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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 Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers a well-balanced and insightful look at the pros and cons of owning vs. renting. I love how it breaks down the financial and lifestyle considerations in a clear, relatable way. It's a great resource for anyone weighing their options and trying to make the best decision for their future.    Deciding whether to buy or rent a home? It’s not just about money—it’s about lifestyle, freedom, and long-term goals. Here’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of both sides: ✅ The Good: Ownership Means Investment Your monthly payment builds equity, not your landlord’s wealth. You can paint the walls, plant a garden, and make it yours—no permission needed. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability. Rents usually go up—your mortgage usually doesn’t. Tax benefits for mortgage interest and proper...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Historic Florida homes offer character and craftsmanship that new construction simply can't match. From Mediterranean Revival mansions in Coral Gables to Victorian beauties in St. Augustine, these properties have maintained value better than standard homes, appreciating at an average of 5.8% annually over the past decade compared to 4.2% for conventional properties.However, owning a piece of Florida's history comes with unique responsibilities that require careful consideration before purchasing.Understanding Historic DesignationsDifferent historic designations carry different implications. The National Register of Historic Places offers prestige with relatively few restrictions, while local historic district designations typically come with more stringent oversight.These designations o...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Spring is one of the best times to sell a home—but it also means buyers are seeing everything. First impressions start before they even walk through the front door, so let’s make them count.Here’s what potential buyers notice as soon as they pull up:🧹 Curb Appeal Checklist: Clean Front Entry Sweep the porch Wipe down the front door Replace worn welcome mats Shine up the house numbers Tidy Landscaping Fresh mulch in flower beds Trimmed shrubs and edged walkways Bright spring flowers in pots or beds Exterior Maintenance Power-wash siding and porches Clean windows and glass storm doors Check gutters and roofline for debris or damage Touch up paint on railings, trim, or shutters Driveway & Walkway Appeal Remove weeds or moss Repair cracks or uneven surfaces Clear any clutter (garden tools, ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Deciding whether to buy or rent a home? It’s not just about money—it’s about lifestyle, freedom, and long-term goals. Here’s the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of both sides:✅ The Good: Ownership Means Investment Your monthly payment builds equity, not your landlord’s wealth. You can paint the walls, plant a garden, and make it yours—no permission needed. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stability. Rents usually go up—your mortgage usually doesn’t. Tax benefits for mortgage interest and property taxes can add up. ⚠️ The Bad: Ownership Comes with Responsibilities You can’t call the landlord when something breaks—you are the landlord. Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance can add up. Moving is harder—you can’t just give 30 days’ notice and pack a suitcase. 😬 The Ugly: Renting Can Feel Like a...
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On April 24, 2025, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales decreased 5.9% to annual rate of 4.02 million homes in March of 2025 from February of 2025, and declined 2.4% from 4.12 million homes from March of 2024.There were 1.33 million homes supplies of available inventory in March of 2025, rose 8.1% from February of 2025, jumped 19.8% from 1.11 million homes in March of 2024.There were 4.0 months available inventory in March of 2025 gained from to 3.5 months in February of 2025, and up from 3.2 months in March of 2024.On average it took 36 days to sell a home in March of 2025, lower from 42 days in February of 2025, but higher from 33 days in March 2024.First time buyers acquired 32.0% of homes in March of 2025, grew from 31.0% in February o...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Northern Virginia is a mosaic of vibrant communities, each offering unique charms and advantages. Whether you're seeking urban convenience, top-tier schools, or a tranquil suburban retreat, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Northern Virginia Magazine's 2024 roundup highlights standout neighborhoods tailored to diverse preferences.​🏙️ Most Convenient: Falls Church (22046): Dubbed "The Little City," Falls Church boasts a median home price of $920,000, with homes averaging just 16 days on the market. Its proximity to D.C., a thriving local business district, and top-rated restaurants like 2941 and Ellie Bird make it a commuter's dream. The city also offers extensive trails, including the W&OD Trail, catering to cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Tysons (22102): A bustling hub with a m...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Toronto homeowners know that transforming a space doesn’t come cheap—but it doesn’t have to drain your finances either. Whether you're upgrading your kitchen, refreshing your bathrooms, or doing a full-scale remodel, a successful renovation is about smart planning, not just a hefty budget. By approaching your project with clarity, creativity, and control, you can plan a dream-worthy renovation that enhances your home’s value while staying firmly within your financial boundaries.If you're looking for inspiration or want to explore how others have navigated their own upgrades, this guide to the best home renovation in Toronto offers insights on what works and what doesn’t—especially when budgets are tight.1. Define Your Renovation Goals and Priorities EarlyEvery project needs a purpose. B...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Renovating a fitness centre is no small task. Between balancing member expectations, managing operational downtime, and making countless design and infrastructure decisions, gym owners face mounting pressure to get it right. While the DIY route or using general contractors may appear cost-effective at first glance, the real savings—both in time and money—often lie in partnering with professionalfitness center renovators.These specialists understand the unique operational needs of gyms, the wear-and-tear realities of fitness equipment, and the ever-evolving expectations of modern members. Their expertise goes beyond surface-level upgrades and taps into what drives long-term value for your space.Faster Turnaround with Less DowntimeOne of the biggest concerns during any renovation is how l...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP, Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services
(Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722)
Real Estate Is Easy Money: When You Love People and Enjoy Showing Homes 😂🤣😉First of all the only REALTORS® that love people are new agents that haven't had a client yet. 😂🤣😉 I jest, but somedays - isn't this the truth?As usual the wonderful members of Active Rain have inspired my latest post from the Q&A - Thank You Lew Corcoran Many people perceive real estate as a job, but the moment you obtain your license, you are actually investing in your own business—something that only you initially know you opened. To succeed, you must proactively create awareness and communicate your value, or you'll risk becoming part of the 80% of agents who fail to renew their licenses. Real estate is not a solo venture; it thrives on RELATIONSHIPS: networking, coaching, partnerships, and teamwork. It’s a c...
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On April 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide new single family home sales gained 7.4% to an annual rate of 724,000 homes in March of 2025 from 674,000 homes in February of 2025, increased 6.0% from in March of 2024 an annual rate of 683,000 homes.There were estimated 503,000 new houses for sale, up 0.6 from 500,000 homes in February of 2025, and rose 7.9% from 466,000 homes in March of 2024. There were 8.3 months supply of homes in March of 2025, lower 6.7% from 8.9 months supply in February of 2025, but higher 1.2% from 8.2 months in March of 2024.The median new home sold value was $403,600 in March of 2025, down 1.9% from $411,500 in February of 2025, and declined 7.5% from $436,400 in March of 2024. The a...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
In the ever-changing world of real estate, navigating the process of buying or selling a home can be intimidating, even scary. Market conditions can be unpredictable. In addition, the time it takes to sell a property and the potential for negotiations falling through can add stress to what is already an overwhelming experience. This is where the concept of a guaranteed offer can make a real difference, particularly when working with a reputable real estate agency. A Guarantee program takes the risk out of selling or buying a home.Understanding the Guaranteed OfferA guaranteed offer is a commitment from a real estate agency to purchase your home at a predetermined price, within a specified timeframe, regardless of market conditions. This offer provides sellers with the assurance that the...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Rent vs. Buy: The Great Housing Debate Solved (For You)Making sense of the biggest financial decision you might ever faceWe've all heard the classic advice: "Stop throwing money away on rent and buy a house!" But is homeownership really the financial holy grail everyone makes it out to be? Is renting truly just paying someone else's mortgage? The reality is far more nuanced than most social media posts would have you believe.The True Cost of Housing: It's PersonalThe rent vs. buy decision isn't just about dollars and cents—it's about your unique life circumstances, future plans, and financial readiness. Let's dive into the factors that should actually influence your decision.When Buying Makes SenseBuilding Equity: The Long GameWhen you make mortgage payments, you're gradually purchasing...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Anyone paying attention to the stock market is probably biting their fingernails. The market is all over the place, and investors are getting a little nervous. You may be wondering if it’s a good time to diversify your investment portfolio. Maybe you’re looking at adding some commercial real estate. Did you know the commercial real estate market tends to stay fairly stable? If you’re considering investing, you’re going to need commercial real estate services. So, is commercial real estate a good investment? Here’s a look at some of the reasons you may want to add some property to your portfolio.Potential Benefits of Investing in Commercial Real EstateCommercial real estate (CRE) can give you a steady cash flow. Similar to stock options, CRE investments are structured to deliver regular ...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
In real estate due the compliance issues along with recent lawsuits and settlements, there are “government testers” contacting real estate agents to ensure adherence to state and federal laws and regulations. Professional real estate agents must be aware of these government testers while not offending potential real estate sellers or buyers.This past week I received a text from a potential sales lead (“retired Air Force individual") who was a small business owner of home use products (nutrition, skin care, etc.) allegedly here in Kingman, AZ. This individual stated he is currently renting and is seeking to buy a house in the Fall of 2025.Here is the last sentence of the first text I received.“All safe and around children (pets) would you and the wife seriously consider using these if we...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Keeping your home clean can feel like an impossible task when juggling a full schedule, especially with kids, pets, or a partner who isn’t always on the same cleaning page. The dishes pile up—the laundry multiplies. And somehow, there's always a mysterious pile of stuff near the front door. While a sparkling, clutter-free home might seem like a far-off dream, it’s more achievable than you think—even with a busy family. The secret lies in smart habits, consistency, and knowing when to ask for help.If you're feeling overwhelmed by the mess and unsure where to start, exploring reliable dumpster options can be a surprising first step toward a cleaner, more manageable home. Clearing out years of accumulated clutter makes it easier to maintain order and gives you a fresh slate from which to w...
