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 Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
Other Types of Home Inspections (Preventative Maintenance, etc.)Preventative maintenance inspections are conducted to identify potential problems that could lead to expensive repairs or replacements in the future. These types of inspections are typically performed on newly constructed homes or on homes that are being remodeled.A home energy audit is another type of home inspection that is becoming increasingly popular. Energy audits help homeowners identify ways to make their homes more energy efficient and save money on utility bills.Finally, a safety inspection can be conducted to check for potential hazards in the home such as carbon monoxide leaks, electrical wiring problems, or gas leaks. Safety inspections are often conducted by fire departments or other government agencies.Benefi...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. It can be hard to navigate misleading headlines and confusing data, so here’s what you should know about today’s home prices. Local price trends still vary by market. But looking at national data, Nataliya Polkovnichenko, Ph.D., Supervisory Economist at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), explains: “U.S. house prices were largely unchanged in the last four months and remained near the peak levels reached over the summer of 2022. While higher mortgage rates have suppressed demand, low inventories of homes for sale have helped maintain relatively flat house prices.” Month-over-month home price changes can be seen in the chart below. The data also shows that price deprecia...
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By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
What to Look for in a Real Estate AgentIf you're looking to buy or sell a home, you'll need to work with a real estate agent. But not just any real estate agent will do. You'll want to find an agent that's a good fit for you, your needs, and your budget. Here are a few things to look for in a real estate agent:1. Someone who is knowledgeable about the area. Whether you're buying or selling, you want an agent who knows the ins and outs of the neighborhood you're interested in. They should be able to tell you about schools, public transportation, safety concerns, and anything else that might be important to you.2. An experienced agent. While all agents must be licensed, not all agents have the same level of experience. You'll want to work with someone who has closed plenty of deals and ha...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Are you looking to add some extra living space to your home? California rooms are an ideal solution! These outdoor rooms are perfect for adding extra space for entertaining, relaxing, or enjoying the outdoors. So, let's get started! In this blog post, we'll discuss what a California room is, the benefits of having one, design tips for creating one, and more.What is a California Room?A California room is an outdoor living space attached to a home. It typically has a roof and walls, making it an enclosed outdoor room. California rooms can be for entertaining, relaxing, dining, or just taking in the fresh air. This type of space is perfect for people who want to enjoy the outdoors in a more comfortable setting.The great thing about California rooms is that they are easy to customize and wi...
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By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
Preparation Tips for Selling Your HomeWhen you're ready to sell your home, there are a few key things you can do to make the process go smoothly. First, it's important to choose the right real estate agent. Look for someone who has experience selling homes in your area and is familiar with the market. It's also a good idea to get your home in tip-top shape before putting it on the market. This means making any necessary repairs and sprucing up the space with fresh paint and new staging. Potential buyers should be able to see themselves living in your home, so make sure it's clean and clutter-free. Lastly, be prepared to negotiate on price and terms. Work with your real estate agent to come up with a fair asking price, but be willing to budge if necessary. With these tips in mind, you ca...
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By Greg Harrelson, Myrtle Beach Real Estate
(C21 The Harrelson Group / C21 Charleston Expert Advisors)
If you're considering having a home inspection done, here are some things to keep in mind:-Home inspections in are typically scheduled after the offer on a house has been accepted. -The buyer usually pays for the inspection, although sellers may occasionally agree to pay for it as part of negotiations. -Inspections usually take 1-2 hours but can vary depending on the size and age of the home. -A typical inspection report will highlight any major problems with the property as well as any areas that may need further attention or monitoring. Keep these things in mind when scheduling your home inspection to ensure that you get the most out of it!What Are The Different Types of Home Inspections?There are three main types of home inspections: the buyer’s inspection, the seller’s inspection, a...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
Many buyers that want to save some money on their home purchase (or just want a challenge!) gravitate towards fixer-uppers. And while fixer-uppers certainly can be a good investment, there are definitely things you’ll want to consider before buying a home that needs serious work.So what, exactly, are those considerations?A recent video from realtor.com outlined some of the things you’ll want to consider when buying a fixer-upper, including: Go for cosmetic changes. Making cosmetic changes to a home—like removing wallpaper, updating flooring, or renovating a kitchen or bathroom—is significantly easier than larger renovations, like fixing a home’s foundation or repairing water damage. If you’re going to buy a fixer-upper, consider looking for one that needs cosmetic changes over having to...
