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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 Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
March is one of the BEST times to hit the market. Here’s why 👀✔️ There’s less competition.Many sellers wait until late spring or summer, but listing in March means fewer homes on the market = more eyes on yours! 👀✔️ Serious buyers are ready.Spring buyers aren’t just browsing…they’re ready to make a move. With tax refunds, pre-approvals in place, and an urgency to buy before summer, they’re motivated.✔️ Better weather = better showingsWarmer temps and longer days mean more buyers are out house-hunting. Plus, natural light makes your home look even better. ☀️✔️ Higher sale prices.Historically, homes listed in early spring sell faster and for more money compared to later in the year. More demand = better offers! 💰✔️ Closings before summer.Listing now means you can sell and move before summ...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
Here's a blog version of your post:A Smart Homebuying Hack That Can Save You ThousandsBuying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it only makes sense to maximize your savings wherever possible. While most buyers focus on negotiating the purchase price, there’s another powerful strategy that many overlook—asking the seller for a rate buydown.What Is a Seller-Paid Rate Buydown?A rate buydown is when the seller contributes funds to help lower your mortgage interest rate. Instead of reducing the sale price, the seller offers a credit that allows you to secure a lower rate, which in turn reduces your monthly mortgage payment. Over time, this can lead to significant long-term savings—often totaling thousands of dollars over the life of the loan!Why This Strategy Works...
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By Peter Mohylsky,, Call me at 850-517-7098
(Property Management International-Destin)
Whether you’re dreaming of a future home 🏡 or ready to refresh the one you already own, the Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color Capsule is full of inspiration!You don't have to like all the colors,  I don't but it is interesting and a lot easier than a trip to the store.  🎨✨From cozy neutrals to bold pops of color, these shades are perfect for creating a space that’s uniquely you.If a new home is in your future, let’s talk about how I can help you bring that dream closer to reality!#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #a031125 #happyhome #happyhomeowners #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #hometips #homestyle #homedecor #homereno #reno #dreamhome
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Some people prefer city living, but there is a growing population of people that are moving to small towns. Not only is this a great option for a slower lifestyle and starting a family, but small-town living is a place to get a lot of value for your money. There are several other reasons why small towns are becoming the new big dream for prospective homeowners along with receiving increased tourism.Everyday ExpensesAside from the amount of money that you spend on investing in a new home, there are everyday expenses to take into consideration. When you live in a small town with fewer people, things like gas prices, grocery prices, and the overall cost of living tend to be lower than in a highly populated area. There may be small farmstands selling locally grown produce at a fraction of t...
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By Joe Mojica, Your Home Adds Value to You
(Laer Realty Partners Bowen)
On January 13, 2025, Have Clothes, Will Travel( a website that features in-depth honest and brutal reviews) reported on the 10 Safest Cities in the United States.  According to Lindsey Puls, author of the article, wrote, "These U.S. cities ranked at the top for safety, according to a new report. The study compared more than 180 cities across 41 key indicators of safety. The data set ranges from traffic fatalities and assaults per capita to the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population that is uninsured."Is your city on the list?1. South Burlington, Vermont2. Casper, Wyoming3. Warwick, Rhode Island4. Burlington, Vermont5. Boise, Idaho6. Yonkers, New York7. Cedar Rapids, Iowa8. Columbia, Maryland9. Portland, Maine10. Virginia Beach, Virginia***********************************...
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By Michael Mahoney, Greater Boston Realtor
(Real Broker MA LLC)
  Rocket to Acquire Redfin for $1.75B Full story courtesy of Housing Wire Why it matters: Rocket Companies is expanding its real estate footprint by acquiring Redfin in an all-stock deal valued at $1.75 billion. The details: Boards of both companies approved the deal, expected to close by Q3 2025. Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman will stay on, reporting to Rocket CEO Varun Krishna. Rocket aims to integrate Redfin’s 50M monthly users and 2,200 agents with its mortgage services. What they’re saying: “Rocket and Redfin share a vision to improve the homebuying process with tech that removes friction, lowers costs, and adds value,” said Krishna. The bottom line: This merger could streamline the home search-to-financing journey, enhancing the experience for buyers.
