Admin

Real Estate General Information

Finally – a place for real estate consumers to bring all of their questions and find answers from the experts. Unlike many sites that plaster articles written by authors with dubious real estate credentials, ActiveRain gives you the skinny from the pros. How?


ActiveRain is the real estate industry's favorite hang-out – a virtual water cooler for real estate professionals.


Imagine walking into the break room of a mega real estate office that houses over 300,000 real estate agents, and then being able to pick the brains of some of the best minds in your market. Questions on moving, relocation to a new area, vacation homes or just buying and selling real estate in general are all fair game.


ActiveRain's current content library contains millions of articles. You'll find articles on everything from investing in real estate to what to watch out for when renting. If you can't find what you're looking for, stick around – the pages are updated constantly and new, fresh information is added daily.


If you're in the market to buy, sell, rent, stage or even refinance a home and have questions, congratulations – you've found the mother lode of answers here at ActiveRain!

Recent blogs on Real Estate General Information
By Jeff&Grace Safrin, SpousesSellingHousesTM
(F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate)
Coming Soon, Showings start Friday, May 16th, 2025 151 N. Ridgeview Drive , Valparaiso, Indiana 46385(Click on property address above for price and all the MLS information and more photos) Perched on a scenic lot that has forested backyard views, this 2 story with a full finished, walk-out basement offers 4313 total SF of living space on 3 levels plus an attached, finished 462 SF garage.Abundance of windows & transoms bring the outdoors in with every changing season.Located in the upscale neighborhood of SAGAMORE in Valparaiso, Indiana's Union Township with Blue Ribbon Elementary School....and only 1.5 miles from the Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum with hundred of acres of nature, miles of trails, and a 2 acre railway garden for the young and young at heart,This one of a kin...
Comments 1
By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
If you're searching for a home in Mobile, AL, Midtown is a fantastic neighborhood to consider. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic charm, and convenient location, Midtown offers a perfect mix of character and modern amenities. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to sell in the area, understanding the Midtown Mobile real estate market will help you make the best decision. In this guide, we’ll dive into why Midtown is such a desirable area to live, what to expect from the local real estate market, and key features of the neighborhood that make it a great choice for potential homeowners. Why Midtown, Mobile, AL is the Place to Be Midtown Mobile offers a unique combination of southern charm and urban convenience. This dynamic neighborhood is just a short drive f...
Comments 0
By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Snoqualmie Falls, WA: A Complete Guide for Buyers and SellersSnoqualmie Falls, WA, is a breathtaking location nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Range, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and suburban convenience. Known for its iconic 268-foot waterfall, this picturesque town draws both visitors and residents looking for a peaceful lifestyle with quick access to urban amenities. If you're considering buying or selling a home in Snoqualmie Falls, it's essential to know the ins and outs of the local real estate market. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about homes for sale in Snoqualmie Falls, WA.Discover Snoqualmie FallsSnoqualmie Falls, located just 25 miles east of Seattle, is one of Washington State’s most famous landmarks. The town is named after...
Comments 0
By Nathan Fitts, The Leading Name in Real Estate
(Nathan Fitts & Team )
^STORY BOOK DOVETAIL LOG HOME^ tucked away in the heart of the N. GA Mtns. between Ellijay & Blue Ridge in the popular Lake Buckhorn community w/ frontage on Boardtown Creek. This 2BR, 2BA FURNISHED "real" log home is your perfect 'great escape' from it all!Spacious but open floor plan offers the perfect set up with double en-suites connected by the great room, dining room, kitchen & laundry.  Soaring cathedral ceilings, fixed glass, exposed beam rafters, & floor to ceiling stone fireplace w/ gas logs (but is vented & can be converted back to wood) adds to the warmth of the great room.  This cabin defines the meaning of cozy yet open spaces. Kitchen features custom stained rough sewn cabinetry w/ all stainless steel appliances, an island with bar seating + perfect prep and entertainment...
Comments 3
By Nathan Fitts, The Leading Name in Real Estate
(Nathan Fitts & Team )
~Luxury living on Lake Blue Ridge~   This lakeside retreat was a masterpiece built by Keith Sumner Homes as you will see the custom features & quality craftsmanship throughout.  Featuring 4 Bedrooms + flex 5th Bedroom, 4.5 Bathrooms and is privately nestled on 2 lake lots with a combined acreage of 0.72 along the pristine shores of Lake Blue Ridge.  Being offered fully furnished, this is the perfect home or home away from home on deep year-round water & all USFS protected land across the cove as your view offering ultimate privacy.  From the moment you step inside you’ll feel the warmth of spaces in every room offering inviting modern rustic interior design using all natural building material elements.  Open concept floor plan w/ primary BR/BA ensuite on main level + two lower terrace l...
