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 Sabrina Novine, SKAZ home Group is a dynamic team with KWNE
(Keller Williams North East)
Peoria, AZ, is a great place to live. Peoria enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Winters are mild, allowing for year-round hiking, golfing, and other activities. Peoria is home to Lake Pleasant Regional Park, a haven for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. There are also numerous parks and trails, including the New River Trail and the West Wing Mountain Preserve.With a strong local economy and proximity to Phoenix, Peoria offers job opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and retail. It’s also an attractive area for remote workers seeking an affordable yet vibrant community. Peoria has top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of family-friendly activities, such as sports complexes, playgrounds, and community event...
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In today’s competitive real estate market, high-quality visuals are crucial in capturing the attention of potential buyers. Properties that stand out in a crowded marketplace are often those that offer more than just simple photographs – they feature expertly captured images that highlight the property’s best features and convey its story. Among the most impactful ways to achieve this is through the combination of drones for real estate photography and luxury real estate photography techniques, both of which elevate property listings to a whole new level.The Role of Drones in Real Estate PhotographyDrones for real estate photography have become a game-changer in how properties are showcased. Aerial views captured by drones provide a unique perspective that traditional ground-level photo...
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The 2025 real estate market is filled with opportunities, but success depends on choosing the right locations and leveraging data-driven tools. Cities like Austin, Raleigh, Tampa, Phoenix, and Nashville are emerging as prime investment hubs due to strong job growth, population increases, and rental demand.Investment Strategies:✔ Use the Real Estate Deal Analyzer to evaluate cash flow and ROI.✔ Diversify property types (multifamily, single-family, or short-term rentals).✔ Focus on rental income in high-demand areas.✔ Leverage market data to make informed decisions.Maximize your real estate success with expert tools and insights using Real Estate Deal Analyzer of Passive AdvantageRead More >> https://www.twidloo.com/articles/smart-real-estate-investments-in-2025-top-cities-to-watch  
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By Keith O. Royal, MAPA, Real Estate Professional, W. Central Gulf Coast FL
(People's Trust Realty)
Did you know that Hernando County has a program where Buyers could receive up to $30,000 to put towards their down Payment and Closing Costs?Requirements: Meet the income limits for family size without going over. Be able to get Pre-Approved. Must participate in a First Time Home Buyers Education Class AND receive a class certificate upon completion. Must NOT have owned a home anywhere with the last 3 years.  There are 3 types down payment assistance available: Existing Existing with Construction Upgrades, and New Construction.  Sounds Interesting? Contact me for more info… (904) 479-8678
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By nathan oulman, Goodyear Living local magazine for realtors.
(Goodyear Living Local)
Imagine waking up to awesome desert views. Imagine enjoying sunshine all year. Imagine having great things to do close by. That's life for people in Goodyear, Arizona. Goodyear is a growing city that’s great for families. It’s also close to Phoenix. If you want to know about Goodyear real estate, you're in the right place. This guide will help you find your dream home.Understanding the Goodyear Real Estate Market What's happening with Goodyear homes right now? Let's look at the market. We’ll check out prices and how many homes are for sale. What makes Goodyear real estate special?Current Market OverviewHomes in Goodyear are selling fast. The average price is going up. Houses don't stay on the market for long. This means it's a good time to sell. It also means buyers need to be ready.Fac...
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By Juliette M. Davis, "Do All Things with Kindness"
(Northoint Realty & Asset Mgmt Co)
At NorthPoint, we’re always looking for innovative ways to serve our clients. Recognizing the growing demand for more flexibility and affordability in real estate transactions, we are proud to announce the launch of our Flat Fee MLS listing service. Designed for sellers who want to maintain control of certain aspects of their home sale, this cost-effective option provides essential listing support and professional guidance—without the traditional commission structure.Our new Flat Fee service ensures your property is listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), making it visible to a vast network of buyers and agents. You’ll still receive personalized support from our knowledgeable team at NorthPoint Realty, but now with a pricing model tailored to help you keep more of your hard-earned...
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By Josh Taylor, Selling Tampa Bay | Tampa's #1 Sales Group
(Selling Tampa Bay )
Florida’s condo market is undergoing a major shift as new state laws impose stricter inspection requirements, higher reserve funding, and increased financial transparency for older buildings. As a result, existing condo sales have plummeted, with buyers wary of potential special assessments and rising association fees. However, this changing landscape has created a prime opportunity for new construction condos, which offer modern designs, stronger safety standards, and financial stability without the burdens of aging infrastructure. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest new construction condo developments in the Tampa Bay market, highlighting the benefits of buying brand-new in today’s evolving real estate environment.  A pre-construction condo is a property you purchase before or...
