Recent Blog Posts

The amazing members of ActiveRain produce hundreds of blog posts every single day of the year.  There is a wonderful mix of all things real estate and beyond for your reading pleasure.

This board rolls all day long with the newest blog posts to our site. You’ll find some diamonds in the rough on this page, so check back often to peruse the blog roll and learn from our committed community of real estate professionals.

The newest blog posts on ActiveRain

By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
In the Mercer - Burlington County of New Jersey markets,   the average home sold in 27 days in September, 2024.   Pretty darn fast.Through August, homes were averaging 100+ % of asking price.What is not to love?This post is not going to be a whiney, industry bashing angry-fest.   But I do want to be clear--  If sellers knew how little or poorly their listing agents engaged with other agents, and knew the sloppy and lack of marketing, they would not be happy.  Many of them should be selling for more money and faster.  Most agents can sell your house in this market.   But the professional agents get you a lot more, and sell it faster.  What is the answer?Interview 3  LOCAL full time experienced agents when selling your house.   You will be amazed at the differences.Through August, my aver...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Broker, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Here are the latest housing market statistics for Destin, FL!  I try to post this every week because the trend is what is important at this point in time.  Days on market is still creeping up, Inventory is decreasing slightly and the number of new listings entering the market is definitely going down.  If you'd like more detail on the market, what's available or how much your home might be worth, let's set up a meeting to discuss!#houseexpert #housingmarketexpert #house #home #listreports #localhousingdata #areaexpert #realestate #realestateagent #househunting #homeowner #hometrends #housingtrends
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By Linda Blumenthal, NYS Licenced Real Estate Salesperson, CBR
(631-819-2913)
October 5th Puzzle - National Do Something Nice Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal.
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Nestled in the heart of Queen Creek, AZ, Ranchos Jardines is a unique and highly sought-after horse community that offers residents a blend of rural charm and modern conveniences. Spread across spacious 1 to 5-acre lots, Ranchos Jardines is perfect for those who want the freedom to own and care for horses or livestock while enjoying the beauty of wide-open spaces.Space for Livestock and HorsesOne of the most remarkable features of Ranchos Jardines is the ability to keep horses and livestock right on your property. With generous lot sizes ranging from 1 to 5 acres, residents have ample room for barns, stables, and paddocks, allowing equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy the true rural lifestyle.The community also offers access to a 13.1-mile trail perfect for walking, jogging, or horseback rid...
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By Kathy Streib, Home Stager/Redesign
This Week…Keep Smiling! For some reason I was a day ahead of myself this week. I’m not sure why…and we haven’t even had that Fall Back time change thing. Use your smile to change the world but don’t let the world change your smile. UnknownLarry and I saw smiles on the faces of our fellow walkers this week. Why, you ask?! We’ve had cool-ish temperatures and a little breeze for our morning walks. No 85 degree temps and humidity!  Well, at least not until 10 a.m.  Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts. Paramahansa YoganandaYesterday was World Smile Day! Don’t you love it when you smile at someone, they throw it right back at you! What can you give away and get back immediately?  What’s even more fun is when the p...
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By Wayne Martin, Real Estate Broker - Retired
(Wayne M Martin)
Trivia question answers for Friday October 4, 20241. What plant does the Boll Weevil destroy? Cotton2. What is a group of clams called? A bed3. How many minutes in a day? 1, 4404. What is a brigand? An armed banditTrivia questions for Saturday October 5, 20241. Electric, Perse and smalt are shades of what color?2. In the B&O railroad, what does B&O stand for?3. What chemical makes plants green?4. Which First Lady was the first to vote for her husband in a presidential election?Enjoy your day
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By Matthew Klinowski, PA, Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle
(Downing Frye Realty)
Talis Park Corsica Unit Under ContractCongratulations to our Sellers who just went to contract on their Talis Park Corsica Unit. This coach home lives like a single-family home and is in a world-class golf community in North Naples.16394 Corsica Way S. Unit 101 Naples, FL 34110 – List Price $1,550,000Sell Your Home Fast with Proven Results in Talis ParkIf you’ve ever dreamed of calling Talis Park home, this newly renovated, first-floor “Messina” model Corsica coach home is your chance. Furthermore, nestled in the heart of one of Naples’ most sought-after communities, this luxury residence offers sophisticated living with exceptional amenities and a seamless blend of indoor-outdoor elegance.Outdoor Living Designed for Comfort and EntertainingThe allure of this home extends beyond its wal...
