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 Sean Gilliam, Real Estate on the Front Range
(LoKation Real Estate)
Metropolitan Districts, also known as metro districts or metro tax districts, have become an integral part of local new construction communities in recent years. Here in Northern Colorado, homes are being built in or reside in these districts and they have important implications for home buyers. I’ll share with you the purpose and definition of a metro district per the Colorado Revised Statute, some research completed on the implications for homeowners, pros and cons and finally some due diligence you can do to see if living in a Metro District is a good fit for you.  
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By Phyllis Ross, Realtor Central Kansas Residential Sales
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
  Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home. Build Your Credit Your credit is one element that helps determine which home loan you’ll qualify for. It also impacts your mortgage interest rate. While there are many factors that go into your mortgage application, a higher credit score could lead to a lower monthly payment in the long run. So how do you make sure your credit is in the best shape possible when it’s time to buy? A recent article from NerdWallet lists a few tips you can use as you work to build and strengthen your credit. They include: Tracking your credit and disputing...
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By Christian Halas, Tax, Insurance, Investment Specialist
(Halas Consulting)
I perform tax prep and planning, as well as IRS and state civil tax representation for Pittsburgh and vicinity, as well as the rest of the Commonwealth of PA. The time is now to make your last-minute tax moves for 2022. Not a whole lot can be done after December 31st. 1. Prepay rent using IRS Safe Harbor RulesThe tax rules allow you pay up to 12 months in expenses in advance without challenge, adjustment or change by the IRSExample: Your rent is $3000 per month and you would like a $36,000 (or less) deduction for 2022, so on Friday December 30th you mail a check your landlord for up to $36,000. He receives the money on Tuesday January 3rd. You deduct the up to $36,000 in rent in 2022, the year you paid it. He claims it in 2023 the year he receives it. You get a tax deduction in 2022, an...
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By Scott Schulte
(Scott Schulte LLC)
Sun City Grand Surprise ArizonaIf you are searching for a home to spend your retirement in style or you are looking to make some new friends, the Sun City Grand Surprise, Arizona, offers you a chance to get out and enjoy the Arizona sunshine. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing, or just being out in nature, you'll find plenty to do here. Sun City Grand PickleballLocated near Phoenix, Sun City Grand is one of the greatest active adult communities in the state. The community has nearly 4,000 acres of land and almost 9,500 residences.Sun City Grand is not a gated community but features several amenities. It features two fitness centers, four golf courses, and many other recreational facilities. The community is also home to several bocce ball courts, tennis courts, and pickleball co...
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By Stephanie Huber, Real Estate Brokerage serving Port St. Lucie, FL
(www.thehubergroup.com | Huber Real Estate Group of Florida)
 Price spikes might have come to an end in the third quarter as rising mortgage rates dampened expectations for real estate appreciation according to the most recent NAR report.The third quarter of this year saw a continuation of the increasing trend in home prices, but the National Association of REALTORS®' most recent quarterly report suggests that the trend may be finally coming to a stop. Although home prices rose in almost every major metro in the third quarter, higher mortgage rates are starting to slow down the increase of home prices. 46 percent of the 185 markets that NAR monitors even saw double-digit growth.In the third quarter, the national median price for a single-family existing home increased by 8.6% to $398,000. The median price increased 14.2% year over year in the sec...
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In the summer, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working. A hot, stuffy house is no fun for anyone, so if your AC isn't doing its job, it's essential to find out why and get it fixed as soon as possible. Follow this guide to understand some of the most common reasons your air conditioner might not be cold and what you can do about it. The Filter Might Be CloggedOne reason your AC might not be blowing cold air is that the filter is clogged. The filter's job is to prevent dust and dirt from entering the air conditioner, but over time, it can get full. When this happens, the airflow is reduced, causing the AC to work less efficiently.To fix this, simply locate the filter and clean or replace it as needed. Depending on how often you use your AC, you may need to do ...
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By Eunice (Santos)Martinez
Why is it best to be authentic and honest in all of our interactions? Something that comes to mind when I think of this question is, because sometimes we only have one opportunity, one shot and no second chances. Either way being honest will always save you from experiencing the horrible feeling of regret and stress. Dishonesty on your part will always catch up to you.Friendly reminder that being honest can help build your confidence and also a good reputation. You're word becomes more valuable therefore more will trust, respect you and will want to work with you!Honesty brings peace of mind that I believe makes it totally worth it in the long run! 
