Recent Blog Posts

The amazing members of ActiveRain produce hundreds of blog posts every single day of the year.  There is a wonderful mix of all things real estate and beyond for your reading pleasure.

This board rolls all day long with the newest blog posts to our site. You’ll find some diamonds in the rough on this page, so check back often to peruse the blog roll and learn from our committed community of real estate professionals.

The newest blog posts on ActiveRain

By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Why Home Maintenance Costs Can Top $10,000 Annually: Key Insights and Cost-Saving TipsOwning a home can be rewarding, but with annual maintenance costs averaging over $10,000, it’s essential to plan ahead. A recent report from Thumbtack highlights a 5.9% increase in these expenses for single-family homes due to rising prices for supplies, aging infrastructure, climate change impacts, and supply chain issues. Here’s what’s driving these costs and how homeowners can manage them effectively.Top Factors Driving Maintenance Costs Inflation: Rising prices for supplies mean higher costs for repairs and upkeep. Aging Homes: With many U.S. homes over 40 years old, maintenance needs increase, particularly for plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Climate Change: Extreme weather events increa...
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
✴️▐►COMING SOON! Rent to Own DWMH Renovated LIKE NEW SUMMERVILLE★ ★SEE THIS HOME HEREPROPERTY #S-1 NEXTON AREA UNDER FULL RENOVATION Summerville Doublewide LOW PRICE CASH OR Rent to Own Available May 15$1650 Monthly, $15K Option Down or BUY TODAY for HUGE Cash Discount $86,750.Property #S-1 NEXTON AREA UNDER FULL RENOVATION Summerville Doublewide LOW PRICE CASH OR Rent to Own Available May 15 2025★ ★  BUY HERE WholeSale Buyer Values See: ✴️▐►SCInvestmentProperties.com ★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIP    Call Steve for Your Appointment ★ ★ 🈚▐►DISCOUNT RENT to OWN MOBILE HOMES FSBO BUY-SELL-INVEST Charleston 🈚▐►DISCOUNT MOBILE HOMES  SELL-INVEST-WHOLESALE-BUY SC Charleston 🈚▐►DISCOUNT MOBILE HOMES SC SELL-INVEST-WHOLESALE-BUY ★ Charleston🈚▐►✴️▐►SC Mobile Home Sales★...
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By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
 Pedestrian PonderingCommonplace Or RareMaybe Both SimultaneouslyThe Merriam-Webster dictionary shows two definitions of the word, pedestrian. It is both a noun describing one who walks or an adjective meaning commonplace, unimaginative. Realizing that such differences exist can be helpful when moving about everyday life.    Not to be too philosophical but I am therefore I walk.  While my methods of movement have morphed more than a bit over the years, walking remains a part of how I operate. So, to speak. Let's face it, perceptions and preferences can collide at times. Memories can blur too. I have noticed this as thoughts beyond my peripheral vision enter my thought process. Realizing that such blind spots exist, can be a significant sign.      In walking, I experience things around m...
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By Rocky Dickerson, Superior Service!
(Realty One Group)
Come on, it may be Monday, but you could use an extra smile today, right? So, how about a look at the humor of the hilarious John Crist?  Sit back, make it look like you are working hard on some research, and enjoy! And now this is the latest installment of Mayhem Merriment Monday.
