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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)
There are many effective methods, techniques that experienced tile installers use to deal with irregular surfaces, difficult angles. A variety of techniques help pavers handle even the toughest challenges, achieving high-quality results. Professional tile shower floor Installation by the experts at TampaBay Floors will be quality tile installation with the best results.How to prevent cracksTo prevent cracks in tile floors, it is worth listening to useful recommendations: You need to properly prepare the subfloor. It is important to make sure that it is strong, even. Tiles should not be laid on an uneven floor , and if there are irregularities, you need to use a poured floor or self-leveling mixture. It is necessary to check the base for cracks, irregularities. If necessary, self-levelin...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Unveiling What to Know About Buying a New Construction Home Key Highlights Buying a new construction home offers personalization, energy efficiency, and less maintenance. It's crucial to research builders, understand the purchase agreement, and secure financing options like construction loans. Design choices and upgrades can significantly impact the final price, consider your budget wisely. Inspections throughout the building process are essential, along with understanding warranty coverage. Prepare for potential timeline delays and have a plan for living arrangements between homes.  Buying a new construction home in the real estate market is exciting. However, it needs careful thought. The appeal of a brand-new space is clear, but you need to know about the purchase price, the buying p...
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By Chris Colgan, Real Estate Expert Advisor
Hello everyone! Today, I'm thrilled to share with you what I consider one of Virginia's best-kept secrets when it comes to living spaces—Dominion Valley. Nestled in the heart of Prince William County, this neighborhood is not just a place to live; it's a vibrant community that offers a blend of luxury, convenience, and history.  A Prime Location with a Fascinating BackstoryDominion Valley's location is nothing short of spectacular. Just five minutes away from Haymarket and with easy access to Interstate 66, residents can find themselves in Washington D.C. within about 40 minutes—a perfect setup for commuters. But what makes this area truly unique is its historical connection to the Walt Disney Company. Originally acquired as a potential site for Disney's America theme park, the land tel...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
How to Sell an Inherited Property: A Step-by-Step Guide Key Highlights Selling an inherited property in Pennsylvania comes with unique considerations. Understanding probate, tax implications, and your role as a beneficiary is crucial. From obtaining a time-of-death appraisal to marketing the property, this guide outlines the key steps. Navigate potential challenges like multiple heirs or emotional attachments with practical advice. Ensure a smooth and successful home sale process by understanding your legal and financial obligations.  Inheriting a home can bring a mix of feelings. It's a big event, but it also means you have to deal with the probate process and make choices about the ownership of the home and other details regarding the inherited property. Whether you decide to sell the...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Best Places for Buying Rental Property: Top Picks Key Highlights Pennsylvania presents a compelling case for real estate investors seeking lucrative opportunities. This article pinpoints the top cities in Pennsylvania for buying rental properties in 2023, considering factors like affordability, job market, and real estate trends. We will cover Philadelphia's historic charm and robust rental market, Pittsburgh's high rental demand, and Harrisburg's stable job market, among others. This comprehensive guide also navigates the legal aspects of being a landlord in Pennsylvania, such as understanding landlord-tenant laws. We'll delve into maximizing your investment through property enhancements, effective rental pricing strategies, and provide real-life success stories to inspire you.  In tod...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
What Every Home Seller Should Know: Top Factors to Consider Key Highlights Understanding the current real estate market dynamics is crucial for setting realistic expectations and pricing your home appropriately. Preparing your home for sale by making necessary repairs, enhancing curb appeal, and staging can significantly impact its attractiveness to potential buyers. Hiring a skilled real estate agent can provide invaluable expertise in marketing, pricing negotiations, and navigating the complexities of the sales process. Pricing your home competitively from the start will attract more buyers and potentially lead to a faster sale. Being aware of common selling mistakes, like overpricing, neglecting repairs, and not depersonalizing, can help you avoid pitfalls.  Selling your home is a bi...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Navigating the real estate landscape requires agility, and a significant part of that agility comes from efficient document management. With a multitude of software solutions, choosing the right tool can seem overwhelming. It is important to remember that the right real estate document management software should not just automate tasks; it should empower your team to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, propelling your business towards success.The following five tips will help you assess and select the real estate document management software that's perfect for your business. 1. Determine Your Specific NeedsEvery real estate business has unique operational needs. Before exploring software options, outline your specific requirements. Consider the volume of documents you process da...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Moving can be a challenging experience, but understanding the differences between local and long-distance moving can help you prepare effectively. Each type of move comes with its own unique challenges, from cost to time management. Below, we’ll explore the key differences to help you decide the best approach for your relocation.Distance and RegulationsThe primary difference between local and long-distance moves is the distance involved. Local moves typically occur within the same city or region, usually less than 100 miles. Long-distance moves, on the other hand, involve greater distances, often across state lines or even across the country. Local moving is usually simpler, as it involves shorter distances and fewer regulations. Movers in Fairfax, for example, are familiar with local t...