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By Ralph Williams, "The very best in sales & leadership training."
(Bottom Line University)
Here is a preview of our February 16th session:https://os5.mycloud.com/action/share/dcf99f4d-7188-4ee1-8f84-f56fbc5c717e Hey Everybody, Our program this week is titled, “The Market Doesn’t Lie”. The market is in a constant state of change. It is always presenting us with signs that counsel us to stop, look and listen. In this final session of our tenth campaign, we will explore:1.  What to stop doing2.  What to look for3.  What to be listening for We think you’ll be surprised by what we have discovered. More importantly, we think you’ll be delighted by how easy this business can be when you pay attention to the right things. If this is your year to break out and be the most productive you've ever been, then reach out and enroll today. You won't find a better value anywhere! Our next cam...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
If you currently own a home and want to buy a new property, the chances are you’re going to have to navigate selling your current home and buying your new home at the same time.But what, exactly, does that look like? What do you need to know to successfully buy and sell property simultaneously?A recent video from realtor.com outlined a few key factors to consider when buying and selling a home at the same time, including: You probably have money to work with. If you’ve owned your home for more than a few years, there’s a solid chance that you’ve gained equity in the property. That equity can help to fund your new home purchase—either by acting as a down payment to pair with your new mortgage or, if you’re downsizing and have a lot of equity, to help you come in with an all-cash offer on...
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By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.          As the Real Estate continues to Shift , we are experiencing a return to a Normal Real Estate Market.Both 2021 & most of 2022 were Record Setting years .Days on Market has increased to 25 Days , which is still a very good indicator. Sales activity is down , but not far from a typical January. Finally more Sellers are entering the Market as prices/ values continue to rise . Text me to update your Home’s Value 717-951-9933  ! 
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By Susan Goulding, Northern CA - Tracy & Mountain House Real Estate
(Crown Key Realty, Inc; Tracy & Mountain House Sales and Property Management)
What does a Tracy CA Property Manager do?I get asked that all the time.So I've compliled a short concise paragraph for you to review.There is much more involved but here are some basics.A property manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a real estate property on behalf of the owner. This can include tasks such as marketing and advertising vacancies, screening and selecting tenants, collecting rent, managing repairs and maintenance, handling tenant complaints, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The ultimate goal of a property manager is to maximize the financial performance and value of the property for the owner while maintaining a positive relationship with tenants.Honestly, complying with the ever-changi...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Mr. Shubhodeep Das, who is well-known as the founder and group CEO of the International Business Centre Hylife Group, earned the CEO Thailand Award in 2023. This acquisition has made Hylife Group the business leader of the private sector in the largest city of northern Thailand Chiang Mai.The company Hylife Group is majorly focused on working in sectors such as real estate, mortgages, debt rehabilitation, food processing, medical supplies, etc.The CEO Thailand Award 2023 was held on January 29, 2023, at the luxurious hotel Amari Don Mueang Airport. The event was organized by the Broadcaster and Journalist's Assembly of Thailand (BJ.AT) and they worked diligently to make the CEO Thailand Awards 2023 a memorable one.The winner of the event, Shubhodeep Prasanta Das created the Hylife Group...
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By Greg Tresler, We Buy Houses For Cash As Is! House Buyers Florida
(House Buyers Florida)
Are you looking to sell your home and get cash for it quickly? Navigating the real estate market can be daunting, especially when dealing with cash sales. Fortunately, specific tips and tricks can help you identify great cash home buyers and ensure you get the most out of your sale.   With this blog post, we aim to provide an in-depth look into what characteristics good cash buyers should have so that you know what potential buyers may be best suited for your situation. So read on to learn how to spot a great cash home buyer. What is Cash Home Buyers?A cash home buyer is an individual or company with the resources to purchase a home outright. This method of buying property eliminates the need for mortgages or other forms of loan financing and the subsequent deadlines associated with eac...
