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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 Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
When you're getting ready for a move, packing can easily feel like the most overwhelming part. It’s not just tossing things into boxes and hoping for the best. Whether you're hiring one of the many trusted Los Angeles moving companies or planning a DIY move, knowing how to pack properly is crucial for protecting your belongings and making the whole process less stressful. While packing might seem straightforward, there's a real art to doing it right, especially when it comes to handling furniture, electronics, and fragile valuables. In this guide, we'll walk through practical packing tips for every major category and why, sometimes, it's smarter (and safer) to trust the professionals.Packing Regular Items and Boxes Like a ProMost moves involve dozens — sometimes even hundreds — of boxes...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
The type of material can significantly affect tile repair results. If you are thinking of repairing your bathroom tiles, you might have two options. These options include epoxy and grout. Knowing how each of these works will help you make the right decision when working on your project.Epoxy for Tile RepairsEpoxy is a product consisting of a resin and a hardener. When bonded, it provides a hard and water-resistant surface. This is much stronger than traditional grout and very mechanically resistant to staining and cracking. Due to its long-lasting nature, it is not just used in kitchens. It is also used in shower areas and any area where there will be water splashing.Once applied, epoxy does not require sealing. This makes it easy to maintain.It closely follows the contour of tile edges...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Having a granny flat in your property doesn’t just increase living space. It also makes a great investment plan. Increasingly, in 2025, Australians are seeking to add granny flats to their property.Why?They don’t just want to increase their market value. They want to earn extra income from rent, too. However, with the right builder, this addition can be a worthwhile venture.With such a venture, you can create long-term value from your backyard investment. But how does a granny flat builder come into the picture?Strong ROI: Why a Granny Flat Makes Financial SenseA granny flat can add more value to a property. This is in terms of rental income or even for sale. As a homeowner, you can reap up to a 20-30% boost in property value.You can also attract high weekly rents – anywhere from $300 t...
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On May 8, 2025, National Association of Realtor (NAR) reported on nationwide existing home sales values higher 3.4% to a median single family home price was $402,300 at the end of 1st quarter of 2025, from the end of 4th quarter of 2024, and up 4.8% from 1st quarter of 2024.Regionally, home sales in the South jumped 44.9%, in the Northeast rose 10.3%, in the Midwest increased 5.2%, and in the West gained 4.1% in the 1st quarter of 2024 from 1st quarter of 2025.The most expensive housing market was San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California Metro area an average price of a home was $2,020,000 in the 1st quarter of 2025.NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, "In the first quarter, the Northeast performed best in both sales and price gains by percentage. Despite the stronger job additions, the ...
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By Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker, Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop
(https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com)
The Future of National Association of Realtors: ARE Changes Ahead?The real estate world is changing fast. For over 100 years, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been a powerful force in the real estate industry. It has helped shape how property is bought and sold professionally in the United States. But recent lawsuits, new technology, and possible changes to laws and regulations are putting pressure on NAR like never before. What might happen next — and what it could mean for real estate agents?🏛️ NAR’s Power May Be WeakeningNAR is known for its strong lobbying in Washington, D.C. It has helped protect real estate agents’ jobs and income for many years. It has reassured the public that there are professionals who adhere to ethics and fairness in their every day efforts. One...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
