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Real Estate Industry

“All the news that's fit to print,” or to click, as the case may be, can be found right here at your favorite real estate social networking site, ActiveRain. And here you thought it was merely a great place to chat with colleagues and slap up a blog post or two.


We know you're busy – whether it's trying to fill your pipeline or following up on what's already popped out of the bottom of it. Who has time to read? And, while real estate market news geared toward consumers is easy to round up on the Internet, news for brokers and Realtors is a bit harder to come by.


Your friends at ActiveRain understand how important each of those 168 hours in every week is so we've made it easy for you by consolidating everything you need to know to keep up-to-date with the real estate industry right here, in one place.


How are housing starts looking? Has the FHFA launched any new efforts? How's that Fannie and Freddie loan limit rollercoaster doing?


You've got the questions and your colleagues here at AR have the answers. It's at your fingertips – finally.

Recent blogs on Real Estate Industry
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
The Australian outdoor lifestyle has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer content with basic patios that sit unused during inclement weather, homeowners are creating sophisticated outdoor rooms that rival interior spaces in comfort and functionality. This shift reflects changing priorities, families want spaces that support daily living and social connection throughout the year, not just during perfect weather conditions.The Multi-Season Entertainment ChallengeTasmania's variable climate presents unique challenges for outdoor entertaining. Brilliant summer afternoons can suddenly turn breezy, whilst spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures but unpredictable wind patterns. Traditional unprotected outdoor areas force hosts into last-minute venue changes or uncomfortabl...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
When families dream of finding the perfect home, they often imagine a warm kitchen, a safe neighborhood, and the stability that comes with having a place to call their own. But behind every real-estate decision lies a delicate balance between financial priorities and two of the most essential are food and housing. For many families, especially those on tight budgets, finding that balance can be a real challenge.The Hidden Connection Between Food and HousingIt’s easy to see housing and food as separate needs, but they’re deeply intertwined. Families who spend a large portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments often have less left over for groceries. On the flip side, rising food costs can limit how much a family can afford in housing. Real-estate professionals who understand th...
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By Lane Rogers & Patricia Zars, Making Moves. Making a Difference.
(Epique Realty)
AGENTS – ✅ Yes or ❌ No…If you had all of these ALL INCLUDED for FREE, would that help your business⁉️  📸 Listing Photography 🪧 Yard Signs (installed for you) 🏠 Virtual Staging 🤖 AI Listing Tools 📣 Paid Social Media Listing Ads 🛣️ Listing Billboard 📑 Transaction Coordination  📲 Text POWERUP to 210.834.7054 for more info and see how you can take your real estate business to the next level!
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Material prices fluctuate constantly, and top developers are responding by planning much further ahead — locking in prices earlier, ordering long-lead materials in advance, and creating flexible timelines that account for supply delays.Instead of treating procurement as a last-minute logistical step, they now see it as a strategic discipline to anticipate what might become scarce months down the line.Many developers are now hiring supply chain specialists internally or working with consultants who track global trends across construction materials. They study commodity markets, transportation costs, and even geopolitical risks to forecast which materials might see shortages next.And by anticipating issues before they hit the market, you too can make smarter purchasing decisions and keep ...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
This is a helpful post on the benefits of having an organizing service help get a home into top shape and make it much more appealing on the market for buyers. Thank you to Adam Scard for another excellent post. When a home hits the market, first impressions matter. But behind every “just listed” photo is often weeks—or months—of preparation. For real estate agents, one of the most overlooked strategies to reduce time on market is partnering with professional organizing and move management services. In a competitive housing market, the ability to bring a listing to market quickly and in show-ready condition can be the difference between a bidding war and a price reduction. Clutter Slows Down Closings A cluttered home doesn’t just affect curb appeal—it can stall the entire sales process....
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
The Text i wrote  did not work Great question. When thinking about whether November is a “good time” to buy or sell a home in Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio (or similar Central Ohio neighborhoods), the short answer is: it depends — but there are distinct advantages and trade-offs given current trends and seasonal dynamics. Here’s a breakdown — with a special eye toward your marketing-savvy perspective. ✅ Strengths & Opportunities of November For Buyers Inventory may be a bit lighter as some sellers have already pulled off the market after the spring/summer rush. Less competition in some cases = potential for more leverage (negotiation, concessions). Given interest-rate sensitivity, motivated sellers may be more flexible in the off-peak months. In Clintonville specifically: Median home val...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
