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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 Carla Goddard, The New-Build Ecosystem for Agents
(vicinity)
Vicinity, the premier platform for new construction real estate, is proud to announce the appointment of Robin Lawson as Director of Agent Success.Lawson joins the Vicinity leadership team with over twenty years of experience in the real estate sector. Her career is distinguished by a dual expertise in high-level agent production and strategic builder sales and marketing, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the new home construction lifecycle.In her new role, Lawson will oversee agent onboarding, curriculum development, and ongoing professional training. Her appointment signals Vicinity's commitment to providing agents with elite-level resources to navigate and succeed in the specialized new construction market."Robin’s deep-rooted experience on both the production and b...
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Brian Sharkey is a real estate educator, trainer, and broker dedicated to helping agents increase their income through better systems, smarter marketing, and modern technology. With decades of experience in sales, coaching, and professional development, Brian focuses on practical strategies that help agents generate listings, build referral businesses, and create predictable commission income.Brian is widely known for his energetic teaching style and his ability to translate complex real estate concepts into simple systems agents can immediately implement. His training combines traditional real estate mastery with modern AI tools, marketing automation, and business planning frameworks designed for today's competitive market.Brian has been deeply involved in Realtor leadership and profes...
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On March 11, 2026, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales grew 1.7% to annual rate of 4.09 million homes in February of 2026 from January of 2026, but declined 1.4% from February of 2025.There were 1.29 million homes supplies of available inventory in February of 2026, gained 2.4% from January of 2026, and rose 4.9% from February of 2025.There were 3.8 months available inventory in February of 2026 same as from 3.8 months January of 2026, but increased from 3.6 months in February of 2025.On average it took 47 days to sell a home in February of 2026, higher from 46 days in January of 2026, and from 42 days in February 2025.First time buyers acquired 34.0% of homes in February of 2026, grew from 31.0% in January of 2026, and from 31.0% in Febr...
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By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 The Role of Data in Modern Real Estate Decision Making Real Estate Has Always Been a Data IndustryReal estate decisions have always depended on data.Property values emerge from comparable sales. Investment decisions depend on absorption rates, supply dynamics, and price trends. Negotiation outcomes rely on accurate interpretation of market signals.Yet the industry historically treated data as an afterthought rather than a strategic asset.Professionals relied on experience, instinct, and fragmented information sources. Data existed, but it was often incomplete, delayed, or difficult to interpret.The modern market no longer allows that level of ambiguity.Today’s real estate environment moves faster, contains more variables, and exposes professionals to greater competition. In this enviro...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Demand for data centres continues to rise as digital services expand across business, public infrastructure, and everyday life. More data is being processed, stored, and transferred than ever before, which means physical facilities must keep pace with growing technical needs. These buildings are now central to modern infrastructure, not just specialist assets on the edge of the market. As demand increases, so does the value of data centre construction consultants. Their expertise helps ensure new facilities are designed and delivered to support current performance requirements while remaining ready for future technology demands.Digital Growth Is Driving New DemandThe need for data centres is closely tied to wider digital growth. Businesses rely on cloud-based systems, remote access, onl...
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By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 How Valuation Intelligence Improves Negotiation OutcomesNegotiation Begins Long Before the OfferMost real estate negotiations appear to begin when an offer is written.In reality, the negotiation process begins much earlier.It begins with valuation understanding.When a buyer, seller, or agent enters negotiation without clear market intelligence, the conversation is driven by perception rather than evidence.Offers feel arbitrary.Counteroffers become emotional.Concessions appear unpredictable.The absence of structured valuation intelligence creates uncertainty for all participants.I have long argued that the strongest negotiation advantage in real estate is not personality or persuasion.It is clarity.The Difference Between Price and ValueNegotiation failures often stem from confusion betw...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Clintonville Market ObservationThe number of homes hitting the market the last few weeks has been increasing. At the same time, buyers are being more selective than they were a year or two ago.What this means for sellers:• Pricing correctly matters more than ever• Condition and presentation make a difference• The best homes are still moving quicklyIf you're wondering what your home might sell for in today's market, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to give you an honest opinion.— Joe JacksonKeller Williams Capital Partners“I do make house calls.”
