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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 Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Everyday AgencyLogic publishes real estate news and press releases from around the country.Here are this weeks press releases:Redfin Reports New Listings Rose to the Highest Level in 17 Months in FebruaryNearly 75 Percent of First-time Homebuyers are Optimistic about the Current Housing MarketPrices Rose 0.6% in February, Marking Return to Pre-Pandemic NormU.S. Foreclosure Activity Continues To See An Annual IncreaseCorrecting the Record: NAR Does Not Set CommissionsCalifornia Home Sales Remain Resilient in February Despite Rising Mortgage Interest RatesRE/MAX National Housing Report For February 2024Higher Mortgage Rate Forecast Leads to Decline in 2024 Home Sales ExpectationsNAR Responds to President Joe Biden’s Remarks on Lowering Housing Costs for American FamiliesHome Flipping Plum...
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By Hugh Grant, I help investors and consumers with real estate
(RealMax Realty)
Renovating your home doesn't have to break the bank. With strategic planning and creative solutions, you can achieve remarkable transformations without overspending. Budget-friendly home renovations focus on maximizing impact while minimizing costs, allowing you to enhance your living space without exceeding your budget. In this guide, we'll explore several cost-effective renovation ideas that can make a big impact on your home's aesthetics, functionality, and value.Fresh Coat of Paint:Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh and revitalize your home's interior and exterior. A fresh coat of paint can instantly brighten up a room, hide imperfections, and create a sense of cohesion and harmony. Opt for neutral colors to appeal to a broad range of tastes and preferences, ...
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Excellence is the standard of success in the busy world of real estate, and Xrealty has become a shining example of that. At the recent Emaar Awards 2023, Xrealty was happy to be named one of the top 10 brokers. This was a big step forward in its quest for greatness. Let's look into the specifics of this fantastic success and see what makes Xrealty stand out in the fast-paced world of real estate.Introduction to XrealtyXrealty is a top real estate company known for its creative approach and unwavering dedication to customer happiness. With a team of experts who love going above and beyond, Xrealty has a great reputation for giving its clients outstanding results and excellent service.The Emaar Awards: A Benchmark of ExcellenceIn the Dubai real estate market, the Emaar Awards are a very ...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
The media outlets and real estate information forums, newsletters, websites, etc. continue to predict that real estate sky is falling and woe to real estate agents.  Funny thing about predictions, they are usually wrong.Remember all the hysteria about Y2K bug and the 2000 scare?Then we had all those false predictions by so called experts such as Bill Gates who said in 1981 “640K ought to be enough for anybody.”False predictions create fear and unfortunately human beings are conditioned to fear, a vestige of our much earlier human evolution and development.I remember back in the 1980’s when working in corporate between the gasoline shortage, lines at gas stations, housing interest rates of 14% plus and all of those continued dire predictions. Then we had those climate predictions where i...
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In the dynamic realm of Dubai's real estate market, where relationships are paramount and competition is fierce, professionals are constantly seeking ways to stand out and foster lasting connections. Among the various strategies employed, the significance of corporate gifting cannot be overstated. Corporate gifts serve as tangible expressions of appreciation, fostering goodwill and strengthening ties between parties involved in real estate transactions. In this article, we delve into the profound impact of corporate gifts on navigating business relationships within Dubai's vibrant real estate landscape.Building Trust and RapportAt the core of every successful real estate transaction lies trust and rapport between the involved parties. Corporate gifts play a pivotal role in initiating an...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Pros and Cons of New Construction Homes: A Complete GuideYou might buy a used car or go thrifting to save money or find unavailable items. As with other purchases, you can buy a brand-new or pre-owned home. But buying a house isn’t as simple as choosing between new or used jeans. It’s a key moment in your life, so it’s worth doing your research to get the best-case scenario for your dream home. If you’re thinking about purchasing a newly built home, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. In this article, we’ll lay out the major advantages and disadvantages of buying a new-construction home and how to decide if one is right for you. Understanding New Construction HomesNew construction homes are properties that have never been lived in before and are distinct from existing or remodeled h...