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By Greg Tresler, We Buy Houses For Cash As Is! House Buyers Florida
(House Buyers Florida)
Buying your first home can be an exciting but sometimes overwhelming experience. Therefore, it is essential to be well-informed and prepared when purchasing a new home to House Buyers Florida. To help you get started, here is a step-by-step guide to buying your first home in the Sunshine State.  Research the MarketBefore you even start looking at houses, it is vital to research your area's real estate market to know what to expect and what kind of budget you can work with. Gather information online about average prices, current listings, and other relevant information that will help you better understand the local real estate market. You should also check out different neighborhoods and areas to find one that works best for you and your family.  Get Pre-ApprovedOnce you have researched ...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for. What Are Closing Costs? People are sometimes surprised by closing costs because they don’t know what they are. According to Bankrate: “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .” In other words, your closing costs are a collection of fees and payments involved with your transac...
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By Ray Wilson, NYS Licensed Home and Building Inspector
(Meticulous Home Inspection Corporation)
When you are looking for homes, some people fall in love with the charm of an old house, but in most homes I have inspected from around the 1850's, unless it has a proper foundation, you may find an original stacked stone foundation like this one. This one needs major structural repairs. On Long Island, a large sand bar, there is usually water damage found in the basement and you can sometimes pull rocks right out of the mortar joints. The wood structure above in this house is also heavily dry-rotted, and jack posts with no fasteners were also found. This house is selling for over $1.2 mil, and although beautiful, signs of current water intrusion and a wet-dry vac in the area indicate this house has long standing water intrusion issues which have caused the mortar to disintegrate. Don't...
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By Denise Lones, CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding
(The Lones Group, Inc.)
Housing Shortage: It's Not Just About Affordability, It's About What People Actually Need "We need more affordable housing!" - the call for affordable housing comes from about every corner of the country. But the solution isn't as easy as building a bunch of apartment buildings with studio and one-bedroom units. It's not just about building block after block of townhomes. We also can't just build a glut of ramblers or ranch-style homes in subdivisions or only focus on rental product or product to sell.Although all of the above ARE part of the solution, in order to really get a handle on what is needed requires local research on needs, reverse-engineering of those needs, and then working in collaboration with builders and developers to get that product built at affordable prices. Here i...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
When you’re designing your home, you want it to feel comfortable for everyone, and that means making improvements to make your home more accessible for people with disabilities, or to more comfortably deal with limitations brought on by age.But what, exactly, do those improvements look like?A recent article from realtor.com outlined design tips to help make your home more accessible—a movement called universal design—including: Upgrade your lighting. Poor lighting (including missing or burned out bulbs, or bulbs in different colors and wattage temperatures) isn’t just a design issue; for people that struggle with their vision, it can also be a safety issue. Make your home safer—and more aesthetically pleasing—by replacing all of your lighting with new, matching LED bulbs. Cabinet organi...
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By Greg Tresler, We Buy Houses For Cash As Is! House Buyers Florida
(House Buyers Florida)
  Are you considering buying a home in Miami but unsure about where to begin your search? One of the best ways to move forward is with the best home cash buyers. While there are plenty of benefits that come along with making this choice, it's important to understand the full implications before making any decisions. In this blog post, we'll dive into all possible advantages – from having greater negotiation power when dealing with sellers to an easier timeline for finalizing your purchase – so that you can make the most informed choice for your individual needs. You'll avoid paying interest on your mortgageWith traditional mortgages, you must pay interest on the amount of money that you borrowed from the bank to purchase a home. However, when you buy a home through Home Cash Buyers Miam...
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By Ron Cedillo, Helping People and Enjoying Life
(Home Buyers Realty)
67% of Americans say a housing market crash is imminent in the next three years. With all the talk in the media lately about shifts in the housing market, it makes sense why so many people feel this way. But there’s good news. Current data shows today’s market is nothing like it was before the housing crash in 2008. Back Then, Mortgage Standards Were Less Strict During the lead-up to the housing crisis, it was much easier to get a home loan than it is today. Banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one. As a result, lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage products offered. That led to mass defaults, foreclosures, and falling ...
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