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Walk down enough small-town main streets and you start noticing a pattern. Narrow storefront, paper in the windows, a faded "for lease" sign that's been there long enough to curl at the edges. Too small for a real restaurant, too prominent to just ignore.Something's changing though.Instead of waiting for a traditional tenant, landlords are experimenting with micro-concepts — tiny food and beverage operations that don't need much space, don't require massive build-out, and can get up and running on flexible lease terms. Small by design. And working in places where conventional retail stopped working years ago.1. Ice Cream Walk-Up WindowsSimplest concept on this list. A service window facing the sidewalk, no seating, minimal décor. Customers walk up, order, grab their cone, move on.Becaus...
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By Shirley Coomer, Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az
(Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living)
The Phoenix real estate market between 2020 and 2021 compressed years of market movement into a very short window. Record-low mortgage rates collided with extremely limited inventory, and the result was one of the most competitive environments many of us have ever worked through.During that period, many listings received double-digit offer counts within days. Buyers routinely waived contingencies simply to remain competitive. Contracts escalated rapidly and pricing frequently moved beyond recent comparable sales.That phase dramatically increased homeowner equity across the Valley. It also changed the psychology of both buyers and sellers.What many professionals are seeing now is that today’s market is still being interpreted through the lens of that short, extreme period. The conditions...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
There is a particular kind of quiet that only exists outside the city. It settles over you slowly, at first unfamiliar, then deeply welcome. In Georgia, that quiet is not hard to find. The state stretches far beyond Atlanta's skyline and Savannah's cobblestones into a landscape of pine forests, red clay roads, and small towns where neighbors still wave from front porches. For people burned out on traffic, noise, and the relentless pace of urban life, Georgia's rural communities offer something genuinely restorative: a slower rhythm and a stronger sense of place.This guide explores some of the most livable and appealing rural communities across Georgia, places where the cost of living is reasonable, nature is close, and community still means something. Whether you are considering retirem...
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By Larry Atkins, Veteran Owned & Operated
(State Wide Realty Co.)
Lunenburg Co.1805 County Line Rd.Keysville, VA  239473 Bedrooms~2 Baths~1320 Sqft.~2.63 AcresUNDER CONTRACT Here you will find an amazing homestead with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,320 sqft. setting on 2.63 acres of beautiful countryside. The expansive living room anchors the home, the kitchen features a double oven, cook-top stove, island and a pantry. A lovely dining room with tile floors and French doors can accommodate any crowd. The three bedrooms are spacious and the primary bedroom has a private bath. The home has all new carpet, paint, new upgraded appliances and exterior work done. Outside a rear deck 22’x12’ overlooks the land, a 32x14 building with electric, a barn with 6-stalls with electric and water, a 12x8 shed for tools/supplies, a carport and fencing in place. Come make a li...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 10, 2026) — There were 1,747 closed sales in February, marking the second straight month that sales matched the pace from one year earlier.Through the first two months of 2026, there have been 3,262 closings in the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS, just two fewer than the 3,264 closings recorded during the same period in 2025.“While conditions vary by community, February’s numbers point to a market that remains strong and competitive,” said Columbus REALTORS® President Gloria Alonso Cannon. “That is good news for sellers, but buyers still need to be ready when the right home hits the market.”Sales in Franklin County declined 4.6% year over year to 888 closings, while Delaware and Fairfield counties posted double-digit gains. Fairfield County recorded 131 closin...
