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 Joe Mojica, Your Home Adds Value to You
(Laer Realty Partners Bowen)
BEFORE YOU LISTING A HOUSE ON THE MARKET, GIVE IT CPR ❤️CPR is used on people in cardiac arrest in order to oxygenate the blood and maintain a cardiac output to keep vital organs alive.  In real estate, CLEAN, PAINT, REPAIR (CPR) does not convey a matter of life or death.  However, it does convey the duration it might sit in the market due to lack of interest.  When buyers shop for houses, typically the homes that leave an impression are those that are clean, that have a fresh coat of paint, and that show no signs of repairs.Clean – cleaning refers to both interior and exterior of the house. Floors, mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors should look vibrant. Kitchen and baths should be squeaky clean. Bedrooms and closets should look orderly.  Either a scented candle or a scented air ...
Comments 7
By Brett Baker
Clients put a lot of trust in sales agents when they are looking to purchase a home. There is a specific level of professionalism and organization that is expected when the amount of work and information that we are trusted with comes across our desks. Living in a more and more technological world security risks become more and more dangerous everyday. That makes proper record keeping all the more important. That is why there are laws and regulations to help protect not only clients but real estate companies.On top of the laws and regulations there are financial benefits to safe and proper record keeping. It is estimated that a company that has poor record can lead to 15-20% increase in operational costs.
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By Shane Tanner, RE Agent in Training
(N/A)
I am currently completing my initial real estate agent training. As I have been reading about ways to have a license revoked, I came across one reason that at first seemed straight forward. Failure to respond to regulatory agencies about investigations and complaints makes sense. Withholding information or not responding to regulatory agencies seems like an obvious way to lose a license.I started thinking through some scenarios. Most of the time, I can see how cooperating immediately makes sense.  However, are there certain instances in which handing over documents and responses without legal representation against the best interests of the agent or broker? I would love some input from experienced agents and brokers to help me further understand this issue.Can agents petition regulatory...
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By ROBERT THIBODEAU II, eXp Realty Maine | Luxury Homes & Local
(EXP REALTY)
Moving can be an exciting adventure, but for pets, it can also be a confusing and stressful experience. Animals are often sensitive to changes in their environment, and helping them transition to a new home takes a bit of planning and care. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, these tips will make the process easier for your furry family members.1. Prepare in Advance Before moving day, make a plan for your pet’s needs. If possible, bring them to the new home before the move so they can start to familiarize themselves with the new environment. Small visits can help pets build positive associations with the new space and ease the transition.2. Create a Safe Space on Moving Day The day of the move is usually busy, with people coming in and out, moving boxes, and strange sou...
Comments 11
By Jose Mejia, Your trusted Tampa Bay real estate partner!
(Real Broker)
If you’re a real estate agent looking to refer clients to the best in Tampa Bay, choosing the right realtor can make all the difference in your clients’ experience. With Tampa Bay’s competitive housing market, you need a trusted expert with extensive knowledge, deep local connections, and the skills to close deals smoothly. That’s where the area’s top realtor comes in—an authentic influencer in Tampa real estate specializing in first-time home buyers, residential sales, and mortgage expertise. Tampa Bay’s Real Estate Influencer With a growing reputation as a Tampa Bay real estate influencer, this top agent doesn’t just have a presence in the market—they’re shaping it. They attract and maintain a large, loyal following by engaging social media content and educational resources and stayi...
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By KM Realty Group LLC, Your path to success in Chicago real estate!
(KM Realty Group LLC)
With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures.But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon.How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. The graph below uses research from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show that the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process is nowhere near what we saw coming out of 2008.Back then, there was a big ...
Comments 9
By Jessica Johnson
(Agent professor )
         Losing a real estate license can happen for many reasons, and one of the most common is false or misleading advertising. Advertising is a crucial part of a real estate agent’s job, but it comes with strict regulations to ensure honesty and transparency. When an agent makes false claims in ads, whether it’s about a property’s features, its value, or even their own credentials, they can be accused of deceptive practices. This can lead to disciplinary action from the real estate commission or licensing board in their state.        For instance, an agent might exaggerate the features of a property in their marketing materials, such as claiming a home has more square footage than it actually does, or saying it’s in “move-in ready” condition when it needs major repairs. Even exaggera...
