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Real Estate General Information

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Recent blogs on Real Estate General Information
By Lynnea Miller, Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon
(Bend Premier Real Estate)
Why Oregon Is America's Top Moving Destination and What It Means for BendThere is a noticeable shift happening across the country.In 2025, Oregon officially became the number one inbound state in America. Nearly 65 percent of interstate moves involving Oregon were inbound. More people are choosing to move here than leave.And here in Bend, we are feeling it.This is not just a spike. It reflects a broader recalibration in how Americans are deciding where to live.A Different Reason to MoveFor years, relocation was primarily about jobs. Transfers. Promotions. Corporate ladders.Today, the motivations are more layered.The top reasons Americans moved in 2025 were: Closer to family New job or company transfer Retirement Lifestyle change The most common driver was proximity to family. That says ...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
🏡 Ellicott City Weekly Real Estate Market Update (Past 7 Days)📅 As of February 17, 2026Here’s what happened in the Ellicott City market this week:✨ 11 New Listings — inventory continues to grow, giving buyers more options⏳ 7 Coming Soon — additional homes are preparing to hit the market🤝 7 Under Contract — strong buyer activity and serious offers being made🏠 4 Closed Sales — steady transactions moving to settlement🚫 2 Canceled Listings — some sellers may be reassessing pricing or timing⚠️ 0 Expired Listings — great sign that homes are being positioned well in today’s market📊 Market Insight:We’re seeing a more balanced rhythm this week. With 11 new listings and 7 going under contract, demand is keeping pace with supply. The zero expired listings suggests homes are being priced competitiv...
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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
If you’ve ever tried to search for developed horse properties in a traditional MLS system, you already know the challenge.There is no simple search button for:• Stall barns• Lighted arenas• Round pens• Wash racks• Cross-fencing• Tack and feed rooms• Quality pasture layoutMost equestrian infrastructure is buried in remarks instead of categorized in searchable fields.That’s why I created a two-part blog series featuring developed horse properties currently available in Central Texas. These are not just acreage tracts that allow horses — these properties already include usable equestrian improvements.In Part 1, I featured several properties with existing arenas, barns, and cross-fenced setups in Bastrop, Washington, Williamson, and Caldwell Counties.In Part 2, I highlighted additional ranc...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
📊 Catonsville Real Estate Market Update – Past 7 DaysHere’s what happened this week in Catonsville:We had 6 new listings and 5 homes coming soon, giving buyers fresh opportunities and a glimpse of inventory on the way. Buyer activity stayed strong with 8 homes going under contract, and great news — 0 contracts fell through, showing solid, committed deals.We saw 3 price reductions, which tells us some sellers are adjusting to stay competitive. On the closing side, 6 homes officially sold, while 1 home was canceled.✨ What this means:The market is active and competitive. Buyers are moving quickly, and homes that are priced correctly are getting results. Strategy matters more than ever.📲 Thinking about buying or selling in Catonsville? Call or text 443-418-7668 or send a message — let’s tal...
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By Ashleigh Camberg, Military relocation Specialist in Olympia/Tacoma
(PCS Home Group)
What are the best Pierce County VA loan homes and real buyer experiences for military families relocating to JBLM in 2026?Pierce County offers strong VA-eligible homes near JBLM with zero-down potential, competitive 2026 pricing, and solid resale demand—especially in Tacoma, Puyallup, Spanaway, Lakewood, and Dupont—when you pair the right house with PCS-smart timing and a VA-savvy team.Why Pierce County VA Loan Homes Matter for Your 2026 PCSIf you're headed to or from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in 2026, housing is probably stressing you more than the move itself. You're trying to balance BAH, school districts, commute times, and a PCS timeline that doesn't care about interest rates or inventory. On top of that, you want to make the most of your VA loan benefit without getting stuck in a h...
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By Lane Rogers & Patricia Zars, Making Moves. Making a Difference.
