Recent Blog Posts

The amazing members of ActiveRain produce hundreds of blog posts every single day of the year.  There is a wonderful mix of all things real estate and beyond for your reading pleasure.

This board rolls all day long with the newest blog posts to our site. You’ll find some diamonds in the rough on this page, so check back often to peruse the blog roll and learn from our committed community of real estate professionals.

The newest blog posts on ActiveRain

By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
El Arroyo stands as an iconic Austin gem, renowned for crafting the finest hand-squeezed margaritas and serving up delectable Black Angus beef tacos, among a plethora of other Tex-Mex delights, since 1975!Situated at the corner of West 5th and Campbell, this local favorite boasts a quirky marquee that captures attention. Daily, the billboard transforms with a fresh pun—spanning the spectrum of wit and humor—making it a delightful fixture at the heart of Austin's culinary scene. El Arroyo invites you to contribute your own puns on their website, with full permission to showcase them on their marquee. It's a quintessential "Keep Austin Weird" tradition that resonates with the spirit of our vibrant city!The laughter doesn't stop there—they share these puns on Instagram, drawing in admirers...
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By Bob Crane, Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671
(Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified)
 WISCONSIN FORESTLAND SOLD REPORT March 2024 Dodge County; Hunting, Timber, Investments! Market Snapshot for 20+ Acre Properties   Sold Properties Report Price Total Acres $/Acre Original MLS # Status Municipality County $170,000 72.51 $2,345 1784696 Sold Ashippun Dodge $245,000 30.04 $8,156 1960513 Sold Portland Dodge $279,999 34.54 $8,107 1954298 Sold Burnett Dodge $300,000 40.46 $7,415 1847535 Sold Lebanon Dodge $315,000 38.95 $8,087 1821922 Sold Hubbard Dodge $450,000 64.72 $6,953 1848189 Sold Hubbard Dodge $610,000 39.3 $15,522 1963316 Sold Shields Dodge $630,000 49.09 $12,834 1966746 Sold Hustisford Dodge $720,000 80.9 $8,900 1847147 Sold Rubicon Dodge $749,000 75 $9,987 1787757 Sold Ashippun Dodge $999,000 90.21 $11,074 1954423 Sold Clyman Dodge $1,210,000 118.57 $10,205 1957300 ...
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By Jackye Mumphrey, The Real Estate Maven® Atlanta Real Estate
(Keller Williams Realty Cityside)
OPEN HOUSE TOUR 1929 Manhattan Parkway Decatur, Georgia 300353 Beds & 2.5 Bath$252,000 March 30, 2024Saturday12 to 2 PMWelcome to 1929 Manhattan Pkwy, where the essence of "home" awaits you. This townhome is the epitome of comfort and convenience, offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. Situated as an end unit, it boasts a spacious outdoor patio and green space, ideal for soaking up the sun or hosting BBQs. Step inside to discover a grand fireside family room, perfect for entertaining guests. The eat-in kitchen is a chef's delight, fully equipped with appliances and offering a charming view of the family room. Upstairs, retreat to the spacious owner's suite, complete with a spa-inspired bathroom featuring a separate tub and shower. Enjoy quiet moments on the semi-private cov...
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By Valerie Almanzar, MBA
(Your Casa Team - Keller Williams Realty)
5012 Camino Valle Trail Northwest We are pleased to offer this truly remarkable home located in a highly sought-after gated community right here in Albuquerque! Located near Andalucia and Oxbow this home is near trails, shopping and restaurants. This home is truly special as it offers not only a convenient location with easy access to the Bosque and nature trailsand the river, but also boasts a stunning design by the renowned Scott Patrick homes. The spacious master suite, open kitchen, and breathtaking mountain views truly make this property a hidden gem.One of the standout features of this home is the fact that it has no backyard neighbors, providing you with the utmost privacy, and also comes with a three-car garage for your convenience. The beautifully landscaped backyard is perfect...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
To Win Listings!But there's more. Agents impress sellers with showcase property Websites that are 100% dedicated to their property. Their home will be available to a worldwide audience 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is NO competition with other listings to distract the buyer.   For more information, visit PowerSitePro.com or AgencyLogic.com
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
All over the world, countries, companies, and people are turning trash into treasure. What starts as old milk cartons, tires, or seaweed becomes bricks, tiles, and boxes used for things such as paving roads and building homes. In the following video we see Business Insider's visit to places like Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico, and Thailand where they see if garbage is the building material of the future. 