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By Eric Beaverford, Realtor in Edmonton www.ourhouseprice.ca
(Maxwell Polaris)
📉 Edmonton Mortgage Delinquency Trends – What the Numbers Reveal (2012–2024)If you're a homeowner in Edmonton or thinking about buying or selling in Alberta’s capital, here’s a deep dive into the mortgage delinquency rate trends over the last 12 years — and why it matters now more than ever. 👇🧠 What Is a Mortgage Delinquency Rate?The mortgage delinquency rate is the percentage of homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments by 90 days or more. It’s one of the best indicators of economic stress and housing stability in any market.So what does this data say about Edmonton?📊 Edmonton’s Mortgage Delinquency Rate (2012–2024)Thanks to data compiled by CMHC and Equifax, we can now look at the quarterly delinquency rate for Edmonton from 2012 Q3 through the end of 2024. Here's what stan...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
In Oklahoma, adverse possession laws allow individuals to claim ownership of land they don’t legally own if certain conditions are met. Known as squatter’s rights, these laws can pose risks to property owners who aren’t vigilant about protecting their deeds. Understanding these laws and taking proactive measures, such as utilizing Home Title Security, can help safeguard your property from unauthorized claims.Understanding Squatter’s RightsSquatter’s rights enable individuals to occupy a property without the owner’s permission and potentially claim ownership over time. A squatter is someone who resides on land without legal authorization. In Oklahoma, squatters can gain ownership after living on a property for 15 years while fulfilling additional legal requirements, such as openly using ...
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By Aaron Eller, We Buy Houses Cash | We Buy Houses AS-IS
(Cash Offer Man)
Are you looking to sell your house in Missouri. Our company, Cash Offer Man buys houses in Missouri for cash. Get a free offer today by heading to our website or giving us a call at 314-912-4939. We love to work with local home owners and make your selling process super easy and get you the most amount of money for your house possible. Reach out today!
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Many homebuyers look for efficiency in a home just as much as curb appeal. Water-saving features rank high on buyer wish lists with the rise of utility costs and environmental concerns. Green upgrades like low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation systems can boost sustainability and value. Learn how to make the right efficiency-focused improvements to make your listing stand out.How Water Sources Impact Home ValueBuyers pay attention to where a home gets water, so let’s compare well water vs. city water. City water tends to be more convenient; there’s usually steady pressure, treated water, and no extra equipment to manage. But it comes with a monthly bill, and some buyers worry about chemical additives or aging infrastructure.Well water doesn’t come with utility fees, but it does req...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
If you're getting ready to sell your house or just looking toward a future where you might sell, you may feel overwhelmed by all the advice about what does and doesn't lower your property value. More importantly, you probably want to know what provides a good return on investment. There are plenty of alterations that can bring up the value of your home, but the cost of adding them can cancel out any added value. Read this article to learn about how landscaping can impact real estate sales.1- Curb AppealYou've probably heard about curb appeal, the initial impression that potential buyers get when they visit your home. Landscaping is a big part of this. According to one study of real estate professionals, poor landscaping can reduce the value of your home by as much as 30%. Another study ...
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