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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 Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Moving to a new home should be exciting. But that excitement often gets overshadowed by the stress of the moving process itself. By the time you get all of your belongings to your new home, all you'll want to do is get some rest. It may be weeks or months until you manage to unpack fully. However, there's a way to avoid much of the stress of moving. It's to hire a moving service to handle the job for you. Here are six benefits of hiring a moving service to handle a residential move.1. You'll Save MoneyEven though you must pay a moving service for their work, you'll likely save money compared to doing the job yourself. Moving all of your belongings is a big job. If you're unaccustomed to doing it, you'll waste a fair amount of time by going the DIY route. Plus, you may not know what supp...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
A fireplace can be a luxurious addition to any home, offering warmth, comfort, and a cozy feeling during those chilly nights. Before firing up the fireplace in your new home, schedule a cleaning. Routine maintenance can be one of the most effective ways to protect your new investment, but it can also help keep you and your family safe. The Necessity of Chimney SweepingCreosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood and other materials. It builds up each time you use your chimney, and over time, that buildup can block your chimney or ignite a fire. An established cleaning and maintenance regimen can go a long way toward keeping your family safe. 1. Establish a Cleaning RoutineYou’ve read the home inspection report thoroughly, and now that you’ve signed the papers, you’re ready to start y...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
THE BIGGEST CHANGE ↓Have you heard about the changes coming to the real estate industry as a result of the recent NAR lawsuit/settlement?If you’re planning to buy a home anytime after August 17th, you’ll want to keep reading.THE CHANGE ↓The change I’m about to describe doesn’t actually alter how I work with my clients, as it’s always been a best practice. Commissions have always been negotiable and sellers never HAD to pay a buyers agent's commission.The main thing you need to know is that starting August 17, realtors and their buyer clients are required to enter into a Buyer Agency Agreement prior to touring homes.This written agreement essentially defines the relationship, terms, compensation, etc.This is actually pretty standard operating procedure, but has now become a requirement. ...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Understanding Common Real Estate Closing Costs Key Highlights Closing costs are additional expenses beyond the purchase price when buying or selling a home. These costs encompass various fees for appraisals, inspections, loan origination, title insurance, and more. Buyers typically pay a larger portion of closing costs, often ranging from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Sellers cover expenses like real estate agent commissions, usually around 5-6% of the sale price. Understanding and budgeting for these costs is crucial for a smoother real estate transaction. Negotiation plays a role, and buyers can explore options to potentially minimize their out-of-pocket expenses.  Navigating real estate transactions can be tricky. There are costs involved that go beyond just the purchase price. The...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Loan to Buy a House and Fix It Up: Expert Tips for Success Key Highlights Fixer-upper loans allow you to purchase a home and bundle renovation costs under a single mortgage, simplifying repayment. Many loan options exist, including FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae Homestyle, and Freddie Mac CHOICE Renovation, each with varying terms. Qualifying usually necessitates good credit, a down payment, and a detailed renovation plan, often involving a licensed contractor. These loans leverage the home's after-repair value, meaning a smaller down payment may be needed compared to traditional mortgages. Thorough inspection is critical with fixer-uppers. Unforeseen problems can arise, requiring additional funds beyond the initial loan.  Finding a home in the real estate market can be tricky. This is especial...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Seek first to understand.What does this mean?Simply, when assessing a client's needs, I need to empty my thoughts, and do my best to discover what they want, what they need, and any thoughts they may have for the process.While in conflict, seek first to understand means that my perspective is meaningless, until I understand the perspective of the other party.How we discover perspectives is by asking questions about what they may be frustrated about, what they need, and what their expectations may be.Adopting this thought process will make anyone's life simpler.Cell:   (609) 864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
