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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 Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
   Central Ohio Housing Report — March 2024 Three months into 2024, closings, new listings, and median sales prices are up over 2023.   Sortable Housing Statistics Central Ohio Housing Statistics   Closed sales saw a slight dip year-over-year. Still, median sales price, new listings, and total inventory all saw gains in the latest housing statistics provided by Columbus REALTORS®.   In March, 2,218 closed sales were recorded in the Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS, a 3.7 percent decrease over March 2023. However, sales were up 15.8 percent compared to last month. There were 1,915 closed sales in February 2024.   “The first three months of the year have shown us that we’re on the cusp of a busy spring selling season in central Ohio,” said Columbus REALTORS® President Scott Hrabcak....
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By Andrew Lesa, I help investors & consumers with real estate
(Real Estate Agent with Realtor)
In the dynamic realm of Dubai's real estate market, where relationships are paramount and competition is fierce, professionals are constantly seeking ways to stand out and foster lasting connections. Among the various strategies employed, the significance of corporate gifting cannot be overstated. Corporate gifts serve as tangible expressions of appreciation, fostering goodwill and strengthening ties between parties involved in real estate transactions. In this article, we delve into the profound impact of corporate gifts on navigating business relationships within Dubai's vibrant real estate landscape.highlighting the importance of thoughtful and culturally appropriate corporate gifts in Dubai.Building Trust and RapportAt the core of every successful real estate transaction lies trust ...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
This has happened to me countless times, so I am certain you have also experienced this, too.You are in public, perhaps in a restaurant,  and somehow, along with the clanging of the silverwear and multiple other conversations, you hear from many tables away, one of these words, or similar are spoken, and you stop eating:Realtor.  Real estate agent.  Houses.  Appreciation.  Time to sell.   Multiple offers.  Relocating.  Downsize.  Mortgage rates.   Neighbor sold for...What do you do?  Do you ignore them, or do you listen more intently?  Do you chime in, interjecting yourself into their conversation?  Do you sheepishly admit that you overheard them, and hand them a business card?Or do you do nothing?https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
We're thrilled to announce that Kukun, your trusted partner in real estate analytics and customer engagement tools, has been selected to participate in the prestigious 2024 REACH program by Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). You can find their official website here: NAR ReachWhat is the REACH program, you might ask? Well, it's a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2013, aimed at accelerating technology solutions for the U.S. residential real estate sector. And let us tell you, being a part of it is very exciting indeed.Here's why Kukun's inclusion in the 2024 REACH program is such a big deal:1. Driving Innovation at the Intersection of Tech and Real Estate: At Kukun, we're all about pushing the boundaries of what's pos...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Informative read! Leveraging a mortgage effectively can be key to financial success. This blog likely offers expert tips for maximizing the benefits of a mortgage. Looking forward to learning more about leveraging mortgages like a pro!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP How to Leverage a Mortgage Effectively Key Highlights Mortgage leverage is a powerful tool that allows real estate investors to use debt and equity to purchase investment properties and increase their return on investment. By leveraging the equity in one property, investors can use it as a down payment or collateral to secure for additional properties. The benefits of using mortgage leverage include the ability to pay off debt quicker, take advantage of housing market opportunities, consolidate debt, in...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
How to Leverage a Mortgage EffectivelyKey Highlights Mortgage leverage is a powerful tool that allows real estate investors to use debt and equity to purchase investment properties and increase their return on investment. By leveraging the equity in one property, investors can use it as a down payment or collateral to secure for additional properties. The benefits of using mortgage leverage include the ability to pay off debt quicker, take advantage of housing market opportunities, consolidate debt, increase buying power, and have easier loan approval. However, there are also risks associated with mortgage leverage, such as putting the original property at risk, incurring closing costs, paying more in total for the loan, and managing multiple mortgage payments. Real estate leverage can ...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
I have had a lot of experience with dual agency.  An awful lot.  Well over 100 transactions, personally.  Most were flawless, but some not so much.  The only time an agent can typically be accused of favoring the other side, in my experience, is in a dual agency situation. For those who are not familiar with the term, dual agency  (In New Jersey) is when the same brokerage  represents both buyer and seller.  I am not referring to that.  I am referring to single agent dual agency, where the same agent represents both buyer and seller.  Of course, dual agency must be agreed to in writing, and explained by the sales person / agent. Keeping both clients very happy during the transaction is extremely difficult, as so many think that during a conflict or challenge, you may have taken the othe...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Houston, Texas, offers a compelling mix of opportunity, diversity, and lifestyle that makes it a top choice for people considering a new place to live. Known for its strong economic foundations, vibrant cultural life, and friendly atmosphere, Houston is more than just a large city—it's a place to call home. Here's an expanded look at the many reasons why moving to Houston is a great idea.1. Strong Job MarketHouston's economy is robust and diverse. The city leads globally in the energy sector, with a significant focus on both traditional oil and gas industries and renewable energy innovations. The Texas Medical Center stands as a beacon in healthcare, hosting over 60 medical institutions and receiving millions of patient visits each year. The aerospace sector is another cornerstone, with...