You might not realize it, but a tax lien, whether federal or state, can seriously impact your financial life by attaching to your property and assets. Don’t ignore this risk—federal liens cover everything nationwide, while state liens vary by border and scope. Understanding these differences is essential for protecting yourself. Have you considered how each type affects your situation? Stick with me to uncover the critical distinctions.Key Takeaways Federal tax liens apply nationwide to all property, while state tax liens are restricted to assets within the state's borders. Federal liens are enforced by the IRS, whereas state liens are managed by individual state tax authorities. Federal liens cover a broader range of assets, while state liens may vary in scope based on local laws. Stat...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Living in Miami, you get the sun, the sea spray, the sudden pop-up rainstorms, and all the roofing challenges that come with them.The weather is amazing, but it puts the outside of your house (and the roof especially) through its paces pretty much every day of the year.Whether you’re a first-time homeowner settling down in a bungalow near Coconut Grove or you’re maintaining a family home in Coral Gables, your roof is a substantial asset when it comes to protecting your property and the people who live there. Rain, wind, heat, and humidity aren’t just uncomfortable; they affect the overall value and safety of your home.If you are in the market for roof care, Honest Abe Roofing Company Miami has been working with local homeowners since 2007. Their residential roofing services are designed...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Are you looking to relocate to a vibrant, prosperous neighborhood with an affluent lifestyle? Settle into one of our nation's capital's most prestigious and historic suburbs in Bethesda, Maryland. Located just 7 miles outside Washington, DC, you'll have easy access to I-495 and I-270 and plenty of options for public transportation. The area has lush parks and trails for outdoor adventures, great schools, job opportunities, lovely neighborhoods, and is an easy day trip for a city break to New York City or Philadelphia. There are numerous real estate agents and companies in the area that can help you find a property here. This is why you should buy a luxury home in Bethesda. Homes and NeighborhoodsLuxury homes on the market in Bethesda are on spacious wooded lots with dynamic exteriors an...
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On April 10, 2025,  The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) fell five points to 63 points in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 63 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.The current market conditions index declined 4 points to 71 points in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 75 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.The major additions and alterations dropped 11 points to 64 points in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 75 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.The market for moderately-sized remodeling projects lower 1 point to 72 points in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 73 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.The demand for smaller additions and alterations no change 0 point at 76 points in the 1st quarter of 2025 from 76 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Di...
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By Daryl Datus, Real estate broker
(John l scott)
Www.daryldatus.com SECURING THE BEST REAL-ESTATE DEALS IN BELFAIR WITH DARYL DATUS Belfair's real estate market is on fire, with property values jumping 15% in the last year alone. This surge has caught the eye of savvy flippers looking to cash in on the boom. But here's the kicker - not all deals are created equal, and that's where Daryl Datus comes in. This guy's a local legend in Belfair real estate, known for sniffing out the diamonds in the rough that others miss. In this article, we're diving deep into Daryl's playbook, showing you how to spot those hidden gems that'll fatten your wallet. You'll learn the nitty-gritty of assessing properties - from location sweet spots to estimating rehab costs and potential ROI. Plus, we'll spill the beans on Daryl's unique strategies for closing...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Most agents can sell a kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, maybe a big island if you’re lucky. But in today’s market, buyers are looking beyond surface-level features. They want homes that are safe, efficient, and built to support how they live now.That includes everything behind the walls — especially what powers the home, since that impacts so much of daily life. Electrical systems affect comfort, insurance, inspections, and long-term usability. When agents can speak to this with clarity, it builds confidence and moves deals forward. Knowing which electrical upgrades matter and how to spot warning signs gives you an edge in conversations with both buyers and sellers.The Financial Benefits of Electrical UpgradesBuyers pay attention to features that improve how a home...
