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
By Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker, Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop
(https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com)
What does the repeal of the non-commingling rule mean for listings? I asked one of the AI platforms to look into the future. My questions: What is NAR’s optional non-commingling rule (sometimes called the “no commingling” rule)? What kind of listings does it help? The repeal of the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) optional non-commingling rule in June 2025, which once allowed Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) to segregate their listings from other data sources, marks a pivotal moment for the future of these organizations. While the immediate effect is a more consolidated and transparent online search experience for consumers, the long-term implications point towards a fundamental shift in the role and value proposition of the MLS. No longer able to rely on the exclusive display of...
Comments 2
By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
As cooler days arrive and winter looms ahead, October is the perfect time to get your home ready for the chill. A few small tweaks can make a big difference — saving you money on utility bills 💸, keeping your spaces cozy 🛋️, and preventing costly repairs later on.Most of these upgrades take less than an hour but can lead to hundreds in savings over the colder months. Ready to start? Here’s your October homeowner checklist! ✅1️⃣ Seal Air Leaks Around Windows and Doors Even tiny drafts can lead to major heat loss. Cold air sneaks in, warm air escapes, and your heating system works overtime. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing leaks and adding insulation can save 10–20% on heating costs.🔧 Quick Fix: Use caulk for gaps around stationary parts like window frames. Add weather-...
Comments 5
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Australian heritage décor brings authenticity and warmth to modern property staging. It helps forge emotional connections with potential buyers while enhancing spatial character. Drawing from historic Australian design eras, these elements offer timeless appeal when paired with contemporary finishes. Below is a focused guide to the specific types of Australian heritage décor most effective in today’s staging strategies.Architectural Features with Historic CharacterKey architectural elements such as pressed metal ceilings, ceiling roses, timber panelling and architraves create visual interest and suggest a sense of permanence. These features are often restored or replicated to blend traditional craftsmanship with updated layouts. Heritage skirtings, cornices and dado rails can subtly rei...
Comments 2
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
With the constantly-shifting environment of real estate, the phrase has become very simple to understand. The best homes are not merely those constructed in the present, but they should be ones that grow with the very families residing in them. A contemporary customer is no longer interested in the property as a fixed project; he/she is in search of an environment that develops, changes, and corresponds to the changing rhythm of family life.The real estate market in the U.S has recorded increased developments that target family oriented living. These are not houses but environments that are created with comfort, safety and emotional bonding. The modern day family homes are a reflection of the actual definition of living spaces, starting with the flexible architecture to community planni...
Comments 1
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
When real estate agents advise clients considering a comprehensive kitchen renovation project or planning strategic kitchen renovation improvements in compact condo spaces, the conversation inevitably turns to storage solutions that actually deliver return on investment. The truth about maximizing limited kitchen square footage while boosting property appeal? It requires thinking like both a designer and a savvy real estate investor, understanding that every organizational decision either adds value or simply fills space.Think of compact condo kitchens as the Swiss Army knives of real estate features. Smart storage hacks for compact condo kitchens demonstrate how clever organization transforms perceived limitations into sophisticated selling points, while kitchen updates that increase h...
Comments 1
When real estate agents walk potential buyers through properties, the first seven seconds at the custom entry doors determine whether enthusiasm builds or doubts begin creeping in. Those premium residential entry doors function like the cover of a bestselling book, either compelling readers to dive deeper or causing them to keep browsing. Smart agents understand that advising sellers on strategic entry door upgrades often delivers disproportionate returns compared to the investment, making this one of the most effective pre-listing improvements available.Think of entry doors as the handshake your property offers before anyone steps inside. Custom entry door design ideas that boost curb appeal from luxury real estate publications demonstrate how thoughtful door selections transform buyer...
Comments 1
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Thursday, October 23, 2025 7:00 am Central Ohio Housing Report - September 2025 Sales climb as inventory expands across central Ohio. Share Tags:#Central Ohio Housing#columbusrealtors#housing reportVoiceofRealEstate September 2025 Central Ohio Housing Report from Columbus REALTORS® Sortable Housing Stats by School District/County Central Ohio Housing Statistics   COLUMBUS, Ohio (October 23, 2025) - Home sales rose in September as inventory continued to grow across central Ohio, according to the latest housing statistics from Columbus REALTORS® and the Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS. Closed sales increased 7.9% from a year ago, with 2,705 closings compared to 2,508 in September 2024. The median sales price in September was $325,000, up just 0.3% from September 2024. However, that ...