Comments 11
By Expert Mortgage, Expert Mortgage is a leading broker that provides
(Expert Mortgage)
Are you interested in getting a commercial mortgage Broker in Barrie for your house? The Expert Mortgage can help you find a solution to keep your home. We will assess your needs and look at all the options available to you.
Comments 9
By iRealty 247, Elevate Your Real Estate Experience Today
(iRealty247)
In Today’s Digital time, online property listings platforms have become essential tools for the real estate agents aiming to expand their reach and close the deals with more effectiveness. Online property listing platforms provide a wider audience with the offer of instant accessibility to potential buyer and renter from the various connect with the serious prospect quickly. Moreover features like various tours, real time communication and streamline process enables the real estate agents to engage with the clients in a more effective way to make it an easier to finalize deals in a less time.The online property listings can significantly enhances the real estate agents ability to reach more clients and close the deal faster with offerings various key advantages.Wider Audience ReachThe o...
Comments 7
By CHRIS FALCONE, InterNACHI-Certified Master Inspector
(X-Factor Home Inspections)
Ivy On Your HomeChris Falcone, Home Inspector ACII love English Ivy. I think Ivy is beautiful, and great on the wall at Wrigley Field, but as a Home Inspector it sets off my radar when I see it well established around homes.  It in no way has a symbiotic relationship with a home’s building materials or live trees.English Ivy (and other species) is prolific in Pennsylvania.  It is considered an evergreen so it does grow all year, albeit with different seasonal growth rates.  It can be tempting to leave in place because it is an evergreen, but it is invasive and very destructive if left unchecked.  I hope this information helps if you are shopping for or own a home with ivy on or near it.     There are four main subspecies in this area and you should do your best to keep them away from yo...
Comments 9
By Connect Home Buyers
(Connect Home Buyers)
If you're facing foreclosure, you're not alone. The process can be daunting and overwhelming, but with the right information, you can make a well-informed decision to protect your finances and future. At Providence Family Group, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate through the foreclosure process. Whether you’re looking to sell your house in foreclosure in Dallas, Texas, or you simply want to explore your options, we are here to help.Understanding Foreclosure in Dallas, TexasForeclosure is a legal process in which a lender attempts to recover the balance of a loan from a borrower who has stopped making payments. This often results in the sale of the property to satisfy the debt. Dallas, Texas, is no stranger to foreclosure, and homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payment...
Comments 7
The old phrase you list you last still holds true for most agents today, probably more so then ever. Many seasoned agents have residual repeat clients to fill their listing pocket but many do not. In this post I will provide a case study whereby a new agent got a multi-million dollar listing with the help of a co-marketing postcard targeting specific home sellers.The pain point for many agents and mortgage professionals in this market is two fold. Finding and capturing listing leads in a stagnant market.  Listing are the bread and butter of any real estate market but so is a ready and willing buyer. If you're a new agent or maybe you've been out of the business, taking or even finding new clients does require some marketing budget and highly targeted personal marketing.Some markets in t...
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By Sergio Rivera
(Federal Home Loans Corporation)
Interested in Real Estate? Would you like to earn an opportunity in completing a lifelong dream of building a home? Need a Hard Money Loan ASAP? Do you like seeing massive return of investments? Click to get started on working towards achieving your goals and building towards a much stronger future.
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By Cheryl Robertson, Rural land and home specialist serving NW Arizona
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
I'm a summertime gal (Truth: with central a/c when I get tired of the heat), but even I was a little discouraged to see in the forecast that we're going to be up over 100 degrees again here in the mountains east of Kingman again tomorrow. And to my friends in Phoenix and other warm parts of the state, I say “Uuh-boy.”BUT then a video of snow came up on my photo feed from February this year, and I am reminding myself to be thankful that I can have really easy early-morning hikes right now with great, dry footing. It will be a lot more work to get outside come February again. So here's a photo to cool all of us Arizonians off this week...remember, winter will be here before we know it!
