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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 Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
As I write this post, my heart is heavy for the recent, two horrific disasters that have happened in our country these past months. From the flooding in North Carolina to the fires that are still burning in California, these disasters are changing the landscape in many areas. Thousands of homeowners are currently trying to assess and determine their next steps.My thoughts and prayers are with those who are dealing with these difficult times. I have gone through several aftermaths of flooding and hurricanes from living in the Houston, Texas area for 35 years. I have been up close and personal dealing with the clean-up, the emotions, and the insurance processes. None of it is easy and the events no doubt, are life-changing.What we know as real estate professionals is when people are final...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
As we reflect on the home renovation landscape of 2015, it's clear that this year was pivotal in shaping modern design trends that continue to influence homeowners today. From open floor plans that promote fluid living spaces to the integration of sustainable materials, 2015 set the stage for innovative approaches to home improvement. This article explores the top renovation trends from that year, offering insights into how these ideas can transform your space and enhance your lifestyle. Whether planning a major overhaul or simply looking for inspiration, these trends highlight the creativity and functionality that defined home renovations in 2015, along with insights from New Jersey's top-rated home improvement contractors to help guide your renovation journey.Key Takeaways 2015 saw th...
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By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
I always chuckle when our Association sends out emails in mid to end of December with last-minute commission update classes.    There must be those that wait until the last dang minute for this or they wouldn't be offered. My preference is as soon as I can get into a class first of January, as there are new rules that have come out, and want to know them right away.    Boy, this year there were sure LOTS of new rules in Colorado passed for tenants.  Again, so glad I don't have anything to do with leasing or tenants!    There was a whole hour on just this topic. I always like to go back into House Bills given or even the Commission Position statements to review them again. PS - while on this Zoom class one of my past clients sent me an email asking to meet up for dinner in a week.   Gues...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Finding the right location for commercial premises to let in New York can be a challenge. The city’s diversity offers endless options, but not every area will suit your business needs. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.Understand Your Business NeedsStart by analyzing your business requirements. Ask yourself: Who are your customers? Do you need foot traffic or easy access by car? Will your employees commute to the location? Knowing your priorities will help you narrow down neighborhoods and areas to explore.Research NeighborhoodsNew York is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. For example: Midtown Manhattan: Great for corporate offices and retail. SoHo: Ideal for high-end boutiques and galleries. Brooklyn: Perfect for startups and creative industri...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Finding the right commercial space in a big city can feel overwhelming. Big cities offer countless options, but not all of them will fit your needs. Taking a structured approach can save time and prevent costly mistakes. Here are some steps to make the process easier and more effective to get commercial space for rent in a big city, like New York, or London for example.Define Your NeedsStart by knowing exactly what you need. Consider the following: Size: How much space do you require now, and how much might you need in the future? Type of Business: Different businesses have different requirements. A retail store might need display areas, while an office space needs workstations and meeting rooms. Employees: How many people will be working there? Do you need additional facilities like a ...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Home remodeling is a fascinating technique for changing your space and upgrading your property. Whether you're invigorating a singular room or dealing with a full-house makeover, the cycle requires careful readiness and route.This article will provide details on the following topicBefore you hop into a home redesigning project, it's crucial to painstakingly plan everything about it. From setting a sensible monetary arrangement to picking the right materials, each step impacts a definitive outcome. With ace guidance and genuine bearing, you can avoid typical snares and participate in a smooth revamping experience.The Dos of Home RemodelingSetting a sensible spending plan is the underpinning of any productive home-modifying project. Research the costs of materials, work, and permits prece...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Top 5 Reasons It Might Be Time to MoveDeciding to move is a big decision, but sometimes life’s changes make it clear that it’s time for a new space. Whether it’s about finding the perfect fit or improving your quality of life, here are the top five signs it might be time to start packing:1. You’ve Outgrown Your Space Life evolves, and so do your needs. Maybe your family has grown, or you’ve transitioned to working from home and need a dedicated office. Whatever the reason, feeling cramped can create unnecessary stress. Moving to a larger home can provide the space you need to live more comfortably and stay organized.2. You Have Too Much Space On the flip side, perhaps your kids have moved out, or you’re simply finding that you’re not using all the rooms in your house. Maintaining a larg...
