Admin

Real Estate General Information

Finally – a place for real estate consumers to bring all of their questions and find answers from the experts. Unlike many sites that plaster articles written by authors with dubious real estate credentials, ActiveRain gives you the skinny from the pros. How?


ActiveRain is the real estate industry's favorite hang-out – a virtual water cooler for real estate professionals.


Imagine walking into the break room of a mega real estate office that houses over 300,000 real estate agents, and then being able to pick the brains of some of the best minds in your market. Questions on moving, relocation to a new area, vacation homes or just buying and selling real estate in general are all fair game.


ActiveRain's current content library contains millions of articles. You'll find articles on everything from investing in real estate to what to watch out for when renting. If you can't find what you're looking for, stick around – the pages are updated constantly and new, fresh information is added daily.


If you're in the market to buy, sell, rent, stage or even refinance a home and have questions, congratulations – you've found the mother lode of answers here at ActiveRain!

Recent blogs on Real Estate General Information
By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
This is a terrific check list for preparing your home for the Winter season anywhere, not just in Delaware County, Pennsylvania!It's easier to prepare for the bad weather before it comes than at the last minute. Planning is critical. Don't forget to gather insurance papers and to photograph the contents in the home! An updated inventory list is very helpful if you have a major insurance loss. Back up electronics, too. Don't forget to store back ups and inventory lists elsewhere in case of catastrophic loss.Don't forget to care for your pets, elderly, handicapped friends and family, too! PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER IN DELAWARE COUNTY PA A Check List for Home Owners in Delaware County, PA Fall is here and winter is on its way. Winters in South Eastern Pennsylvania can be quite cold wit...
Comments 2
By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER IN DELAWARE COUNTY PAA Check List for Home Owners in Delaware County, PAFall is here and winter is on its way. Winters in South Eastern Pennsylvania can be quite cold with freezing temperatures and snow storms, Nor'esters usually, that can bring the area to a halt.  As homeowners, we found that a checklist can be a helpful reminder of things that need to be done before the freeze of winter sets in.Here is a checklist that may be of help to you as the colder weather approaches.  Please customize the list to your specific needs. FALL/WINTER CHECK LIST__Put summer furniture away__Plant bulbs before the ground freezes__Caulk cracks and holes on outside of house__Clean gutters__Empty garden hoses/put away__Shut off outside water supply__Mulch plants as needed__...
Comments 6
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
820 Hidden Bluff Cir, Catonsville, MD Click here to Get Directions$680,000 4 Beds - 4 Baths - 0.15 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print For more info, contact directly the Official Listing Agent, Ellie Mcintire with Keller Williams Realty at 443-418-7668 © or 443-574-1600 (o) – Have your mouse tour the house with the 3D tour - https://bit.ly/820HiddenBluffCirTour   Welcome to Hidden Bluff, Catonsville’s premier gated villa community, where luxury and low-maintenance living meet in perfect harmony. Designed for those who appreciate style without the hassle, this impeccably maintained neighborhood handles all your exterior needs — from grass cutting and landscaping to roof, gutter, and siding care, plus snow removal right up to your front door. Step inside this spacious end unit 3...
Comments 4
By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
How I Hired a $1/Hour Real Estate Assistant:There I was, sitting outside a small café in South America,checking emails on my iPad.Perfect weather.Excellent coffee.Light traffic.Then she appeared—balancing a tray and a smile that couldsell sunshine.“Excuse me... your cappuccino,” she said, setting it gently onthe table.“Thank you,” I replied.She lingered for a second, curious.“Excuse me, where are you from?”I looked up from my screen.She was young, warm, confident—the kind of person whomakes you forget about work for a moment.“My name’s Amanda,” she added.I smiled and closed the iPad.“I live in the United States,” I told her.“Just here relaxing for a few days.”“You live in the U.S.?” she asked.“Yes.”She hesitated for just a second, then said,“Can you give me a job?”I chuckled.“A job? Wha...
Comments 4
By Devin Todd Azbill, Top Rated Berea, KY REALTOR® – Devin Ramsey
(Todd & Company KY | BHHS Foster Realtors)
The Madison County real estate market update for this week shows a steady rhythm as both buyers and sellers find their footing.Here’s the data for the week: New Listings: 34 Sold Listings: 22 Median Sold Price: $325,950 Average Days on Market: 38 Sold-to-List Ratio: 92.38% What We’re SeeingHomes in Madison County, KY are taking about 38 days to sell, reflecting a healthy, balanced market, not too hot, not too cold. The sold-to-list ratio of 92.38% indicates buyers are negotiating but still motivated. Meanwhile, the median price of $325,950 shows solid demand for mid-range Madison County homes.Takeaways for Agents, Buyers, and SellersFor sellers, it’s a reminder that strategy matters, accurate pricing and presentation are everything. Homes listed right from day one are the ones selling c...
Comments 0
By Jonathan Hall, Realtor - Danbury,CT Area Real Estate~203-417-0523
(William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty)
