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 Judy Michaelis, Real estate agent serving Westport, CT
(Coldwell Banker)
Westport homeowners: Our October real estate market figures are in: just as they've been all throughout 2023, Westport homes for sale and inventory are down about 30%. The big question everybody is speculating on is which way the Westport market is going: will it soften? It really depends on Westport commuter habits. Are commuters traveling to their New York City offices five days per week, or three? If all remains the same at roughly three days per week, then the market will follow. But if NYC office workers begin commuting to the office five days per week, our market will soften.Sitting down with a top realtor is vital in helping you understand your options. If you'd like to know what's going on in your part of Westport, or you’re looking for any further detailed analysis, feel free t...
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By Tom Hurley, Residential and commercial inspector.
(Double H Inspections)
Hello! I'm Tom Hurley, the proud owner of Double H Inspections, based in the beautiful Sheridan, Wyoming. My journey in the world of construction and real estate began during my high school years, starting with hands-on experience in a roofing and remodeling company. This foundational period ignited a passion that led me through a diverse career in general construction, specialized roofing projects, low voltage, and alarm systems installation, and eventually into construction management and sales.Alongside my wife, I ventured into real estate, purchasing and renovating multiple homes. This experience gave me a unique insight into the property lifecycle—from acquisition to transformation. In 2020, driven by a passion for excellence and equipped with a comprehensive skill set honed over t...
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By Jeff Parcheta, Director of Sales at Chetu - Real Estate Software
(Chetu Inc.)
Greetings! I'm Jeff Parcheta, Director of Sales at Chetu Inc. Our company delivers world-class custom software solutions to empower businesses, including major players in real estate.With over 15 years of experience in the industry, I've witnessed firsthand the paradigm shifts driven by technology. Today, I'd like to share my perspectives on how emerging innovations are redefining real estate.The Tech Landscape in Real Estate: A Paradigm ShiftThe real estate landscape today is markedly different from the one I entered back in the early 2000s. Tech has transformed how properties are marketed, bought, sold, and managed.As an industry veteran, I've guided many client accounts through this transition at Chetu. Change can be uncomfortable, but resisting progress stagnates growth. My approach...
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By Debra Stockton, Everything DIRT!
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
So when I signed up with Active Rain, I had no idea what a blog was or even how to "blog". (To be honest, I still don't😄) I'll figure it out!
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Selling a home is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about selling a dream, a lifestyle, and an emotional connection. One essential aspect of this is the choice of paint colors. In this article, I'll dive into the fascinating world of color psychology, exploring how it can play a pivotal role in capturing the hearts and minds of potential buyers.The Impact of Color on EmotionsColors have the remarkable ability to stir emotions and influence our moods. When it comes to a new home, these emotions can be a deciding factor for buyers. Picture yourself walking into a home with walls painted in warm, inviting tones of beige or soft blue. These colors create an immediate sense of calm and tranquility, which can be immensely appealing to homebuyers.On the flip side, picture yourself walking...
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By Frank Worrell, Turning BPOs Into Six-Figure Incomes
(BPOS FOR LIFE LLC)
 Hello, ActiveRain Community!If you're an agent or an investor looking to diversify your income streams, you've come to the right place. I’m Frank Worrell, a seasoned real estate professional specializing in Broker Price Opinions (BPOs), and I'm here to share how BPOs have the potential to bring in a steady flow of income.What is a Broker Price Opinion?A Broker Price Opinion (BPO) is an estimated property valuation given by a licensed real estate broker. While it doesn't replace an official appraisal, it serves as an alternative for institutions like banks or mortgage lenders to get a quick and cost-effective evaluation of a property's current market value.Why Should You Care?The demand for BPOs is continuously growing, particularly in a volatile market. It's a service that doesn't take...
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By Jeremy Williams, Local Roofer - Houston and Austin TX
(Reign Roofing)
Perhaps the biggest threat that faces roofs in the Houston area is hailstorms. Although hail is often small and harmless, the larger stones pose a major threat to your roof—and in a variety of different ways. We often handle roofing repair in Houston, TX to fix hail damage, and in this post we want to share with you the ways that hail can inflict damage on your roof, as well as how to recognize it after the storm is over. It’s important to move fast to have hail damage professionally repaired, otherwise it will lead to greater damage down the road, including the need to replace the entire roof years early.How Hail Damages Your RoofHailstones come in a range of sizes, from tiny pellets to golf ball-sized stones that can shatter weaker shingles with a single blow. Here are some of the way...