Comments 1
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
If mortgage interest rates were to drop from 6.25% to 5.25% at the beginning of 2026, it would likely have a significant and largely positive impact on the Central Ohio real estate market, especially given current dynamics (moderate inventory, steady population and job growth, demand being partially rate-suppressed).Here’s how the market could respond, broken down by sector: 📉 Immediate Financial Impact on Buyers Rate $300,000 loan P&I Monthly savings Buying power increase 6.25% ~$1,847/mo — baseline 5.25% ~$1,658/mo ~$189/mo ~8-10% boost in purchasing power ✅ A rate drop like this often gives buyers $25,000–$35,000 in extra purchasing power without changing their monthly budget. 🏡 Residential (Single-Family & Condo) Market Impact🔺 Buyer demand would surgeMany "fence-sitters" who were w...
Comments 0
On October 23, 2025, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales up 1.5% to annual rate of 4.06 million homes in September of 2025 from August of 2025, and higher 4.1% from from September of 2024.There were approximately 1.55 million homes supplies of available inventory in September of 2025, grew 1.3% from August of 2025, and jumped 14.0% from 1.16 million homes in September of 2024.There were 4.6 months available inventory in September of 2025 unchanged from 4.6% from 4.2 months in August of 2025, but gained from 4.2 months of inventory from September of 2024.On average it took 33 days to sell a home in September of 2025, increased from 31 days in August of 2025, and rose from 28 days in September 2024.First time buyers acquired 30.0% of homes ...
Comments 2
By Realtor Ben Townsend, Selling Colorful Colorado Property Since 1998
(Townsend Real Estate, Ltd.)
Modern Off-Grid Sustainable Designs in Colorado   In 2025, the allure of off-grid living has exploded, with mortgage applications for rural homesteads surging by over 30% year-over-year as urban dwellers seek self-sufficient sanctuaries. Enter the modern ranch-style home: a timeless single-story silhouette reimagined for the eco-conscious era. These sprawling, low-profile dwellings—characterized by their wide eaves, horizontal lines, and deep connections to the land—are evolving with cutting-edge sustainability and smart design. No longer rustic relics, 2025's off-grid ranches blend minimalist aesthetics with high-tech resilience, making them ideal for dreamers in places like Colorado's Black Forest or Monument's rolling hills.Gone are the days of basic solar setups; today's builders a...
Comments 0
By Steve Keighery, Real estate problem solver & cash home buyer
(Home Buyer Louisiana)
Real estate often tells stories of change and this one in Arabi, St. Bernard Parish is about resilience, patience, and new beginnings.Recently, our team at Home Buyer Louisiana closed on a vacant lot in Arabi that once held a newly built home. Tragically, that home was destroyed during the 2022 tornado that tore through the Arabu, leaving entire streets flattened and families displaced.A Seller’s Journey and the Power of PatienceThe seller originally reached out to us in 2023, exploring options but not quite ready to let go. Rather than pushing for a deal, we stayed in touch, checking in occasionally, offering guidance, and letting him know we’d be there when the time was right.That time came earlier this year. He reached back out, ready to move forward. We agreed on a fair cash price, ...
Comments 0
By Tina Hannaford, Listing Agent - Luxury Collection Specialist
(Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty)
For those that are just curious about the Sarasota real estate market. Source: RASM SARASOTA, Fla. (October 23, 2025) – The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released its September 2025 real estate market report, offering a comprehensive analysis of key trends across both counties.According to data from Florida REALTORS®, the housing market across Sarasota and Manatee counties showed steady momentum in September, as closed sales rose year-over-year for both single-family homes and condos.While more buyers returned to the market compared to last fall, prices continued to moderate, and homes took longer to sell, reflecting a shift toward a more balanced environment. Inventory levels remain higher than a year ago but have eased slightly in recent months, signaling tha...
Comments 0
By Carlo Finotti, Buys Houses: Fast, fair Pittsburgh home buyers.
(Buys Houses)
Across the country, malls that once symbolized suburban growth are being reimagined into vibrant mixed-use spaces. The Washington Crown Center Mall in Washington, PA is a great example of this shift as the site prepares for a complete redevelopment.Key highlights of mall transformations: Aging retail properties are being repurposed for offices, healthcare, and light manufacturing. Redevelopments attract new jobs and increase local tax revenue. Mixed-use designs help rebuild community engagement and modernize infrastructure. Former retail sites are becoming affordable housing or innovation hubs. You can read more about how Washington Crown Center Mall is being reimagined here: Washington Crown Center Mall Redevelopment.As cities continue to adapt, these projects show how creative redevel...
