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Real Estate General Information

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Recent blogs on Real Estate General Information
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Before telling a client that a new development will increase their home's value, do the research. 🏡 Evaluate what the project replaces, municipal support, timelines, and nearby comparable sales. Real estate advice should be based on facts—not assumptions—so clients can make informed decisions with confidence. Agent-to-Agent: Evaluating Development Impact How I Evaluate a Development Project Before Telling a Client It's Good for Value 4 Checks before I call a project "good for value" 76 units, real local example 24 Yrs Oakland County experience 700+ closed transactions Quick Summary I wrote a full consumer-facing breakdown of Farmington Hills' development boom, covering what buyers and sellers should know. This post is the practitioner side: the four questions I actually run through befo...
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By William Collins, Property and Asset Management
(ERA Queen City Realty)
Why a Resimercial Agent Is the Smart Choice for Buyers, Sellers, Investors, and Property Owners in New JerseyThe real estate market has changed dramatically over the past decade. Today's clients are no longer confined to one type of transaction. A homeowner may become a landlord. A residential investor may purchase a mixed-use building. A business owner may decide to buy commercial property instead of leasing. An investor may need professional property management after closing.These changing needs have created demand for a new type of real estate professional—the Resimercial real estate agent in New Jersey.A Resimercial Agent bridges the gap between residential and commercial real estate while understanding the operational side of investment ownership. Instead of hiring one professiona...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
The Catonsville real estate market was a little quieter this past week, which isn't surprising as many families squeeze in one last summer vacation before school starts. Even so, the latest numbers reveal an important trend.This week, 5 new homes came on the market, with 1 already under contract, giving us a 20% absorption rate. There are currently 43 active homes for sale and 52 homes pending, showing that buyers are still very much in the market.One statistic that stands out is the average days on market, which has climbed to 62 days—the highest we've seen since around 2019. In fact, 36 of the 43 active listings have been on the market for more than two weeks, and 12 of those have never reduced their price.Meanwhile, every home that went under contract this past week was on the market...
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By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Your Trusted Oakland County REALTOR — 24 Years — 7
(RE/MAX Classic)
Agent-to-Agent: Evaluating Development Impact How I Evaluate a Development Project Before Telling a Client It's Good for Value 4 Checks before I call a project "good for value" 76 units, real local example 24 Yrs Oakland County experience 700+ closed transactions Quick Summary I wrote a full consumer-facing breakdown of Farmington Hills' development boom, covering what buyers and sellers should know. This post is the practitioner side: the four questions I actually run through before I tell a client that a nearby project is good for their home's value, since that phrase gets thrown around a lot more casually than it should be. Every time a new project breaks ground, some agent tells a nearby seller "this is great for your value" without ever actually checking whether that's true for th...
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By Devin Todd Azbill, Top Rated Berea, KY REALTOR® – Devin Todd Azbill
(Todd & Company KY | BHHS Foster Realtors)
If there's one trend I've noticed over the past few years, it's that rental scams have become much more convincing.Professional-looking photos, believable stories, and even fake leases can fool smart people who are simply trying to find a place to live.If you're searching for Richmond KY homes to rent or looking at rentals in Berea KY, slowing down for a few extra minutes could save you from losing hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.The Biggest Red FlagWhen someone asks for money before you've seen the property.I've heard stories where renters were told: "The owner is overseas." "I'll overnight the keys after payment." "You have to reserve it today." Those situations almost always deserve extra scrutiny.Know What Rentals Normally CostBefore contacting a landlord, spend a little time...
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By William Collins, Property and Asset Management
(ERA Queen City Realty)
  Multifamily Real Estate Investing in New Jersey: How the Right Acquisition and Property Management Strategy Protects Long-Term Value For investors pursuing multifamily real estate investment opportunities in New Jersey, identifying the right property is only the beginning. Long-term performance depends on disciplined acquisition analysis, realistic budgeting, regulatory compliance, tenant relations, operating controls, asset management, and professional property oversight. A multifamily property can look attractive based on purchase price or projected rent, yet still underperform when expenses are underestimated, capital needs are overlooked, management systems are weak, or landlord-tenant requirements are not handled correctly. That is why successful investors need more than a sales...
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By Lew Corcoran, Expert guidance. Exceptional results.
