Special offer

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 Trish Cole
(Veterans United Home Loans of Puget Sound NMLS#1907)
When it comes to purchasing a home, there are countless factors to consider. Finding your perfect match, From location to price, each aspect plays a crucial role in determining the right fit for you and your family. However, one often overlooked element is the style of the home itself. The aesthetic and layout of a house can significantly impact your daily life, from comfort and functionality to potential resale value. So, let’s delve into some common home styles to help you make an informed decision. Colonial RevivalColonial revival homes exude timeless elegance with their symmetrical façades and distinctive triangular roofs. Typically spanning two to three stories, these houses offer ample space for families. With bedrooms tucked away on upper levels and expansive common areas on the ...
Comments 1
By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Thinking of buying a fixer-upper? 🏚It can be a rewarding investment, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.Here are some pros and cons to consider ↓↓↓PROS 👍01 – Potential Cost Savings: Fixer-uppers are often priced lower than move-in-ready homes, providing an opportunity for cost savings.02 – Customization: You have the flexibility to renovate and design the home according to your preferences and needs03 – Equity Building: Improvements made to a fixer-upper can increase its overall value, allowing you to build equity over time.CONS 👎01 – Unforeseen Costs: Renovation projects often come with unforeseen expenses, and initial estimates may not capture the full scope of work.02 – Time-Consuming: Renovations take time, and living in a construction zone can be inconvenient. It’s im...
Comments 4
By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Commercial inspections offer a promising career. After all, it is one such profession where you can turn your skills into a high paying job or business opportunity. So, it is commonplace for people to ask about the licensing and certification requirements for this profession. The truth is, the rules and regulations vary quite a bit from state to state and even between different municipalities within the same state. However, there are some common threads and best practices that I'll outline for you in this comprehensive guide.So read on to find out how you can become a licensed and certified commercial inspector. Why is licensing essential for commercial inspectors? Let's start with why proper licensing and certification for commercial inspectors is so important in the first place. When ...
Comments 0
By Buzz Mackintosh, “Experience, reliable, leadership”
(Mackintosh REALTORS)
  Understanding How NAR's Settlement May Impact Buyers and Sellers  The recent legal settlement involving the National Association of Realtors has been met with much discussion about its implications for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. The settlement is yet to be finalized by the courts and could take effect as early as mid-July. In essence, this settlement signals potential shifts in how commissions are negotiated between buyers, sellers, and their respective agents, which could impact the dynamics not only of real estate transactions, but also the overall costs for an employee to relocate for a new job.  What home buyers need to know ~ Buyers will now be required to enter into a written agreement with their agent before touring properties, (Please note, this has be...
Comments 13
On April 1, 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide construction spending declined 0.3% to $2,091.5 billion in February of 2024 from $2,096.9 billion January of 2024, but rose 10.7% from $1,889.6 billion in February of 2023.Nationwide private construction up 0.0% to $1,617.1 billion in February of 2024 from $1,616.8 billion in January of 2024.Residential construction increased 0.7% of $901.1 billion in February of 2024 from $894.5 billion January of 2024.Non residential construction lower 0.9% to $716.0 billion in February of 2024 from $22.37 billion in January of 2024.The public construction dropped 1.2% to $474.4 billion in February of 2024 from $480.1 billion in January of 2024.The educational construction down 1.8% to $100.5 billion in February of 2024 from $102.3 billion i...
Comments 6
By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
New National Magazine out 📖 Check out our latest publication featuring valuable insights, industry trends, and expert tips for real estate professionals. Get ahead in the world of real estate with our informative articles.Look here: https://www.thepowerisnow.com/743659-2/
Comments 0
By Connor Kobilarcsik, Think of me when you think of Real Estate
(Russell Real Estate Services)
More and more people, who live in Cleveland, want to transform their homes. They would like to add more comfort and elegance to their homes and create a cozy, warm and welcoming environment.  It’s crucial to select the right colors, tones, textures and furniture for a house. Today, we are going to talk about interior design trends for a Cleveland home in 2024. This will help you transform your house in the best possible way.  So, let’s get started.Unique Lighting FixturesUnique lighting fixtures would be a good addition to the interior design of a Cleveland house. You can use lighting features in your home whether it’s designed in a classic or modern style. Lighting fixtures will provide additional lighting, improve the appeal of your home and add a touch of luxury and sophistication to...
