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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?


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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 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...
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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...
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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.
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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
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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...
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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)
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...
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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, ...
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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’...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Buying a home in Arizona isn’t just about falling in love with the kitchen or backyard—it’s about protecting your investment, and that starts with due diligence.In the Arizona Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract, Section 6a (Lines 213–224) outlines one of the most important parts of the transaction: the Buyer’s Inspection Period, also referred to as the Due Diligence Period.If you’re buying a home in the Phoenix Metro or East Valley, here's what you need to know—straight from someone who's been guiding clients through this for over 25 years.🔎 What Is the Due Diligence Period?This section gives the buyer a default of 10 calendar days (unless otherwise negotiated) to investigate everything they deem material to the purchase of the home. That includes: Home inspection Termite/...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
In theory, selling your home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sounds great—save on commissions, control the process, and pocket more cash, right?But in reality? It rarely works that way.After 25+ years of selling homes in Arizona, I’ve seen firsthand how FSBO deals often turn into regret, lost time, and less money at the closing table. If you’re thinking of going it alone, here are the biggest reasons to rethink that strategy.1. You’re Leaving Money on the Table Most homeowners aren’t expert negotiators, market analysts, or marketing pros. FSBO homes often sell for less—not more—than homes listed by a professional Realtor.Why? Pricing mistakes Missed upgrades that could boost value Poor presentation or listing quality Fewer buyer eyes on the property 📉 Studies show FSBO homes sell for up to 1...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Getting ready to sell your home? Don’t just toss a sign in the yard and hope for the best. Selling a home in today’s competitive Arizona market takes more than luck—it takes preparation, strategy, and the right professional by your side.Here are the top 5 things you should do before listing your home for sale—so you can attract the best offers and close with confidence.1. Hire a Professional Realtor (Like Me—Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy)You need someone who knows the local market, has a proven track record, and can anticipate every curve in the road. With 25+ years of experience helping Arizona homeowners, I guide you from prep to payday with no guesswork.What you get: pricing strategy, staging advice, powerful marketing, expert negotiation, and complete transaction management.2. D...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Buying a home can feel like walking into a maze with no map… unless you’ve got the right guide. After 25+ years in Arizona real estate, I’ve helped hundreds of buyers navigate the process with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot less stress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or it’s been a while since your last purchase, here’s how we make the journey smooth from pre-approval to keys-in-hand.Let’s walk through the 5 essential steps to buying a home in Arizona—and how I personally help every client along the way.Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for FinancingBefore we start looking at dream homes, it’s crucial to understand what you can afford. I’ll connect you with vetted, trusted lenders who can get you pre-approved quickly. Not only does this strengthen your offer when we find the perfect hom...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Well here  you go, MORE MESA Arizona Homes For Sale, next door to Scottsdale.Move to Mesa arizona! Mesa Arizona as the third largest city in the state with affordable homes and home to employers, hosptials, colleges and a suburb of Phoenix. Maybe you should consider moving? There are a mixture of older pre HOA neighborhood, new modern subdivision, acre custom homes and plenty of 55+ communities such as Leisure World.Here are 3 reasons to buy a home and live in Mesa Arizona bordering Scottsdale and Phoenix: (Photo: 3 Sisters Peaks East of Mesa in Superstion Mountains by Ann, PIxabay)1.  More affordable homes than neighboring Scottsdale2.  Lower Taxes2.  Arizona's Third Largest City with more than  500,000 people (center of state)Mesa has possibly the best single family detached home valu...
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By Susan Isaacs, Real Estate Consultant, Washington DC | N Virginia Top Agent
(Compass)
Fewer Washington DC homes for sale were shown the week ending on May 4th than the week before. There were fewer new listings than the week before. New contracts also dropped--both week over week and year over year--yet the median list price went up.  In fact, it hit $699,000., 1.5% higher than the same week in 2024, and an increase of 0.9% from the last week of April.Two key metrics to watch at the end of this week: Days on market dropped last week, will the decline continue for a second consecutive week? The number of active listings with a price drop fell. Was this due to the large cache of canceled listings last week, or is a trend developing? See all the latest weekly data and follow us for new monthly data releasing next week.
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By Kathy Hyatt, PA Realtor® Plantation-Davie-Sunrise, Broward Realtor Selling Plantation,Davie & Sunrise
(Remax Services)
Home 💒Design Trend: 🤵Butler’s PantryIf you are Tired of Clutter on your Kitchen Countertops, a Butler’s Pantry — One of this Year’s Hottest 🔥🔥Home Design Trends — Might Be the Solution.⭐Butler’s Pantries, also Known as Sculleries, are Rooms Located off the Kitchen that offer the Storage of a Traditional Pantry Plus Space for Additional Countertops and Appliances. ⭐Want to Add a Butler’s Pantry to your Kitchen? Ideal Spots Could Include:✅ Passageway Between Kitchen and Dining Room✅ Nearby Closet or Alcove✅ Oversized Food Pantry⭐And if you are Fantasizing about a New Home with Premium Features like this one, reach out. Kathy would Love to take you on a Tour of some Beautiful Properties on the Market Right Now!⭐📞☎954-347-0244 📧📩Kathy@HyattRealtors.com ⭐#MakeMeMove #HireARealtor #SouthFlori...
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By Kathy Hyatt, PA Realtor® Plantation-Davie-Sunrise, Broward Realtor Selling Plantation,Davie & Sunrise
(Remax Services)
Four 4️⃣ Common Credit 💳Score💯MistakesPlanning to Buy a 💒Home? It is Time ⏰⌚to Get your Credit Score in Order. Make Sure to Avoid These Common Mistakes:⭐❌ Ignoring Your Credit Report✨Check your credit report to make sure there are not any errors or signs of identity theft.❌ Closing Accounts✨Doing so can bring down the average age of your credit, which impacts your score.❌ Paying the Minimum Due✨This can drive up your credit utilization rate, which is the amount of available credit you are using.❌ Making Late Payments✨Set up automatic payments to avoid this risk entirely.⭐Wondering if your Credit Score is High Enough to Secure a Mortgage? Reach out to Kathy for a Referral to a Mortgage Professional Who Can Help You Find Out. ⭐📞☎954-347-0244 📧📩Kathy@HyattRealtors.com ⭐#MakeMeMove #HireARe...
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