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
The real estate industry is abuzz with the reverberations of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, prompting a need for strategic reevaluation, particularly for online home listings giant, Zillow. Boasting an immense user base, Zillow has long been a dominant force in the online real estate realm, drawing in a staggering 105 million unique visitors in December alone, outshining the likes of Netflix and LinkedIn.Zillow's revenue streams have exhibited diversity, encompassing lead generation, advertising, and software services tailored for agents. However, a substantial 75% of its revenue in 2023 stemmed from services provided to brokers and agents in the residential market, a reliance that now faces potential challenges in the wake of the NAR settlement.This proposed set...
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
I read that Chicago is considering a "Mansion Tax" that begins with homes that sell in excess of one million dollars. The theory is that the tax proceeds will help defer the cost to provide housing for the homeless.Millionaires and billionaires are fleeing Chicago as it is. Additional taxes typically hurt the revenue outlook because the wealthy flee. New York and New Jersey have seen this a lot as has California.As an example of the Chicago Mansion tax, a home selling for $5 million would see an additional $150,000 in Mansion taxes.  Prices in desirable Chicago neighborhoods are already dropping. Great idea to create downward pressure on already distressed real estate markets!!Alvin Lee of Ten Years After wrote a song entitled "I'd Love to Change the World". The lyrics include, "tax the...
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By Dan McElfresh, Your St. Louis real estate & lifestyle guide
(St. Louis Living powered by Narrative Real Estate)
By Dan McElfresh with St. Louis LivingExcerpt Introduction: Stepping into the world of home ownership? Dive into our essential guide for first-time buyers in St. Louis, presented by Dan McElfresh with St. Louis Living. Discover the pivotal role of title companies in safeguarding your home purchase. From understanding what a title is to learning how title companies protect your investment, our latest video and blog demystify the process, ensuring you’re well-equipped to own your dream home with confidence and clarity.A Beginner's Guide to Titles and Title Companies in Real EstateEmbarking on the journey of purchasing your first home in St. Louis is an exciting milestone. Yet, it's also a path filled with complex terms and processes that can seem daunting at first glance. One of the most ...
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By Robert Havana, Alberta Real Estate License Parking
(Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking)
Once you have an Alberta Real Estate License granted to you by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) you are eligible to register with a Licensed Alberta real estate brokerage. However, if you are not registered with an Alberta brokerage for some time, your Alberta real estate license will expire and be permanently cancelled. We will explain below why you may want to register with Park and Protect.*You are NOT authorized to trade in real estate in Alberta without being registered with an Alberta Brokerage. Trading without authorization may result in financial penalties as well as license suspension or cancellation. Here is a link where you can read about the penalties levied against unlicensed and unauthorized trading in Alberta real estate: RECA PenaltiesMost Alberta real estate br...
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By Paul Guenther - WFG Title, The Extra Mile Is Part Of My Regular Route!
(WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY)
CHANGE IS GREAT!Recently I chose to make a move to the 6th largest National Title Insurance company from my old employer.  WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY!Williston Financial Group is what WFG stands for, But I prefer We are Freaking Great!I have been here just over a month, and the wealth of technology and tools is immeasurable.If you are a Realtor or Lender in Arizona I can help you!  Please reach out, let's set up a meeting and I can share my ideas, and tools to help with your success! 
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On March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide new single family home sales declined 0.3% to an annual rate of 662,000 homes in February of 2024 from 664,000 homes in January of 2024, but gained 5.9% from 625,000 homes in February of 2023.The median new home sold value was $400,500, while the average sales price was $485,000 in February of 2024.There were estimated 463,000 new houses for sale, and 8.4 months supplies of available inventory at the end of February of 2024.For complete more detailed information about HUD and U.S. Census Bureau report of new home sales February of 2024, please click HERE
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Great information from Steve Depoe to share with us in the Rain on Closing Costs Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you're busy saving for the down payment, don't forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too. Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them. What Are Closing Costs? A recent article from Bankrate explains: “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .” Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. According to Freddie Mac...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Important topic! Ensuring safety is paramount when choosing a neighborhood. This blog likely offers practical tips for evaluating neighborhood safety, such as researching crime rates and talking to residents. Looking forward to learning more about assessing the safety of a potential neighborhood!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP How to Tell if a Neighborhood is Safe Key Highlights: How to check if a Neighborhood is safe Researching the safety of a neighborhood is crucial before making a decision to move. Crime mapping services like CrimeReports and SpotCrime can provide valuable insights into the crime rates in a specific area. Checking the National Sex Offender Public Website can help identify if there are any registered sex offenders in the neighborhood. The number...
