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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 Denice Thompson Neddo, Real Estate Sales and Property Management
(Wise Move Real Estate and Property Management)
If you own a rental home, you already know that managing a property takes time, consistency, and attention to detail. From tenant communication to maintenance coordination and rent collection, the workload can quickly become overwhelming. That is why owners are turning to professional Property Management Vancouver WA services.For the past 8 years, our company has helped rental owners across Vancouver and all of Clark County protect their investments while reducing stress. We specialize in single-family homes and provide customized solutions based on each owner's goals.What a Professional Property Manager Can Do for You Market your property to attract qualified tenants Screen applicants thoroughly Handle lease preparation and renewals Coordinate repairs and maintenance Collect rent and m...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 For years, buying a fixer-upper was one of the most common ways to get into a home and build equity.Buy low.Fix it up.Create value.Simple.But today’s market is different.So the real question is—does a fixer-upper still make sense?The Idea vs. The RealityThe idea of a fixer-upper is appealing. Lower purchase price Opportunity to customize Potential for increased value But what many buyers are finding today is that the reality is more complicated.Costs Are Higher Than ExpectedOne of the biggest changes in today’s market is cost. Materials have increased Labor is harder to find Timelines are longer A project that may have cost $30,000 a few years ago can easily cost much more today.And that does not include the unexpected issues that often come with older homes.Time Is a FactorFixer-upper...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Before you look at a single home, there is one question you need to answer first.Not your price range.Not how many bedrooms.Not even location.How do you want to live?This is where most buyers get off track.Why This Question MattersIt is easy to start searching based on: Price Square footage Number of bedrooms But those are features.They do not define your daily life.Two homes can check every box on paper—and still feel completely different once you are living there.Start With Your LifestyleThink about your day, not just your wish list.Do You Want Privacy or a Neighborhood? Do you want to see neighbors or not? Do you enjoy community or prefer space? A home on acreage feels very different from a home in a subdivision.Do You Want Water, Mountains, or Convenience? Lakefront living means ti...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I was recently at a meeting in Austin, Texas, with the Texas REALTORS® to discuss governance issues within our organization. 13 of us have been tasked with looking into the structure of our association as things in the real estate world continue to change at a rapid pace. Our group has been meeting via Zoom, and this was the first time we met in person.Our team is made up of brokers, appraisers, and agents from all over the state. Some of us are from small boards and others from mid-sized to mega boards. Each of us comes from a different perspective regarding expertise. One member is a former TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) Chair. As we were all visiting after dinner, one member began mentioning that there was talk of insurance companies starting to purchase many home inspection com...
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By Bill Exeter, 1031 Exchange and Self-Directed IRA & 401k Expert
(Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC)
We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC Southwest Regional Office in Phoenix, Arizona.To better serve the growing Arizona real estate market, we are welcoming Cole W. Walters to the team as our new Business Development Officer. With this addition, our Phoenix office now features three dedicated professionals ready to assist you with your complex transaction needs: Brenda Doolittle, Exchange Administrator Cole W. Walters, Business Development Officer Amy Doolittle, Receptionist and Office Assistant When dealing with 1031 Exchanges, the security of your funds is paramount. Exeter 1031 Exchange stands apart as one of the few Qualified Intermediaries in the industry today that is subject to any kind of regulatory oversight. Exeter 1031 Exchange dep...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
A properly functioning door buzzer and intercom system installation is one of those everyday conveniences that often goes unnoticed—until it stops working. Whether you live in an apartment building, condo, or single-family home, keeping your intercom in good repair ensures security, communication, and ease of access. With a little routine care and attention, you can extend the life of your system and avoid costly replacements or inconvenient breakdowns.YDA Security Systems NYC emphasizes that most intercom issues stem from neglect rather than major technical failures. Dust, moisture, and wear over time can affect both audio clarity and button responsiveness. Regularly wiping down the exterior components with a soft, dry cloth can prevent debris from interfering with microphones and spea...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Property appeal is often associated with visible features, renovated kitchens, landscaped gardens, or modern interiors that create an immediate impression. However, some of the most impactful upgrades are the ones that operate quietly in the background. Smart home technology has shifted expectations, not by adding spectacle, but by improving how a space functions day to day. Buyers and homeowners are paying closer attention to efficiency, control, and adaptability, recognizing that convenience is just as valuable as aesthetics. These subtle enhancements may not always stand out during a walkthrough, but they shape long-term satisfaction. As property standards evolve, the homes that integrate thoughtful technology tend to leave the strongest and most lasting impressions. Subtle Automatio...