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By Rex Thomas, Rex Thomas: Redefining Real Estate
(Samson Properties)
Step into the world of luxurious and spacious living with 7407 Federline Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21043! This remarkable single-family home is a true embodiment of comfort and style, offering 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and an expansive 3,000 square feet of living space.A Haven of Tranquility and EleganceNestled in the charming community of Ellicott City, this residence harmonizes comfort, style, and convenience. The 4 thoughtfully designed bedrooms strike a perfect balance between personal space and connected living. The primary bedroom suite, complete with its private bathroom featuring a soothing soaking tub and a walk-in closet, promises a retreat-like experience. Each additional bedroom is generously sized and comes with its own closet, ensuring everyone's privacy is respected.​Expansive L...
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By Marcus Maupin, Marcus Maupin is the Co-founder of National Real E
(National Real Estate Investors Network LLC)
What is the Employee Retention Credit program?| What is ERC program?Visit  www.RefundMadeEasy.com  Or Call Lindsay at  877-506-3999About The ERC ProgramWhat is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC)?ERC is a stimulus program designed to help those businesses that were able to retain their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic.Established by the CARES Act, it is a refundable tax credit – a grant, not a loan – that you can claim for your business. The ERC is available to both small and mid-sized businesses. It is based on qualified wages and healthcare paid to employees.Up to $26,000 per employee- Available for 2020 and the first 3 quarters of 2021- Qualify with decreased revenue or COVID event- No limit on funding- ERC is a refundable tax creditHow much money can you get back?You can claim...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Owning a dream home is a goal that many aspire to achieve. However, it can be difficult to finance your dream home, especially if you are working on a budget. There are several innovative ways to finance your home and make your dream a reality. This blog will explore five strategies to help you finance your dream home, from saving for a down payment to considering a loan with a low-interest rate and seeking financial advice from professionals. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of financing your dream home and making it a reality.Look Into Government-Sponsored ProgramsNumerous government programs are available that can help you finance your dream home. For example, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a variety of programs that can help qualified buyers wi...
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By Alli Malliton, Auben Realty
(Auben Realty)
Retired marines, 25% management fees, and why roofs matter…My investment career would have one more sharp detour before I had to deal with the aftermath of 2008. My partner Jeff and I had decided our inter-state enterprise lacked efficiency, along with profitability. He wanted to focus on wholesaling and I wanted to learn how to act like a responsible investor—something that would take another 10 years for me to really figure out. I stopped looking in Orangeburg, Irmo, and Greenwood, SC and narrowed the scope of my search to Augusta and the greater CSRA (Central Savannah River Area). Unfortunately, geography was the only thing narrowed in my search for investment real estate. I still didn’t know how to find or buy investment real estate, but I found a partner named Scott who was known t...
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By John Rapasky
(Counsel Mortgage Group, LLC)
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER VIDEO SERIES - COMFORTABLE PAYMENT If you are a first-time homebuyer, be sure you are comfortable with your new payment.   Lenders may pre-qualify you for a higher loan amount and monthly payment than you want to spend.  Don’t fall into the trap of going for the higher payment just because the lender says you can qualify for the mortgage.  In determining your qualification, lenders do not take into account your cell phone bill, streaming services, internet, electric and utility bills.  You will have to pay these in addition to your monthly mortgage payment.   The monthly mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance (known by the acronym “pitimi”).   As real estate taxes and homeowners insurance are collected monthly, the le...
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By Derek Vaughan, Your Real Estate Friend
(SouthPasadenaHomes.com)
The community of South Pasadena (in Los Angeles County) is a relatively small community by Los Angeles standards. It measures just 3 square miles and is home to around 25,000 people. Despite its size, South Pasadena is a giant in real estate demand. The fact that the schools are among the best in Southern California along with the safety and security of its own police and fire departments make this small city a particularly desirable location to raise a family. Due to the small size of the city, South Pasadena housing inventory is usually quite low. At any given time there are around 15 single family homes for sale. As of the date of this article, there are currently 20 single family homes for sale.1003 Monterey Road in South Pasadena is currently for sale in the city. The historic home...