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By Steve Depoe, Taking the stress out of Buying and Selling
(The Rose Realty Team)
Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you're busy saving for the down payment, don't forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too. Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them. What Are Closing Costs? A recent article from Bankrate explains: “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .” Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. According to Freddie Mac, while they can vary by location and situation, closing costs typically include...
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
With some minor legal reforms, title insurance could be made entirely obsolete: And the GSE title insurance requirement could be eliminated. After all, most industries do just fine without it. Few people buy title insurance for any other expensive commodity. Title insurance does not exist for boats, and it is not the norm for used cars where issues regarding title are also possible. Of course, many will disagree with this proposal: It is only natural to be suspicious of radical change.The Benefits of Doing Away with Title Insurance Requirements:      Cost Reduction: Title insurance can be expensive, adding to the overall closing costs for borrowers. Removing this requirement would reduce the financial burden on homebuyers, particularly for those already struggling to afford a down payme...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
How to Tell if a Neighborhood is Safe Key Highlights: How to check if a Neighborhood is safe Researching the safety of a neighborhood is crucial before making a decision to move. Crime mapping services like CrimeReports and SpotCrime can provide valuable insights into the crime rates in a specific area. Checking the National Sex Offender Public Website can help identify if there are any registered sex offenders in the neighborhood. The number of homes for sale in an area can be an indication of its overall safety. Taking a tour of the neighborhood and observing the conditions can provide insights into the safety and upkeep of the area. Talking to current residents can provide firsthand insights into the safety of the neighborhood. Moving to a new neighborhood is an exciting and transfor...
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On March 21, 2024, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales rose 9.5% to annual rate of 4.38 million homes in February of 2024 from  million homes in January of 2024, but decreased 3.3% from 4.53 million homes from February of 2023.There were 1,07 million homes supplies of available inventory in February of 2024, higher 5.9% from January of 2024, and jumped 10.3% from 970,000 homes in February of 2023; while, there were 2.9 months available inventory in February of 2024 declined from 3.0 months January of 2024, but gained from 2.6 months in February of 2023.On average it took 38 days to sell a home in February of 2024, grew from 36 days in January of 2024, and up from 34 days in February 2023.First time buyers acquired 26.0% of homes in Februa...
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By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.       We have all been digesting the NAR Lawsuit .We have been instructed that we can not publish that any commission will be Paid to a Buyer Agent .Nor will it be disclosed anywhere in the Listing Info .Does this now mean we must call the Listing Agent to see if there is any Commission for Buyer Agents .If so this must be done in advance of showing toavoid a Code of Ethics Violation, specifically SOP 16-16 . A cooperating Agent can not interfere with the Employment Contract of the Listing Agent.More precisely adding a Contingency to the AOS ,that the transaction is contingent upon Buyer Agentsgetting paid ________% is in fact a Code of Ethics violation ( that has now been placed in writing) .It is obvious that Agents will need direction moving forward about Buyer Agent Compensation ! 
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By Rick Cordisco, Pocono Real Estate Professional
(Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty )
Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty began humbly in a small office space with just a handful of agents in Brodheadsville, PA in 2007. Over the past 17 years, the team has grown exponentially. With dozens of Rock Star Realtors now part of team PMLR, we service every corner of the Pocono Mountain Region. Whether buying, selling, or renting, PMLR has many qualified agents to help. In 2024, we celebrate four of our outstanding realtors for ten years of dedicated service to our clients, joining four other long-time team members in this milestone:  Mary Amodea Matt CordiscoRandy PileckiJim Halstead  PMLR says thank you for being Rock Stars, and we look forward to many more years of excellent service and team work!   
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