Comments 2
By Connor Kobilarcsik, Think of me when you think of Real Estate
(Russell Real Estate Services)
National Trust Real Estate Association (NTREA) is going to host its annual event in Cleveland in the nearest future. The conference is held in Cleveland, Ohio every year. This year the conference will start on May 1 in 2024 and last until May 4 in 2024. The history of National Trust Real Estate Association dates back to 1973. NTREA specializes in unique educational programs. NTREA is well-known for hosting its Educational Development Forum. It’s also important to note that the association creates great networking opportunities for its members. National Trust Real Estate Association has headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota.  The main mission of the association is to change the face of the today’s real estate industry. It’s important to know that NTREA brings together real estate professional...
Comments 0
By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
Goal-Getting Glory: The Big Trinity Day Unveiled!Oddly enough and without planning, two of my life's turning points; my milestone moments if you will, occurred on 4/5 ten years apart. This is the story of my Goal-Getting Glory: The Big Trinity Day Unveiled today, my self imposed deadline of April 5, 2024!                        1. Celebrate my 25th Anniversary of my first day at work as a licensed REALTOR®I started work April 5, 1999 at Cashin & Company Realtors in San Mateo, CAI'm 25 years in the resale business and just over 35 years in real estate investing today. Special thanks to my bride Ailina Nelson for being there with me my whole career and to my buddy and the best lender I've had through my whole San Diego chapter of this career, Jason E. Gordon!My First Listing in San Mateo ...
Comments 16
By Broker Patty Da Silva Da Silva, Top Listing Broker
( Green Realty Properties® - 954-667-7253)
Broker Patty Da Silva is excited to share expert insights on the current real estate market trends and how there are “just too many flavors of ice cream to choose from!”. Featured in The Sun Sentinel Newspaper deciphering the current landscape of higher prices and increased inventory and what that means for both buyers and sellers. Stay informed and let’s navigate this dynamic market together. And we can maybe grab YOUR favorite flavor of ice cream when we buy or sell together!https://pattydasilva.com/blog/sun-sentinel-south-florida-homebuyers-face-higher-prices-while-also-finding-more-options  
Comments 1
By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
In Part VI of my NAR Series, “Exploring the Implications of the NAR Settlement Towards a More Transparent and Fair Real Estate Industry,” I received a response to the blog from Jocelyn VAS, Realtor and SVP at Final Offer, proposing a tech solution to the problem of transparency and fairness in the real estate industry. She writes, “Check out Final Offer. I have been an agent for 16 years in the DMV. Everyone is talking about the need for transparency, claiming that we will do it or have always done it, but the real question is, how? We must leverage good technology like Final Offer to make the entire experience better for agents and consumers. Agents do not trust agents. What do you think consumers think about agents if agents don’t trust agents?! There is a bigger picture here, and it’...
Comments 0
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Informative resource! Calculating monthly mortgage payments is crucial for budgeting and planning. This guide likely offers valuable insights and tools to help homeowners or buyers estimate their monthly expenses accurately. Thanks for sharing this ultimate guide!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Calculate Monthly Mortgage Payment Like A Pro   Key Highlights Understanding mortgage payments is crucial for anyone looking buy a home. The components of a mortgage payment include the principal amount, interest rate, mortgage insurance, and escrow account. Interest rates play a significant role in determining your monthly mortgage payment and the total amount you'll pay over the life of the loan. Calculating your monthly mortgage payment can be done using a mortgage calcul...
Comments 0
By Alan May, Home is where the hearth is.