Comments 3
By Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management Inc.-Destin)
This is still good information for todays changing market.  Interesting that no matter how things change, they really don't change.   “Niche Markets” or “Specialty Markets” While majority of the real estate agents go after anything and everything in the market place making them “General Practitioners” other agents develop “Specialty” or “Niche” markets and tend to specialize in those areas reducing their competition to ridiculously minimal.  In terms of medical field, most specialists get their business referred to them their general practitioner colleagues.  This can be achieved in Real Estate Business too!   Senior housing or handicap accessed housing Nursing homes resident sales First time Home buyers Apartment dwellers Facilitating purchase or sale of performing/non-performing notes...
Comments 0
By Carlo Finotti, Buys Houses: Fast, fair Pittsburgh home buyers.
(Buys Houses)
Downtown Pittsburgh is turning the page on its post office era. The historic Grant Building, long a skyline icon, is about to be reborn. Built in 1928, this 37-story landmark is getting a visionary overhaul from Commonwealth Development Partners to convert upper floors into modern residential units and refresh the lower levels into upgraded office and amenity space.Estimated at $80 - $100 million, the project is more than a renovation. It is a statement about Pittsburgh’s changing downtown economy and its ability to preserve historic architecture while adapting to new community needs. Cities across the country are transforming as the hybrid workplace continues to reshape how people live and work, creating demand for flexible spaces that blend residential and commercial uses.With office ...
Comments 2
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Outdoor lighting has evolved dramatically over the last decade, transforming from simple illumination to a key element of architectural design, safety, and ambiance. Whether it’s lighting up building exteriors, landscaping, patios, or commercial spaces, outdoor LED strip lights have become one of the most versatile and in-demand lighting solutions worldwide. For businesses and project managers, outdoor LED strip lights wholesale offers not only cost savings but also the flexibility to scale lighting projects with ease.Why Outdoor LED Strip Lights Are So PopularOne of the main reasons outdoor LED strip lights have become so widely used is their versatility. Unlike bulky traditional fixtures, LED strips are slim, flexible, and can be installed almost anywhere. They can outline a building’...
Comments 0
By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Buyers walk through homes with their guard up. They’re on the lookout for signs of wear, and windows often give them plenty of reasons to hesitate. Cracked panes, drafty gaps, or frames in rough shape don’t just look bad; they hint at bigger problems. For buyers, small issues with windows can snowball into repair bills, which often lead to one thing: lowball offers.The good news is that these window concerns are usually quick to fix. Simple repairs can shift buyer opinion, protect your asking price, and even help your home sell faster. This blog breaks down why window condition matters, how minor fixes influence buyers, and which steps bring the best results before you list.Repair Work That Buyers Notice Right AwayWindows make up a large part of what buyers see inside a home. Sunlight, ...
Comments 1
By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Yesterday, I "wrote" a post that was a little uncommon for me.  It's here. As a good friend of mine, here in the Rain, put it for me... it didn't have a whole lot of "Alan" in it.  I posted it to see how it would be received, and to be honest I really didn't put a whole lot of effort into it, so I don't feel too bad that it only got 3 generic comments.  They were nice comments, but they didn't really connect, because quite honestly the post didn't really connect. It wasn't my usually effervescent Alan-type of post, loaded with graphics and spice.  And I think my regulars, if there are any of those out there, could tell, and didn't really have anything to say in response to that post.  It didn't sound like me, and they didn't have anything to say to "that" me. There's a good reason it d...
Comments 1
By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
In Highland Park—a North Shore gem known for its tree-lined streets, lakeside charm, and architectural grace—the rhythm of home maintenance has always been dictated by the seasons. Spring meant renewal, summer invited open windows and fresh air, autumn brought a flurry of leaf cleanup, and winter demanded cozy interiors. But in 2025, that rhythm is changing. More homeowners are shifting from traditional seasonal deep cleans to consistent, year-round upkeep that aligns with modern living, environmental awareness, and busy professional lifestyles.At the forefront of this shift is North Shore Cleaning Service, a trusted name that’s redefining what “clean” means for Highland Park residents. Their approach reflects a deeper societal change—where cleanliness is not just about aesthetics, but ...
Comments 1
By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
From the rolling plains east of Colorado Springs to the foothills of the Front Range, stucco homes dominate El Paso County’s architectural landscape. They blend seamlessly with Colorado’s dry, sun-drenched climate and offer homeowners a durable, fire-resistant, and visually appealing exterior. Yet beneath their smooth, earth-toned surfaces, a hidden threat is quietly damaging walls, foundations, and finances alike: water intrusion.It’s a problem many residents don’t see until it’s too late. What starts as a tiny hairline crack or faint discoloration can evolve into rotted sheathing, mold, and even structural decay. As more homeowners discover moisture lurking behind their stucco, demand for specialized solutions such as stucco repair Colorado Springs has skyrocketed. In this in-depth lo...
Comments 1
Back to Top