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Home Selling

It's been said that the only thing in real estate that is more confusing than purchasing a home is selling one – especially if you've never done it before. Where to start? Who to turn to?


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Within our content library you'll find more millions of articles, written by the pros, on home selling topics like how to choose a listing agent, the questions to ask before hiring one, how to stage the home and create curb appeal. What happens if the appraisal comes in lower than the amount the buyer has offered? Is an offer from a buyer with a conventional loan approval better than one from an FHA buyer?


We have the answers here at ActiveRain and chances are great that if you can't find them now (which is hard to imagine!) you will find them tomorrow or the next day because our experts add hundreds of new posts every day.


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Recent blogs on Home Selling
By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
It’s hard to let go of a 3% mortgage rate. There’s no question about it. It’s the main reason why so many homeowners have delayed their move in recent years. But here’s something to consider.While your low rate might be ideal, it doesn’t make up being too cramped, having a staircase your knees can’t handle anymore, or being 1,000 miles from your family. And those real-life needs are pushing more sellers off the fence despite today’s rates.Data shows the share of homeowners with a mortgage rate below 3% is dropping as more people move. And, as a result, the share of homeowners taking on a mortgage rate above 6% is rising, too (see graph below):The Biggest Reasons People Are Moving Right NowWhy are some homeowners willing to take on a higher rate? A survey from Realtor.com helps shed ligh...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Would You Rather Live Next to a Nosy Neighbor or a Loud Neighbor?When it comes to neighbors, it’s often a case of “pick your poison.”• Nosy Neighbor – You know the type. Watches your every move, times your comings and goings, and treats your Ring camera like it’s a community news feed.• Loud Neighbor – Whether it’s midnight karaoke, backyard bonfires with bad acoustic guitar, or a dog that could compete with a megaphone, it’s never quiet.• The Perfect Neighbor – A unicorn. Quiet, kind, minds their own business, and only emerges on trash day.So, what’s worse—being constantly watched or never sleeping again? I’ve seen both affect home sales in Auburn and Opelika, AL. Believe it or not, the right neighbor can boost a home’s value… and the wrong one? Let’s just say, some buyers run the othe...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Is real estate for land different than Houses? Yes — real estate for land is significantly different from real estate for houses, both in how it's marketed and how it’s evaluated, sold, and financed. Here's a breakdown of the key differences: 🔍 1. Valuation is More Complex Houses are appraised based on comparable sales, square footage, finishes, condition, and location. Land is valued by zoning, development potential, access to utilities, topography, and permits/approvals like BOH (Board of Health) approvals or site plans. Example: A flat 1-acre lot with town water/sewer in Yorktown may be worth more than a 3-acre sloped lot without approvals in Putnam Valley. 🛠️ 2. Improvements and Use Homes are typically ready to live in or rent out. Land often requires clearing, surveying, engineeri...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
🏞️ Land Market Update: Putnam & Westchester Counties, NY (June 2025)Putnam County Median price per acre: Approximately $61,300  Median list price per parcel: About $1.3 million for roughly 14 acres Median time on market: Around 63 days May 2025 snapshot: 53 active land listings Median list price: $530,000 Average time on market: ~55 days Slight inventory decline (~2.8% month-over-month)  Key takeaways: Land values in Putnam are mid-range, with $60–70K per acre typical. Parcels between 1–20 ac tend to list at $500K–$1.5M, often selling within two months.Westchester County Median price per acre: Around $91,540  Median list price per parcel: Approximately $2.13 million Average listing price: Roughly $3.39 million Median lot size: ~16.4 acres (avg. ~27 ac)  Median days on market: ~55 days  ...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Weirdest Luxury Features in Auburn AL Real Estate (You Can’t Unsee These)You think you’ve seen it all… until you tour a million-dollar home with a slide from the master bedroom to the living room. Yes—an actual indoor slide.In my time selling real estate around Auburn and Opelika, I’ve come across some truly wild “luxury” upgrades:•  A custom bedroom slide—because stairs are for peasants?•  A wine cellar secured behind a real jail cell door. Cozy.•  A no-window, velvet-walled theater room straight out of a Bond villain’s blueprint.Here’s the thing: Luxury should make your life easier or more enjoyable—not confuse every guest who walks in.Not all pricey features add value. In fact, some turn buyers right back out the door.Thinking about buying or selling in Auburn or Opelika? Let’s focus...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Auburn AL Home Love Language: Does Your House Speak Your Heart?Cozy corners for deep chats, smart gadgets that serve you, walls that cheer you on, or plush spaces begging for Sunday naps—discover your home’s love language right here in Auburn and Opelika. When a property speaks your dialect, it just feels right… and buyers feel it too.• Quality Time — picture twinkling lights over a screened porch steps from Town Creek Park, where evening breezes keep conversations flowing.• Acts of Service — think app-controlled thermostats and mudrooms with built-ins that tame the football-season chaos.• Words of Affirmation — gallery walls celebrating Tiger victories, custom address plaques, framed family mantras.• Physical Touch — soft-close cabinetry, velvety carpets for toddlers (or Great Danes!) ...
