Admin

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
After decades of moving from base to base, following orders and building a life around the mission, retirement brings something most service members have rarely had: the freedom to choose where to live. For many veterans, California is the answer. With its year-round mild climate, strong military infrastructure, access to VA healthcare, and communities that genuinely understand military culture, the Golden State continues to attract retired service members from every branch. Whether someone served at Camp Pendleton, NAS Lemoore, or Travis Air Force Base, there is often a pull to stay close to familiar ground while finally building a permanent home.This guide walks you through the top California cities where retired military members are planting roots, and explores what makes each locati...
Comments 0
By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 Why Most Buyers Overpay for CondominiumsCondominium Pricing Is Often MisunderstoodMost residential buyers assume condominium pricing follows a simple logic. Comparable sales determine value, and units within the same building should trade within a narrow range.In practice, the pricing structure inside condominium buildings is far more complex.Small variables create large value differences.Unit stack position.Floor elevation.Exposure direction.Renovation cycles.Association financial strength.Buyers who evaluate condos only through surface comparisons often miss these distinctions. The result is predictable.They overpay for units that appear similar but hold weaker long-term positioning within the building’s micro-market.The Building Is Its Own MarketEvery condominium building functions ...
Comments 4
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Owning property can build serious wealth, but it also means a large portion of that wealth often sits in one place. When most of a portfolio leans heavily into real estate, any downturn in the housing market hits harder than it should.That concentration risk has led many property investors to look beyond their usual asset class. Physical gold, in particular, has drawn attention as a form of portfolio diversification worth examining.How Gold and Real Estate Behave DifferentlyGold and real estate rarely move in the same direction during periods of economic uncertainty. When property values stall under the weight of rising interest rates or weakening tenant demand, gold has historically held its ground or even climbed. That disconnect is not a coincidence—it reflects a deeper structural di...
Comments 1
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
With the limited intellect of a guinea pig the vacuum cleaner appears to be Arnold Schwarzenegger, the terminator robot.This is NOT a sermon but many people seem to think that mankind is the ultimate thinking machine and deity of the universe. Silly people.Are people "silly" for thinking salespeople are out to get them? Are Realtors out there to terminate people from their lives savings? Those who fear salespeople may think so. Who's fault is that? Maybe they or their parents had a bad experience with a Realtor? Maybe they remember a negative portrayal of a real estate professional in a movie or on TV. Maybe it's us???With many Active Rain newcomers like Leila Brady asking us about our fiduciary duties you would think us Real estate Professionals would repeat our fiduciary duties to any...
Comments 4
By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
When Bay Area buyers say they want “community,” we’ve learned not to take that word at face value.Because it rarely means what they think it means.In Oakland real estate conversations, “community” can mean:• Walkability to coffee and parks• Seeing familiar faces at the farmers market• Being near friends• A block where kids play outside• A politically aligned neighborhood• A place that feels socially comfortableIt’s not just about amenities.It’s about belonging.As The Monday Team, we’ve had buyers start their search focused on square footage — and end up choosing based on proximity to their friend group. We’ve had clients pass on technically “better” homes because the block didn’t feel right.In the Bay Area housing market, especially in Oakland, neighborhoods have personality. Micro-comm...
Comments 1
By Steve Keighery, Real estate problem solver & cash home buyer
(Home Buyer Louisiana)
One of the things I enjoy most about working with real estate investors is seeing what actually happens after a deal closes.Not the theoretical examples you see in presentations or courses, but the real decisions investors make when they buy, renovate, refinance, and hold a property.Recently, Dillon King from our team sat down with one of our buyers, John Cardinale to walk through a duplex he purchased through Home Buyer Louisiana near the Fairgrounds in New Orleans.John owns about 35 rental units and focuses primarily on long-term rental properties.In the conversation he breaks down the numbers on the deal, how he financed it, what surprised him during the renovation, and why he still considers it a good investment even though the property currently has slightly negative cash flow.The ...