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Source: Statista Phishing is one of the longest-running cybersecurity threats, with the first iterations of this style of email fraud believed to have originated in 1995. It first gained widespread notoriety in 2000 with the ILOVEYOU virus, also known as Love Bug, spread to millions of Windows PCs via a corrupted email attachment. In 2024, the threat landscape might have evolved, but attachments can still be considered the biggest security risk. As an analysis of 183 million phishing simulations conducted by customers of enterprise cybersecurity firm Proofpoint shows, almost one in six recipients of a phishing email containing a suspicious attachment failed the test set by their IT department. Attempts at link-based phishing, which can range from directing a user to a malicious website ...
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
When you are relocating to Bethesda, MD, you probably have lots of questions about schools and housing, employers and recreation. Where will you shop? Where will you go to the dentist and the dog groomer. it is impossible to answer all those questions in one post, but this one is all about the many parks that you will find near Bethesda. Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to numerous parks offering a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty. Here are some of the best parks in Montgomery County:Rock Creek Regional Park: This expansive park spans over 1,800 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding. It features scenic trails, playgrounds, and the picturesque Lake Needwood.Great Falls Park: Located along t...
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By Ann Hayden 636-399-7544, SelectAnn.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties-St. Louis Missouri)
 Welcome Spring 2024 with SelectAnn.comThe market is still lacking inventory in Missouri.  If you are going to sell this year, now is the time to list!  Give me a call- 636-399-7544 to discuss.  I am happy to help!Buy or Sell with SelectAnn.comContact me if you are in the market to buy or sell or are just curious about the process.For a FREE home estimate click HERE!  Contact SelectAnn, Ann Hayden to find out about your value!For all your real estate needs in the St. Louis area, specializing in helping my clients as a buyer's agent and as a marketing specialist.  I utilize the latest technology to assist in the sale of your home as well as your purchase. Updated daily.  Sign on for FREE!  Whether you are buying or selling, let me help you!All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or...
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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:NAR Highlights Dire Lack of Housing Affordability and Inventory in Congressional TestimonyTricked-out Backyards Can Help Homes Sell For $10,000 MoreExisting-Home Sales Vaulted 9.5% in February, Largest Monthly Increase in a YearFlorida's Housing Market: Median Prices, New and Active Listings Up in FebruaryNAR Urges Congress to Immediately Extend Crucial NFIP Before Tomorrow’s ExpirationConcessions Cool As Spring Rental Season ApproachesNAR Applauds White House Announcement Addressing Land Use Barriers and Housing ProductionCalifornia Home Sales Remain Resilient in February Despite Rising Mortgage Interest RatesHigher Mortgage Rate Forecast Leads to Decline in 202...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Waukesha County 3 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report February 2024Waukesha County Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston,RE/MAX   Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2024.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Realty Center.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Waukesha County, WI 3 bedroom homes for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County? Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in Waukesha, WI since 1997.   ...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
The Difference Between a Contact and Contract is an R. Failing to be relationship focused is the biggest threat to business, so when clients are present, making them feel they are a priority and the center of attention, matters. A happy client becomes a loyal client! 5 Steps on How to Become Customer Centric 1. Listen Closely. Get in the habit of asking questions, then allow them to speak without interuption.2. Clearly Analyze. Understand the client’s real estate wants and needs. Then repeat back to them.3. Take action. Show clients that you truly care and are willing put their needs well above your own.4. Enjoyable Interaction. Make the process stress-free, as easy and enjoyable as possible for them. 5.  Be Committed. Focus on more than just the customer service thing. Make it a busine...