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By Chris Carter, Shelter is a basic human need....so rent or own?
(Chris Carter, Mortgage Broker)
A "loan officer" is NOT equal to a "Qualified Mortgage Broker". If your lender can't commit to these things 100% of the time, we should chat:✔ Lower Rates & Fewer Fees✔ FAST closings✔ NO Overlays (hidden loan requirements)✔ FULL, Accurate Pre-Approvals In 24 Hours✔ Seamless Communication Throughout✔ NO disappearing at ANY point before, during or after escrow! Shall I Go On...?     👀 Watch     👂 Listen     📖 Read     Inquire 👉 https://lynx.ly/ccf8eb5a. #chriscartermortgagebroker #home
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By chris hoffman, real estate broker serving the Lehigh Valley
(Lehigh Valley Just Listed)
A lot of people ask, is the Lehigh Valley PA a good place to live? I grew up here so of course my answer is going to be yes! but let's talk a little bit more about the Lehigh Valley and see if it really makes sense for you. The first thing you might want to know is where is the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania? The Lehigh Valley is located in northeast Pennsylvania, about 1.5 hours north of Philadelphia, right along the Jersey border. It's also known as the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton metropolitan area which is comprised primarily of two main counties, Lehigh county, and Northampton County  Pennsylvania is a very large state and Lehigh Valley is the third most populated area next to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. One of the reasons why they have all these great place to live, is the location. ...
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By Catina Willis, MBA, Real Estate Broker, Passive Income Coach
(Next Level Realty & Investments)
TikTok is quickly becoming one of the most popular social media platforms, and it's perfect for real estate marketing. Why? Because TikTok is all about short, attention-grabbing videos. And what's more attention-grabbing than a beautiful property or the crazy real estate business? If you're thinking about joining TikTok or are simply curious about how to use TikTok for business read on for everything you need to know.How to Use TikTok for your Real Estate Business Create a personal TikTok page with a branded profile that promotes your real estate business. Use relevant keywords in your profile name and bio. Make sure your account is public and include a link in the bio to increase traffic to your website or blog. Use TikTok to share behind-the-scenes footage of what it takes to sell a h...
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By Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector
(Home Inspection Insider)
If you're considering getting an electric fireplace insert, you might wonder what your options are. I'll give you a rundown of the different types of electric fireplace inserts and the pros and cons of each one. That way, you can decide which type of electric fireplace insert is right for you and your home.1. Standard Electric Fireplace InsertsThese are the most common type of electric fireplace inserts. They typically come with a metal surround and a glass front. The standard electric fireplace insert is designed to be placed into an existing fireplace opening. Electric fireplace inserts are insertable units that can be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in various styles and can be used with or without gas lines. Many people choose electric fireplace inserts because they off...
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By George Moorhead, Your Home Sold at a Price Acceptable to You
(Bentley Properties )
The housing market is booming. In fact, real estate experts predict that the U.S. housing market will continue to see strong growth through 2022. This means that homeowners who want to sell their homes now might be able to get top dollar for them.You don't necessarily have to wait until you move out of your current house to start thinking about selling it. There are several ways you can increase the amount you'll receive for your home. Read on to learn 7 ways you can make more money when you sell your home.Start By Listing Your House With a Real Estate AgentRealtors are experts at marketing homes and negotiating deals. They also provide valuable services such as staging houses, preparing listings, and managing showings. In addition, they have access to information about local markets an...
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By Dawn Castell, Freelance home stager
(Freelancer)
A backyard is one of the most versatile things about a home. There are so many things that people can do with them. As a result, allowing your backyard to sit empty and unused is a massive waste of potential. The following are some of the best things you can do to your backyard this summer.Have a Pool ConstructedYou can make your backyard a place of play and relaxation by adding a gorgeous pool to it. Doing so would offer you the benefit of giving you a place to cool off during the summer heat. In addition, it would also allow you to go swimming whenever you feel like it since you would be able to access it from the comfort of your own home. Plus, it would be a great way to make your backyard look more beautiful in general.One of the best things about deciding to add one to your home is...