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This is a blog I posted on my corporate page yesterday with the latest from Fannie and Freddie.  Its good news and FHA and VA are expected to treat things the same way.  In reality we wont know everything until the DOJ decides but here is what we know:   Yesterday, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac clarified questions about the payment of real estate agent commissions. These questions were brought up shortly after the nationwide settlement agreement proposed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). The updates are largely aligned with the previous statement that the FHA published on March 28, 2024, which confirmed that there will be no changes to seller-paid buyer agent fees at this time.Commission Policy UpdatesUnder the existing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac policies, the buyer agent fee...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Most residential resale real estate agents are paid commission-only.   While there a couple of models out there they pay salary plus bonus, they are the exception.Most commission only agents also pay their own expenses, including: MLS fees License fees Realtors dues Continuing education fees Seminar fees Errors & Omissions Insurance Broker fees Some pay franchise fees (I do not) Postage, printing, all office equipment and supplies All auto, gas and insurances All signage costs (For sale, open house, riders, posts, install fees) Lockboxes and electronic lockbox app fees Photography and floor plans Property flyers Marketing Website and website enhancements Advertising Market reports and educational subscriptions Office expenses Ink, paper, printing, supplies, postage, marketing costs, mai...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
What are the major things to look for when house hunting? 🤔𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!📍Look for proximity to amenities like schools, shopping centers, parks, and public transportation.Think about your daily needs and lifestyle preferences to determine if the location aligns with your requirements.𝐓𝐡𝐞 “𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬” 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 🦴Assess the structural integrity of the property.Look for signs of water damage, cracks in the foundation or walls, uneven floors, or sagging ceilings.𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭 🏡Evaluate if the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces meet your current and future needs.𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 📈While it may not be your immediate concern, it’s wise to consider the potential resale value of the property.When we tour houses, I’ll be looking out for these things as well so we can discu...
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
Recently I posted on useful podcasts for realtors. However, many peopll prefer more visual content. For those who don’t like podcasts, I present the following list,  the most useful Youtube channels for real estate agents:1.    Tom Ferry - Tom Ferry is a renowned real estate coach and speaker who offers valuable tips, strategies, and motivational content for real estate professionals looking to grow their businesses.2.    Brian Buffini - Brian Buffini's YouTube channel provides practical advice and coaching for real estate agents, focusing on building long-term relationships with clients and achieving success through referrals.3.    Kevin Ward - YesMasters Real Estate Success Training - Kevin Ward's channel offers training videos and coaching sessions specifically tailored to real estat...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Friendship Doesn't Pay the Bills At a listing appointment, I listened to the seller's wants and needs and timelines. It became clear that we had a true connection. So good, so far. Building a rapport came easy as we had a lot in common with one another. So good, so far.  Listening, coupled with clear, concise language are important aspects of a working relationship. We talked potential list price reflected in the Comparable Market Analysis and she appreciated the proposed market strategy. So good, so far.  My plan included implementing several means of technology to send details out to every available real estate related web site, to my network, through internal MLS emails. This also meant putting the property on Board tour. So good, so far.  Seller chose another agent to sell the house...
