First Blog Posts

Sometimes, it can be scary to write your first blog post! Luckily, the supportive community of ActiveRain is just the place to start.

On this page you will find a running list of “first blog posts” written on ActiveRain by members of the real estate industry. These new bloggers have taken the leap to begin their blogging journey. Our first-time real estate bloggers deserve a big welcome and some extra encouragement from you!

Take a read, leave a comment, and say hello. You'll make that author’s day and help to give them a great first impression of our community.

Agent's first blog posts on ActiveRain

By Mike Colpitts, Providing Customer Service the old-fashioned way!
(RealtyOne MVP )
16 years ago I published this article on HousingPredictor.com, which I founded and published before selling the website. Today the same message rings true, with some exceptions.The bottom of each real estate market in America won’t occur with much fanfare. In fact, few people will realize that it’s even happening when they do, and they’re usually only recognized after the bottom has already hit.The search for the elusive bottom to any real estate market is akin to finding the proverbial needle in a hay stack. Once they’re fully realized, the elevator is usually on the way up and higher prices follow.Bottoms to real estate markets are a lot like trying to determine when stocks in financial markets are at their lowest price. Veteran investors say it’s a fool’s game to try to find the bott...
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By Travis Matthews, Vegas handyman expert in home prep & repairs.
(Handyman of Las Vegas)
Summer will be here before you know it! And while sunny days and backyard BBQs are exciting, it’s also the perfect time to prep your home. A little handyman work now can save you from bigger problems later. Let’s walk through 7 simple things you can do to get your home summer-ready (and maybe save money in the long run). 1. Check and Clean the Gutters Your rain gutters are your home’s first defense against water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves and debris, rainwater can back up and cause problems—especially during summer storms.Here’s what to do: Scoop out leaves, twigs, and gunk from the gutters Flush the system with a garden hose to make sure water flows Check for loose or sagging sections that need to be reattached Bonus tip: If you're not a fan of ladders, a handyman can tak...
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By Jorge Newbery, Recruiting RE agents to be MLOs for banks
(OwnEasy Solutions LLC)
Two years ago, I held 25 state Mortgage Loan Officer licenses. To obtain these, I had to complete a pre-licensure course and pass the NMLS National Exam. The former was fairly easy, while the latter was hard. "I can do hard things" my 4-year old son often says. If he chooses to become a MLO when he's older, one of those hard things may be the NMLS National Exam, which has failure rates of 44% for first-time tries and 54% for subsequent attempts.Even though my son can do hard things, sometimes taking the easy route makes more sense. After all, once I passed the NMLS National Exam, I was able to get licensed in Illinois, where I live. I then had to apply to get licensed in each of the additional 24 states, which meant fees for each and - maybe worse - continuing education in each, every s...
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Have you ever opened up your garage one cold morning to work on a project only to be met with a brutal blast of cold air? That dream of a cozy workspace fades fast when you end up shaking and losing the ability to function with your fingers. You're not alone. For many homeowners, an unheated garage becomes an unattainable dream, disrupting hobbies, repairs, and impaired usage. Having a warm and comfortable garage often brings the most important question: What Size Garage Heater Do I Need?Selecting the proper size garage heater is more than just dispelling the chill; it is finding a compromise between efficiency, comfort, and safety. An undersized heater will work too hard to adequately heat the area, which can cause frustration and even overwork the unit, while an oversized heater can w...
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By Jaime Roberts, Construction, Real estate and Home Improvement
(AUEG)
Window treatments are more than just decorative elements — they serve a crucial role in regulating light, enhancing privacy, and elevating the overall ambience of a room. From traditional curtains to modern plantation shutters, Australians have a wealth of options to choose from when dressing their windows. But with so many types, materials, and styles available, selecting the right window covering may feel like a daunting task.This guide walks you through the different types of window treatments, their practical benefits, current trends, and things to consider when deciding what works best for your space.What Are Window Treatments?Window treatments refer to any type of material or product used to cover windows, either for functional or decorative purposes. This includes: Blinds – typic...
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By Aaron Eller, We Buy Houses Cash | We Buy Houses AS-IS
(Cash Offer Man)
I got started in real estate investing a couple years ago when I was 20. I am now 22 years old and full time in real estate, if I can do it so can you! Investing in real estate may seem daunting and a lot harder than it actually is. The main thing to make money in real estate and save you from making too big of mistakes is buying houses at a good price. When you buy a house at a deep enough discount it is going to be hard for you to lose money and that should be the goal. I own the Company, Cash Offer Man which is a local company in St. Louis that buys houses for Cash and AS-IS. When I started this company getting good deals was the hardest part, but it is all about your systems and process and what you are doing to find good deals.To be a successful real estate investor you need to mak...
