First Blog Posts

Sometimes, it can be scary to write your first blog post! Luckily, the supportive community of ActiveRain is just the place to start.

On this page you will find a running list of “first blog posts” written on ActiveRain by members of the real estate industry. These new bloggers have taken the leap to begin their blogging journey. Our first-time real estate bloggers deserve a big welcome and some extra encouragement from you!

Take a read, leave a comment, and say hello. You'll make that author’s day and help to give them a great first impression of our community.

Agent's first blog posts on ActiveRain

By Francisco Romo, Home Inspections you can trust in South California
(Strong Tower Home Inspections)
Buying a home is an exciting and significant investment. However, it's crucial to conduct a thorough home inspection to ensure that the property is in good condition and meets your expectations. To help you navigate the home inspection process, we've compiled a list of our top 10 tips.Follow us on Social MediaTip #1: Hire a Professional Hire a certified home inspector: They offer a professional, unbiased opinion. Their job isn't to make or break the deal, but to provide an honest evaluation.   Tip #2: Attend the Inspection Being present during the home inspection allows you to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the property's condition. For a successful home inspection, attending is ideal however if it is impossible, you can always Review the inspection report. TIP #3.    Tip...
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By Lisa Fuit
(Student )
What is Dual representation and what happens when consent isn't given? Dual representation or dual agency is when the same real estate agent is representing both parties (buyer and the seller).  An agent would need to get written consent first to be able to represent both buyer and seller. If one or the other doesn't provide consent, then they have the right to opt out of the deal.  Representing them without written consent is a breach of the agent's fiduciary rules and can cause an agent to lose their real estate license or have it revoked. It also affects the broker in a poor manner and will cause everyone to lose the deal or transaction. There is a financial incentive for a dual agent to be over the entire transaction and receive full commission and that is why caution should be used...
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By Ken & Ari Walker - Husband & Wife Team, Your Direct Private Money Source
(Pacific Direct Mortgage)
In 2024, homebuyers can expect lower mortgage rates, higher home prices and a lot more competition. After nervously watching mortgage rates get two-decade highs and inventory plunge in 2023, many hopeful homebuyers are eager to get off the sidelines and into a home.While 2023 was a better year for real estate in many respects, many buyers still struggled with affordability. If you are planning to buy a house in 2024, here is what you can expect, according to some experts: Fannie Mae sees home prices rising 2.8% year over year by the end of 2024. The Mortgage Bankers Association believes prices could rise as much as 4.1% next year. The National Association of Realtors has more conservative expectations and predicts existing-home prices will inch up just 0.7% over next year. Realtor.com p...
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By Tommy Crivello, We specialize in South West Ranches
(Tommy Crivello Real Estate Group)
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By Connor Kobilarcsik, Think of me when you think of Real Estate
(Russell Real Estate Services)
What makes Cleveland so great? Why do "Clevelanders" choose to not only stay in the city and never move - but always come back for more? As a lifelong "Clevelander" and real estate agent who knows the city like the back of his hand - I can attest to the greatness of Cleveland and know that it is truly our "little known secret."Cleveland not only has some of the most affordable homes in the country - but it's forward thinking, sports fanatic residents know that it a treasure that the rest of the country ignores. Cleveland is full of culture and grit that you just won't find in most midwest cities...It's what continues to bring residents back after their time living in the bigger cities of America.  
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By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Greer, South Carolina, golf course homes offer a unique blend of luxury living and scenic beauty. Imagine waking up to the lush green fairways, enjoying breathtaking views, and having easy access to world-class golf facilities right outside your doorstep. In this blog, we will explore the charm and allure of Greer's golf course homes, highlighting the features that make them the epitome of upscale living.Click here to see available homes:  Greer, SC Golf Course homes Prime Location: Greer, SC is renowned for its ideal location, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere while being conveniently close to urban amenities. Golf course homes in Greer are strategically positioned, offering residents the best of both worlds – tranquility and accessibili...
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By Dayton Realty LLC, Designated Broker Service
(Dayton Realty LLC)
Dayton Realty LLC currently has license brokers in many states that we can match to your real estate company to assist you in getting  license to do business. Becoming a Real Estate broker for your company depends on the state and varies. Most states requires from 40-200+ hours of education to qualify and 3 to 4 years experience in the real estate field. Plus yearly exams and continuing education. We can provided you with this service saving you the wasted time and  expenses, let us act as your broker of record in a state you may have a transaction but no brokers license.    Dayton Realty LLC will:  Match your firm with a qualified broker to assist in transactions and since we already have brokers associated with your firm we won't just find a lists of brokers and try to  you one. We ge...