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By Jason Mathis, Certified Tax Representation Consultant
(Mathis Tax Service)
Are you struggling to keep up with your tax payments, especially when finances are tight? Ignoring your tax debt is not the answer. Instead, taking action and getting into tax compliance should be your top priority. The good news is that the IRS is usually willing to work with taxpayers to resolve their tax debts. However, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the collection alternatives available to you. In this blog post, we'll discuss what to do when you can't pay your taxes and how to resolve your tax debt.Tax Compliance: The First Step to Resolving Your Tax DebtThe initial step in addressing your tax issue is to get into "tax compliance." This means filing all tax returns due for the last six years and making your current tax payments. Once you're in tax compliance, you can...
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By Joel Richardson, SVP-Central Texas Mortgages, Home Reno Loan "Go-To
(First Community Mortgage)
 Home renovation can be a great way to add value to your home and make it more comfortable and enjoyable.  There are many different types of renovations that you can do, from minor cosmetic improvements to significant structural changes. Before you get started, it's essential to do some research and create a detailed plan.  This can help you save time, money, and energy in the long run. Working with experienced professionals who can help you make the most of your renovation is also essential. You can open the door to a beautiful new home with the proper knowledge and resources. Assess Your Needs and ResourcesAccording to the article, Craig Webb, editor-in-chief of Remodeling and ProSales magazine, advises: ask yourself what is essential in your ideal home. As an investment, one needs to...
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy we are experienced a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News:Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn’t disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market.That activity can be seen in the latest Showing Time Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring available homes. There was a  62% jump in showings from December to January is one of the largest on record. There were also more showings in January than in any other month since last May. As you can tell, it’s normal for showings to increase early in the year, but the jump this January was larger than usual, and a lot of that has to do with mortgage ra...
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By William Koonce
(Chicago Realtor Group)
The sewer camera inspection is a vital process for maintaining a healthy and safe sewer system for homes. It is a cost-effective way to identify potential problems and keep the sewer system running smoothly. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of sewer camera inspections and how it can help keep your sewer system in top condition. If you are buying or selling a home it is good to know your sewer line and drains are all in good working order. Sewer Line Inspections  Sewer line camera inspections are important for identifying potential problems and keeping the sewer system running smoothly. During a sewer scoping inspection, a qualified plumber will inspect the sewer line using a specialized video camera that has a flexible rod attached. This allows the plumbing technician to ge...
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By GALE VONDORIA BROWN - COLUMBIA COUNTY, Good as Gold, Get it Sold!
(Meybohm Real Estate, LLC)
Are you looking for the ideal real estate agent who can help you navigate the challenges of finding your dream home in the CSRA? Look no further than Gale Brown - a top real estate agent with 32 years of military experience! Whether you're a member of the military or not, Gale has the expertise needed to help you find your perfect home. And as someone who knows the ins and outs of both the real estate and military worlds, Gale is uniquely positioned to provide you with the service and support that you need. At Meybohm, we're committed to serving those who serve our country. So if you're a member of the military, a veteran, or a family member looking for a home in the CSRA, we're here to help! So why wait? Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your re...
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By Paul Stokes, North County Rocks!
(Harcourts JADE Properties)
Search current inventory of all Cardiff CA real estate.Cardiff CA Home for Sale Near Beaches, Shopping, Schools and ParksCardiff, CA 92007Reduced Price: $1,195,000MLS number: NDP2300534Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2.5Square Footage: 1040Call or text Paul and Dean at 858-876-7792 to see if this Cardiff property is still available and arrange a showing.You Will Love the Location and Indoor-Outdoor Lifestyle of This Home!Single story detached Cardiff home with spacious front yard and back yards. Covered patio, built-in barbeque, granite countertops, outdoor shower. New heating system installed 2/24/23. Freshly painted interior. Stainless steel appliances, wine refrigerator. Plantation shutters, blinds and double paned windows. Separate laundry room. Washer and dryer, refrigerator included. Minute...
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By Valerie Cannistraro, Broker specializing in Boulder, Colorado
(BoulderHomeSource | RE/MAX Alliance)
JUST LISTED! 1446 Yaupon Avenue Boulder This property is listed by Valerie Cannistraro Click or copy and paste to view the virtual tour: https://www.listingsmagic.com/244238 Click or copy and paste to view listing: https://www.recolorado.com/properties/listing_8956396+1446++yaupon+avenue+++boulder,+co+80304-recolorado2030357837                     +11       All reactio 1    
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