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By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
New York City never stops moving, and neither do its problems. One moment you’re enjoying a night out in SoHo, and the next, you realize your keys are still inside your locked apartment. It’s a frustrating, stressful situation that can happen to anyone. Whether it’s late at night or during the early morning rush, knowing how to find a 24-hour locksmith in NYC can be a lifesaver. But with so many options in the city, how do you separate the professionals from the scammers? This guide will help you navigate the process of finding a trustworthy locksmith, ensuring you get back inside quickly and without unnecessary hassle.Understanding the Need for a 24-Hour Locksmith in NYCLiving in a city that never sleeps means that emergencies can happen at any time. Whether you’re locked out of your a...
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By Nancy Braun, Professional Service, Personally Delivered
(Showcase Realty LLC)
Are you thinking about selling a luxury home in Charlotte NC? With its thriving economy, vibrant lifestyle, and upscale neighborhoods, the city attracts high-end buyers. But selling luxury homes in Charlotte NC takes more than just listing—it calls for a smart strategy that makes your property stand out.  From my experience working with luxury clients, I know how targeted marketing and thoughtful preparation can help your home shine. In this article, I’ll walk you through key tips to attract the right buyers and sell with confidence. Knowing the Market for Luxury Homes in Charlotte NC  In my experience, most luxury home buyers in Charlotte are executives, business owners, or investors drawn by the city’s strong economy and upscale lifestyle. Their priorities vary—some want a home in a p...
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On February 27, 2025, Realtor.com reported that nationwide median list price of a home was $412,000 in February of 2025, down from $415,500 in January of 2025, and lower 0.8% from February of 2024.There were 847,825 listed inventory of homes in February of 2025, jumped 27.5% from 664,716 homes listed in the market in February of 2024.Houses stayed 66 days in the market in February of 2025, higher 5 more days from 61 days in February of 2024.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for February of 2025, please click HERE
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
How long will it take for the bank to foreclose once you start missing payments?  This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is one of much confustion - "IT DEPENDS."  I have a friend  who has missed 4 payments, and it appears that the servicer started the foreclosure process after only two missed payments.  I have clients who have missed 18 months worth of payments and the servicer has not initiated the foreclosure process as of yet.  The old school of thought was "you have time."  While that may have worked a year ago, times are changing, and this may no longer be the "norm."   The most responsible thing a homeowner can do is to keep in communication with the loan servicer.  Most of the time when a homeowner stops making their payments they do not communicate w...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
For those passionate about real estate investing—whether seasoned investors or newcomers—the insights shared by industry experts can be transformative. Real estate professionals who prioritize strategy, technology, and smart investing principles are often the ones who achieve long-term success in the field. With the evolving landscape of real estate, adapting to new trends and technologies can be the key to staying competitive and profitable.The Importance of Strategic Real Estate InvestingSuccessful real estate investors emphasize the value of implementing systems to streamline their business operations. Investing in real estate is not just about acquiring properties; it’s about creating efficient processes that enhance deal-making and portfolio management. Utilizing well-structured wo...
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On March 3, 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide construction spending declined 0.2% to $2,192.0 billion in January of 2024 from $2,196.0 billion December of 2024, but higher 3.3% from $2,122.2 billion in January of 2024.Nationwide private construction down 0.2% to $1,686.0 billion in January of 2025 from $1,690.1 billion in December of 2024.Residential construction decreased 0.4% of $932.7 billion in January of 2025 from $936.9 billion December of 2024.Non residential construction slightly up 0.0% to $753.3 billion in January of 2025 from $753.2 billion in December of 2024.The public construction grew 0.1% to $506.6 billion in January of 2025 from $505.9 billion in December of 2024.The educational construction down 0.4% to $109.8 billion in January of 2025 from $110.3 billi...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Discovering Mashpee: A Vibrant Cape Cod CommunityMashpee, MA, is a charming coastal town in Cape Cod's heart. Known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant community, Mashpee offers a perfect blend of seaside charm and modern convenience. Whether you're drawn to its stunning beaches, top-rated golf courses, or renowned shopping and dining at Mashpee Commons, this town has something for everyone. Mashpee presents a unique opportunity for home buyers to own property in one of Cape Cod's most desirable locations. From waterfront estates along Popponesset Bay to quaint cottages in New Seabury, the town offers diverse real estate options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Sellers will find that Mashpee's appeal continues to attract a steady stream of buyers looking for year-r...