The southern eastern corner of Danbury offers a variety of residential condominium projects. The area is centrally nestled outside of downtown Danbury to the southeast, south of the Newtown Road corridor and minutes to the charming village center of Bethel. The area is well known for having a variety of well maintained condos and townhomes. Centered along South Street and Shelter Rock Road, near the border of Bethel, this area of Danbury is desired for centrlly located with  good access to services and recreation areas of Fairfield County, CT.Active listings are followed, Community # of Homes For Sale Low Price High Price Average Price Days on Market Average Arlington Woods  0         Autumn Ridge  0         Birchwood  0         Camelot Court  0         Deer Ridge 1 $329,900 $329,900 $3...
Comments 1
By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
Joining a beach club community offers more than just access to the sand and surf. It provides a lifestyle filled with relaxation, social opportunities, and exclusive amenities. Whether you are looking for a place to unwind after work, a spot to meet new friends, or a family-friendly environment, a beach club community can be the perfect solution. This article explores the many benefits of becoming part of such a community and how it can enhance your quality of life.Why Join a Beach Club Community?Being part of a beach club community means you gain access to a private, well-maintained beach area and a variety of facilities designed to make your time by the water enjoyable and stress-free. These communities often offer amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, and ...
Comments 4
By Jean Richer, Straight Talk on Real Estate
(Royal Lepage Integrity)
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Ottawa real estate market this year, you know it’s been quite a ride. Not the wild, unpredictable one we saw back in 2021, but more of a slow, steady climb where everyone’s watching to see what happens next.The latest numbers from the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) tell an encouraging story of stability, resilience, and cautious optimism. As we move into the final months of 2025, the market continues to show healthy activity, strong prices, and a reassuring balance between buyers and sellers.Let’s take a closer look at what happened in October and what it all means for you.Sales Are Up and SteadyIn October, 1,177 homes were sold across Ottawa, which is an 8.1% increase from September. That’s a solid sign of continued buyer activity heading into the ...
Comments 2
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
The C-NOTEYour Quick Guide to All Things Real EstateSearch MLS  For Your Next HomeWhat IS My Home Worth? How Much Home Do I Qualify For 🏡 Welcome to Your November UpdateAs Pensacola’s trusted advisor, I’m here to help you navigate rising insurance costs, shifting market trends, and the myths that hold homeowners back.📊 Market SnapshotPensacola’s average list price hit $268,198 in November, up 31% year-over-year. Homes are spending longer on the market (225 days), but inventory is rising—creating opportunities for strategic buyers.🧠 Myth-BusterMyth: You need 20% down to buy.Truth: Many buyers qualify with far less. Let’s talk about structuring a deal that works for you.Homes For Sale Priced To Sell💡 Insurance TipFlorida homeowners can save hundreds annually by: Bundling policies Requesti...
Comments 0
By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today I handed over the keys to this rental!🔑🔑After multiple showings and reviewing rental applications, credit reports and background checks, we chose a tenant for my listing at 26 Scott St Bellingham this week!  Today, we successfully had the lease signed and we went over all the details for a smooth transfer. The new tenants are happy to start a new chapter here and will start their move this weekend. It's a great house that has been all refreshed with new flooring, paint, kitchen, and bathroom.  I'm glad I was able to get them in before the holidays!"Working with Kelly is a good move!"
Comments 5
By Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker, Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop
(https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com)
MA Tax Hike 2025: You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late, IT IS MASSIVEGovernor Maura Healey’s new tax proposal is moving fast, and it could hit your wallet hard. Her “local option tax hike” bill is being heard today on Beacon Hill, and lawmakers need to hear from everyday citizens before it’s too late.Under this plan, cities and towns across Massachusetts would gain sweeping new power to raise local taxes. Here’s what’s on the table: 🍽️ Meals Tax Jump: Local meals taxes could rise by more than 30%, from 0.75% to 1%. 🏨 Lodging Tax Spike: Hotel stays could see rates as high as 7% (7.5% in Boston). 🚗 Car Excise Explosion: A new 5% surcharge on your vehicle excise bill—tripling what you pay now. If your car is worth $15,000, your tax could jump from $375 to $1,125 a year. At a time when fam...
Comments 4
By Deb Dahlberg - Rowland, Bastrop and Fayette County Realtor
(ASK FOR DEB! Stanberry Realtors)
Each morning starts the same way at our house — with a glass of fresh juice. 🍎🥕🍍Our blend includes celery, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, beets, limes, and apples. It’s bright, flavorful, and full of energy for the day ahead.Buying fresh organic ingredients every week adds up, so my long-term goal is to grow them all right here at home. Bit by bit, I’m getting closer.From Containers to a Food ForestOur large container garden is thriving, and I’ll soon be adding a greenhouse to protect the tender plants that can’t handle a Texas freeze. My young food forest is starting to fill in too — and if all goes well, we’ll have a harvest next year!I’ve learned that a lot of store-bought produce can actually regenerate. Beets and celery will regrow from their tops if replanted, and I’ve had great luc...
Comments 4