If you need the comfort of a local bricks and mortar office, this post is not for you.  However, if you like the idea of working from home, with a cloud based broker who has an agent-first concept,  an amazing commission schedule with low cap, no monthly fees, and now revenue share, read on.Our new revenue share plans were announced last week,  and I am excited about long term passive income opportunities.  If you generate most of your own leads, why, why why are you still giving your broker 20%-40% of your money?Located in 42 States and D.C., Fathom Realty is growing.   I have been here for 3 years and love it.  Contact me for details !To chat confidentially:   (609) 864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
Yes, I ordered a new hat !  This one has seen better days. My local pizzeria,  post office,  7-11,  coffee shop, and all my friends know what I do for a living.While I typically do not wear name badges, and I should,  I have an ample supply of FATHOM REALTY :* Polo shirts* T shirts* Sweat shirts* Baseball capand my social media is 75-80% real estate related.If I don't promote my own business, who will?   Don't be a secret agent! Cell:  (609) 864-8164Website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
We can be our own worst enemy.   Our thoughts, our self talk,  our self worth, and most importantly, our actions, effort and attitude.Those things define our success.  Those things we can control.Negative thoughts and words about clients, the agent on the other side of the transaction,  or even the lender or the attorney do NOTHING to further the cause of the transaction and eventual closing.   Actually, negative transactional thoughts only burdens the transaction.Each transaction presents its own hurdles and challenges.   It is our job to clear the smoke so everyone can see clearly, it is our job to keep "moving the ball down the field."   How we react to transactional challenges often defines the success of the transaction.Cell:  (609) 864-8164Website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomre...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
This past week marked the 40th anniversary of me passing my NJ State Real Estate exam, and embarking on a successful career in this crazy business.  My first thought while writing this post is to thank Terry Kilgallen, my manager at Weichert Realtors in Hamilton for hiring me, encouraging me and helping me at the age of 21.   And a giant thank you to Weichert for their industry-best training, which taught and engrained many things into me which I still follow today.  Without Weichert, I never would have made it in this super-competitive business.This has been my only career, my only full time job, and I still love what I do.   I am truly fortunate, blessed, lucky, and happy.Having had the good fortune to work in several great organizations , ( and a few not so great!)   I have met thous...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, The best agent in Southern Utah!
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
A Mixed Can of Beans In an ideal world, there are a few good reasons to list a residential, tenant occupied property. One might appreciate the income garnered monthly, with no break in succession, month-to-month, during the sales process. It can also promote a higher market value and of course, that's attractive to most serious investors looking to purchase. On the down side, not every buyer wants to wait out an existing lease. Tenants can refuse to show because it becomes inconvenient for them, resulting in less interest and a lower offer could result, if the buyer overlooks the tenant's restrictions. Of course, more days on market can occur because of onset challenges. But what happens when a tenant suddenly becomes a shut-in, refusing all showings? In many states, owners may not ente...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
All the news is about the change in real estate taking effect today.  We are seeing a lot of discussion on television and online about these changes.  Despite what you may have read about slashing of home prices, agents leaving the industry, and the sky falling - I don’t feel that way!  Who we are hasn't changed. What we do hasn't changed. How we do it will change, and we welcome the challenge!A little background…a group sued the National Association of REALTORS® about commissions which was settled with some conditions.  That will result in a change on how we do business.  I saw what the result was going to be and added another Realtor Kindal Glasgow and a Broker Associate Kevin Sexton with 35 years of experience in new construction and real estate bringing my team to seven members Does...
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On August 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide housing building permits lower 4.0% to 1,396,000 units in July of 2024 from 1,454,000 units in June of 2024, and decreased 7.0% from 1,501,000 in July of 2023. Single family building permits down 0.1% to a rate of 939,000 units in July of 2024, from 924,000 units in June of 2024, and there were 408,000 multifamily building permits issued in July of 2024.Nationwide housing starts declined 6.8% to 1,238,000 units in July of 2024, from 1,329,000 units in June of 2024 and fell 16.0% from 1,473,000 units in July of 2023. Single family starts decreased 14.1% to a rate of 851,000 units in July of 2024 from 991,000 in June of 2024, and there were 363,000 multifamily building s...
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By Sylvia "Elsie" Foster, REALTOR, CRB, CRS, GRI
(Foster Realty, Inc.)