(Epique Realty)
BIG things are happening in Boerne! | Northside Community Park Update Construction is officially underway on Boerne’s new Northside Community Park, and this project is shaping up to become one of the premier park destinations in our area. This bond-funded project represents the largest single investment in parks and open space in Boerne’s history, and you can already see progress taking shape on site. Current Construction Progress • Groundbreaking began September 2025 • Excavation is underway for the future splash pad and restroom facilities • Utility trenching and grading work are actively in progress • Design and color selections are being finalized for park features, including the splash pad and pickleball courts When completed, Phase One will bring a huge expansion of recreational ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Good post by Ellie today, and worthy of our daily Re-Blog.BillGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler A house becomes truly valuable when it feels like home. Beyond square footage and upgrades, emotional connection is what makes a space meaningful. Whether you just moved in or have lived there for years, here are simple ways to deepen that bond. 1. Personalize Your SpaceAdd photos, artwork, and décor that reflect your story. When your home mirrors your personality and memories, it instantly feels more connected to who you are. 2. Create Meaningful RitualsHost dinners, celebrate milestones, or start traditions like game nights. Shared experiences build strong emotional ties to ...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today, I listed a 32-acre property in Bellingham, MA. It’s conveniently located near Route 495 and just one exit from the commuter rail in Franklin, MA. It’s also close to schools, restaurants, shopping, banks, and downtown.This property offers about 15 acres of land available for your project. It’s zoned for mixed use (Industrial and Residential), and while part of it includes wetlands, it’s not located in a flood zone according to FEMA maps.There is an opportunity to be had here.The seller owns a property on Valleyview that could serve as another access point to this land and is open to including it in the sale for an additional cost.I’ve done my research and spoken with the town about the process for approaching the town boards to get approvals for both industrial and residential use...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
A house becomes truly valuable when it feels like home. Beyond square footage and upgrades, emotional connection is what makes a space meaningful. Whether you just moved in or have lived there for years, here are simple ways to deepen that bond.1. Personalize Your SpaceAdd photos, artwork, and décor that reflect your story. When your home mirrors your personality and memories, it instantly feels more connected to who you are.2. Create Meaningful RitualsHost dinners, celebrate milestones, or start traditions like game nights. Shared experiences build strong emotional ties to specific spaces.3. Design for ComfortRearrange furniture for better flow, layer in cozy textures, and improve lighting. When your home supports your lifestyle, it naturally feels more inviting.4. Refresh and RenewFre...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
When touring homes, it’s easy to focus on the “wow” features—updated kitchens, fresh paint, and stylish staging. But some of the most important details are often overlooked, and they can impact your experience long after move-in.Natural LightA home may feel bright during a midday showing, but what about mornings or evenings? Notice window placement and how light might shift throughout the day.Storage SpaceDon’t just glance at closets—step inside. Check depth, shelving, pantry space, and garage storage. Lack of storage becomes obvious quickly once you’re living there.Noise LevelsPause and listen. Traffic, nearby schools, or neighborhood activity can affect daily comfort more than you expect.Layout & FlowStaging can hide awkward layouts. Think about how you’d actually live in the space. D...
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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
Feeding horses in Central Texas is not the same as feeding horses in other parts of the country. Our long, hot summers, unpredictable drought cycles, sandy soils in some areas and heavy clay in others all affect pasture quality and hay availability.When I had 28 horses on my ranch in Bastrop, I baled my own round bales just to make it through winter. Even with good pasture management, Texas summers can stress grasses and force supplementation earlier than expected. Coastal Bermuda is common here, but quality varies depending on rainfall and cutting timing. In drought years, sourcing consistent, clean hay becomes one of the biggest challenges for horse owners.Many owners rely on a combination of round bales for maintenance feeding and square bales for stall horses or performance animals....
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By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
Buying or selling a home is exciting, but nothing slows the adrenaline like a 67-page home inspection reportwith photos of every scuff mark, mystery stain, and slightly-off-kilter doorknob. For many people, the inspection feels like the moment everything gets called into question. Suddenly, even the houseplants feel nervous.But here’s the good news: the home inspection phase doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A little context goes a long way, especially when you understand why inspectors sometimes miss things and why they sometimes call out items that aren’t actually considered “defects” under the sales contract.Let’s break it down - light-heartedly, factually, and with practical insight you can rely on.Why Home Inspectors Miss Things (Yes, It Happens)Home inspectors are trained professio...