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By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
The start of 2025 looks very promising for business!   I had another web visitor sign up and after I emailed her, she called me!   That always is a good sign!   Will be looking for a horse ranch for her in the near future.Also have had a couple of other calls to possibly sell in the next couple of months from past clients.This time of year is usually pretty busy in my market and with my clients, so taking advantage and not going anywhere in the next couple of months. The trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland is booked and with a twist - going to Prague also!   Decided rather than rent a car, try to understand the road signs, booked with EF Go Ahead Tours.   This was the tour company I used for the South American trip, and was very happy with them.   Leaving in September, so again hav...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
2025 is going to be an exciting year in real estate!Here’s what experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are forecasting…✔️ Home sales on the rise 📈Expect a 9% increase in existing home sales and an 11% jump in new home sales. With more jobs and improving economic conditions, more buyers may finally make their move!✔️ Mortgage rates to stabilizeRates may hover at the lower end of the 6%–7% range, but don’t expect drastic drops yet. The Fed’s rate cuts might help, but the budget deficit will play a key role.✔️ Slow & steady home price growthPrices are expected to grow at a more manageable 2% in 2025, bringing some relief to buyers after years of rapid increases.✔️ A new wave of buyers→ Cash buyers are making moves, with 26% of home sales being all-cash.→ First-time buyers ar...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Thinking of selling your home this year?Here are three key insights to help you navigate the market 👇01 – Mortgage rates impact buyersMortgage rates are stabilizing but remain higher than the historic lows we saw a few years ago.Pricing your home competitively will be crucial to attract serious buyers.02 – Inventory is risingWith more homes coming on the market, presentation matters more than ever.Declutter, stage, and make small improvements to help your home stand out from the competition.03 – Buyer demographics are changingAll-cash buyers, multigenerational households, and first-time buyers over the age of 38 are on the rise.Knowing who your potential buyers are can help you market your home effectively.💬 If you’re thinking about selling, comment “GUIDE” and I’ll DM you my Seller Gui...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Bad tenants are bad for your business. You can ruin your career as a real estate investor if you don’t properly vet your prospective tenants before letting them move into your property. Due to high mortgage rates and property prices, there are plenty of people who need to rent instead of buy. As a property owner, the more tenants you can get into your property, the better. However, not all tenants are alike. Some tenants may not have the financial ability to pay rent each month. Other tenants may not care about where they live and needlessly damage the property. Other tenants may engage in illegal activity that can put you and others at risk. While many tenants are clean and thoughtful, a proper screening process can help mitigate risk, ensuring the property is safe and functional not j...
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By Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor®
(Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA)
Are you making plans to place your home on the active Real Estate Market in 2025? If so, are you also planning on hiring a professional Realtor® to assist and guide you through the process? If Not, why? The article below provides some advantages of hiring a professional Realtor® and why your counterparts are hiring professionals to guide them. Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent Some Highlights More homeowners are realizing they need an agent’s help in this complex market – and that’s why a record-low number of people are selling without a pro by their side. Without an agent’s help, tackling pricing, staging and repairs, paperwork, negotiation, and more can be a real headache. Selling without a pro isn’t worth the hassle. Connect with an agent to see if you’d work well toget...
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What does your 2025 profile picture say about you?As we approach the New Year with fresh ideas and new goals and objectives, it is also a good time to refresh our profile photographs on all of our social media sites and on ActiveRain.For those of us that wish to project a professional image in our communities, great care must be given to profile images that project the first and perhaps the last impression.  When your personal photograph is outdated, unclear or poorly presented, it is fair to assume that we handle our business in the same way. It may be fun to share photographs of children, pets or have joint photographs, but these are certainly not images that we would place on business cards.  Your personal profile picture should be current and it should represent you as you in the im...