Comments 1
By Carmine Rauso & Debbie Rauso, Professional REALTORS® and Real Estate Investors
(Keller Williams Main Line)
We’re excited to share some big news — Carmine is officially licensed in New Jersey, expanding our coverage area to four states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and now New Jersey!Our focus in the Garden State will be on South Jersey Shore towns, including some of your favorites like Brigantine, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Wildwood, Cape May, and the surrounding areas. Whether you're dreaming of a beachside vacation home, searching for an investment opportunity, or planning your retirement by the shore, we’re here to help make it happen.We’ve always loved helping clients find the right home in the right place — and now we can help you or someone you know make the move to one of the most beautiful coastal regions around.Know someone thinking about buying or selling at the Jersey Shore? ...
Comments 4
By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Hello :) Just a little “Pick Me Up”To view other Recipes posted by me, click on the link:https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/fine/real/estate/recipes/custom/RECIPES--From-My-Family-To-Yours Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
Comments 1
By Bruce Parker, You Deserve The Best
(Best Realty)
🔥 Get Your NJ Real Estate License – Special Discount for April! 🔥 Thinking about a career in real estate? Now is the perfect time to start! Take advantage of our special May offer and try a Zoom class for FREE before you commit!📌 Flexible Learning Options:✅ Live Zoom Classes – Interactive and engaging ask questions, get special help.✅ Asynchronous Online – Learn at your own pace. You can still sit in on our Zoom class to ask questions✅ Combo Option – Take the self-paced course & join live Zoom Q&A sessions for special help 👨‍🏫 Meet Your Instructor: Bruce Parker🔹 30+ years of real estate experience🔹 Realtor Circle of Excellence winner every year since 1999🔹 Taught real estate at the United Nations & in China🔹 Ranked Top 1% of all active agents in All Jersey MLS 📅 SPECIAL FOR May: Try a l...
Comments 0
By Jeff&Grace Safrin, SpousesSellingHousesTM
(F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate)
Coming Soon! Showings start Monday 5/19/2025.Affordable Ranch Home For Sale in Valparaiso IndianaListed by F. C. Tucker 1st Team Real estate serving Northwest IndianaValparaiso is the county seat of Porter County Indiana. Renowned for it's vibrant downtown with boutique shops and variety of dining options, plus Central Park Plaza activities year round. Looking for recreation? There are many Parks nearby and Gabis Arboretum is a short drive a 360 Acre nature preserve for hiking and an award winning railway garden for the young and young at heart.This affordable ranch style home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 updated bath, a country kitchen with granite counters and white cabinets, all newer luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living, dining kitchen, laundry and hallway, all appliances included, new...
Comments 2
By DaCyn Walsh, Mountain & Horse Properties—Happy Trails Await!
(LoKation Real Estate)
Why Zillow Estimates Don’t Work in the Mountains (And What You Should Rely On Instead)If you've been looking to buy or sell a home in the mountains, chances are you've checked out a Zestimate or two. And chances are… they made you raise an eyebrow. Zillow estimates, or “Zestimates,” are often a popular first stop for curious buyers and sellers—but in the mountains of Colorado, they just don’t cut it.Why? Because mountain properties don’t fit the one-size-fits-all algorithm.Unlike suburban neighborhoods where homes are built in clusters with similar layouts, lot sizes, and finishes, mountain properties can vary wildly even on the same street. One home might have a view of a stunning canyon, while the one next door backs to a rock wall. One might have a well and septic in pristine conditi...
Comments 8
By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
JUST SOLD-LOT 10 SW 35 ST, OCALA, FL 34481Another Happy Sellers and BuyersDo you want to be next?Call me @352-551-0308Or email me @ Katina@stakeyourland.comKatina Hargrove, Broker/Owner of Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.
Comments 5
By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
 Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall or text me at 772-485-4188 Email me at anna@annasellsrealestate.comVisit :www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
Comments 0
By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
When Dave and Andrea started house hunting in Mesa, they met a friendly agent at an open house. He showed them around, offered advice, and even emailed them listings later that week. But a few days into working with him, Andrea asked, “Wait… is he our agent or the seller’s?”That’s where Agency Disclosure comes in.In Arizona, agency disclosure isn’t just paperwork — it’s essential for protecting your interests.What Is Agency Disclosure?Simply put, it’s a document that spells out who the real estate agent represents in a transaction. Are they working for the buyer, the seller, both, or neither? Arizona law requires this disclosure to be presented at the first substantive conversation.The Three Main Types of Representation in Arizona: Seller's AgentRepresents the seller. Their job is to ge...
Comments 1