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Real Estate Is More Than Just Numbers Real estate is more than just numbers. Of course, it uses pricing strategies, comparative sales, days on the market, and interest rates. But people understand that data doesn't just make the sales. Professionals on ActiveRain know that having solid data is ethical and a highly effective real estate practice, but anyone who has been part of this industry knows that this isn’t just about spreadsheets. Some of the deals happen just because they feel right, and others don’t happen when the numbers seem perfect. A buyer might walk into a house and instantly know that the house isn't for them, even though it meets everything that they're looking for. Sellers sometimes resist offers that match the market value, feeling that the timing isn't right. Agents ...
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By Barrie Clulow
(The illusion and the reality )
It’s been over ten years since I stopped posting here.  Given the changes that have happened to the assessment process here in Ontario since then and the impact on our taxes I felt the need to update my knowledge and share what I find.I will be using AI for much of my research to avoid the time consumption of searching the many different web sites involved. Please feel free to use my information as a starting point for your own research on market value assessments . . . The Illusion & The Reality.
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By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
Interest in tiny homes, park models, ADUs, and small footprint housing continues to grow across Central Texas. Whether you’re planning to place a tiny home on acreage in Bastrop County, add a guest house in Fayette County, or explore downsizing options near Austin, it’s important to know which manufacturers and builders are serving our region.I’ve put together a helpful list of tiny home manufacturers and sales offices that serve Central Texas — including companies located in Austin, Smithville, Georgetown, Waco, Temple, Mustang Ridge, and surrounding areas.If you’re researching builders, comparing models, or just beginning to explore tiny home living, this resource is a great place to start.You can read the full list here:https://www.debsellstexas.com/tiny-home-builders-sales-offices-s...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
How Low Can You Set Your Thermostat Before a Winter Vacation? Turning the thermostat down low while you’re away on a winter vacation might save you some money at first, but once you’re back, you could end up spending more than you saved. That’s because reheating the house takes extra energy, walls and furniture get cold, and it can take hours for them to warm up before the furnace can really start heating the air.The Best Temperature to Set During Winter VacationKeeping a steady heat prevents surfaces from cooling down and avoids a big energy surge when you return. So, what’s the perfect temperature to set while you’re away?Leaving the thermostat at 55 degrees during a winter vacation is a good, recommended temperature.  This way, pipes can’t freeze, and you can quickly reheat your home...
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By Tim Bray, B.S. Real Estate (UConn)
(Seaport Real Estate Services)
Municipal decisions shape real estate markets long before pricing reflects it.Over the past 60–90 days, we reviewed Planning & Zoning meetings, Town Council agendas, infrastructure discussions, and public hearing records across:• New London County, CT• Middlesex County, CT• Washington County, RI• Newport County, RIIssue #4 of our Town Meeting Minute focuses on projects most likely to influence housing supply, zoning structure, infrastructure leverage, and local economic activity.This cycle includes:New London, CT – 37-Unit Mixed-Use Development194 Bank Street | Parcel G13/108/25.2Downtown housing plus activated ground-floor space has the potential to influence rental benchmarks and reinvestment patterns.Stonington (Pawcatuck), CT – 83-Unit Affordable Housing Proposal (8-30g)207 & 215 Li...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
🏡 The Buyer You’re Waiting For Might Already Be in Your Life. Since 1995, I have seen it all, from the MLS books we used to look up properties for buyers to floppy disks to Mac Computers to internet searches, and now this thing called AI. I have seen it all. My Grandfather talked to my father about writing a contract on a napkin at a diner, but my father used a sheet of paper, and now I have sixteen pages and growing. I am there with my customer in the trenches and cannot tell you how many customers tell me it looks so easy. But it is much more than that, and it is personal. Selling a home isn’t just a transaction. It’s a transition — a shift from one chapter of life to the next. And what many sellers don’t realize is this: the person meant to step into your home’s next chapter may alre...
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By Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner, Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!
It is always fun to see what "trends" are new for the year, even if some are not exactly YOUR style.   You could incorporate some into your home.   Nina came up with a great post --- Five Interior Design Trends Setting The Tone For 2026   2026 is shaping up to be all about space that feels like you... from cozy comfort to bold personality. Here are the five trends that will be shaping homes this year.   2026 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND #1: WARM MINIMALISM Warm minimalism is a design approach that pairs the simplicity and restraint of minimalism with cozy, human touches—think natural materials, soft textures, and warm, earthy tones. It keeps spaces uncluttered and calm while still feeling inviting, lived-in, and emotionally rich rather than stark or cold.   2026 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND #2: RICH ...
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