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
COVID-19 has created a buyers’ market. Though fewer listings are showing up, fewer people are looking to buy. The competition is thinning out – and that’s really good news for those who are still hunting for trends for a new condo.There are a couple of big reasons why now is a prime opportunity to buy. You can lock in a cheap mortgage rate and buy a place, and unlike the housing crisis in 2008, when so many people couldn’t get a mortgage, people are still getting approved today. The other positive here is that with less competition, buyers can be more selective when searching for their perfect condo. There’s less pressure to put in an offer on the spot. You can take the time to think about what you want from your new place.Even though this may be a challenging time to view places, peopl...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Know someone dreaming of a new home or ready to sell theirs?🏡✨Tag them in the comments below! Let's connect and make those real estate dreams a reality. Your referrals are the heart of my business, and together, we can make big moves happen! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #tag #tagsomeone #tagyoureit #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #icanhelp #happyhome #dreamhome #investment
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
In recent years, blockchain technology, the technology that powers Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by allowing a decentralized network to maintain a cohesive and nearly incorruptible record, has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, promising increased transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions. One sector ripe for disruption is real estate, where complex, paper-intensive processes have long been the norm. This essay explores the potential applications of blockchain in revolutionizing real estate transactions, addressing challenges, and unlocking new opportunities in the industry.Blockchain technology works by creating a digital ledger that records transactions across a distributed network of computers. Each block in the chain contains a cryptograph...
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By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
Introduction: A Call for Independence 🗽The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is the largest trade organization in the country, dominating the marketplace as a thought leader, trendsetter, educator, and yes, enforcer. In their realm, every idea, process, rule, system, and strategy becomes almost law-like. Despite their non-governmental status, the authoritative manner in which state associations and realtor boards operate might lead one to think otherwise due to their ability to discipline and fine agents, or to suspend or terminate memberships and refer agents to the department of real estate for certain behaviors. The enforcement of rules and practices is necessary to support their brand and maintain a high level of professionalism in the real estate profession. However, the curr...
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By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
Rethinking Compensation in Real Estate 🔄In the ever-evolving real estate landscape, traditional practices are being challenged. Part VII of my NAR Series, “Exploring the Implications of the NAR Settlement Towards a More Transparent and Fair Real Estate Industry,” ignited a vibrant discussion about the fundamental nature of compensation for real estate professionals. The feedback from both industry veterans and newcomers underscores a critical need for change. 🌟Why should real estate agents continue to rely solely on commissions, which often lead to conflicts of interest and undermine trust? This blog explores the vital question of reforming compensation structures in real estate, proposing a shift from commission-based pay to a model where agents are compensated for their time and exper...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
A recent comment by Endre Barath, Jr. on this posting, Remember This Sales Axiom, had me ponder even more about an article I had read that provided 24 reasons why belonging to a mega real estate team was beneficial to real estate agents. One of the most interesting statistics was that over three out of four team members had a positive experience working in a team environment.I wonder how many property sellers or buyers would share that same feeling not to mention other real estate agents who have worked with mega real estate team?From my experience and other local real estate agents I consider colleagues as well as clients, many of the 24 points are not present here in NW AZ, Mohave County as well as other states.First, the training of team members is poor to mediocre from compliance to...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
1.  Did they like me? 2.  Will I get the listing? 3.  Did I price it right? 4.  Will they keep it tidy and allow enough showings? 5.  Will the weather be okay for the open house? 6.  Will the offer be low? 7.  Can I put this together? 8.  Can they get the mortgage commitment? 9.  Will the home inspection be satisfactory / workable? 10.  Will title be okay? 11.  Will my sellers get out in time? 12.  Will the lender close on time? 13.  Did final walk through go okay? 14.  Do I anticipate any challenges at settlement? 15.  Will the processor approve all my paperwork so I can get paid? 16.  Will interest rates stabilize / come down? 17.  Will the NAR settlement have unforeseen challenges and hurdles? 18.  Will DOJ really try to eliminate our independent contractor status?  19.  How much lo...
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