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By Cathey Lue, Follow Real Estate information
(PaperPlanningMomma)
If you're like most women, you've probably daydreamed about the perfect home at some point in your life. Maybe it's a sprawling white house with a wraparound porch and perfectly manicured gardens, or maybe it's a cozy cabin in the woods where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.  What if you're just starting out as a family, and are looking for your first home? If that's the case, then there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing your new place to live. Four things to remember. Size of the home - make sure it's big enough to accommodate your familyIf you're in the market for a new home, it's important to make sure that the size of the home is right for your family. If you have a growing family, you'll want to make sure that there's enough space for...
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By Shaun Bannon, Home Inspectors Serving NC & SC
(Bannon Home Inspections )
1. Lot grading and drainage have a significant impact on the building, due to the direct and indirect damage that moisture can have on the foundation. It is especially important that surface runoff water be adequately diverted away from the home. Lot grading should slope away and fall a minimum of one (1) inch every foot for a distance of six (6) feet around the perimeter of the building.Read more here.Bannon Home Inspections provides quality, affordable home inspection service solutions to the greater Charlotte, NC area including: Monroe, Gastonia, Concord, Rock Hill, Fort Mill and more. Learn more about how we can help you by visiting our website. 
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By Ailina Nelson, Learn To Dance In The Rain
(Vision Drive Realty)
Well some will accuse me of being biased but I could not help but re-blog my husband‘s post about our for baby Mr. Whiskey-A-Go-Go😍😊 Welcome to my new blog series: Whiskey's Wisdom! It's really just "Get After It" renamed, which was just "Take Action" renamed. So, really just an excuse to exploit my cute puppy😂!!!     "Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble."French Proverb     Your action for today is to remember someone who has been kind to you.     I did, and I sent her flowers.Would it shock you that it was the agent on the other side ofthe escrow I just closed?!She was awesome!   Design An Extraordinary Day!   👉 Get After It / Take Action Archives 👈   We work 100% By Referral! Our experienced team is coached by the #1 businesscoaching company in North America:Buffini & Company...
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By Seth Halstead, Husband, Father, Realtor
(JLA Realty)
I think that we can all agree that this market has been super crazy for the last two years, and while it may be slowing in other parts of the country, here in Texas it is still super strong.  Today I am going to tell you about the town that I live in, Mont Belvieu.  My wife and I moved to Mont Belvieu in February of 2019 and have been blessed since moving here.  The schools are the highly rated, Barbers Hill ISD.  The property values in the city have skyrocketed and the builders (there are many) just keep building homes. Tax rate remains low at around 2.2% on the North side of interstate 10 and 1.7% on teh South side of I-10.  City hall is currently being renovated and expanded, a new park is being added, and traffic has greatly improved recently (FM1409 has been finished to I-10 and wi...
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Ok, here goes, my first blog post. I sit here hopeful and excited and scared.In 2018 I sat at my computer and Googled every single thing I could think of to begin on my journey to success. If you ask anyone who knows me what I do for a living, they will all tell you the answer of what they know to be my day job. But in my head, my career is ahead of me and I have a huge dream. That's all it is though, a dream that I can't shake off. I have spent four years relentlessly working on my blog, thinking about my future work in real estate. I want to focus on my passion of interior design, home staging, house flipping and everything real estate to show how I can bring my vision to old and tired spaces. So in June 2022,  I made a huge decision to start afresh. I finally accepted that my current...
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By Israel Chaidez, @LAHOUSE4SALE (310) 299-5088
(Dynasty Real Estate)
Follow Me On Social Media:@LAHOUSE4SALE   
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By Kaitlyn M
(Student )
There are many ways to lose a Real Estate license. One of those ways is having a criminal conviction within five years of an application for a Real Estate license. Also, partaking in criminal activity while having a license can cause you to lose your license or have it suspended.Honesty and a good moral code are very important when being in the Real Estate industry. Many people count on you to be trustworthy, especially when you are dealing with such a big thing in people's lives like purchasing or selling a home.  
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