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By Nancy Braun, Professional Service, Personally Delivered
(Showcase Realty LLC)
Are you considering making Charlotte NC your new home? With its Southern charm, Charlotte offers exciting opportunities for buyers and investors. Whether searching for your dream home or exploring investment options, understanding the local market trends is essential.  As a top real estate agent in Charlotte, I’ve guided many clients through this market. In October 2024, the median listing price for homes in Charlotte reached $429.9K—a 2.4% increase from last year. With demand for Charlotte NC homes on the rise, this market is clearly thriving.  In this article, I’ll share insights into current trends, tips for buying or selling, and the best neighborhoods to watch. What Drives the Charlotte Real Estate Market? Charlotte’s real estate market is booming, and several vital factors fuel it...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
When you're faced with a IRS lien on your assets start by reviewing the lien details and talking to the IRS to explore your options. Whether you choose to pay off the debt or negotiate for a settlement, discharging that lien and understanding the steps involved to settle it be the discussion here. So, what's the first move you should make to get started on this journey?Key Takeaways Review the lien documentation to fully understand the terms and conditions associated with the IRS lien on your asset. Communicate with the IRS to explore options for negotiation or settlement regarding the outstanding debt. Pay off the debt directly if financially feasible to eliminate the lien against your property. Negotiate a settlement with the IRS to reach an agreeable resolution that may reduce the to...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I can not say that I've ever thought that a year seemed like a second, especially the last couple of years. When you experience injury it seems to make healing time slow to a crawl.Yesterday Joe wished time would slow down, today he wants things to speed up. I wonder if Joe is talking about Real Estate? Young people save for purchasing a home and it seems to take forever. The money is saved and the time is right to look for a home. Looking at homes for sale can feel like time is flying and home after home gets to be a blur. Once they find a home paying it off is a time crawl. That young couple is now old and they want to down size. The selling of that home has both aspects of time flying and crawling. Real Estate is a time machine roller coaster.Most people ride that Real Estate time ro...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
It's tempting to think that real estate investing is a world for millionaires and billionaires, especially with real estate prices climbing so high in recent years. But the truth is, real estate investing is much more accessible than most people realize.It may not be literally possible to start real estate investing if you have zero capital; after all, you can't invest in anything with no money. But you can start real estate investing with very minimal capital, and you can start the process even if you currently don't have any savings.The Truth: You Do Need Some CapitalObviously, you'll need at least some capital to begin real estate investing, or else you won't have anything to invest with. But most people don’t understand how much money they really need to get started here.According t...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
You’re probably not planning on tackling a roof replacement on your own. This isn’t a one-person job. There’s a good reason you rarely see only one person hammering away at a roof. Even replacing the roof on a small one-bed-and-bath home can easily take a professional crew most of the day. However, even if you’re not turning it into a DIY it still can help to know what the process entails. So, here’s a look at the common processes involved in a roof replacement.Is It Time to Replace Your Roof?Replacing a roof isn’t something you do for fun or on a whim. Even if your homeowner’s insurance policy is covering the replacement costs, you’re probably still facing a deductible. The deductible is probably also pretty substantial. We’re usually talking well over a few hundred dollars. Not to men...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
In 2024, Northern Virginia's real estate market showcased remarkable luxury properties, with the top ten most expensive homes sold reflecting both opulence and architectural excellence. These are the most expensive Northern Virginia homes sold in 2024, according to Homes.com.1. $25.5 Million – 700 Bulls Neck Rd., McLeanPerched on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, this 32,000-square-foot mansion offers unparalleled views. The estate features eight bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, indoor basketball court, a 22-car garage that doubles as a ballroom, and both indoor and outdoor pools.  2. $15.5 Million – 36987 Mountville Rd., MiddleburgKnown as Bolinvar, this premier equestrian estate spans over 325 acres and is set to celebrate its centennial in 2025. The stone mano...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
The real estate industry is no stranger to innovation. Technology has continuously reshaped how properties are bought and sold from online listings to virtual tours. In 2025, drone photography is emerging as a game-changer, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives and immersive experiences that captivate potential buyers like never before.A Bird's-Eye View: The Advantages of Drone PhotographyTraditional real estate photography, while effective, is often limited to ground-level perspectives. Drone photography breaks these boundaries, providing a dynamic and comprehensive view of a property. Here's how it's transforming the market: Showcasing Scale and Surroundings: Drones capture the true expanse of a property, highlighting its size, layout, and relationship to surrounding features like...
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