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In the digital age, scrolling through listings, gazing at picturesque homes, and envisioning your future within those walls has become a common pastime. However, what appears as a dreamy abode online might often crumble into a harsh reality upon viewing. This stark difference between expectation and reality results from a pervasive issue plaguing the real estate industry—false advertising.1 First, what exactly is False Advertising in Real Estate?False advertising in real estate refers to the deliberate misrepresentation of properties through misleading descriptions, altered images, or concealed information. It's a deceptive practice that aims to lure buyers by exaggerating the virtues and concealing the flaws of a property.2: Impact on Buyers and SellersFor buyers, the consequences of f...
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By Freeman Wang, Real estate agent serving in California
(Freeman Wang Team)
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty (YHSGR) is excited to introduce the YHSGR Advantage, a revolutionary marketplace poised to transform the home buying and selling experience. This pioneering platform provides a diverse array of state-of-the-art solutions, empowering both sellers and buyers to navigate the real estate market with unwavering confidence and achieve their goals with unparalleled success. Discover the Seamless Functionality of YHSGR Advantage: Uniting Offers in a Single Marketplace: YHSGR agents leverage the transformative capabilities of YHSGR Advantage by soliciting offers from a myriad of providers. This consolidation creates a singular, user-friendly marketplace that simplifies the intricate processes of buying and selling homes. Profound Expertise at Your Disposal: Our d...
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By Donna Eller, Luxury is Feeling not a Price Point!
(Keller Williams Domain)
During this time of the year, agents seem to calm down and do holiday cheer. I'm out to say in last 3 months all 6 of my listings which happen to be all over Michigan got Multiple offers. 3 selling in 3 days with 6 or more offers. 2 sold in 7 days and had at least 3 offers and the last one sold in 1 day. The other thing to note is THEY ALL SOLD over asking, anywhere from 2k to 27k.BAM! - Here's my Holiday Cheer to those of you not working, PEOPLE are still selling and buying! BRING ON THE REFERRALS - I'm working!Donna Eller, KW Domain, Birmingham Michigan
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By Keller Williams Preferred Properties, We are the #1 Real Estate office in Prince George'
(Keller Williams Preferred Properties)
Embarking on a real estate journey in Maryland is an exciting venture, but it comes with its share of challenges. To ensure a smooth transaction, it's essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise. In this blog, we'll delve into the common stumbling blocks in Maryland real estate and provide practical strategies to sidestep them, empowering you to make informed decisions on your property journey.1. Lack of Proper Research and Due DiligenceOne of the cardinal sins in real estate transactions is the neglect of thorough research and due diligence. To mitigate this risk, prospective buyers must invest time in gathering comprehensive information about the property and its surroundings. This includes researching the neighborhood, nearby amenities, schools, and any future deve...
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By Judy Michaelis, Real estate agent serving Westport, CT
(Coldwell Banker)
Westport homeowners: Our October real estate market figures are in: just as they've been all throughout 2023, Westport homes for sale and inventory are down about 30%. The big question everybody is speculating on is which way the Westport market is going: will it soften? It really depends on Westport commuter habits. Are commuters traveling to their New York City offices five days per week, or three? If all remains the same at roughly three days per week, then the market will follow. But if NYC office workers begin commuting to the office five days per week, our market will soften.Sitting down with a top realtor is vital in helping you understand your options. If you'd like to know what's going on in your part of Westport, or you’re looking for any further detailed analysis, feel free t...
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By Tom Hurley, Residential and commercial inspector.
(Double H Inspections)
Hello! I'm Tom Hurley, the proud owner of Double H Inspections, based in the beautiful Sheridan, Wyoming. My journey in the world of construction and real estate began during my high school years, starting with hands-on experience in a roofing and remodeling company. This foundational period ignited a passion that led me through a diverse career in general construction, specialized roofing projects, low voltage, and alarm systems installation, and eventually into construction management and sales.Alongside my wife, I ventured into real estate, purchasing and renovating multiple homes. This experience gave me a unique insight into the property lifecycle—from acquisition to transformation. In 2020, driven by a passion for excellence and equipped with a comprehensive skill set honed over t...
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By Eric Engelbert 949-430-7500, Broker/Owner
(Orange County Real Estate, Inc.)
