Local News and Events

PUT Charles In Charge™ | Stallions Real Estate Group — Pensacola • Pace • Gulf BreezeReal estate investing is not a solo sport. The investors who grow the fastest — and survive the longest — are the ones who build a team before they build a portfolio. A great team protects your time, your money, and your margins.Here’s who every serious investor needs in their corner: A Realtor Who Understands Investors. Someone who knows cash flow, cap rates, insurance realities, and the Gulf Coast market — not just how to unlock a door. A Lender Who Can Move Fast DSCR loans, portfolio loans, rate options, and creative financing matter. Your lender should speak your language. A Contractor You Can Trust. Not the cheapest — the most reliable. Someone who shows up, communicates, and keeps your project on ... 05/12/2026

PUT Charles In Charge™ | Stallions Real Estate Group — Pensacola • Pace • Gulf BreezeIn real estate investing, the terminology is the toolbox. If you don’t know the language, you can’t negotiate the deal, evaluate the risk, or protect your returns. The investors who scale the fastest are the ones who understand the words that shape the numbers.Here are the terms every serious investor should master: Cap Rate — Your quick snapshot of return. If you don’t know how to read it, you’re flying blind. Cash-on-Cash Return — The real measure of how hard your money is working. NOI (Net Operating Income) — The heartbeat of every rental property. DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) — The number lenders watch to decide if you’re a safe bet. Equity Position — What you truly own, not what you hope you ... 05/11/2026

PUT Charles In Charge™ | Stallions Real Estate Group — Pensacola • Pace • Gulf BreezeReal estate isn’t a guessing game — it’s a numbers game. The investors who win on the Gulf Coast are the ones who treat every property like a business, not a gamble. When you know your numbers, you protect your margins, your time, and your long‑term strategy.Here’s what the smartest investors track before they ever write an offer: Cash Flow Reality — Not the “projected” rent, but the actual rent the market supports in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Numbers don’t lie, but assumptions do. True Cost of Ownership — Insurance, taxes, reserves, maintenance, vacancy, and management. If you don’t calculate them upfront, they’ll calculate themselves later. Risk vs. Return — A property can look good on paper b... 05/11/2026

 Celebrating All Mothers Today... For The Love That Shapes Us “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. ” — Robert Browning On this special day to honor mothers, I'm sending heartfelt wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers I’ve been blessed to know and love — those who are with us, those who live on in memory, those awaiting the arrival of new life, and those who have stepped into the role with love and grace as honorary mothers. Of all the blessings life can offer, the gift of a loving mother is truly one of the most profound and enduring. A mother's strength, compassion, and unwavering support shape the world in quiet, powerful ways every single day. “A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.” — Unknown To every mother and mother f... 05/10/2026

Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Roy today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore Multicultural Senior Services Fair Tuesday, May 12th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pmThe Activity Center at Bohrer Park 506 South Frederick Avenue, GaithersburgJoin us for a free community event where live, in-person interpreters will be available so seniors and caregivers can get support in the language they feel most com... 05/09/2026

For all those ActiveRain Moms out there - hope you enjoy your special day!   We do everything we can to raise our children right, in hopes they turn out to be responsible and loving adults.Hope your children come by today, or at least call if living away from you!   Enjoy a nice meal out, where you don't have to cook!  05/10/2026

Gaithersburg Book Festival Big Party, Saturday, May 16Book lovers look forward to the Gaithersburg Book Festival every year. This year's 17th edition will be held from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Bohrer Park.The festival features workshops for aspiring authors, a children's village to spark creativity, and the winners of a poetry contest will be announced. This year, more than 120 student entries were submitted from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.Admission and shuttle service from Shady Grove Metro and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds will be free.Click here to learn more.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Dahlia, Duet, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens,Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3091Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotogra... 05/15/2026

Landscaping with Batteries TrainingThe Department of Environmental Protection invites County-based landscapers to a training on landscaping with battery-powered equipment. The free opportunity, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, is designed to help participants effectively use battery-electric landscaping tools. The session will include both classroom and field instruction. Participants will receive an AGZA “Service Pro” training certificate and a $500 rebate coupon upon completion. The training will be offered in English and Spanish. The location will be shared only with registered participants.  Residents are encouraged to share this opportunity with landscapers they know.Electric Leaf Blower Rebate ProgramThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Miltoniopsis Orchi... 05/09/2026