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Living in a smaller home or condo doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped! With the right design choices and a few clever tricks, you can make any space feel open, airy, and inviting. Whether you’re preparing your home to sell or simply want to make the most of every square foot, here are some tried-and-true ways to make a small space feel bigger. 💡1. Light Is Your Best Friend ☀️💡Natural light instantly makes a room feel larger. Keep window treatments simple—sheer curtains or blinds that can be fully opened work wonders. If natural light is limited, layer your lighting with lamps, sconces, and ceiling fixtures to brighten every corner. ✨2. Choose Light Colors 🎨Lighter tones—like whites, soft grays, and pale blues—reflect light and create a sense of openness. You can still add personality ...
Comments 4
By Patricia Feager, Licensed to April 2027
(Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Journaling for November 7, 2025 There were 17 Propositions to the Texas Constitutional Amendments for Voters to Decide on November 4, 2025. All 17 Propositions passed. Below are the ones that impact Property Homeowners. Living and property tax incentives become even more attractive to new home buyers and all currently owning property in the great state of Texas. Proposition 2: Prohibit Capital Gains Tax on Individuals, Estates, and Trusts Amendment – PassedLegislationBill: SJR 18"The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust."Texas REALTORS® Support Because:Prop 2 would encourage economic growth and contribute to Texas’ pro-business environment by prohibiting capital gains taxes in ...
Comments 6
By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
No one works for free unless they volunteer to local not for profits or other similar organizations. People have bills to be paid, necessities to purchase such as rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries and hopefully enough money left over for a lunch, dinner or some new outfit.As real estate agents are licensed by the state just like doctors, dentists, financial advisors, however there is a one REALLY BIG difference.Real estate agents are not paid until a successful real estate transaction has been completed. Yes, there are some agents who have a retainer fee that may or may not be subtracted from their overall agreed to compensation.The majority of real estate agents are independent contractors. As such, these agent are small business owners who have up front expenditures including: mark...
Comments 12
By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
🏘️ The Big Bear STR Investment Guide: Navigating the Regulations to Maximize Rental Income Big Bear Lake is one of Southern California's premier "drive-to" vacation destinations, making it a lucrative market for short-term rental (STR) investors. However, the path to profitable ownership is paved with strict local regulations.Before purchasing your investment cabin, understanding where you can rent and how to comply is the single most important step.This guide breaks down the critical differences between the two main regulatory bodies in the Big Bear Valley and highlights the top strategies for maximizing your nightly rate and occupancy. The Great Divide: City vs. County STR Rules The most common mistake an investor can make is assuming that all of Big Bear follows the same rules. The v...
Comments 3
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how a government shutdown impacts the housing market. You might be wondering: Is it causing everything to grind to a halt?The short answer? No.The housing market doesn’t stop. It keeps moving. Homes are still being bought and sold, contracts are still being signed, and closings are still happening. The difference is that a few parts of the process may slow down a little, but overall, the market continues to function.Here’s What Typically HappensWhenever the government shuts down, some federal agencies temporarily close or scale back their operations. That can cause a few hiccups in real estate, especially when it comes to processing certain types of government loans and insurance requirements: “Applicants for FHA, VA, or USDA loans—which account f...
Comments 4
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
So, you’ve finally applied for a mortgage—congratulations! That’s a big step toward owning your dream home. But before you start celebrating, it’s important to know that what you do after your mortgage application can make or break the approval process. Even small financial changes can raise red flags for lenders.Here are a few key things you should avoid doing after submitting your mortgage application:1. Don’t Make Large Purchases That new car, furniture, or big-screen TV can wait. Large purchases can alter your debt-to-income ratio and affect your loan approval. Hold off until after closing day to make any big buys.2. Don’t Open or Close Credit Accounts It might be tempting to open a new credit card for rewards or close an old account you no longer use—but both can negatively impact ...
Comments 6
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
There’s something special about homes in Catonsville — the tree-lined streets, the historic architecture, and that cozy community feel. Whether you live in one of the classic Catonsville Colonials or a charming Ellicott City townhouse, a few simple DIY projects can make your home even more inviting. You don’t need a big renovation to make a big impression — just a little creativity and some weekend motivation!🎨 1. Give Your Front Door a Fresh LookYour front door is the first thing people notice. Try a pop of color that fits Catonsville’s cheerful vibe — like deep red, navy blue, or even a sunny yellow. Pair it with new house numbers, a seasonal wreath, and a “Welcome to Paradise” mat, and your entryway will instantly glow with personality.🌿 2. Add Some Local GreeneryBring a bit of Maryl...
Comments 2
Back to Top