Welcome to Orange County Real Estate, Inc.'s latest market report. Our mission is to provide you with valuable statistical insights directly from the MLS, ensuring you're well-prepared to make informed decisions regarding real estate in Orange County, California. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or considering a relocation within or outside the state, we're here to empower you with the information you need.Analyzing Recent Trends:This week, we've observed an uptick in inventory both in Orange County and nationwide. Interestingly, this increase comes at a time when historical trends would typically indicate a decrease in inventory levels. However, if buyers remain diligent and continue to take advantage of the current inventory, we could see a significant drop in available homes. The late...
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By Seth Miller, Student
(NA)
I’ve served in my current profession for more than two decades. During this time, I have seen plenty of record keeping. However, the record keeping that I have seen ranges from ok to not so great. While there were plenty of ways to keep records, the biggest challenge to good record keeping is being able to get people to modify their desk top procedures to fit a larger record keeping scheme.Microsoft Excel is the middle ground for the record keeping that I have seen. While Excel is decent at storing and processing information with formulas it is not wonderful either. As a supervisor I saw people sorting and filtering the same spreadsheet daily to get the information they needed.Microsoft PowerPoint is at the low end of the record keeping spectrum. PowerPoint’s strength is showing a group...
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By Rob McConville, CT Shoreline Real Estate Expert
(Coldwell Banker Choice Properties)
The concept of homeownership has been a cornerstone of the American dream for centuries, and one of the key components of achieving that dream is securing a mortgage. Throughout history, mortgage rates have fluctuated significantly, reflecting economic conditions, government policies, and societal changes. This article explores the fascinating journey of historical mortgage rates, from their humble beginnings to modern trends.The Early Roots of MortgagesMortgages, in some form, have existed for thousands of years. The word "mortgage" itself comes from the Old French "morgage," meaning a "dead pledge." In medieval Europe, a mortgage was essentially a conditional conveyance of land, where the borrower held the land but promised it as security for a loan. Interest rates during these times ...
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By Tyler Thrush, Tyler Thrush has been involved in hundreds of Real
(Boise House Buyers)
Following are some useful answer that can help you take a better decision when buying a new home: Why would a home buyer choose a new construction home over an existing home? Because there's going to be a lot less issues, up front the house is brand new, a lot of your major systems: your air conditioning, your roof, your plumbing, your electrical, there shouldn't be any problems at the house if it was built correctly, and then secondly a lot of new homes are built in new neighborhoods with new amenities like Pools Parks things like that, perhaps new schools which are very enticing to buyers. Do new homes typically come with any kind of guarantees or warranties?  Yes they do and they vary depending on who the home builder is so you should check with your individual home builder but they'...
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On October 12, 2023, California implemented four significant housing laws aimed at addressing the state's ongoing housing crisis. These laws are poised to have a far-reaching impact on housing development, affordability, and property rights. Let's delve into the details of these new laws and their implications for Californians. Law Name Brief description Link AB1033 Accessory dwelling units: local ordinances: separate sale or conveyance. Allows the sale and condo-ization of ADUs built on residential property. Individual cities and counties would have the freedom to decide if they want their residents to have the option to sell their ADUs. Assembly Bill 1033 AB976 Accessory dwelling units: owner-occupancy requirements. Permanently disallows owner occupancy requirements on ADUs. AB 976 As...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Hello, friends! October is upon us, and that means Q4 is in full swing. With the year-end approaching, it's an opportune moment to reflect on what might lie ahead in the Philadelphia real estate market and the surrounding areas. In this blog, I'll share some of my thoughts and opinions on various aspects of the real estate market as we navigate through Q4.1. Housing Inventory:Traditionally, Q4 sees a decrease in the number of homes on the market as kids go back to school, and the holiday season approaches. However, this year might bring some surprises. I don't believe we can see much lower inventory levels than we have recently experienced. In fact, inventory in Montgomery County has slightly increased in the past few weeks, moving from under one month of inventory to just over one mont...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Selling a home is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about selling a dream, a lifestyle, and an emotional connection. One essential aspect of this is the choice of paint colors. In this article, I'll dive into the fascinating world of color psychology, exploring how it can play a pivotal role in capturing the hearts and minds of potential buyers.The Impact of Color on EmotionsColors have the remarkable ability to stir emotions and influence our moods. When it comes to a new home, these emotions can be a deciding factor for buyers. Picture yourself walking into a home with walls painted in warm, inviting tones of beige or soft blue. These colors create an immediate sense of calm and tranquility, which can be immensely appealing to homebuyers.On the flip side, picture yourself walking...
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