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
There's a lot of nonsense out there being published about the recent NAR settlement.  You've all seen it, it's on major outlets and it's embarrassing. Very little of it is accurate.  Wall St. Journal, NBC, ABC, CNN, and more... they're all getting it wrong, or even partially wrong... it's sad.Here's another piece of accurate reporting from Budge Huskey who is the chief executive officer of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. (yes, I work for Sotheby's... but that's not why I'm posting it.). Read through, see what you think._____________________________________Last week the National Association of Realtors announced a settlement agreement in the Sitzer Burnett case that would take effect in July. For those who missed the declarations in the media that this outcome will render transac...
Comments 15
By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Calculate Monthly Mortgage Payment Like a ProKey Highlights Understanding mortgage payments is crucial for anyone looking buy a home. The components of a mortgage payment include the principal amount, interest rate, mortgage insurance, and escrow account. Interest rates play a significant role in determining your monthly mortgage payment and the total amount you'll pay over the life of the loan. Calculating your monthly mortgage payment can be done using a mortgage calculator and considering factors such as home price and loan term. Different types of home loans, including conventional and government-backed loans, have different payment structures. Property taxes, homeowners' insurance, and additional costs like PMI and HOA fees also impact your monthly mortgage payment. Using mortgage ...
Comments 0
On March 158 2024, National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for newly built single family homes increased three points to 51 points in March of 2024 from 42 points in February of 2024.The HMI component charting buyer traffic up two points to 34 points, the HMI present sales conditions gained four points to 56 points, and the HMI sales expectations index higher two points to 62 points in March of 2024.The three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, Northeast grew two points to 59 points, Midwest rose five point to 41 points, South increased four points to 50 points, the West jumped five points to 43 points in March of 2024.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “With the Federal Reserve expected to announce future rate cuts in the second ha...
Comments 6
By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
In today's Real Estate Podcast, from The REconomy, is episode of The REconomy Podcast™ from First American, Chief Economist Mark Fleming and Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi unveil their new Existing-Home Sales Outlook Report and break down what to expect from the existing-home market ahead of the 2024 spring home-buying season. AgencyLogic shares the best real estate podcasts daily. Click here for more great podcasts!
Comments 0
By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
New Television Guide Magazine out 📖 Check out our latest publication featuring valuable insights, industry trends, and expert tips for real estate professionals. Get ahead in the world of real estate with our informative articles.Look here: https://www.thepowerisnow.com/introducing-the-prescott-arizona-real-estate-show-on-the-power-is-now-tv/ 
Comments 0
By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA, Founder and CEO of The Power Is Now Media, Inc.
(The Power Is Now Media, Inc. )
New Television Guide Magazine out 📖 Check out our latest publication featuring valuable insights, industry trends, and expert tips for real estate professionals. Get ahead in the world of real estate with our informative articles.Look here: https://www.thepowerisnow.com/the-power-is-now-television-guide-magazine-20/
Comments 0
By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
If you have student loans and are looking to purchase a home…. this post is for you🏡Here are some tips on how to secure a loan if you have student debt.01 – Manage your Other DebtsTry paying down any other debt you have. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio.02 – Save for a Larger Down PaymentIncreasing your down payment can demonstrate financial stability and reduce the loan amount, making you a more attractive borrower.03 – Consider Co-signers or Joint ApplicationsIf possible, explore the option of having a co-signer with a strong financial profile. This can strengthen your loan application.👉 If you’re thinking of purchasing a home but not sure if you will qualify for a loan – it’s important to speak with a mortgage lender.💬 Comment “QUESTIONS” and I’ll send you my top questions t...
Comments 0
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Invaluable advice! Protecting your home from squatters is essential for homeowners. This blog likely offers practical tips for preventing and addressing this issue, helping homeowners safeguard their properties. Thanks for highlighting this important aspect of home security!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Imagine arriving at your home, ready to unlock the door, only to find that your key no longer works. Worse yet, someone unknown is living inside. While this scenario might seem far-fetched, it's a real concern, as evidenced by a recent incident in Queens, New York. In this article, we'll discuss practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your property from squatters.   Practical Strategies to Safeguard Against Squatters   1. Engage with Your Neighbor The...
Comments 1