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By Jose Segarra, When Experience Matters, Hire Real Estate Veteran
(Homevets Realty LLC)
Last week, our Homevets Realty real estate office hosted an electrifying workshop promoting Tony Robbins' upcoming Unleash the Power Within (UPW) event. The session was a game-changer, revealing why many of us in real estate struggle to reach our full potential.The Success Cycle RevelationThe workshop presenter introduced us to Tony Robbins' Success Cycle, a powerful concept that explains the interconnected nature of belief, potential, action, and results. This model illuminated why some agents thrive while others falter in our competitive industry1.Key Components:Belief/Sense of Certainty: Our confidence in our abilitiesPotential: The untapped capabilities we possessAction: The steps we take based on our beliefs and potentialResults: The outcomes that reinforce our initial beliefsAs th...
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By Kwag Lee, SBLC Provider and Bank Guarantee Provider
(Artley Finance (HK) Limited)
Understanding SBLC Monetization in 2025 – A Step-by-Step Guide Monetizing a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is an effective financial strategy for businesses looking to unlock liquidity without selling assets. As financial regulations tighten in 2025, understanding the SBLC monetization process is crucial for securing legitimate funding. This guide explores how to monetize SBLCs, key benefits, risks, and the best financial institutions providing bank instrument monetization services.   What is an SBLC? A Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) is a financial guarantee issued by a bank to ensure payment or performance obligations are met. It serves as a safety net for the beneficiary (e.g., a seller or service provider) in case the applicant (e.g., a buyer or contractor) defaults.   How Does an...
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
  When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you.Here’s a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you through – including a few of the top perks of buying a newly built home today and some potential things you’ll want to think about before you ink any contracts.The Perks of Buying a Newly Built Home Customization Options: Many builders allow buyers to choose finishes, layouts, and upgrades so that you can personalize your home to your unique sense of style. This is obviously more of a draw if ...
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On February 18, 2025, National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for newly built single family homes fell 5 points to 42 points in February of 2025, from 47 in January of 2025.The HMI component charting buyer traffic decreased 3 points to 29 points, the HMI present sales conditions declined 4 points to 46 points, and the HMI sales expectations index dropped 13 points 46 points in February of 2025.The three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, Northeast lower 3 points to 57 points, Midwest down 2 points to 45 points, South unchanged 0 point at 46 points, the West lost 1 point to 39 points in February of 2025.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “Reflecting this outlook, builder responses collected prior to a pause for the proposed tariffs ...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
Tax season. Just the words can send shivers down your spine. But if you’re a homeowner, there’s a silver lining: potential savings! You’ve probably heard that you can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage — but did you know there are many other ways homeowners can reduce their tax burden?Before you start your return, read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings.Home-Related Tax Savings: The BasicsBefore we get into the details, it’s important to define some important terms to set the stage. Tax Deductions vs. Tax CreditsMost tax savings opportunities for homeowners come in the form of tax deductions. Deductions work by reducing your taxable income — essentially, the government allows you to subtract cert...
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On February 13, 2025, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Multifamily Production Index (MPI) higher 7 points to 48 points in the 4th quarter of 2024, from the 4th quarter of 2023; while, Multifamily Occupancy Index gained 4 points to 81 points in the 4th quarter of 2024 from the 4th quarter of 2023.The component measuring low rent units up 1 point to 52 points; the component  mid/high-rise units rose 13 points to 39, the component for sale units down 1 point to 42 points; and the component for subsidized units jumped 11 points to 52 points in the 4th quarter of 2024.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “We are projecting that multifamily construction will decline again in the first half of 2025 before stabilizing toward the end of the year, with the industry suppo...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Excellent post by Camine and Debbie. Bill   The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plays a crucial role in making housing accessible to millions of Americans. From assisting first-time homebuyers with affordable loan programs to providing rental assistance through Section 8 vouchers, HUD's funding directly impacts the housing market. However, proposed cuts to HUD’s budget could create significant challenges for first-time buyers, low-income renters, and landlords who participate in government-assisted housing programs.   How HUD Cuts Could Affect First-Time Homebuyers  One of HUD’s major contributions to homeownership is through FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans, which help first-time buyers qualify for mortgages with lower down payments and more flexible credit ...
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