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By Lance Owens, Broker-in-Charge | LUVA Real Estate
(Kona Home Team (LUVA llc))
If your lead source expects you to send a percentage of your buyers to a specific lender, that’s not optional. That’s pay-to-play. I walked.I sat in a meeting recently where a national lead platform outlined their program. I had already accepted one of the highest referral fee structures I’ve seen, so I knew the cost of doing business going in. What I didn’t expect was an added pay-to-play element tied to lender usage. On paper, everything was “optional.” In reality, it didn’t come across that way. The expectation was to maintain a minimum of 10% referral to them for pre-approval letters.After that introduction, we sat through roughly an hour on how strong their lending platform is, how seamless the process is, and how their loan officer was “local,” despite having a Texas phone number....
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By KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
 Understanding Market Value, Appraised Value, and Your Home’s True WorthWhen it comes to real estate, one of the most common questions I hear is: “What is my home actually worth?”The answer isn’t always as simple as one number. In fact, there are three different “values” you’ll often hear about—market value, appraised value, and home value—and each one plays a unique role in the buying and selling process.Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.🏡 Market Value: What Buyers Are Willing to PayMarket value is the most important number when you’re selling your home. It represents what a buyer is willing to pay in today’s market.This value is influenced by: Current market conditions Location and neighborhood trends Condition and upgrades of the home Buyer demand and competition At the ...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Spring in Northern Virginia just hits different. The weather finally warms up, everything starts blooming, and it suddenly feels like a good idea to get out of the house again. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a ton of money to make it a great day with your family.If you’re looking for easy, fun, and completely free things to do this April, here are six options that are actually worth adding to your calendar:🐾 Spring Animal EncountersPotomac Overlook Regional ParkApril 4 | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM📍 2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207If your kids love animals (and let’s be honest… most do), this is such a fun way to spend an afternoon. Families can stop by and meet local wildlife while learning from a naturalist who’s there to answer questions and share cool facts.It’s relaxed, intera...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
The real estate industry has transformed dramatically in recent years. Buyers now expect video content—property tours, neighborhood spotlights, market updates—as standard parts of the home search experience. For independent agents competing against large brokerages with dedicated marketing teams, meeting these expectations has traditionally required significant time and budget investments.That dynamic is shifting as AI-powered tools make professional video creation accessible to everyone.The Video Content ChallengeEvery agent understands the power of video marketing. Listings with video receive substantially more engagement than those with photos alone. Social media algorithms favor video content. Buyers increasingly want virtual experiences before scheduling in-person showings.Yet crea...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
In real estate, we often talk about relationships—and for good reason. Behind every transaction, there are countless people working together to create a seamless experience for clients. Among those relationships, few are as critical as the one between an agent and a trusted title representative.Recently, I experienced a situation that was both surprising and disappointing. A title representative I had worked with—someone who consistently provided exceptional service, clear communication, and professionalism—was no longer with the company. That alone is not unusual in business. Change happens.What was unexpected, however, was the silence that followed. There was no call. No email. No communication from the escrow office where I had recently closed transactions. I learned of the change on...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
The moment when people start looking around inside homes that have swimming pools, they are inevitably drawn towards the conditions within. An immaculately maintained swimming pool leaves a good impression right away, while any discrepancies related to water purity, for example, will make you wonder about the general state of the house. Therefore, maintaining your swimming pool should be considered not only a matter of necessity but also one of presenting your home.However, when discussing effective maintenance of your swimming pool, we should add that it operates similarly to a complex mechanism where everything must work in tandem for the best outcome. In most cases, mismanagement of this mechanism results in inconsistency amid occasional cleanliness in certain areas of your pool.How ...