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By Barbara Michaluk, Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR
(Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office)
This Week’s Activities in Leisure World Maryland – Oct. 5 - 8Are you wondering what activities you might enjoy if you lived at 55+ Leisure World of Maryland?  Below are this week’s activities to give you an idea of some of what Leisure World of MD community offers to residents and friends. Ticket prices apply for any ticketed event.Whether it's learning a new sport like pickleball, attending a tribute concert honoring Roy Orbison, or indulging in all the crabs you can eat at The Annual Crab Feast, there are lots of opportunities to learn and grow at Leisure World of Maryland.Call 301-598-1000 for more info or to register for any events in Leisure World of MD OKTOBERFEST Saturday, Oct. 5, from 4-8 p.m., Golf Course Parking Lot Celebrate the season with a free concert of German-style musi...
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By Brian England, MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ
(Ambrose Realty Management LLC)
👣Val Vista Baseline Area in Mesa, AZ for 10-5-24☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the MLS for FREE💲REAL ESTATE Activity in the Val Vista Baseline Area💲The Val Vista Baseline Area in Mesa, AZ is very well located.  Shopping, Schools, and Fine Dining are within Walking Distance and there is quick access to the US 60 Freeway.  Arizona is known for having an abundance of golf courses since the weather allows for year-round play. There are definitely a lot of great courses to play near the Val Vista Baseline Area so residents have plenty to choose from!  There is always something fun going on in the area. I live in the Val Vista Baseline Area myself and I have always enjoyed how friendly the people are, the afforda...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
Few years ago, we bought Sheppard Hooks to hang plants and one of the plants grew like crazy and slowly bent the hook.  Michelle looking on her favorite app “Pinterest” which most men aren’t thrilled about she found Plant Post.  Can we build these?  Yes no problem off to Lowes pick up a couple 8’ long 4” x 4” pressure treated wood, single concrete blocks to bury in the yard, bag of sand for leveling and a few metal hanging baskets.  Dig a hole, put the concrete block in the ground, level with dirt and sand.  Chop saw and made 2 4’ long 4” x 4” out of 8’, stick in concrete block, use level to be sure straight, back fill dirt, use screws to mount basket to top of post.  Turns out the make sleeves of just paint them how you want.We liked them so much we now have 5 of them and soon will be ...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Let's Get You SOLD!Don’t just dream of selling your home, let’s make it happen. Whether you're ready for a change or looking to capitalize on today’s market, now’s the time to take action. We're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Let’s start today! Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff Cell: 631-805-4400
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Here is the north Texas real estate market update for the week ending September 28 2024..New properties for sale 3525Back On Market 781Price Decrease 4367Price increase 433Active kick out 98Active option contract 1628Active contingent  342Pending listings 2148Sold listings 2599Expired listings 1252Cancelled listings 846Withdrawn listings 63Temporary off market listings 391Coming soon listings 483
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By Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker
Here is the north Texas real estate market update for October 5 2024..New properties for sale 866Back On Market 124Price Decrease 875Price increase 98Active kick out 12Active option contract 239Active contingent  64Pending listings 344Sold listings 370Expired listings 62 Cancelled listings 124Withdrawn listings 14Temporary off market listings 40Coming soon listings 75
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Are Zillow Home Prices Accurate? Here’s What You Need to Know!   Zillow can be a helpful tool for home buyers and sellers, but it’s important to understand that the home prices listed are often just estimates—they may not always reflect the true value of a property. Zillow uses algorithms based on comparable sales, but it doesn’t always account for differences like recent updates, added rooms, or unique features. For example, a home with a brand-new kitchen or extra bedroom may be worth more than a similar-sized house without those upgrades. To get an accurate estimate of your home’s value, it’s best to have a professional appraiser or an experienced realtor (like me!) come and take a look in person. When you’re ready to buy or sell, working with a local expert who knows the ins and out...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Preparing Your Home to Sell for Top Dollar: Quick Fixes That Pay OffThinking of selling your home and want to get the best price? Before you list it, take a step back and assess its condition. Even minor wear and tear can turn off potential buyers, so making a few key repairs and upgrades can help your home stand out from the competition. Here’s how to get your home in top shape before hitting the market.Check the Age of Key FeaturesBuyers will want to know how old major items are—like your roof, HVAC system, and water heater. If you have maintenance records, gather them to show buyers your home is well cared for.Do a Room-by-Room WalkthroughTake a thorough walk through your home, inspecting for damage or issues that could lower its value. Look for wood rot, water stains, leaks, or any ...