(Better Living Real Estate, LLC)
Simple seasonal steps that protect your home—and your wallet.Content SummarySummer gives you the perfect window to tackle small home maintenance tasks that prevent bigger, pricier problems later. These practical reminders help you protect your investment, boost efficiency, and keep your home looking sharp all season long.IntroductionSummer in East Bridgewater always feels like it shows up fast. One minute you’re shaking off spring rain, and the next you’re cranking the AC and wondering if the house is ready for the heat. Your home works hard this time of year, and a few smart maintenance moves can save you real money—while keeping your place comfortable and looking great.These tips come straight from years of walking properties, staging homes, and photographing every nook and cranny. Yo...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
Historic Ellicott City or Newer Ellicott City: Which Fits Your Lifestyle? Historic Ellicott City fits buyers who want character, walkability, and a real downtown they can live in, and who are willing to accept older construction, tight parking, and stairs. The newer side of Ellicott City, communities like Turf Valley, Dorsey Hall, Centennial, and Worthington, fits buyers who want space, modern layouts, amenities, and predictable maintenance. Both sit in Howard County with strong access to the Baltimore and Washington corridors, so the decision usually comes down to how you actually spend your Saturdays, not which one sounds better.I've sold more than 350 homes over the past five years across this part of Maryland, and Ellicott City comes up constantly with relocating families. A lot of ...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Under Contract | Representing The Buyer1031 Woodlake Lane | Tega Cay, SC 29708Offered at $1,370,000 Another exceptional Tega Cay waterfront home is officially under contract. Perfectly positioned on one of the largest and most gently sloping lakefront lots on the Tega Cay peninsula, this remarkable waterfront ranch situated on .75 acres, offered my clients an outstanding opportunity to enjoy the very best of Lake Wylie living. Combining breathtaking views, exceptional outdoor living spaces, and direct access to the water, this property is the kind of lakefront home that rarely becomes available. Built in 1972, the home offers 2,407 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The foyer opens into an expansive living area where dramatic arched ...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
You might have noticed a slight pivot in my articles and videos lately.The truth is, you're right.After writing nearly 2,000 articles and videos over the past four years, I find myself doing something I've done several times throughout my career...I'm adapting again.When I bought my first computer back in the 1980s, people thought it was unnecessary. Then came Palm Pilots, email, smartphones, texting, Facebook, YouTube, and countless other changes. Every time I heard someone say, "I'll never use one of those."Eventually, most of us did.Today, I believe we're standing at another one of those moments.For years we've relied on Google to help us find information. Now AI is becoming another way people search, learn, and make decisions. I don't see it as replacing everything that came before,...
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By Jim Signor, Florida Keys Real Estate
(LoKation Real Estate - Florida Keys)
Every so often a waterfront community comes up in conversation that's worth documenting properly — Coral Lagoon Resort in Marathon is one of those.It's a 25-unit townhome community at Mile Marker 53, built in 2007 on about six acres. What sets it apart from a lot of Marathon condo product: private or deeded boat dockage through the on-site marina, an on-site heated pool, and — notably — nightly rentals are permitted. That last point matters for referral purposes too. Not every Keys community allows short-term rentals, and it can carry different HOA and financing considerations than a standard condo purchase, which is worth flagging to any buyer client considering it.I put together a full breakdown — community details, FAQ, and a live MLS search filtered to Coral Lagoon Resort — here:Cor...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Selling your home can be an extremely stressful process!I always tell people, that part of our job is to take the stress out of selling their home.  I try to ease their burden by taking away any surprises that could arise in the process of selling their home.  Somethings we cannot control, but with lots of follow up with the lender, buyer’s agent, title company, we try to eliminate any stress where we can.Sellers, call me for a less stressful transaction. I promise to make it a smooth ride.