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By David John Medendorp, CCIM, GRI, Investments, Waterfront Homes, Muskegon
(Medendorp Real Estate Group Muskegon )
With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia: “Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That's not to say that real estate prices aren't ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial crisis are just one memorable example—but stocks are more prone to large value swings.” While your stocks or 401(k) might see a lot of highs and lows, home values are much less volatile. A Drop in the Stock Mark...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Princess Caroline’s Photo Says It All📱 Reflections on how technology has changed the way we capture lifeA new photo of Princess Caroline made waves online recently—not because it was taken in a palace, or painted by a famous artist, but because it was snapped on her mother’s phone and shared with the world almost instantly.No royal photographer. No oil painting. Just a simple moment, frozen in time with the tap of a screen. A smile for her mother, when no one else was looking.  The best shot of the day.And honestly? That says everything about how far we’ve come.👑 From Formal to FamiliarRoyal portraits used to be formal affairs: posed, painted, and planned for weeks or months. These images told the world what royalty should look like.Today? They tell us what life really looks like. Real ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
🌸 Insights from Gwen Fowler, Upstate SC RealtorFor years, “spring market” has been a magic phrase in real estate. Warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and daylight have traditionally meant more buyers, showings, and SOLD signs.But is spring still the best time to sell in today's changing market?Let’s look at what’s true—and what’s shifting.✅ Why Spring Still Makes Sense Curb appeal is at its peak – Fresh flowers, green grass, and sunshine help homes shine. Families are prepping for summer moves – Buyers with school-age kids often act now to settle in before fall. Inventory rises—but so does buyer demand – With more listings, buyers feel urgency to act fast and make competitive offers. ⚠️ But Here’s What’s Changed Interest rates are still making buyers cautious. Some are on the fence, wa...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
When it comes to selling a home or simply creating a more inviting space, curb appeal often gets all the attention. But savvy homeowners and real estate professionals know that what’s inside counts just as much—if not more. In today's market, where buyers are looking for not just a house but a healthier, more nurturing environment, organic interiors are becoming a powerful differentiator. Embracing natural materials, sustainable practices, and wellness-focused designs can transform a house into a sanctuary where people feel better—feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.In this article, we’ll explore how organic interiors can make homes stand out, increase perceived value, and create lasting impressions that go beyond first glances.Why Organic Interiors Matter More Than EverIn...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Isn't there a quote about imitation being flattery?I believe all art is a reflection of what the artist treasures. I really wanted to say that all art is a reflection of God's creation but with so much art created today being demonic I revised it to be a reflection of the artists own soul. Keep that in mind when you take your next trip to an art gallery. If you come to The Titus & Philemon Art Gallery you will perceive that most, if not all, of the art we display were created by happy people. Here are just three currently on display in the gallery.The gallery is full of Timmothy Timm's cartoons revealing his sense of humor and love of pets.Len Haabak's "The Fair" (a building in Minot actually called "The Fair" shows Len's love of gatherings and celebrations.Ben Slocum (deceased) loved t...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Your Investment Deserves Professional ScrutinyBuying a home is a massive investment. So, wouldn't you want to know exactly what you're purchasing? Let me explain why a building inspection is your greatest ally when acquiring property.Revealing What Matters MostYou've just discovered what appears to be your dream home. The location is perfect, the price seems reasonable, and you're ready to make an offer. However, before you commit, there's a crucial step that savvy buyers always complete - obtaining a comprehensive property inspection. Why? Because what lurks behind those freshly painted walls could potentially determine the success or failure of your financial investment.Beyond the Surface: What Your Building Report RevealsThink of a building report as your property's health check-up. ...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
 GET A COPY OF MY EXPIRED HOME LISTING BOOK FOR FREE CLICK HERE  
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Gearing up to put your property on the market? First impressions matter, and a visibly well-maintained property can significantly increase buyer interest and final sale price. To ensure a smooth selling process and attract serious buyers, presenting your home in its best possible light is non-negotiable. Before scheduling open houses, take a step back and run through a thorough home maintenance checklist. Though decluttering and staging are crucial to the process, sellers must address any underlying maintenance issues that could cause concerns during inspections or scare off potential buyers. Ensuring the property passes this checklist can save you time, money, and stress throughout the process of selling your house.Enhancing the ExteriorPut yourself in the shoes of a buyer pulling up t...
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On April 18, 2025, National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for newly built single family homes was at 40 points in April of 2025 gained one point from March 2025.The HMI component charting buyer traffic up one point at 25 points, the HMI present sales conditions increased two points to 45 points, and the HMI sales expectations index lower four points 43 points in April of 2025.The three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, Northeast declined seven points to 47 points, Midwest down one point to 41 points, South fell three points to 99 points, the West lost two points to 35 points in April of 2025.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “Policy uncertainty is having a negative impact on home builders, making it difficult for them to accurat...
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