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When you hire a real estate agent, you expect them to have your back, right? They’re supposed to guide you through the complex world of buying and selling homes, looking out for your best interests. But what happens when they drop the ball? Worse yet—what if they intentionally put their own interests ahead of yours? Welcome to the world of neglected fiduciary duties, where bad agents put your money, your trust, and your dreams at risk. What Happens When Fiduciary Duties Are Neglected? The Bottom LineReal estate is more than just transactions—it’s about trust, responsibility, and ensuring clients get the best possible outcome. If an agent neglects their fiduciary duties, they’re not just risking their license; they’re risking your future. So, choose wisely, ask questions, and make sure y...
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By Hazel X Cardenas Real Estate, Expert insights on buying, selling,
(Hazel X Cardenas Real Estate)
Benicia is a hidden gem in the Bay Area, offering an exceptional mix of luxury, charm, and waterfront beauty. If you’re searching for high-end properties that combine elegance with small-town tranquility, you’ll find stunning homes, upscale neighborhoods, and an incredible quality of life.But buying luxury real estate isn’t the same as purchasing a standard home. You need a strategic approach, insider market knowledge, and expert negotiation skills to secure the best high-end property. That’s why working with a real estate agent like Hazel X. Cardenas ensures you find the perfect luxury home that fits your lifestyle and investment goals.What Makes Benicia Ideal for High-End Living?Benicia is one of Solano County’s most prestigious cities, offering exclusivity, waterfront views, and stun...
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By Shad Burgess, Connecting Agents and Investors with Seamless TECH
How AI in Real Estate Gives Us More Time to Cherish What Matters: The New Freedom in Our IndustryIn today’s fast-paced world, technology is transforming industries at lightning speed. In real estate, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leading the charge by automating tasks that used to take hours or even days. But here’s the twist—AI is not just about efficiency. It’s actually giving us more time to apply the things that truly matter: human connection, emotional care, and the values that make real estate a people-centered business.Efficiency in Action: Automating the MundaneAI works by taking over the routine, repetitive tasks that once consumed most of our workday. Lead generation, appointment scheduling, follow-up emails, document management—AI can handle all of it. What this means is th...
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By Maricelle Rivera, Serving Dorado, San Juan, Guaynabo, Bahia Beach
(Keys to Paradise LLC)
Rockefeller's Vision for Dorado Beach: A Legacy of Luxury and InnovationLaurance Rockefeller's vision for Dorado Beach was transformative, aimed at creating a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. He envisioned a resort that respected the environment while offering a unique and upscale experience for visitors. By focusing on low-density development and incorporating sustainable practices, Rockefeller set a precedent for nature-driven resorts that prioritize ecological preservation.Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico became the focal point of this ambitious vision. Rockefeller's innovative approach involved leveraging the island's natural beauty to promote tourism without compromising the landscape. His commitment to conservation is evident in the thoughtful design of the resort, which harmonio...
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By Eric Beaverford, Realtor in Edmonton www.ourhouseprice.ca
(Maxwell Polaris)
 Finding Great Investment Properties in Edmonton – Maximize Your Cash Flow!Attention real estate investors! Looking for cash-flowing properties in Edmonton? The key to making smart investment decisions is knowing the true market value before you buy. Whether you're looking for duplexes, legal suites, infill lots, or multi-unit rentals, here’s how you can find great properties and ensure they’re profitable.Step 1: Check the Market Value Before You Buy💰 Before making an offer, find out the property's true value and rental potential.🔎 Use www.ourhouseprice.ca for a free home value estimate and make sure the numbers work!✅ Are rents high enough to cover costs?✅ Is the price in line with market trends?✅ Will this property appreciate over time?Step 2: Find the Best Investment Deals🏡 Looking f...
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By Patrick Van Horn
(Thaynes Canyon Development)
          This one is hard to see why someone would do this. Not only is this selfish and goes against other ways to lose your license, but it also is very dishonest. Is it really worth it to get that extra 1-3% to lose your license and potentially never get any sales again? No, it probably isn't. Plus once each client finds out, you probably lose those clients for future business as well.         I have not had this exact thing happen to me. But I was the seller on a home where my listing agent represented myself and the buyer. At first I thought I would be ok with it, but after the deal started going down. I promised myself I would never have an agent represent both sides. It would not matter if I was the seller or buyer. You would need to be certain the agent can truly be a 3rd party...
