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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 Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success.1One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results. In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.1. SKIPPING THE RESEARCH PHASE...
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.What Is a 55+ Community?It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to do...
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By Connor Kobilarcsik, Think of me when you think of Real Estate
(Russell Real Estate Services)
This nice looking 2-storey house in Cleveland is currently sold for $194,900. The building of the house consists of 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The square footage of the house is 1,352 square feet. That means that the price of square foot is $144. The house has been listed for sale on Zillow by Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS. It’s conveniently located and provides easy and quick access to different parts of the city. The house is located at the following address: 3183 W 84th St, Cleveland, OH 44102.   The house has a long history. It was built in 1924. However, the building of the house has been fully renovated recently. The home’s windows, roofs and siding were updated during the renovation process. After the renovation, the building of the house turned into a brand new home. ...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Managing a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly when it comes to handling payroll and HR responsibilities. These tasks are often time-consuming and complex, requiring a level of expertise that many small business owners may not possess.  This is where Paychex steps in, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to make payroll and HR management easier, more efficient, and compliant with regulations. In a recent talkshow, Realtor Linda Peltz & Brandon Marquez from Paychex shared insights into how his company supports small business owners, helping them navigate these critical aspects of their operations with ease.Lets tune in to video below  Comprehensive Payroll SolutionsAt the heart of Paychex's offerings...
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Hello everyone! If you're considering a move to the Washington DC area, you might be on the lookout for the perfect suburb. Well, I believe I've found it! Woodbridge and Dumfries, Virginia, stand out as top contenders, and I'm excited to share why these locations might just be the best places to call home in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area.Discovering Potomac Shores: A Premier Golf CommunityCurrently, I'm in Potomac Shores, a burgeoning golf course community that's catching the eyes of many. What makes it particularly special is its 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. This neighborhood isn't just about golf; it's a well-rounded community with homes starting from $600,000 to $700,000, reaching up to $900,000. However, the broader Woodbridge area offers more affordability wi...
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On August 29, 2024, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide pending contract signed home sales fell 5.5% to an index of 70.2 in July of 2024 from June of 2024, but dropped 8.5% from July of 2023.Pending home sales index in the Northeast declined 1.4% to an index of 64.6 in July of 2024 from June of 2024, but up 2.4% from July of 2023.Pending home sales index in the Midwest down 7.8% to an index of 67.8 in July of 2024 from June of 2024, and lower 11.4% from July of 2023.Pending home sales index in the South decreased 6.5% to an index of 83.5 in July of 2024 from June of 2024, and fell  11.5% from July of 2023.Pending home sales index in the West dropped 3.8% to an index of 56.2 in July of 2024 from June of 2024, and declined 6.0% from July of 2023.Lawrence Yun, ...
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In today's connected world, keeping your home safe is very important. A good security system with high-quality video cameras gives you peace of mind. It helps protect what you care about most.   Essential Tips: How to Choose a Security Camera   Key Highlights Enhance your home security with a strategically chosen security camera system. Explore various camera types, features, and storage options to find the perfect fit. Consider factors like video quality, night vision, and smart home integration for optimal performance. Benefit from expert installation tips and learn about legal aspects in Pennsylvania. Stay informed about emerging technologies to future-proof your security investment.   In today's connected world, keeping your home safe is very important. A good security system with h...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Pardon my feature photo, nothing is ever this scary in our business, just having some fun here.My suggestion today is to get out of your "comfort zone".   Call that FSBO.   Call that expired listing.  Knock on their door.  Call EVERYONE in your sphere as you begin building a strong database.  Do it now!One of the great things about this job is we can do what we are best at, and specialize at that, but as a new agent, things do intimidate or scare us.  Do it sooner than later, get it out of the way, and become good at it.  Master it.What scares me?  Many things tech related.  New things tech related, and things that do not come easy peasy on the first try, tech related.  I have conquered most of those things to where they no longer stress me.  They are now second nature.Don't be afraid, ...
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By Kukun--240-483-3649 Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
As 2024 progresses, both homebuilders and mortgage lenders are grappling with the challenging economic conditions characterized by high interest rates and affordability issues. The August results from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) and Fannie Mae’s Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey (MLSS) reveal a landscape where confidence is shaky, yet there are glimmers of optimism.Declining Confidence Among BuildersBuilder confidence in the market for new single-family homes dropped to 39 in August, a decline of two points from the downwardly revised July reading of 41. This marks the lowest confidence level since December 2023. The ongoing decline is driven by affordability challenges and buyer hesitation resulting from elevated interest rates and high home prices.All three componen...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Let’s face it: property taxes are the uninvited guest at every CRE owner’s party. They show up, eat all your profits, and leave you wondering why you even bothered investing in the first place. But here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be that way!As a seasoned pro in the commercial real estate world, I’ve helped countless business owners and landlords navigate the murky waters of tax reduction. Trust me when I say understanding and managing your property tax liability can be the difference between a mediocre investment and a cash-flowing powerhouse.This article will explore some tried-and-true strategies for reducing your CRE property taxes. From the basics to some advanced ninja moves, I promise you’ll walk away with actionable tips to boost your bottom line. Ready to turn that tax bu...