Age 50+ Jobseekers: Virtual Job Expo, Tuesday, May 19Make plans to join the Virtual 50+ Employment Expo on Tuesday, May 19, starting at 10 a.m. Participants can network with age-friendly employers in our area and learn about new tools and ways to search for employment opportunities.  Each Expo features multiple employers seeking full-time and part-time help. Employers with at least three job openings can find their next hire through the virtual job fair. Registration is complimentary, and you may register for multiple events at once. The next Expo will be on Tuesday, June 16.Though the Expo is scheduled to end at 3 p.m., organizers may extend the end time to accommodate everyone who wants to participate. Morning workshops:  10:15 to 11 a.m. Step Into Your Resilient Self!. Barbara Beizer... 05/14/2026

Wildfire Season Is Here in Wisconsin: What Property Owners Need to KnowAs spring arrives across Wisconsin, many landowners are eager to clean up brush, burn leaves, and prepare their properties for the warmer months. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most dangerous times of year for wildfires.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has already responded to nearly 400 wildfires in 2026, burning approximately 800 acres across the state. Due to increasingly dry conditions, burn permits are being suspended in many counties, and residents are strongly encouraged to postpone all outdoor burning until conditions improve.Why Spring Is So Dangerous for WildfiresAt first glance, spring may not seem like a high-risk season for fires. However, a combination of factors creates ideal... 05/09/2026

And Why You Need a Realtor Who Protects Your Time, Your Margin, and Your PipelineYou could do everything yourself. You could manage repairs, coordinate contractors, stage the property, take the calls, screen the tire‑kickers, negotiate the listing, run the showings, chase the title company, and babysit the deal all the way to closing.Some investors try. They’re busy. They’re also quietly capping their growth — or worse, shrinking their margins without realizing it.I say that as someone who’s watched investors burn hours on tasks that don’t move the needle.Here’s the truth: Your business will only ever scale as far as your time allows. And there is only one of you. Your Pipeline Is the Business Every hour you spend playing listing agent is an hour you’re not doing the one thing no one el... 05/15/2026

The 7 Principles Every Smart Real Estate Investor Lives By.Real estate isn’t guesswork. It’s a discipline. And the investors who win — the ones who build wealth, stability, and legacy — follow a clear set of principles that guide every decision.At Stallions Real Estate Group, we teach our investors to anchor themselves in these seven fundamentals: 1) Know Your NumbersCash flow, reserves, rehab costs, insurance, taxes, vacancy, long‑term appreciation — the numbers tell the truth. When you understand them, you invest with confidence instead of emotion.2) Know the TerminologyCap rate. Equity. Depreciation. Leverage. DSCR. When you speak the language of investing, you stop feeling like an outsider and start operating like a professional.3) Recruit a Great TeamContractors, lenders, inspector... 05/14/2026

I think I see something. What's UP and rising to the top in the latest news in the US real estate market for May 2026? Check here for the always updated topics and full stories that real estate experts are talking about. See the latest information on real estate issues. What is the latest on Mortgage Rates, Home Prices, Home Makeovers, and more? (UP: by Harpreet Batish, Pixabay)What's UP in Real Estate?What is UP and rising to the TOP with future of housing in the US and other real estate industry news?Top Headlines and Stories for this month from various sources including Real Estate News from Realtor.com (See Links to the FULL Stories)1.  Why Buying "New" Can Be Good For First Time Homebuyers? 2. Dave Ramsey: Don't Try to Time Market, Time To Buy Home Is NOW! 3.  Travel Prices Soar! H... 05/08/2026

Living in Miramonte in Apex, NC: Quiet Living With Everyday ConvenienceIf you are looking for a neighborhood in Apex that offers a peaceful setting while still keeping you close to everything, Miramonte is a community worth exploring.Tucked away yet well connected, Miramonte attracts buyers who want a balance of quiet living, outdoor space, and easy access to some of the Triangle’s fastest-growing areas.A Quiet, Tucked-Away FeelOne of the first things you notice about Miramonte is how quiet and calm it feels.The neighborhood is set back from busy roads, which creates: Less traffic A more relaxed pace A true neighborhood feel It is the kind of place where you can enjoy a peaceful evening walk or sit outside and unwind without a lot of noise around you.Community Amenities That Support an ... 05/11/2026