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By Kukun--240-483-3649 Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
A home warranty protects your home’s appliances and major systems against breakdowns. For a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars a year, major appliances — such as your refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, HVAC, and electrical system — can be quickly repaired within a day or two at pre-negotiated rates.It’s a good deal if your home might be prone to breakdowns or if you’re looking for peace of mind and financial reassurance. However, a home warranty usually doesn’t cover anything more than your home’s appliances and systems, and even ostensibly covered appliances or systems could be excluded from coverage if certain conditions aren’t met.If you’re looking to protect your home against risks, such as a fire or burglary, you’ll need homeowners insurance, which is a similar but d...
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By Realtor Ben Townsend, Selling Colorado Property for 26+ Years
(Townsend Real Estate, Ltd.)
316 E Platte Ave 80903 Off Street Parking  Open House October 12 1-4pm 
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
When it comes to selling real estate, or even just updating your home, it’s important to make the property look as appealing as possible. One way you can do this is by improving the overall curb appeal of your property. In this article we’ll discuss how you can improve your curb appeal by use of native plants and how they can really transform your home. But first. Understanding the Difference Between Native and Non-Native Plants Native plants are classified as plants which have evolved and grown within a specific region over thousands of years. Generally they’re well adapted to the climate and soil conditions making them resilient to harsh conditions while promoting low maintenance to look after. Native plants, unlike non-native plants, require less fertilizer, pesticides, water and are...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Maintaining work-life balance as a real estate professional is essential for long-term success and well-being. Balancing a demanding schedule with personal time requires setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and using technology to your advantage. Regular breaks, staying organized, and learning to delegate can help avoid burnout. Ultimately, finding a healthy balance improves not just your work performance but your overall quality of life. It’s about working smarter, not harder! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Work-Life Balance: Tips for Real Estate Professionals   Key Highlights Prioritize and delegate tasks to manage your workload effectively. Set specific work hours to establish boundaries and prevent burnout. Use technology to streamline processes and i...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
  Ascending Pending Home Sales Per the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales in August increased by 0.6 percent. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) rose to 70.6 in August, though it was still 3.0 percent lower than a year ago. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun attributed the slight increase to improved housing affordability due to a drop in mortgage rates to 6.5 percent, though contract signings remain low as home prices continue to rise. Regionally, the Northeast saw its PHSI fall by 4.6 percent in August, with a 2.2 percent drop compared to last year. In contrast, the Midwest index rose 3.2 percent, though it was still down 3.6 percent from a year earlier. Yun noted that the Midwest and West saw improvements due to the decline in mortgage rates, which has made housing...
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By Faye Y. Taylor, Country Living with City Convenience -Wilson Co TX
(StepStone Realty, LLC )
Don't even have to write the blog.  NAR article: Real-Estate-Agent-Flies-on-Rescue-Missions-to-Help-Helene-VictimsPer the article after receiving more than 1,500 panicked messages, she & her husband hopped into their helicopter.  There is information at the end of the article about the Realtors ® Relief Foundation  which has raised more than $500,000 with ways to donate.