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Empty Nest? Don't Make This Downsizing MistakeWe all know the benefits of downsizing — lower bills, less upkeep, simpler living. But there’s one thing I caution clients about every year:👉 Don’t go too small.That charming 900 sq ft bungalow might feel cozy at first… until the kids visit, you take up painting, or you realize your holiday decorations still need a home.Downsizing should be about comfort and control, not sacrifice. In the Upstate SC market, there are plenty of one-story homes, townhomes, and low-maintenance options that still offer space to live well — and room to grow.I help empty nesters find the right fit every day. If you're thinking about downsizing, let’s make sure it’s a move forward — not a squeeze.📞 864-710-4518 | 🌐 www.CoolMountainEscapes.com#EmptyNesterHomes #Smar...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Aldea NEWLY LISTED Cormorant Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1925 sq. ft. | $1,500,000 La Costa Hills NEWLY LISTED Caminito Tingo | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 773 sq. ft. | $515,000 Meadowridge RECENTLY SOLD Corte Montecito | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1135 sq. ft. | $629,999 Ocean Pointe NEWLY LISTED Canario Street | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1718 sq. ft. | $1,229,000 Tanglewood RECENTLY SOLD Via Roberto | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1104 sq. ft. | $749,000 The Villas NEWLY LISTED Andover Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1362 sq. ft. | $749,900
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Federal and Maryland Estate Tax and ExemptionThe federal estate tax applies to estates whose value exceeds a certain exemption threshold at the time of a decedent’s death. As of 2025, the federal estate tax exemption is $13.99 million per individual, or $27.98 million for married couples using portability (essentially, the sharing of the exemption). Estates that exceed this threshold are taxed at a top rate of 40%.This exemption, which is currently at an all-time high, was enacted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. However, absent further legislative action, this exemption is set to revert to pre-2018 levels, adjusted for inflation, on Jan. 1, 2026. This would lower the exemption to approximately $7 million per individual ($14 million for married couples). This reduction wo...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Riverside Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Arlington Woods RECENTLY SOLD Arlington Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 550 sq. ft. | $309,900 Canyon Crest Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Via Zapata | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1764 sq. ft. | $659,900 Magnolia Palms BACK ON THE MARKET Palm Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1049 sq. ft. | $275,000 Palm Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1165 sq. ft. | $319,999 Palmilla BACK ON THE MARKET Massachusetts Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 860 sq. ft. | $311,000 Riverwalk RECENTLY SOLD Brookbridge Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1754 sq. ft. | $615,000 Sonata at Canyon Crest BACK ON THE MARKET Central Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 740 sq. ft. | $349,900 The Trees RECENTLY SOLD Wintertree Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1618 sq. ft. | $619,900 University ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Home Price vs. Home Value: What Buyers Should Really Be Looking AtIn the world of real estate, numbers matter — but not all numbers carry the same weight. Many buyers and sellers focus heavily on closed sales when trying to understand the market. But if you want to know what’s happening right now, you should be watching pending sales instead.Pending homes — those under contract but not yet closed — are your best indicator of what today’s buyers are willing to pay. They reflect current market demand, buyer activity, and urgency. These homes show us where the action is, what features buyers are chasing, and what price points are generating offers.Sold homes, on the other hand, are a snapshot of the past. That data could be 30 to 90 days old and may not reflect recent changes like interest...
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Selling a home can be an exciting but complex process.    Selling a home can be an exciting but complex process. As a seasoned Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how small missteps can lead to major setbacks, whether it’s a home sitting on the market too long or a sale falling through at the last minute. Many sellers enter the process with high hopes, but without the right guidance, they can make decisions that cost them time, money, and peace of mind. To help homeowners navigate the process more smoothly, I’ve outlined some of the most common mistakes home sellers make and, more importantly, how to avoid them. 1. Overpricing the Home The Mistake:Setting a high price with the hope of “leaving room to negotiate” is one of the most common seller mistakes. Many sellers assume that pricing the ho...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Corona Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 The Lakes at Corona BACK ON THE MARKET Border Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 680 sq. ft. | $359,000 The Terraces at Sierra Del Oro RECENTLY SOLD Altura Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1115 sq. ft. | $524,900 Triana at Corona Ranch NEWLY LISTED Las Colinas Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 724 sq. ft. | $375,000 Trilogy at Glen Ivy BACK ON THE MARKET Cuyamaca Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1909 sq. ft. | $620,000 Citrus Springs RECENTLY SOLD Breezy Meadow Lane | 5 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2491 sq. ft. | $865,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Moreno Valley Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Lakeview Sunnymead RECENTLY SOLD Orchid Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1037 sq. ft. | $199,900