You said:     ChatGPT said: Great question. When thinking about whether November is a “good time” to buy or sell a home in Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio (or similar Central Ohio neighborhoods), the short answer is: it depends — but there are distinct advantages and trade-offs given current trends and seasonal dynamics. Here’s a breakdown — with a special eye toward your marketing-savvy perspective. ✅ Strengths & Opportunities of November For Buyers Inventory may be a bit lighter as some sellers have already pulled off the market after the spring/summer rush. Less competition in some cases = potential for more leverage (negotiation, concessions). Given interest-rate sensitivity, motivated sellers may be more flexible in the off-peak months. In Clintonville specifically: Median home value ...
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By Aslan Realty Advisors, LLC, Staying a step ahead with Pride!
 Commercial Real Estate Beats Residential in Mixed October Fed Beige Book The October 2025 Federal Reserve Beige Book reports a mixed and localized real estate market, with commercial real estate generally showing slightly more resilience or stability than the residential sector. Activity in both areas remains highly sensitive to economic uncertainty and cost pressures.   Residential Real Estate Slows Down Residential real estate activity was generally flat or decreased slightly across reporting districts. Decreasing Demand and Inventory: Districts like San Francisco and Atlanta reported a decline in activity and demand for both new and existing single-family homes, with inventories rising and properties staying on the market longer. The Boston Fed also noted flat home sales but a nota...
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By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
I know Doug's post is for Massachusetts, but sure wish we can MANDATE inspections in Colorado also.   When it was a frenzied market, so many first-time buyers waived their rights, and really paid for it after closing.    Residents of Massachusetts, it's here... A new Massachusetts home inspection law, enacted as part of the Affordable Homes Act of 2024, goes into effect for sales agreements signed on or after October 15, 2025. The law prohibits sellers and their agents from requiring, or accepting offers that waive, a buyer's right to a professional home inspection. This is intended to restore consumer protection that was lost in recent competitive housing markets, where buyers often skipped inspections to make their offers more attractive.    Key changes for buyers and sellers:   What ...
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On October 30, 2025, Realtor.com reported that nationwide median list price of a home was $424,200 in October of 2025 higher 0.4% from $424,000 median list price of a home in October of 2024.There were 1,100,001 listed inventory of homes in October of 2025, increased 15.3% more homes listed in the market from October of 2024, and 384,264 new listed homes in October of 2025, gained 5.1% from new listed homes in October of 2024Houses stayed 63 days in the market in October of 2025, up 5 days from 58 days from October of 2024, according to Realtor.com on October 30, 2025.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for October of 2025, please click HERE
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Well, we finally did it! We bought the beachfront property as an investment property! This was something that I had desired to do for many years. When the market turned into a buyer's market, we knew the time was right.We used a 1031 Exchange to complete the deal and have found this type of transaction to be a fantastic way to buy and sell investment properties. But, to do these exchanges successfully, there are several important points to know: Understanding the real estate market in the area you are selling and in the area you are buying is critical. Location is still king when it comes to real estate. For investment properties, understanding the type of business, the area, and the property's visibility are all important considerations. It is crucial to understand how the 1031 Exchang...
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By Andrew Romines, Real estate agent serving all of middle Tennessee
(Team Romines at Keller Williams Realty)
In wastewater management, the choice between a septic system and a sewer system can significantly impact homeowners—especially when buying property in rural, suburban, or urban areas. Both handle human waste, gray water, and household effluent, but they operate on entirely different scales and principles. This guide breaks down their mechanics, pros, cons, costs, and ideal use cases to help you decide.How They Work: A Side-by-Side Comparison    Aspect Septic System (On-Site) Sewer System (Centralized) Location Entirely on your property Connected to municipal pipes and treatment plants Core Components Septic tank + drain field (leach field) Underground pipes → treatment facility Waste Processing 1. Solids settle as sludge in tank 2. Grease/oils form scum layer 3. Effluent flows to drain ...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