Comments 1
By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 How Real Estate Technology Is Reshaping Market TransparencyMarket Transparency Was Historically LimitedFor decades, real estate markets operated with partial information.Buyers relied on agents to interpret property value.Sellers depended on comparative analysis performed behind the scenes.Transaction data appeared slowly and inconsistently.Information existed, but it was fragmented.Multiple listing services stored transaction records. Public registries tracked ownership and transfers. Brokers maintained private databases.Yet the average participant rarely saw the full picture.This asymmetry created inefficiency.Some professionals mastered data interpretation. Others relied on intuition. Consumers often navigated decisions with limited clarity about comparable sales or market trends.Te...
Comments 0
By Yeiry (JD) Sanchez, REALTOR® & Loan Officer in Broward/Palm Beach
(The Coastal Realm | eXp Realty)
What Buyers and Homeowners Should KnowA new proposal being discussed in Florida could dramatically change the cost of homeownership. Lawmakers are exploring the possibility of eliminating certain property taxes for primary residences (homesteaded homes). While the idea is still in the early stages and would require voter approval, it has already generated major interest among homeowners, buyers, and investors.Here’s a simple breakdown of what the proposal could mean.What Is Being Proposed?Florida lawmakers are considering a plan that would reduce or potentially eliminate some property taxes on homesteaded primary residences. Currently, Florida homeowners already benefit from the Homestead Exemption, which reduces taxable value and limits annual tax increases through the Save Our Homes c...
Comments 1
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
The Cost of Hesitation in Real Estate, but hesitation can be expensive. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in property, waiting too long to act can change the outcome of a deal.Buyers often experience this first.A home comes on the market that meets their needs. They want to think it over overnight, compare it to other properties, or wait until the weekend to see it again. In many markets, that delay can mean someone else writes the offer first. The opportunity is gone before the buyer finishes deciding.Sellers experience hesitation in a different way.Some delay putting their property on the market while they watch prices or wait for the perfect moment. Others hesitate to price their property realistically because they hope the market will support a higher number. During that...
Comments 1
By CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS, "Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren
(California Coastal Estates)
A short-sale specialist since 2005, knowing what your options are and providing constant communication with the bank in getting an approval is key to getting your property sold and approved purchase by the bank. Call Lauren Selinsky for your real estate needs and professional services in short sale listing and purchases. Time to call and get answers and ongoing results. Let's get started. Lauren~
Comments 3
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
Life Begins After Coffee: A Morning Ritual That Leads to Real Estate ResultsMany agents start the day reacting to emails, texts, and problems. A productive day in real estate usually begins the opposite way. It begins with a quiet structure that sets the direction before the market begins pulling you in different directions.A simple morning ritual can turn the first hour of the day into the most profitable part of your business.Step 1. Coffee and Quiet ReflectionBegin the morning slowly. Coffee, tea, or whatever helps you pause before the day starts. Spend five minutes reviewing what you are grateful for and what opportunities may appear today.Real estate is a people business. A calm and positive mindset carries into every conversation.Step 2. Review Your Top Three ActionsBefore opening...
Comments 7
By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 The Structural Flaws in Online Valuation EstimatesThe Illusion of PrecisionOnline property valuation tools present themselves as objective measurements of market value.The interface is simple. A homeowner enters an address and receives a number within seconds.The presentation suggests analytical rigor. Charts appear. Comparables appear. The number appears definitive.The underlying structure is far less precise.Automated valuation models rely on algorithmic interpretation of public records and historical sales data. These models evaluate patterns across large datasets and estimate value ranges based on statistical similarity.This methodology can approximate broad market conditions.It cannot evaluate the individual property with the precision implied by the result.The illusion of certain...
Comments 1
By Inna Ivchenko, Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate
(Equity Union )
I’m happy to share that I’ve joined Equity Union Real Estate.This move feels like the right step forward. Equity Union is one of the fastest-growing brokerages in Southern California, with strong marketing, great resources, and a team that truly supports their agents.What stays exactly the same is my commitment to my clients. I’m still the same person you know — focused on clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and making every transaction as smooth and successful as possible.Real estate has always been about relationships for me. I’m grateful for the trust my clients place in me and for the many people who have supported my work over the years.Based in Calabasas and serving Los Angeles County, I’m excited for this next chapter and for all the opportunities ahead.Here’s to new beginn...