As an REO (Real Estate Owned) real estate agent, I’ve faced numerous challenges, but being sued by a homeowner for offering cash-for-keys and wrongful foreclosure takes the cake - especially when I'm not the bank. The situation becomes even more bizarre when you realize that this homeowner was collecting rent every month from the tenants but wasn’t paying the mortgage, leading to the foreclosure in the first place.Offering cash-for-keys is a standard practice in REO transactions. It’s designed to help tenants transition out of a foreclosed property smoothly and avoid the drawn-out, often contentious eviction process. It’s a practical solution, aimed at minimizing disruption and ensuring the property is handed over in good condition. My role here is to facilitate this process, not to mak...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Understanding Title Insurance: Importance and How to Obtain Key Highlights Title insurance safeguards both lenders and buyers from financial losses stemming from hidden title issues on a property. Two primary types of title insurance exist: lender's title insurance, often mandatory for mortgage loans, and owner's title insurance, which provides additional protection for the buyer's investment. A title search, a meticulous examination of public records, is conducted to uncover any title defects before a policy is issued. Title insurance offers crucial coverage against claims arising from unforeseen liens, back taxes, ownership disputes, and other title flaws. The cost of title insurance is generally a one-time fee paid at closing, influenced by factors such as the property's location and...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Transform Your Space: Preparing Your Home for Photography Key Highlights A clean and clutter-free home is essential for real estate photography, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. Maximizing natural light by opening window treatments and turning on all lights enhances the warmth and inviting ambiance of your home in photos. Personal items, including family photos, should be removed to create a neutral and universally appealing aesthetic for potential buyers. The exterior of your home, including landscaping and curb appeal, plays a crucial role in making a positive first impression. A final walkthrough before the photographer arrives ensures a polished and photo-ready presentation, maximizing your home's photographic potential.  In the world of real estate, gr...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Navigating Risks: Climate Change and Real Estate Strategies Key Highlights Climate change is impacting the real estate industry, bringing floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and coastal erosion. Property values are influenced by these risks, especially in vulnerable areas like Pennsylvania. Understanding flood zones and wildfire-prone regions is crucial for potential buyers and investors. Insurance premiums are rising due to increased climate-related risks. Sustainable building practices and adaptation strategies are becoming essential for the real estate sector.  The real estate industry is facing a big problem because of our changing climate. We see extreme weather events happening more often in recent years. These events can clearly harm property and infrastructure. Things like hurrican...
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By Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Member Sources: National Association of REALTORS®Homebuyers: Here's What the NAR Settlement Means for You Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever undertake. Agents who are REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you. NAR’s recent settlement has led to several changes that benefit homebuyers, and we wanted to clearly lay them out for you. Here is what the settlement means for homebuyers: You will sign a written agreement with your agent before touring a home. Before signing this agreement, you should ensure it reflects the terms you have negotiated with your agent and that you understand exactly what services and value will be provided, and for ho...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Wondering what “Contingency” is during the home buying process?It’s a condition that MUST be met for a real estate deal to go through.Some common contingencies include:💰 Financing: A Buyer must secure a loan.🛠 Inspection: Home must pass a professional inspection.🏡 Appraisal: Home must appraise at the agreed price.And it can include a contingency for the sale of your current home.Contingencies protect both buyers and sellers, ensuring a fair and secure transaction.Do you have questions about buying or selling a home? Contact me today for expert advice! 📲#contingency #realestatevocab #realestateagent #elkgroverealestate #buyertips #sellertips #buyingahome #sellingahome
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By Gary & Melynda Wolter, Since 2001, 480-269-1164, Reliable, Premier Personal Service since 2001
(ProSmart Realty)
I stopped a long time ago trying to guess who would succeed at real estate after they get newly licensed. Meet John, he came to me almost 10 years ago and here is his story...So proud of my friend John! He owns 9 homes, and has a team of over 60 people! You never know the fire deep inside of some people!From John:One of the very first people that ever gave me a shot in real estate and I’m forever grateful!Six brokers turned me down, including the one on my mail route, because I was “part time”They obviously had no idea what was in my head.  I was anything but part time, I would not be outdone. Gary Wolter saw that in me and honestly if he didn’t hire me that day I probably would have quit.  I struck out five times.  Century 21RemaxBerkshire West USAA mom and popThanks for the laughs tod...
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