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By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
You may not feel it yet, but the housing market is shifting.  In July, the market shifted from a strong sellers’ advantage to more balanced neutral territory, according to Zillow’s latest market report.  So, what does this mean for you? Let’s dive in.The Shift to a Neutral MarketFor the first time this year—and the first July since 2019—the national housing market entered neutral territory. This means neither buyers nor sellers hold a distinct advantage, a significant change from the competitive sellers’ market we’ve seen over the past few years. In July’s more balanced market, homes stayed on the market longer, with properties going under contract in an average of 18 days across the country. I know you’re probably thinking, “That’s a quick sale!”—and you’re right. But keep in mind, it’...
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By Chris Colgan, Real Estate Expert Advisor
Welcome to Falls Church, Virginia, often hailed as the richest city in America. This title might bring to mind images of places like Malibu or New York City, but Falls Church, nestled in Northern Virginia, holds its own with a unique charm and affluent demographic. In this article, we'll explore what makes Falls Church not only the wealthiest but also one of the healthiest cities in the country.1. A City Within a CountyFalls Church, known affectionately as "the little city," is an independent city located just a couple of miles outside of Washington D.C. Despite its proximity to the capital, it operates as its own independent municipality, complete with its own police station and school system. This autonomy allows Falls Church to maintain a distinct identity separate from the surroundi...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
I belong to 3 networks of many great agents across the country.   If you are moving to a new and unknown area, I can likely help you.   If you are currently in the Mercer or Burlington region and moving into an adjacent market, I can definitely help you.   I have "friends" who cover every county in New Jersey and many across the river in Pennsylvania.Recently, I have successfully placed friends and clients with top notch agents in Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Middlesex County, and another client to  Essex County,  New Jersey.It would be my pleasure to help you.My cell:  (609)  864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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On August 27, 2024, The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the U.S. house prices higher 5.7% in the 2nd quarter of 2024 from 1st quarter of 2024, and gained 0.9% from 2nd quarter of 2023 based on home sales values obtained from mortgages sold to or guaranteed by FNMA and Freddie Mac.Nationwide, among nine census Middle Atlantic Division was highest with an increase of 8.5% in the 2nd quarter of 2024 from 2nd quarter of 2023, while West South Central Division had a gain of 2.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2024, from 2nd quarter of 2023.State of Vermont had the highest increase of 13.4% in house prices in the 2nd quarter of 2024, from 1st quarter of 2024.For complete more detailed information about the FHFA’s home price index for 2nd quarter of 2024, please click HERE
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This comprehensive guide is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the housing market. You've done an excellent job breaking down the key issues that can impact buyers, sellers, and investors. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions in today’s ever-changing market. Thanks for providing such valuable insights and clarity on this important topic!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Rising Concerns: Housing Market Issues Explained   Key Highlights The housing market is facing an affordability crisis, with high prices and rising interest rates. A shortage of housing supply is a major factor contributing to the rising prices. The Federal Reserve's monetary policies and interest rate hikes impact mortgage rates. Ma...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
From my experience, rural vacant land is often viewed as the fair hair red stepchild. The RPR program focuses on residential and commercial though land is available when one digs a little deeper under Property Type. Unfortunately, the search for land also yields residential properties which when searching only for rural vacant land wastes time.This RPR program pulls its information from the local MLS, in my instance, WARDEX.  Also, the program does include the measurements of the lot/parcel size, though not the geometric graphic shape and does not pull flood plain map.  Both of these are essential points of information for sellers and buyers.The flood map is via another click through the links titled Climate Check and Risk Factor. Both of these links require further clicking requiring a...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
This is a suggestion for my fellow agents, past clients and future clients:Ignore the real estate predictions.   They are typically wrong, and they will continue to be wrong.   In my 40 years of watching these educated guesses, they are more often wrong than on target.For my fellow agents:   Work hard and serve your clients well.   Do not let the prognosticators influence your attitude.For my clients:  If you want or need to buy or sell, let's do it.  Trying to time the market perfectly to suit your needs is risky and often foolhardy.With interest rates in the 6%'s and most Burlington and Mercer homes selling in under 30 days,  there are advantages to get it done now.Contact me today with any real estate questions you may have, it would be my pleasure to discuss.My cell:  (609) 864-8164...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article is spot on! In today’s digital age, prioritizing cybersecurity is crucial for real estate companies. The strategies you’ve outlined are practical and necessary for protecting sensitive client information and maintaining trust. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure a safer environment for both the company and its clients. Thanks for highlighting such an important topic!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Due to the high levels of technologies embraced in the current business environment, the security of information particularly for real estate companies with numerous clients is highly important. The threats that originate from cyber attackers are commonly known to lead to several adverse consequences, incl...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is a must-read for anyone in the market for a new home! The safety components you've outlined are critical and often overlooked by buyers. Ensuring these elements are in top shape can prevent future issues and provide peace of mind. It’s essential advice that can make a big difference in the long-term safety and value of a home. Thanks for sharing these important insights!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Buying a home is a huge investment. You can help to ensure that you’re making a sound investment by considering the safety of any property you’re seriously considering buying. Leverage the assistance of professionals to check the six most critical safety components listed below before signing on the dotted line. 1. Structural Integrity Several important factors...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is a great article! The design trends you’ve covered are not only modern and stylish but also highly functional. It’s refreshing to see a focus on trends that blend aesthetics with practicality. For anyone planning to build a new home, these ideas can help create a space that is both beautiful and tailored to their lifestyle. Thanks for the inspiration!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP People who are fortunate enough to be able to build a home have a variety of designs to choose from. Some homeowners choose designs that are largely aesthetic while others choose designs that are practical. Other considerations are whether the homeowner has or plans on having children, their age, their budget, and whether they want to stay in the house long-term or sell it after a...
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