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Selling a home can be a stressful process, especially when time is of the essence. Whether you're facing financial difficulties, moving for a job, dealing with a divorce, or simply want to avoid the lengthy traditional selling process, there’s a faster and more convenient solution: selling your home for cash.What Are Cash Home Buyers?Cash home buyers are real estate investors or companies that offer homeowners a quick sale by purchasing properties directly for cash. These companies specialize in buying homes in any condition, regardless of whether they’re old, damaged, or require extensive repairs.Why Choose Cash Home Buyers? Speed of SaleOne of the main reasons homeowners choose cash buyers is the speed of the transaction. Traditional home sales can take weeks or even months, with dela...
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By QUINTON BROWN, MORTGAGE ADVISOR | REAL ESTATE APPRAISER INVESTMEN
(NEXA Mortgage LLC)
Investors, this one's for you! Unlock up to 70% CLTV on investment properties. Your path to financial growth starts with our Instant Approval . Apply today and watch your wealth grow! 🚀✅ Instant approval in 5 minutes or less!✅ Funding in 5-7 days✅ No appraisal✅ Soft Credit Check✅ Low closing costsApply Now 🌟 
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By Sean Aujla, MBA - Los Angeles, #SoCal Real Estate & Mtg. Broker 🏠 ☀️ 🌴 🇺🇸
(Rise Realty )
Adding 15 acres of land to the principality, the small nation has created a new Eco-District, with luxury residences & public amenities..The principality’s no-tax status—no income, capital gains, or wealth taxes—makes it a magnet for the world’s wealthiest individuals. Throw in its perfect Mediterranean climate, world-class healthcare, political stability, and high levels of privacy & security..Source: https://robbreport.com/shelter/new-construction/monaco-record-luxury-real-estate-market-1236355684/ .#monaco#realestate#luxury#mediterranean.
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By Ken Erickson, Principal Broker/Owner
(NextGen Realty Services)
PGA VillagePort St Lucie FloridaLiving in PGA Village in Port St. Lucie offers an exceptional lifestyle marked by luxury, convenience, and remarkable value. A standout feature of the community is its financial appeal—there are no city taxes or community development charges, which provides significant savings compared to other areas. Additionally, the monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) and PGA Village Owners Association (POA) fees are impressively low, typically under $500. These fees cover an extensive range of amenities and services, ensuring that residents can fully enjoy all that PGA Village has to offer without the burden of additional costs. From beautifully maintained landscapes to comprehensive security, the fees provide excellent value for those seeking a premium living experi...
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By Raymond Nadeau, Helping real estate agents generate and convert mo
(Maker Solutions Inc)
🏡 Why Most Agents Waste Leads (and How Smart Automation Fixes It) By Ray Nadeau | Founder of Smart-N-Leads | Real Estate Marketing ExpertLet’s be real: most agents don’t have a lead generation problem… they have a lead follow-up problem.You’ve probably spent money on Facebook ads, Zillow, or Google Pay-Per-Click at some point — and then wondered why those leads never turned into appointments. It’s not because the leads were bad. It’s because there was no system in place to follow up, nurture, and convert them consistently.🚨 The Stats Don’t Lie 50% of real estate leads never get followed up with at all. The average agent follows up with a lead only 1–2 times. 80% of sales happen after 5+ touches. If you’re relying on memory, sticky notes, or a general-purpose CRM, you're leaving money on...
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By DaCyn Walsh, Mountain & Horse Properties—Happy Trails Await!
(LoKation Real Estate)
It was our first summer in the new house. My husband was deployed, and the kids were fast asleep. I was jolted awake by my sister, who crept into my room and whispered, "There’s something outside the window…"We tiptoed downstairs to my favorite feature—our stunning floor-to-ceiling bay windows. I cautiously peeked behind the blinds while my sister crouched behind the couch... and there it was: a massive black bear, standing on its hind legs, one paw pressed to the glass and the other swiping at our hummingbird feeder just inches above the window.Welcome to mountain living in beautiful Bailey, Colorado! 🐻While that night gave us a story for the ages, it’s also a great reminder: living in the Colorado Rockies means sharing your space with wildlife, especially bears. As more people discove...
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By FLOORPLAN GIRL, Real Estate Design & Visuals
(FLOORPLANGIRL)
While high-quality photos and compelling descriptions are key components of property listings, there’s one tool that often gets overlooked but can make a huge difference: floor plans.Why Floor Plans MatterFloor plans provide potential buyers with a clear understanding of a property’s layout, helping them visualize how the space fits their needs. Unlike photos, which can be deceiving or ambiguous, floor plans offer an unbiased representation of the property’s structure and flow. For buyers, this transparency fosters trust — and trust is critical in real estate.Boosting Buyer EngagementProperties with floor plans are proven to attract more views and inquiries. They cater to buyers who value functionality and want to assess how they’ll use the space. Whether they’re imagining their furnitu...
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By John Sansaricq, Real Estate Broker serving Flagler County Florida
(SanCastle Realty LLC)