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By Ed Silva, 203-206-0754, Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
(Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 )
Prospect CT 20th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Oct 12 2024It's time for the parade and judging of the pumpkins which gets a lot of anticipation and generates anxiety with the kids.This is a fun time with the burlap maze on the green and the competition with  the team competition in the hay-roll races for a prize of $500.00Each grade level gets at least 3 prizes. so all get a chance and they really go all out with the imaginations.Music will play all afternoon, and vendors are there with food as well.A parade early in the day kicks off the fun and fun there will be.Rain date will be the following day October 3. Prospect CT 20th Annual Pumpkin Festival, Oct 12 2024
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By Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho, North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227
(Sandpoint Realty LLC)
As the Sandpoint Idaho temps grow cooler, high 30's to mid 40's at night, the leaves turn simple landscapes into an artist's canvas.I must be honest, I went back and forth in posting this.  The heart ache of Helene with all the damage that will take years, if ever, to replace has me feeling a bit guilty posting this type of beauty.The beauty of the Naples Idaho contrasting colors are here, and will not change due to disasters either in our nation, or on another continent.  I share this beautiful contrast in colors with all due respect to people affected by Hurricane Helene.   Mark Don McInnesBroker - Owner208 255-6227 SandpointNorthIdaho.com - North Idaho Home & Land Searches Sandpoint Realty LLC1205 Highway 2Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Lakeforest Plan ApprovedThe Mayor and City Council approved the Schematic Development Plan for the Lakeforest Mall property during its September 26 meeting. The existing property will be redeveloped with 1,600 residential units, 750,000 square feet of employment uses, 250,000 square feet of large format retail, and 220,000 square feet of commercial uses. Click here to learn more.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Tropical Night Flowering Water Lily, Nymphaea, 'Catherine Marie',Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0406Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
In the world of Real Estate there are seldom cases involving Handcuffs and sirens and cops, oh my! However there are certainly days where a Real Estate professional maybe a little off. When they are really off then there may be handcuffs and sirens and cops, oh my.Every week Real Estate students that visit this blog site ask "what is the most important fiduciary duty" and the barrage of answers very from nothing if you don't get caught to you will have your head chopped off. It's quite entertaining reading usually. One thing for sure... you will be a little "off" if they do chop your head off. 
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I feel my tech tools are leading me into better contacts with past and future clients.    Our October challenge hosted by Frank Worrell and Carol Williams is about the tech tools we are using and those we have even discarded. My first I want to share is one I knew of for a while but only recently started using extensively. That is RPR it has allowed me to reach out to potential clients with a property report, just one of multiple you can select from, and email it to the client, impressing them with the depth of information. It includes a valuation of the property as well, with a score about how accurate that valuation might be, from one to five stars. The feedback i have had from those I have sent it to has been one of gratitude and they have been impressed with the depth of information...
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