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By Danny Justice
(Synergy Realty Pros )
10 Tips to Selling Your Home: Tip #1 - Price Your Home CompetitivelySelling your home quickly and at the best price starts with one crucial step: setting the right price. Pricing your home competitively from the beginning can attract more potential buyers and minimize the time it spends on the market.In this first tip, we're diving into why it's essential to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA helps you determine a fair and strategic listing price that reflects the current market conditions in East Tennessee. Overpricing can scare off buyers, but pricing your home slightly below market value might create a bidding war, driving up the final sale price!Stay tuned each week as we share more insider tips to help you sell your home successfully.Danny Justice📱 Cell: (865) 748-0...
Comments 12
By Skyler Cameron, I'm training to get my real estate license.
(Tech)
One of the quickest ways to lose your real estate license is through misrepresentation. But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, misrepresentation happens when an agent gives out wrong or misleading information about a property. This could be something like exaggerating the size of a house or not mentioning a problem with the roof. Why It Matters As a real estate agent, your clients trust you to give them the right information so they can make smart decisions. When they find out they were misled, it can cause big problems, not just for them but for you too. Misrepresentation can lead to legal trouble and damage your reputation, which is why it's such a serious issue. Keeping It Honest The best way to avoid misrepresentation is to always double-check your facts before sharing them w...
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By Cheryl Cowan, Cheryl Cowan- Living the White Mountain Way
(Country Life Real Estate, LLC)
This beautiful home just came on the market and just might be your new home! Located in the Pinetop-Lakeside & The White Mountains. You are invited to give me a call for your if you have any buyers that want to make the move to the White Mountains! And if you are not licensed in Arizona, please know, I'll take excellent care of your buyers!     Cheryl CowanSA624880000 Mobile: 928-812-2181 cfcaz@yahoo.com Country Life Real Estate, LLC Lic.# LC714378000 740 S. 8th Street Show Low, AZ 85901
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🏡✨ Experience the Ultimate ADU Conversion in Hawthorne, CA! 🛠️ Watch as we turn a detached garage into a stunning 1 Bed, 1 Bath modern unit. From trenching to the final touches, we've captured every step of this journey. Our goal? To create the nicest 1 bedroom unit in the South Bay! 🌟 With its own yard, privacy fence, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, and a walk-in closet, this space is a dream come true! Check out this amazing ADU conversion and let us know what you think!Please find other relevant materials listed below.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_m0XHby3OXajS8SH-1S7lWRShCZCvZ6fFind out how much your home is worth: https://soldbygarrisonhomevalue.com/Sign up for a free coffee consultation with me here: https://forms.gle/5usSv9ib3HsUKL2...
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By Grant R. Menard, Fairhaven, Massachusetts Mortgage Broker
(Onshore Mortgage, LLC. NMLS# MB1995582)
In a significant shift aimed at supporting veteran homebuyers, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a temporary policy update regarding real estate agent commissions. Effective August 10, 2024, veterans utilizing VA home loans will now have the option to directly pay their buyer’s agent commissions. This adjustment comes amidst evolving real estate regulations that could potentially impact VA homebuyers responsible for their Realtor’s commission, potentially up to 3% of the home’s sales price.Key Updates and Implications:‍Previous Rule vs. New RuleUnder previous VA guidelines, homebuyers were prohibited from paying buyer-agent commissions. Instead, sellers were mandated to cover these costs. The new rule allows veterans to pay their buyer’s agent directly, provided the ...
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By Leslie Quintanar
(Agent Professor )
One of the twenty-one ways to lose a license is Not Giving Document Copies. What this entails is when you are working with a buyer, seller, or anyone who is a part of the real estate transaction- there are copies documents to be given. VERY important documents nonetheless! You and your broker keep a copy, this is due to regulations of keeping documents on file for a period of time.  Presenting a copy of all documents included in the transaction to buyer, seller, etc. Personally in my opinion, having both a physical and electronic copy sent to whomever is entitle to is- is the best! Physical copies as some people prefer paper! Electronic copes, since others are more tech savvy and enjoying being able to access it from anywhere!  Why is not giving document copies a reason to lose your lic...
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