate relocations have long been associated with large companies moving executives from one city to another. Today, however, workforce mobility has expanded beyond traditional executive transfers. Businesses are relocating entire teams, opening regional offices, supporting remote workers, and helping employees move to areas that offer a better quality of life.For real estate professionals, this shift presents an opportunity that often goes unnoticed.Understanding the Modern Relocation ClientRelocation clients are different from typical homebuyers or renters. They usually work within a defined timeline, have specific housing requirements, and often need guidance on neighborhoods, schools, transportation, and local amenities.Many relocating employees are unfamiliar with the area and r...
Comments 1
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Corporate relocations have long been associated with large companies moving executives from one city to another. Today, however, workforce mobility has expanded beyond traditional executive transfers. Businesses are relocating entire teams, opening regional offices, supporting remote workers, and helping employees move to areas that offer a better quality of life.For real estate professionals, this shift presents an opportunity that often goes unnoticed.Understanding the Modern Relocation ClientRelocation clients are different from typical homebuyers or renters. They usually work within a defined timeline, have specific housing requirements, and often need guidance on neighborhoods, schools, transportation, and local amenities.Many relocating employees are unfamiliar with the area and r...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Most people start thinking about a whole house remodel in Bothell, WA after one project leads to another. You replace the kitchen. Then you notice how worn the master bath looks by comparison. Then the hallway flooring starts to feel embarrassingly dated. Before long, you're having a different conversation — not about one room, but about the whole house.That's actually not a bad way to arrive at this decision. What it means is that you've already lived through a remodel, you know what's involved, and you have a clearer picture of what you actually want. What you might not fully anticipate is how a whole-house remodel in an older Bothell home differs from individual room projects — both in scope and in what gets discovered along the way.This post is a realistic look at what that process ...
Comments 0
Here's a scene that plays out in Bellevue neighborhoods every spring: a homeowner walks out onto their deck for the first time since October, and what they find is not the deck they left in September. The stain has faded unevenly. There's a greening patch on the north side near the house. Boards that were clean in fall are now showing gray weathering. The wood that looked protected in August has clearly been through something.Wood staining in Bellevue, WA is one of those home maintenance tasks that most homeowners either don't think about enough or do incorrectly when they do think about it. Bellevue's Pacific Northwest climate is genuinely hard on exterior wood surfaces — the eight-month wet season, the moss and algae that colonize any shaded surface, the freeze-thaw cycling through wi...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Pest damage can create serious challenges when it comes time to sell a house. Many homeowners discover hidden issues caused by termites, carpenter ants, rodents, or other pests long after the damage has occurred. In some cases, treatments were attempted years ago, yet the infestation was never fully eliminated. When selling a property with untreated or poorly treated pest damage, buyers often become concerned about repair costs, structural safety, and future infestations.A house with pest damage is not impossible to sell. The key is understanding what buyers expect, how disclosures work, and what options are available. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, homeowners can still complete a successful sale without unnecessary delays.Why Buyers Pay Close Attention to Pest Prob...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Divorce brings many difficult decisions, and one of the biggest is deciding what to do with a shared home. For many couples in Georgia, the house represents years of memories, financial investment, and personal attachment. When emotions are already running high, disagreements about selling the property can quickly create additional stress.A home sale during a divorce does not have to become another battle. With clear communication, proper planning, and a focus on practical goals, both parties can work toward a solution that protects their interests. Understanding the process can help reduce conflict and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.Putting Shared Goals Ahead of Old ArgumentsOne of the most effective ways to avoid conflict is to focus on the future rather than past ...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
There is no fencing material that looks more classically elegant than wrought iron or ornamental steel. A well-maintained iron fence on a Kirkland or Mercer Island property — black paint fresh, pickets straight, finish tight — communicates permanence and craftsmanship in a way that no wood or vinyl product can match. It photographs beautifully. It adds character to period homes and contemporary architecture alike. It lasts, when properly maintained, for generations.That last qualifier is the one that matters most in Seattle. Iron fence installation in Seattle, WA introduces a material that is genuinely incompatible with the Pacific Northwest climate if maintenance is neglected. The wet winters, the persistent moisture, the moss that colonizes any surface left wet for months — all of it ...
Comments 0
Seattle's ADU market has been one of the most active in the country over the past several years, and for good reason. A city with some of the highest rents in the nation, a housing shortage that's been discussed exhaustively without being resolved, and a regulatory environment that has progressively loosened ADU restrictions has created conditions where building a small additional dwelling on your property can make compelling financial sense.ADU construction in Seattle, WA is no longer the niche project it was a decade ago. Homeowners in Ballard, Shoreline, Capitol Hill, and across the city are building accessory dwelling units for everything from rental income to multigenerational living to long-term investment. The project is common enough that experienced Seattle contractors have dev...
Comments 0
Back to Top