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By Kukun--240-483-3649 Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
  When people think of New York City, they often imagine its iconic skyline, its bustling streets, and its notoriously complex real estate market. At the heart of that market lies one of its most unique (and sometimes bewildering) features: the co-op. Co-ops, or cooperative apartments, are a housing option almost synonymous with New York City, where they make up a staggering 75% of the housing inventory in Manhattan alone. But what exactly are co-ops, and why does New York have so many? More importantly, why do these properties baffle even the most sophisticated automated valuation models (AVMs) and stump would-be buyers? Let’s take a closer look at the history, types, financials, and peculiarities of New York co-ops. A Brief History: Why New York Loves Co-ops Co-ops in New York City ca...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Understanding the Four Most Popular Types of Commercial Real Estate LeasesIn the dynamic commercial real estate markets, making informed decisions is critical for success, whether you're a seasoned business or new to the commercial sector. Experienced commercial real estate realtors know that one of the key aspects to master is understanding the different types of leases available. This article explores the four most popular types of commercial real estate leases to help you navigate your investment and operational choices effectively.1. Net LeaseNet leases are a cornerstone in commercial real estate, and they come in three main forms: Single Net, Double Net, and Triple Net leases. These variations are defined by the specific property expenses the tenant is responsible for, in addition ...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
What Is Exclusive Listing Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide Key Highlights An exclusive listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner and a single real estate agent or brokerage. The agreement grants the realtor the sole right to represent the seller in the sale of their property. It outlines the terms of representation, including the listing price, duration of the agreement, and realtor fees. Sellers opting for an exclusive listing agreement benefit from dedicated marketing, focused efforts, and potentially higher prices for their properties. However, this type of agreement might also have drawbacks like limiting the exposure of the property to a smaller pool of potential buyers.  Navigating the real estate market can be hard for any property owner. Selling a ...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Mortgage Mistakes Buyers Make: Expert Tips to Avoid ThemcKey Highlights Get pre-approved: Knowing your budget beforehand prevents house-hunting heartbreaks. Credit is king: A good credit score unlocks better interest rates and loan terms. Shop around for mortgages: Comparing lenders can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Don't overspend: Buying a home you can comfortably afford is crucial for financial stability. Home inspection is key: Un uncover hidden problems before they become your responsibility. Plan for extra costs: Factor in property taxes, insurance, and potential maintenance expenses.  Buying your first home is a big step, but figuring out mortgages can be hard. There are tricky words in real estate and getting the best loan terms can feel tough. This blog will help y...
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By Chris Colgan, Real Estate Expert Advisor
Why Brambleton, Virginia is a Prime Real Estate InvestmentBrambleton, Virginia, located in Loudoun County—the wealthiest county in America—is poised for significant real estate growth. This town offers a unique blend of accessibility and amenities that make it an attractive option for both living and investing. One of the most compelling features of Brambleton is its proximity to the Ashburn Metro Station, just four miles away. This station is part of the Silver Line Metro, which provides direct access to key locations such as Dallas Airport, Tyson's Corner, Reston, and Washington DC. Moreover, Brambleton is conveniently located about 45 minutes from Washington DC and 30 minutes from Arlington, home to the new Amazon headquarters. The Appeal of New Construction and Community FeaturesAs ...
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By The Chris Fritch Team ~ eXp Realty, chrisfritchteam.com 763-746-3997
(Chris Fritch Team eXp Realty)
UNDER CONTRACT after multiple offers in just the first weekend on the market! 🎉🙌 We had a huge turnout at the open house and plenty of showings! Congrats to my sellers! 🏡Charming and spacious rambler in Blaine! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features low-maintenance vinyl siding and numerous updates, including a new roof (2017), new furnace and AC (2023), and new kitchen appliances (2023). Fresh carpet throughout adds a cozy touch. Enjoy outdoor living on the backyard patio, perfect for relaxing while overlooking your fully fenced private yard. The lower level offers a large storage room, a private bathroom, and a nonconforming bedroom currently used as an office. A 2-car garage provides ample storage space. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and parks—plus easy access to...
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