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By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 Why Floor Height Impacts Condo Value More Than Square FootageThe Industry Overvalues the Obvious MetricsMost property valuations begin with the same variables.Square footage.Bedrooms.Bathrooms.These metrics are easy to compare and easy to standardize across listings.But they rarely capture the factors that truly shape condominium value.In vertical real estate, elevation matters more than interior dimensions.A two-bedroom condominium on the 32nd floor often commands a premium over a larger unit ten floors below.The difference is not cosmetic.It is structural.Floor height directly influences view quality, noise exposure, natural light, and perceived exclusivity.These factors shape buyer demand far more than an additional fifty square feet of interior space.Vertical Scarcity Drives Demand...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Water damage can happen at any time and can quickly turn into a serious problem for homeowners. Burst pipes, heavy rain, roof leaks, and flooding can all cause water to enter your home. When water sits in your property for too long, it can damage walls, floors, furniture, and even the structure of your house. That is why water damage restoration is important. Acting quickly helps protect your home and reduces repair costs.In this blog, you will learn why fast action is important, how water damage restoration works, and what steps you can take to restore your home safely.Why Water Damage Is a Serious ProblemWater may look harmless, but it can cause major damage in a short time. Within minutes, water can soak into carpets, furniture, drywall, and wood floors. Within a few hours, walls and...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
A home’s entrance serves as both a welcoming point and a primary line of defence. Choosing the right wooden door significantly influences how secure a property feels. Understanding essential features allows homeowners to make informed decisions without compromising style.Investing in high-quality external oak doors often provides peace of mind through inherent strength and natural durability. These doors combine robust timber with modern engineering, supporting advanced locking mechanisms and reinforced cores that resist attempts at forced entry.Multi-Point Locking SystemsSingle locks rarely suffice against determined intrusion. Multi-point locking systems engage multiple bolts along the frame, increasing resistance to prying and lifting attempts. Operation remains simple through a sing...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Water damage can happen when you least expect it. A burst pipe, heavy rain, leaking roof, or flooded basement can quickly cause serious problems in your home or business. When water enters your property, it can damage floors, walls, furniture, and personal belongings. If the problem is not handled quickly, it may also lead to mold growth and structural damage. This is why many people look for expert water damage restoration services near them when an emergency occurs.Professional restoration services help remove water, dry the affected areas, and repair the damage. Acting fast can save your property and prevent bigger problems in the future.Why Water Damage Needs Immediate AttentionWater damage spreads very quickly. In just a few minutes, water can soak into carpets, furniture, and wall...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Paver systems are widely used in residential construction and landscape architecture to create durable outdoor surfaces for patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks. Compared to poured concrete or asphalt, interlocking pavers offer design flexibility, structural durability, and easier long term maintenance.Understanding the professional installation process helps homeowners and property developers evaluate workmanship quality and ensure that hardscape surfaces perform properly over time. Companies such as Sublime Pavers and other hardscape contractors follow structured installation practices that focus on proper base preparation, drainage planning, and precise placement of interlocking materials.A well constructed paver surface functions as a layered system where each stage of instal...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
In the evolving 2026 real estate landscape, the post-NAR settlement changes (effective since August 2024) continue to reshape how buyer agent commissions work. Commissions are now fully negotiable, no longer advertised on MLS listings, and buyers must sign written agreements outlining compensation before touring homes. This shift aimed for more transparency and competition but in practice, buyer agent commissions have not dropped dramatically as some predicted.Instead, national averages have ticked back up slightly after a brief dip in late 2024. Recent data from Redfin (Q3 2025) shows the U.S. average buyer agent commission at 2.42% (up from 2.36% a year earlier), with some reports indicating stabilization around 2.4–2.5%. For higher-end homes ($1M+), it's often lower (~2.2%), while lo...
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After decades of moving from base to base, following orders and building a life around the mission, retirement brings something most service members have rarely had: the freedom to choose where to live. For many veterans, California is the answer. With its year-round mild climate, strong military infrastructure, access to VA healthcare, and communities that genuinely understand military culture, the Golden State continues to attract retired service members from every branch. Whether someone served at Camp Pendleton, NAS Lemoore, or Travis Air Force Base, there is often a pull to stay close to familiar ground while finally building a permanent home.This guide walks you through the top California cities where retired military members are planting roots, and explores what makes each locati...
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By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 Why Most Buyers Overpay for CondominiumsCondominium Pricing Is Often MisunderstoodMost residential buyers assume condominium pricing follows a simple logic. Comparable sales determine value, and units within the same building should trade within a narrow range.In practice, the pricing structure inside condominium buildings is far more complex.Small variables create large value differences.Unit stack position.Floor elevation.Exposure direction.Renovation cycles.Association financial strength.Buyers who evaluate condos only through surface comparisons often miss these distinctions. The result is predictable.They overpay for units that appear similar but hold weaker long-term positioning within the building’s micro-market.The Building Is Its Own MarketEvery condominium building functions ...
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