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By Nathan Street, Hard Money Lenders Servicing Most of US
(Novum Wealth)
How to Buy Rental Properties with No Money Down Using Hard Money Loans Securing financing is one of the biggest challenges new investors face. Traditional lenders demand large down payments, high credit scores, and extensive financial history—barriers that prevent many from starting. However, alternative financing methods, such as hard money loans, provide investors with a way to acquire properties without using personal capital. What Are Hard Money Loans? Hard money loans are asset-based, short-term loans used primarily for real estate investments. Unlike banks, hard money lenders focus on a property’s value rather than the borrower’s credit score. These loans close quickly—often within days—making them ideal for competitive markets and distressed property purchases. Though interest r...
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By John Russo, Naples Realtor | Investments & 2nd Home Expert
(John Russo | Naples Realtor)
Naples Real Estate Market Update – March 2025The Naples real estate market has undergone a significant shift over the past year, creating a strong buyer’s market with increased inventory and longer listing times. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Naples, here’s what you need to know about the latest market trends and the broader economic factors influencing real estate in Southwest Florida.Inventory Surge: More Homes, More ChoicesOne of the most striking changes in the Naples market is the sharp rise in housing inventory. As of March 2025, there are 7,226 homes on the market, a notable increase from 5,386 homes in February 2024. This represents a 34% increase in available properties, giving buyers significantly more options when searching for their next home.With more in...
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By Jordan Jacobson, Real Estate Student in Tooele
(N/A)
Failure to disclose a material fact about a property is a quick way to lose your license.Back in 2018, I was representing a client in purchasing a home for her and her husband. I took the couple to see the home, they loved it, we made an offer and it was accepted.When it came time for the inspection, we opted to test the home for Radon. When the test came back with a dangerous positive, I let my client's know I would handle the situation.I spoke to the seller's agent about the Radon and showed her the test results. She agreed it was a dangerous level, and that it needed to be mitigated. When she spoke to her client, he absolutely refused to mitigate. The seller's agent informed me of this, and that the seller was willing to back out of the contract if we were not willing to waive the mi...
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By Emma Ferguson, Mortgage Broker
(Forward Loans)
One of the biggest obstacles many buyers face—especially first-time homebuyers—is coming up with a down payment. As a real estate professional, you’ve probably worked with clients who are financially ready to own but just need that extra boost to get to the closing table. That’s where down payment assistance (DPA) programs come in.If you’re working with buyers in Arizona, here are two powerful programs that can make homeownership more accessible and help you close more deals.1. Arizona is Home ProgramThis program is available in select counties across the state and provides 4% down payment assistance, forgivable after five years. It’s a fantastic option for first-time homebuyers, but it’s also available to other eligible borrowers.Why This Matters for Your Clients: The assistance is ful...
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By Alex Rozwadowski, CEO at CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate, Columbus GA
(CENTURY 21 Premier Real Estate)
Buying a home is one of life’s big decisions, and in 2025 it’s even more of a puzzle. Over the decades I’ve helped people—whether it’s your first purchase or a savvy investment—figure out what works best in Columbus, Georgia. Here’s my honest take on what matters most right now:1. Interest Rates: Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” MomentI often see buyers holding off, waiting for rates to drop even more. The truth is, no one can really predict what rates will do next. If you find a home that fits your needs and budget, it might be a smart move to go for it. You can always refinance later if rates improve. Just remember, you can’t freeze today’s price forever if home values keep climbing.2. Buying vs. Renting: What Makes Sense for You?Choosing between renting and buying in 2025 isn’t just abou...
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20-point checklist today’s contractors should heedIn the wake of disasters like fires, hurricanes, floods, landslides and more, many homeowners find themselves targeted by opportunistic contractors eager to exploit their vulnerability. Promising quick fixes and “priority service,” these unscrupulous individuals use high-pressure tactics to secure deposits or contracts without delivering on their promises. For homeowners facing the stress of fire, smoke or water damage, they are now taking time to research and vet contractors to avoid falling victim to these scams.“Unfortunately, disasters that impact a residential structure often attract unscrupulous people posing as reputable contractors to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners,” says Paul Dashevsky, Co-CEO of GreatBuildz—a free onli...
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