Beware of “For Sale By Owner”: The Risks of Buying Land in Lake County with Misleading InformationPurchasing land can be one of the most rewarding investments, especially in scenic areas like Lake County. However, buyers must exercise caution—particularly when dealing with “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) listings. While FSBO sales may seem appealing due to the potential for lower prices and direct negotiation, they often come with hidden risks, especially when the seller provides inaccurate details or misrepresents the location of the property.The Dangers of Misleading InformationOne of the most common issues in FSBO land sales is the lack of accurate documentation. Sellers may unintentionally—or in some cases, deliberately—provide incorrect parcel numbers, zoning details, or property bounda...
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Falling behind on taxes is stressful enough, but when the IRS files a federal tax lien, it can create serious problems for property owners, homebuyers, and real estate investors. A lien is the government’s legal claim against your property and assets, including real estate. It can stop a sale, delay refinancing, and even reduce the equity you’ve built. In this article, we’ll answer questions like: What is a lien? What is a Notice of Federal Tax Lien? How do I remove a tax lien? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you act before lasting damage occurs. What Is a Federal Tax Lien and How Does It Affect Real Estate? A federal tax lien gives the IRS a legal claim to your property when you owe back taxes. Once your tax is assessed and unpaid, the lien automatically attaches to eve...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Key Takeaways Cash-out refinance proceeds are not taxable because they are borrowed funds, not earnings. Mortgage interest may be tax-deductible only if the funds are used for qualified home improvements. Using cash for personal expenses, debt repayment, or investments generally does not qualify for interest deductions. Keeping accurate records of spending your funds helps with IRS compliance and potential audits. Tax laws evolve yearly—consult a licensed tax professional before filing your 2025 return. Before deciding to withdraw home equity, it’s important to understand how the process interacts with federal tax rules. Homeowners often wonder whether accessing their home’s value could lead to unexpected tax obligations, especially under the latest IRS guidelines. Many homeowners ask, ...
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On October 16, 2025, National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for newly built single family homes gained five points to 37 points in October of 2025 from 32 points in September of 2025.The HMI component charting present sales conditions higher four points to 38 points, the HMI buyer traffic up four points to 25 points, and the HMI sales expectations index rose nine points to 54 points in October of 2025.The three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, the West up two points at 28 points, Northeast increased two points to 46 points, Midwest no change zero points at 42 points, South higher two points to 31 points, in October of 2025.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “Based on modeling of historical data, the October increase for the HMI ...
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By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
A Note Worth Framing: A Charlotte Real Estate TestimonialEvery now and then, something lands in my mailbox that makes me stop, smile, and remember exactly why I love what I do. That happened recently when I opened an envelope at the office and found a handwritten testimonial from one of my favorite clients.Now, I’ll admit—I’m not the best at asking for testimonials. It’s one of those things that always seems to get lost in the shuffle once the closing papers are signed and the moving trucks roll away. Fortunately, my admin had followed up and I loved this response that truly made my day.This one came from Andy, an executive relocating out of Charlotte, referred to me by another client. He’d tried several times to post a review on Google but, as many of you know, the process isn’t always...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
In AZ and other states, being a real estate agent, one is legally bound to act in his or her client’s best interests which includes accounting. Furthermore, we as real estate agents must put our clients’ needs over our own.  For the first time, these words became very real for me. Let me explain.An offer for a property was made for $XXX dollars with a statement that the buyer would pay $XXX towards the compensation for the buyer’s brokerage.  The broker for the listing agent did not like the wording even though the buyer’s broker employment agreement would be attached to the offer to verify the compensation. After a verbal conversation with the listing agent and being old school as one who lives the CYA Axiom, I wrote an email with the specific language for a counteroffer the broker for...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
#realestateforecast,#homeowership,#cost,#renting
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By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
At this time of year along the Beautiful Colorado River, as the weather cools down and inventory reliably goes up, some opportunists immediately equate that to 'sellers will give away their properties' which more than not is untrue.Our Bullhead City/Fort Mohave/Mohave Valley/Kingman/Golden Valley regional area is rolling with the changes we have seen year in and year out in our residential market, and right now we have 1.92 months of inventory which is a 'warm, not hot' market! Many sellers are reducing prices, and listings that would have flown off the shelf are for many reasons expiring. I know this is happening all over the place as sellers recognize the 'Covid hot market' is behind us. Some agents, concerned about their bottom line, are dealing with buyers I personally would not tou...
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