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Over the years, I have helped many single men and women buy homes in The Villages. One of the first things I often hear is, "I'm moving there alone."I understand that fear. Many are leaving lifelong friends and family behind, sometimes moving a thousand miles away. They may not know a single person in The Villages, and the only familiar face is mine from following me on Facebook.That's when we start talking about lifestyle.We discuss singles clubs, which are social groups rather than matchmaking organizations. We talk about clubs built around shared interests, neighborhood activities, bocce, golf leagues, volunteer opportunities, churches, and all the other ways people naturally connect here.I enjoy getting to know each person's interests, hobbies, and dreams for retirement. Together, w...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Under Contract | Representing The Buyer115 S. Kings Drive | Charlotte, NC 28207Offered at $925,000 Another exceptional Charlotte condominium residence is now under contract. Located in the heart of Charlotte's historic Myers Park, this elegant, full brick residence in the Myers Park City Homes community offers timeless architecture, modern luxury, and the convenience of low-maintenance living. Built by Simonini, one of Charlotte's premier custom builders, this 2,268-square-foot condo lives like a townhome, while offering an exceptional blend of style, comfort, and functionality. Designed for both entertaining and everyday living, the main level features a private gated courtyard, screened porch, and French doors that open to a private patio, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. A fu...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Auburn Cost of Living: What Relocation Buyers Should KnowAuburn cost of living is one of the first subjects relocation buyers ask me about, but there is no single number that accurately represents what every person will spend.Housing usually creates the largest difference. Your costs can change significantly depending on the neighborhood, property type, purchase price, mortgage terms, insurance, taxes, HOA fees, home condition, and daily commute.The best way to understand the full picture is to create a personal Auburn budget using actual estimates for the properties you are considering.Information in this article was reviewed on August 4, 2026. Prices, taxes, insurance premiums, utility rates, interest rates, and other expenses can change.Auburn Cost of Living: The Short AnswerThe cost...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
A year and a half ago, the move-in math for a typical Brooklyn apartment looked something like this: first month's rent, one month security, and a broker fee of 12 to 15 percent of the annual rent — often $5,000 or more — paid to an agent the renter never hired. For a lot of people, that last line item was the difference between moving and staying put.That math changed on June 11, 2025, when New York City's FARE Act took effect. The rule at the center of it is simple: whoever hires the broker pays the broker. If a landlord brings on an agent to list and lease their apartment — which is how most Brooklyn rentals are marketed — that fee is now the landlord's responsibility. A renter only pays a broker fee if they go out and hire an agent of their own to run their search.We work in Brookly...
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By Adam Chubbuck, Real Estate Expert & Navy Veteran
(Team Alpha Charlie of Douglas Realty)
What's Your Glen Burnie Home Really Worth in Today's Market?Most of these conversations start the same way. Somebody pulls up their address on a real estate app, sees a number, and either gets excited or gets annoyed. Then they call me and ask the only question that actually matters: is that real?Usually the answer is no. Not because the technology is bad, but because a computer has never walked into your kitchen, stood in your backyard, or driven the three blocks between your street and the one where houses sell for thirty thousand dollars more.I've sold over 350 homes in the past five years across Anne Arundel County, and a good share of those have been right here in Glen Burnie. I've sat at kitchen tables in 21060 and 21061 with sellers who were shocked in both directions. Some found...
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By Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
Everyone seems to have a story about when they bought their first home. The reality is many of those stories are not accurate today in the current housing marketing. There was a time that buyers would have to save for years to put enough cash back in savings for their down payment. Today, we have a mixture of home loans where down payments can range from a USDA no money down loan, an FHA 3.5% down payment and many of the conventional loans are available with 5%, 10% and 20% down. Watch this video to hear the Top 5 Myths About Buying A Home Today that I often hear from 1st time buyers and their parents. Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment down below and thank you for watching!You can subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking hereSam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
August 2026 Real Estate NewsletterSummer Is Here... and So Are Opportunities in the Real Estate MarketHello Everyone,I hope you're enjoying the longer days, warmer weather, and everything that makes summer such a wonderful time of year here in Chester County and on the Main Line. Whether you're spending weekends at backyard barbecues, exploring local parks, or taking a well-earned vacation, I hope you're finding time to relax and enjoy the season.While many people assume the real estate market slows down during the summer months, that hasn't been the case this year. Buyers are still actively looking, inventory remains relatively limited in many neighborhoods, and well-prepared homes continue to attract strong interest.Just Sold!One of my recent sales perfectly illustrates what today's b...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
Today we SOLD this amazing home in Bellingham, MA!This home has been cherished by the same family for 60 years and has been beautifully maintained and updated over time. Don’t be fooled by the exterior - this may look like your typical ranch-style home, but step inside and you’ll discover an impressively open layout with just over 2,000 square feet of space!  The extension at the back of the home has enlarged the bedrooms, created a generous family room, and added a wonderful three-season porch. It was truly a joy to show and sell! I’m a full-time REALTOR who has lived in Bellingham for decades, and I love helping people sell homes in my hometown. I know the area inside and out and have so much history to share. Bellingham truly offers so much that any family could benefit from putting ...
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