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By Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com, Associate Broker
(Harry Norman, REALTORS® )
 Work with Atlanta luxury real estate broker Anthony Acosta to buy or sell high-end homes in Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Marietta, Alpharetta, and beyond.Luxury Atlanta Real Estate Anthony Acosta✨ Your Trusted Broker for High-End Homes in Atlanta 🏡Looking to buy or sell in the competitive world of luxury Atlanta real estate? Work with Anthony Acosta, a leading broker and Associate Broker at Harry Norman, REALTORS®. With decades of experience in luxury Atlanta real estate, Anthony offers white-glove service, market expertise, and results-driven strategy across the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods.Whether you’re seeking a penthouse in Buckhead, a custom-built estate in Alpharetta, or a gated retreat in Vinings, Anthony delivers tailored insight, d...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Untouched Opportunity: Land in Westchester County, NYWhen people think of Westchester County real estate, their minds often go straight to beautiful homes, tight inventory, and bidding wars. But beneath the surface of this highly desirable suburban market lies a vastly under-discussed opportunity: land. Whether for building a dream home, holding for investment, or developing multiple lots, vacant land in Westchester County is one of the region’s most undervalued real estate segments.Why Land Matters in WestchesterWestchester is just north of New York City, with a mix of walkable towns, rolling hills, and preserved natural areas. Over time, most of the easy-to-develop parcels have been built out—but not all. Scattered throughout towns like Yorktown, Somers, Cortlandt, North Salem, an...
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By Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty, Florida Space Coast Homes
(Waves Realty)
OPEN HOUSE 6/22/25 from 11am to 1pmHere is what you get: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage (with additional garage cabinets) Fully updated open kitchen with high end cabinets and new stainless appliances Updated primary bath with new walk in shower, new cabinets and tile Updated 2nd bath  New LVP plank flooring and tile throughout  Fresh paint inside and out new plank ceiling in screened entry and screened back patio inground screened pool with outdoor shower outdoor kitchen with sink, and electric grill new inside laundry room with cabinets, sink and flooring Oversized Lot with Preserve, Lake and Golf front views! New AC (2025) New Water Heater (2025) Recent long lasting Tile Roof (2020) The neighborhood features: $110 month HOA includes full irrigation, lawn service, sidewalk palm tre...
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By John Handschuh ABR SRES, Bucks County Real Estate
(RE/MAX Legacy)
Levittown Single OverviewMapsPhotos $399,900 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Full BathroomsInterior: 2,113 sqftLot: 7,656 sqftYear Built: 1956MLS #: PABU2098362 Location 10 Quay RdLevittown, PA 19057USA JOHN HANDSCHUH RE/MAX Legacy(215) 822-8200johnhandschuhsr@gmail.comhttp://www.johnhandschuh.com     Listed by: RE/MAX LEGACY Our recent listings  Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
What Auburn Real Estate Agents Wish They Could Say Out Loud (But Don’t)Let’s be real: there are things every Auburn and Opelika real estate agent wants to say out loud—but we don’t. We smile, we nod, we keep it professional. But behind the scenes? Here’s what we’re actually thinking:• “Your house isn’t worth $100K more just because you love it.”Sentiment doesn’t equal market value. Zillow doesn’t care how many birthdays were celebrated in the kitchen.• “Yes, buyers notice the smell.”Whether it’s pets, mildew, or that curry from last Tuesday… trust us, it’s noticed.• “Your helpful friend is hurting more than helping.”We get it—they mean well. But second opinions often lead to third thoughts and fourth delays.• “If you ghost me, the deal won’t magically close itself.”This isn’t a choose-y...
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚 ▐►RENT to OWN  4bd - 2ba DWMH FSBO Summerville-Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK QUALIFY RENT to OWN DWMH FULLY RENOVATED LOW OPTION PAYMENT  4bd-2bd Summerville Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK RENT to OWN DWMH 4bd - 2ba Summerville-Charleston ★Two Rent to Own Options to Choose ★ or Buy Outright for a Cash Discount  ★ RENOVATION COMPLETEDAVAILABLE  SEE WEBSITE BELOWPictures are pre - renovation updated Pictures and Video to Post    ★ ★BUY HERE NOW AVAILABLE  4bd - 2ba DWMH FULLY Renovated PLUS Yard - Shed! See Our BUYER Website Below to BUY Your Next House - Mobile Home or Land for CASH:   ★ ★ BUY HERE  WholeSale Buyer Values See:✴️▐► SCInvestmentProperties.com ** Contact us Today!★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Your Appointment to Visit this Home ★ ★ We A...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Are We Entering a Buyer’s Market? Seller Concessions Are Making a Comeback in PensacolaBy Charles Stallions, Your Trusted Real Estate Broker in Pensacola Since 1995For the past few years, it’s been full steam ahead for sellers. Homes sold quickly, often at or above the asking price, and multiple offers were the norm. But change is in the air—even here in sunny Pensacola. As inventory grows and the market begins to balance out, sellers are finding that they may need to be more flexible to attract serious buyers. One smart strategy? Seller concessions.What Are Seller Concessions?Seller concessions are costs a seller agrees to cover to help close the deal. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 1 in 4 sellers (24%) offered a concession in 2024—a clear sign that the marke...