IntroductionBuying a home is a major life goal—and one of the biggest financial undertakings you’ll ever make. But for many aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers, the biggest hurdle isn’t qualifying for a mortgage—it’s saving for the down payment. The good news? With the right strategies, saving for a down payment is not only achievable but can happen much faster than you might expect.In this blog post, we'll walk you through seven powerful strategies to build your down payment fund efficiently, tackle common savings challenges, and move you closer to homeownership in 2025. Whether you're aiming for a 3.5% FHA minimum or a 20% conventional down payment, these tips are tailored to boost your financial momentum.Why a Down Payment Matters More Than EverDown payments impact your...
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By Shalynn Augat, Real Estate Agent Student
(Agent Professor)
When it comes to purchasing a property, the real estate world is filled with  excitement, promised and unfortunately, sometimes misrepresentation. For most home buyers, when they are buying a home that purchase is going to be one of the biggest and important financial decisions in their life. The home buyer is needing honesty from the agent to ensure their financial decision is right and going to be beneficial. What exactly is misrepresentation? According to the dictionary, misrepresentation is "the action or offense of giving a false or misleading account of the nature of something." This is going to break the trust of clients and cause them to not trust the real estate world. It's important as agents to be up front and truthful to the client to ensure they are safe in the purchase of ...
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Who’s Responsible for Fixing Broken Windows in a Rental?One of the most common housing issues tenants face is broken windows. Whether due to an accident, wear and tear, or damage caused by a storm, broken windows can compromise the safety and security of your home. But who is responsible for fixing broken windows in a rental property?As a tenant, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as your landlord’s obligations when it comes to maintaining the property, including window repairs. In many cases, your landlord is legally required to handle repairs related to the condition of the property, including fixing broken windows.If your landlord is not addressing the broken windows or other issues affecting the property’s condition, you may be entitled to make a ...
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The 2025 real estate market is filled with opportunities, but success depends on choosing the right locations and leveraging data-driven tools. Cities like Austin, Raleigh, Tampa, Phoenix, and Nashville are emerging as prime investment hubs due to strong job growth, population increases, and rental demand.Investment Strategies:✔ Use the Real Estate Deal Analyzer to evaluate cash flow and ROI.✔ Diversify property types (multifamily, single-family, or short-term rentals).✔ Focus on rental income in high-demand areas.✔ Leverage market data to make informed decisions.Maximize your real estate success with expert tools and insights using Real Estate Deal Analyzer of Passive AdvantageRead More >> https://www.twidloo.com/articles/smart-real-estate-investments-in-2025-top-cities-to-watch  
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By Keith O. Royal, MAPA, Real Estate Professional, W. Central Gulf Coast FL
(People's Trust Realty)
Did you know that Hernando County has a program where Buyers could receive up to $30,000 to put towards their down Payment and Closing Costs?Requirements: Meet the income limits for family size without going over. Be able to get Pre-Approved. Must participate in a First Time Home Buyers Education Class AND receive a class certificate upon completion. Must NOT have owned a home anywhere with the last 3 years.  There are 3 types down payment assistance available: Existing Existing with Construction Upgrades, and New Construction.  Sounds Interesting? Contact me for more info… (904) 479-8678
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By nathan oulman, Goodyear Living local magazine for realtors.
(Goodyear Living Local)
Imagine waking up to awesome desert views. Imagine enjoying sunshine all year. Imagine having great things to do close by. That's life for people in Goodyear, Arizona. Goodyear is a growing city that’s great for families. It’s also close to Phoenix. If you want to know about Goodyear real estate, you're in the right place. This guide will help you find your dream home.Understanding the Goodyear Real Estate Market What's happening with Goodyear homes right now? Let's look at the market. We’ll check out prices and how many homes are for sale. What makes Goodyear real estate special?Current Market OverviewHomes in Goodyear are selling fast. The average price is going up. Houses don't stay on the market for long. This means it's a good time to sell. It also means buyers need to be ready.Fac...
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By Juliette M. Davis, "Do All Things with Kindness"
(Northoint Realty & Asset Mgmt Co)
At NorthPoint, we’re always looking for innovative ways to serve our clients. Recognizing the growing demand for more flexibility and affordability in real estate transactions, we are proud to announce the launch of our Flat Fee MLS listing service. Designed for sellers who want to maintain control of certain aspects of their home sale, this cost-effective option provides essential listing support and professional guidance—without the traditional commission structure.Our new Flat Fee service ensures your property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), making it visible to a vast network of buyers and agents. You’ll still receive personalized support from our knowledgeable team at NorthPoint Realty, but now with a pricing model tailored to help you keep more of your hard-earned...
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