Comments 5
By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Thank you to Linda Edelwich for offering a sharp, strategic perspective on the 2026 market. By prioritizing local data and intentional preparation over national noise, this post provides a clear roadmap for sellers. It’s a great reminder that success in real estate depends on precision, timing, and expert guidance. National headlines don’t determine whether it’s the right time to sell. Local behavior does.   In towns like Hebron CT and surrounding communities, I’m seeing a market that still rewards preparation and precision — but not guesswork. Some neighborhoods are experiencing steady buyer activity, while others require sharper positioning.   What matters most right now? Pricing aligned with current buyer expectations Presentation that removes hesitation Clarity about your next move ...
Comments 3
By Arius Valentino, Elite Agents + Qrixe Technology
(Luxe Residences)
 Why Luxury Condo Valuation Requires Different MethodologyThe False Assumption Behind Most Condominium ValuationsResidential valuation models are often built around a single assumption: comparable properties can be analyzed through surface similarity.For detached homes this approach works reasonably well. Lot size, square footage, condition, and neighborhood location tend to provide consistent signals of value.Luxury condominiums operate under a different logic.Two units inside the same building can vary in value by hundreds of thousands of dollars even when their square footage and bedroom count are identical.This occurs because condominium value is not defined primarily by the structure itself. It is defined by a layered set of positional variables inside the building ecosystem.Profes...
Comments 0
By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
By Sam Thomas – Providence Group RealtyIf you're selling your home, you don’t just want views on your listing. You want offers.And getting offers often comes down to something simple: removing the silent deal breakers that quietly turn buyers off.Most buyers won’t walk into a house and say, “This is exactly why I’m not making an offer.” Instead, they leave with a feeling that something isn’t quite right. When that happens, they move on to the next home.After years of walking through homes with buyers, I’ve noticed a pattern. There are certain things that repeatedly kill buyer interest. The good news is they’re usually easy to fix.Here are 13 things you should never have in your house when you’re trying to sell it.1. ClutterWhen buyers walk into a cluttered home, the message they receive...
Comments 1
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Maricopa County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, and it's not hard to understand why. Beneath its vast desert skies, this corner of Arizona holds some of the most coveted residential addresses in the country. From the boulder-studded hillsides of north Scottsdale to the golf-lined streets of Paradise Valley, the county's wealthiest enclaves offer something genuinely rare: extraordinary natural surroundings paired with a lifestyle that has few equals anywhere in the American Southwest.What draws high-net-worth residents and families to these communities goes beyond real estate prices and resort-quality amenities. There is a particular quality of life here, shaped by warm winters, world-class healthcare and dining, and an unhurried pace that feels both aspiratio...
Comments 0
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Fortunately I had the seller so who you only had to sign one extra form and didn't charge  him any more money The buyer however had many forms to sign and they were charged $185       As of March 1, 2026, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has officially implemented its nationwide Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule. This replaces the previous, more limited "Geographic Targeting Orders" with a permanent, country-wide framework.    Here is a recap of the rules and how they affect your transactions: 1. The "Three-Prong" Trigger A transaction is only reportable if it meets all of the following criteria: Residential Property: Includes single-family homes, 1–4 unit buildings, condos, townhomes, co-ops, or vacant land intended for a 1–4 family residence.    Non-Financed ("Al...
Comments 5
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Orange County, California sits at a unique intersection of coastal beauty, cultural vibrancy, and concentrated wealth. Whether you're relocating, investing, or simply curious about where Orange County's most prosperous communities are located, understanding the geography of affluence here tells a much larger story about lifestyle, opportunity, and access to resources.This guide breaks down the wealthiest neighborhoods and zip codes in Orange County, what makes each community distinctive, and what residents and newcomers can realistically expect from these areas.What Makes a Neighborhood "Affluent" in Orange County?Affluence in Orange County is measured by more than household income. Median home values, access to top-rated schools, proximity to the coastline, quality of local infrastruct...
Comments 0
On March 5, 2026, Realtor.com reported that nationwide median list price of a home was $403,450 in February of 2026, lower 2.1% from $412,000 from February of 2025.  There were 914,860 listed inventory of homes in February of 2026, jumped 7.9% from 847,816 homes listed in the market in February of 2025.Houses stayed 70 days in the market in February of 2026, higher 4 more days from 66 days in February of 2025.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for February of 2026, please click HERE
Comments 2
Back to Top