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By Peter Mohylsky Gulf Front Homes, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management International-Destin)
Condo Information Discover coastal living at its finest in this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium located in the Leeward Key community at 2936 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550. This 1,823 sq. ft. unit offers breathtaking Gulf views and is just steps away from the pristine white sands of the Emerald Coast. Property Features: Open-Concept Living Area: Spacious and inviting, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Private Balcony: Enjoy panoramic Gulf vistas and stunning sunsets from your own outdoor space. Modern Kitchen: Equipped with updated appliances and ample storage, ideal for culinary enthusiasts. Master Suite: Features an ensuite bathroom and generous closet space. Guest Bedroom: Comfortable and versatile, suitable for family or visitors.This is an ideal vacation ...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
The “Just for the Photos” Open House Visitor (Yes, They’re Real)Ever hosted an open house and thought, “These people aren’t here to buy—they’re here for the backsplash”? You’re not wrong.There’s a special breed of open house visitor who isn’t comparing interest rates—they’re comparing paint swatches. Welcome to the world of the “Just for the Photos” guest. Here’s how to spot them:• Inspiration Seekers – They’ll ooh and ahh over your wallpaper while never even glancing at the price sheet.• Instagram Addicts – They’re staging selfies in your breakfast nook. If the lighting is good, expect a full-on mini photo shoot.• Design Spies – Armed with their Notes app and Pinterest board, they’re collecting ideas for their own remodel… not planning to write an offer.Open houses attract all kinds—an...
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By Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com, Associate Broker
(Harry Norman, REALTORS® )
 Atlanta’s Top Realtor – Anthony Acosta🏡Everyone Deserves a Dream Home!Atlanta’s Top Realtor, Anthony Acosta, of the Atlanta HorizonView Group, provides trusted, results-driven guidance for buyers and sellers across Metro Atlanta. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or ready to sell for top dollar, working with an experienced local expert ensures a smooth and successful real estate journey.Anthony brings decades of experience and deep knowledge of Atlanta real estate, including highly desirable areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and East Atlanta. Known for his client-first approach, this Atlanta Realtor delivers personalized service, smart strategies, and exceptional results that consistently exceed expectations.Thanks to his understanding of neighborhood trends and market sh...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Got Land? Let’s Unlock Its True ValueIf you own 1 acre or more of land in Westchester, Putnam, or the surrounding areas, this is one of the strongest markets we’ve seen for landowners in years.✅ Buyers are actively searching for buildable land.✅ Inventory is limited.✅ Values are strong — but most landowners don’t realize how much their property is worth right now.I specialize in large-acreage land sales and know how to position your property to attract serious, qualified buyers — whether they are builders, investors, or private homeowners.Unlike most agents, I don’t just list land — I know how to: Evaluate zoning and subdivision potential Market to the right buyer pool Navigate BOHAs, surveys, and municipal approvals Maximize your sale price Your land may be worth more than you think — ...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
My thoughts on why a seller should hire an Agent to sell their home!Why Sellers Should Hire a Real Estate Agent Pricing Expertise Agents understand the local market and have access to real-time data. They can price the home competitively to maximize interest and avoid pricing too high (which can stall the listing) or too low (which leaves money on the table). Marketing Power Professional photos, videos, virtual tours, and staging guidance. Access to MLS, online platforms, social media, email lists, and agent networks. Ability to create buzz and attract multiple qualified buyers. Negotiation Skills An experienced agent knows how to negotiate with buyers, agents, attorneys, inspectors, and appraisers. They protect the seller’s financial interests and work to secure the best possible terms...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below): And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice. A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t plan to use an agent have doubts about whether that’s actually the right decision. And here’s why. The market is changing – not in a bad way, just in a way that requires a smarter, more strategic a...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Selling your home can feel like a big task, but with the right plan (and the right agent 😉), it’s totally doable! 🏡 From repairs to staging to reviewing offers, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to get your home market-ready and sold? Let’s chat and make it happen! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #hometips #realestate #a061625 #realestateagent #realtor #icanhelp #dreamhome
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