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Hemet Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Lincoln View BACK ON THE MARKET Sharp Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1384 sq. ft. | $270,000 RECENTLY SOLD Sharp Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $249,000 Seven Hills RECENTLY SOLD Seven Hills Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1470 sq. ft. | $325,000
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I have a friend selling her house in California, and she must have said to me, at least five times, "I wish you could sell this house for me!"  I wish I could, too! But I'm a Washington real estate agent, not California. The good news is I was able to help her understand a lot of what I consider to be Real Estate 101. But of course, she doesn't know the things I know. I've been doing this for over 21 years now. This is the very first home she's ever sold.Here were some of her questions: Is it normal to have an agent come with the paperwork already filled out and expect you to sign right then? Is it normal to have a 6-month contract? Is it normal to pay both my agent AND the buyer's agent? What she was really asking is, "Is this typical? Am I being taken advantage of? Can I trust this pe...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Murrieta Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Arroyo Viejo NEWLY LISTED Princessa Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1196 sq. ft. | $449,888 Madison Park Villas NEWLY LISTED Madison Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1232 sq. ft. | $420,000 North Oaks BACK ON THE MARKET Springvale Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1428 sq. ft. | $473,888 Ridgegate BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo De Oro | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1922 sq. ft. | $440,000 Sonrisas at Murrieta RECENTLY SOLD Davenport Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1630 sq. ft. | $427,000 Villas at Old School House RECENTLY SOLD Millbrook Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1654 sq. ft. | $539,000
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Check out this link from our local Realtors + MLS, below for the newest homes to come on the market.           Chandler Arizona homes for sale today         YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUN For ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate Needs PHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952 Text          Bill   at    602-999-0952 Email       Bill    at BillSalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com  Read other YVP Blogs here For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952eMail: golfarizona@cox.netBill Salvatore / Arizona Elite PropertiesYour Valley Property TeamResidential Sales, Marketing, and Property Management Selling Arizona for more than 20+years#ChandlerRealtor #SellmyGilbertHome #SellmyChandlerHome, #ThebestRealtorinGilbert, #ThebestRealtorChandler, #AZVHVHelpingArizonaHeroes, #NewConstructionAdvantage #...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Prep time is 15 minutes   Cook 4 to 5 hours on low1 large red onion, cut into small this wedges2 12 0z packages frozen cooked Italian meatball1 25 ro 26 oz jar of marinara sauce1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 6 sliced provolone cheese, quartered24 cocktail buns, split1.  Place onion wedges in a 3/12 or 4 quart slow cooker.  Top with frozen meatball.  In a medium bowl combine marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, and crushed red pepper, Pour over meatballs.2.  Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.3.  Gently stir mixture in cooker.  Place a tomato slice and quartered cheese slice on bottom half of each cocktail bun.  Top each with a meatball; replace bun tops.  Makes about 24 sliders. 
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Lake Elsinore Weekly Market Update May 5th - 11th, 2025 Sycamore Landing NEWLY LISTED Joy Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 602 sq. ft. | $259,000 Vista Del Lago NEWLY LISTED Park Point Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1141 sq. ft. | $385,000
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Check out this link from our local Realtors + MLS, below for the newest homes to come on the market.                      Gilbert Arizona homes for sale today        YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUN For ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate Needs PHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952 Text          Bill   at    602-999-0952 Email       Bill    at BillSalvatore.teamiii@gmail.com  Read other YVP Blogs here For more information, Call or Text: 602-999-0952eMail: golfarizona@cox.netBill Salvatore / Arizona Elite PropertiesYour Valley Property TeamResidential Sales, Marketing, and Property Management Selling Arizona for more than 20+years#ChandlerRealtor #SellmyGilbertHome #SellmyChandlerHome, #ThebestRealtorinGilbert, #ThebestRealtorChandler, #AZVHVHelpingArizonaHeroes, #NewConstructionAd...
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