Living in Flowers Plantation, Clayton: A Complete Guide to One of Johnston County’s Most Popular CommunitiesIf you are looking for a master-planned community near the Triangle that offers space, scenery, and a strong sense of place, Flowers Plantation in Clayton, NC deserves a closer look.This area has grown quickly in recent years, and for good reason. Buyers are drawn to the combination of beautiful neighborhoods, newer homes, and a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and connected.A Community Made Up of Distinct NeighborhoodsOne of the unique things about Flowers Plantation is that it is not just one neighborhood. It is a collection of multiple smaller communities, each with its own style and feel.Some neighborhoods are: More established with mature landscaping Newer construction with ... 05/12/2026

Living in 12 Oaks Holly Springs: Golf, Lifestyle and Community in One Place If you are searching for a neighborhood in the Triangle that offers lifestyle, community, and convenience, 12 Oaks in Holly Springs stands out. This master-planned community continues to attract buyers who want more than just a home. They want a place where neighbors connect, where amenities are part of daily life, and where everything feels close by. A Golf Course Community With Everyday Appeal One of the biggest draws to 12 Oaks is the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. It winds through the neighborhood, creating beautiful views and a peaceful setting. Even if you are not a golfer, the course adds to the overall feel of the community. Many homes back up to fairways or wooded areas, giving a sense of space an... 05/13/2026

Willis TX Happenings May 2026Several things are happening this month in Willis, TX.  Starting on May 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM there will be a City of Willis Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.  If you want to know what is going on in the community, and how things are being handled, I highly recommend you attend this meeting.  This affects property in what you can and can’t do with it.  It is important to attend these meetings so you can have input within your community and let your voices be heard.  On May 14th there is a Zoning Board of Adjustment Training.  This event is open to the public.  See the details below:Here is some information from the Mayor’s Office.  The Willis TX Mayor has been doing a great job at keeping the community updated on different things going on within the City... 05/08/2026

Property Tax Alert: Wake County Proposes 2-Cent Tax Increase for FY2027What This Means for YouIf you own a home in Wake County, this is one of those updates that may not sound exciting, but it matters more than you think.Wake County leaders have proposed a 2-cent property tax increase as part of the FY2027 budget. While that number may seem small at first glance, it can have a real impact on your monthly costs and long-term homeownership strategy.Let’s break down what this means in simple terms.What Is a 2-Cent Tax Increase?Property taxes are based on a rate per $100 of your home’s value.A 2-cent increase means:You will pay an additional $0.02 per $100 of assessed value Example:If your home is valued at $500,000: $500,000 ÷ 100 = 5,000 5,000 × $0.02 = $100 more per year For a $700,000 h... 05/09/2026

Are you thinking about downsizing in Cary and not sure if its right for you?Let's talk about The “Goldilocks” Home in the Triangle: Right-Sized Living Without Giving Anything UpFor many homeowners in the Triangle, there comes a point when the house that once felt perfect starts to feel like too much. Too many rooms. Too much upkeep. Too much space that no longer fits your lifestyle.That is where the idea of the “Goldilocks” home comes in.Not too big. Not too small. Just right.And in places like Cary and the surrounding Triangle area, this type of home is becoming one of the most sought-after options, especially for buyers who want to simplify life without giving up comfort or quality.What Is a “Goldilocks” Home?A Goldilocks home is all about balance.It is a home that: Fits your current ... 05/10/2026

Living AloneMonday, May 18th (the 3rd Monday) from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pmSibley Seniors invites you to join this free, lively discussion group on how to thrive while living alone. Join us to discuss the benefits and challenges of living alone in the D.C. Metro area. Recent discussion topics include retirement living options, online services for seniors, the value of participating in community activities, cooking for one, opportunities for volunteering, and the many resources for help/advice for seniors in the local area.To register, call or email Ken Gordon at 202-364-7602 or kfgordon@gmail.com.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Chrysanthemum. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 0264Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelle... 05/15/2026