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Choosing the right glass shower door isn’t just about adding a sleek modern touch to your bathroom—it’s about blending functionality, safety, and style into a space you’ll use every single day. If you’ve ever had a shower door that creaked, leaked, or fogged up like a haunted house mirror, you already know: this decision matters more than most people realize.In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for before buying a glass shower door, from the glass thickness to installation tips, and even how to match it with your bathroom’s vibe. Let’s make sure your next shower door isn’t just pretty—it’s perfect.Why the Right Shower Door MattersFirst Impressions CountYour shower door is often the first thing people notice when they step into your bathroom. It can completely change the ...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Sometimes we long-time professionals forget one of the basics related to our profession. This simple question may explain a lot about a home's marketability. While 99% of the time I would check the days on market there is always the exception to the rule. There are always basic questions that on occasion get skipped over. I have a client right now ... a long-time client, we've been through two transactions together ... who called me recently about a house she'd fallen in love with online. Great neighborhood. Good price. Nice photos. She was ready to write an offer before we'd even scheduled a showing. I said, "Okay. But first ... how long has it been on the market?" Silence. "I didn't look," she said. This is not a knock on her. She's smart, she's experienced, she's been through this be...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Real estate transactions rarely happen in perfectly clean, staged environments. Sellers are often juggling timelines, packing decisions, and emotional attachments to their belongings. Buyers, on the other hand, may face gaps between closing dates and move-in readiness. In both cases, storage becomes a practical tool that can smooth the process and reduce stress.For agents, understanding how temporary storage fits into the moving process can make a noticeable difference in how efficiently deals progress. It’s not just about recommending a service, but about recognizing when storage can solve a specific problem. When used strategically, it can help clients present homes better, manage transitions, and avoid last-minute complications.Why Temporary Storage Comes Up in Real Estate Transactio...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Restaurant tenants have a reputation in commercial real estate — and it's complicated. On one hand, a well-established food and beverage operator can anchor a retail strip, drive foot traffic to neighboring tenants, and sign long leases with reliable rent payments. On the other hand, restaurants fail at a higher rate than most retail businesses, require significant build-out investment, and leave behind grease traps, ventilation systems, and plumbing configurations that aren't exactly easy to repurpose. If you're evaluating a restaurant tenant for a commercial space, the upside is real — but so is the downside. Here's what to look at before you sign.Understand What You're Actually Signing Up ForLeasing to a restaurant is categorically different from leasing to a boutique retailer or a p...
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On March 23, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide construction spending down 0.3% to $2,190.4 billion in January of 2026 from $2,197.6 billion December of 2025, but up 0.1% from $2,169.6 billion in January of 2025.Private construction decreased 0.6% to $1,661.6 billon in January of 2026 from $1,671.6 in December of 2025.Residential construction declined 0.8% to $933.0 billion in January of 2026 from $940.2 billion December of 2025.Non residential construction grew 0.4% to $728.2 billion in January of 2026 from $731.4 billion in December of 2025.The public construction higher 0.6% to $529.2 billion in January of 2026 from $526.0 billion in December of 2025.The educational construction down 0.2% to $114.1 billion in January of 2026 from $114.4 billion in December of 2025.The h...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Indiana has long been defined by its quiet strength. You see it in the flat stretches of farmland, in the sturdy barns that have stood for generations, and in the farmhouses that were built with purpose rather than pretense. These homes were not designed to impress. They were designed to last.Early Indiana architecture reflected necessity. Materials were local. Layouts were practical. Every element served a role, from wide porches that offered shade during humid summers to steep roofs that handled heavy snow. There was a rhythm to these homes, a sense of balance between the land and the lives lived on it.But over time, that rhythm has started to shift.The Subtle Shift Toward Modern NeedsAs Indiana’s communities have grown and diversified, so have the expectations around living spaces. F...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are not just important; they are everything. Before a potential buyer ever steps through the front door, they have already started forming an opinion. The exterior of your home sets the tone, quietly shaping expectations about what lies inside.And the good news is this. You do not need a massive renovation budget to make a meaningful impact. Small, intentional updates to your home’s exterior can significantly boost perceived value and, in many cases, your final asking price.Let’s walk through some simple, effective exterior fixes that can make your home stand out in a crowded market.Refresh Your Front DoorYour front door is more than an entry point. It is a focal feature that naturally draws the eye.A fresh coat of paint can transfor...
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