By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Getting back to basics in real estate means refocusing on the core habits and disciplines that generate long-term, sustainable successespecially in a market that’s shifting or feels unpredictable. Here’s a roadmap to help you reset and thrive:1. Lead Generation is Non-NegotiableEven experienced agents fall into the trap of only working their current deals. But real estate is a pipeline business. Recommit to daily lead generation. Whether that’s: Calling your sphere Door knocking or farming a neighborhood Holding open houses Following up on old leads Make it a part of your schedule, not something you do when you “have time.”2. Master Your Market KnowledgeClients can Google data—but they come to you for insight. Get back to: Previewing properties weekly Tracking days on market, price tren...
Comments 3
By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
Buying or selling a home? You'll likely encounter both appraisals and inspections, but it's important to understand that they are not the same thing. While both are important steps in the real estate process, they serve different purposes and protect different parties. Let's break down the key differences: What is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an estimate of a property's market value, performed by a licensed appraiser. The appraiser considers factors like: Comparable sales: Recent sales of similar homes in the area. Property features: Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, and amenities. Condition: While not as detailed as an inspection, the appraiser notes the overall condition and any major issues affecting value. Location: Neighborhood, school district, ...
Comments 3
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.Leading housing experts are starting to release their projections for the rest of the year. These insights will give you clarity – and a little more optimism than you might expect. Business Insider sums up the forecasts (and why they’re good news for you):“As mortgage rates go down this year, affordability may improve slightly for homebuyers. Inventory is also expected to grow, which should help moderate price growth and make finding a home easier.”Let’s break it down.1. Mortgage Rates Should Come Down (Slightly)While a major drop isn’...
Comments 2
By Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate
(Platinum Realty)
I wanted to congratulate my Buyer Client, Danny, on the successful closing of your new home yesterday!   I wish you many happy memories here! I have been representing home buyers and home sellers in the St Louis Metropolitan Area since 1997 - 27 years!  I am an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), and GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute), and Certified Listing Professional (CLP). Affiliations: Member St Louis Association of Realtors (SLAR), Member Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR), Member National Association of Realtors (NAR), Member Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC). St Louis Real Estate, St Louis Real Estate Agent, St Louis Realtor, St Louis Realty, St. Louis City and St. Louis County Residential Real Estate, Homes, Condos, Lofts & Townhomes. St. Louis City Neighborhood...
Comments 2
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
When people talk about buying a home, the conversation usually centers around financial investment—building equity, tax advantages, or long-term value. But what’s often overlooked are the powerful social benefits of homeownership that ripple far beyond your front door.As real estate professionals, we see it every day: homeowners who aren't just investing in property—they’re investing in community, stability, and a sense of belonging. Let’s explore how owning a home can positively impact your life and the neighborhoods we all share.1. Stronger Community Ties Homeownership tends to go hand-in-hand with longer-term residency, which helps build deeper relationships with neighbors. Homeowners are more likely to: Know their neighbors by name Participate in local events or civic groups Look ou...
Comments 2
By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
5 STAR REVIEW FOR NINA HOLLANDER, CHARLOTTE REALTOR® WITH COLDWELL BANKER REALTY WHAT HAPPY CHARLOTTE HOME SELLERS ARE SAYING ABOUT NINA HOLLANDER'S SERVICE:" You definitely won't go wrong with Nina as your Realtor®. We can't imagine anyone would be better." Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty in Charlotte, North Carolina is delighted to share this 5-Star Review from very special clients who recently sold their condo in Charlotte with her assistance. What's better than a review from a client telling you how happy they are with your services, that they appreciate your hard work on their behalf, and that they appreciate your advice and enjoyed working with you?   Building long-term relationships with my clients, professional colleagues, and industry partners is the cornerstone of m...
Comments 10
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Julie and David, Julie has been following my Facebook Page for a while and we have been communicating on Messenger.  They were very excited to make their first trip to The Villages, Florida to learn more about this place.  They were staying in the south end of The Villages and spend the first 3 days of their stay no further north than Brownwood.  We agree I would show them the entire Villages, we started at Dunkin Donuts in Brownwood.  If you follow me you know I love “Tour Day”, Lake Sumter, Spanish Springs, Tierra Del Sol, Glenview, First Responders, Evans Prairie and many other things for them to see.  We walked Lake Sumter, ate at Glenview, had beverages at Evan Prairie, stopped by the polo field, showed them the Morse compound on 466.  I high...
Comments 4