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By Kukun's VP of Analytics Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
I produced a weighting scheme that looked at the number of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, the Amazon rating and Goodreads ratings, and the number of sales to determine what the most valuable books to realtors are. I am curious to get your feedback regarding this list and whether I omitted any books you consider classics. Does the ranking seem reasonable? Would you rank them differently? Or would you come up with an entirely different list? [Your feedback might be used to correct or extend the list in a subsequent Kukun blog post, but your words won’t be cited unless you specifically grant me permission.] "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks, and Jay Papasan; 4.7 on Amazon, 4.2 on Goodreads: This book offers insights into the strategies and systems used by suc...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
We are excited to present this PowerSite Pro single property Website:1332McCay.comMarketed by Christie's Master's Circle REALTOR, Fouad Talout, and Jack Spahr the Website highlights a spectacular $6.99MM, 6 bedroom, 7/3 bath, 13,722 square home on 1.47 acres in McLean, VA.  Using our new PowerSite Pro platform, Fouad and Jack have added:  lots of high definition photos a detailed description office info a property map links to social media accounts and Website.  Fouad Talout has cultivated a visionary strategy for connecting people to their dream homes in the Capitol Region. From his hometown of Casablanca, to 5th Avenue New York City, to Washington, D.C., Fouad combines his international luxury real estate experience with his extended sales background to expertly and effortlessly sell ...
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By Elaine VonCannon
(Coldwell Banker Traditions)
When You See A Cardinal It’s finally Spring and I can hear the birds chirping outside of my windows every day. One of my favorite birds to see are Cardinals. Did you know that cardinals represent a lot of different things to people?   A few of the most popular meanings when you see a cardinal are new beginnings, confidence, strength, good fortune, happiness, romance, determination and one of my favorite meanings of an angel being near.  When a red cardinal crosses your path it could be trying to tell you many different things. Maybe a romantic relationship in the future? A new chapter in your life is about to start? They often say that cardinals are sent to those in need during difficult times. Now when you see two red cardinals together you should embrace their message. It's supposed t...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
 Wondering about the difference between accessed and appraised value in real estate? Let’s break it down!  Accessed value is the value assigned to a property by a tax assessor for tax purposes, often based on factors like location, size, and amenities. It’s crucial for determining property taxes but may not always reflect the market value accurately. On the other hand, appraised value is determined by a licensed appraiser and reflects the fair market value of a property based on factors like recent sales of comparable properties, condition, and unique features. This value is essential for buyers and sellers during transactions. As an award-winning realtor with a knack for navigating the nuances of real estate, I’m here to help you understand these differences and make informed decisions...
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
Easter brunch is a beloved tradition for many families and communities as part of the Easter celebration. It's a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, and celebrating the joy and renewal of Easter.  Easter brunch often features a variety of dishes, including both breakfast classics and savory lunch options.  I hear that you can celebrate Easter with brunch even if you don't get to church beforehand.   If  you haven't made your Easter brunch reservation yet, here are a few places that still have tables for you from the online reservation service OpenTable:  Clyde's of Chevy Chase The Salt Line - Bethesda Mon Ami Gabi - Bethesda Silver - Bethesda Spanish Diner - Bethesda Medium Rare - Bethesda True Food Kitchen- Bethesda Barrel & Crow - Bethesda Morton's The Steakho...
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By Bo Zivak, Nashville Real Estate Broker
(Zivak Realty Group)
In the realm of homebuying, the notion of needing a 20% down payment has long been ingrained in the minds of prospective buyers. However, the reality is far more nuanced. While a 20% down payment has traditionally been viewed as the benchmark for securing a mortgage, it's essential to understand that it's not the only option available. There are several alternatives and programs designed to help buyers achieve homeownership with less than a 20% down payment.One such option is an FHA loan, which allows qualified buyers to purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down. Additionally, there are VA loans for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, which often require no down payment at all. Other programs, such as USDA loans, cater to buyers in rural areas and offer low or no down p...
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On March 21, 2024, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that the median home value price was $384,500 in February of 2024 gained 7.7% from the price of $363,600 in February of 2023.Single family home sales were at annual rate of 3.97 million units in February of 2024 jumped 10.3% from the annual rate of 3.6 million home sales in January of 2024, but dropped 2.7% from home sales in February  of 2023. The median single family home price was $388,700 in February of 2024, increased 5.6% from February of 2023.Condominium and co-op sales to an annual rate of 410,000 units in February of 2024 higher 2.5% from January of 2024, but fell 8.9% from 450,000 units in February of 2023. Median existing condo price was $344,000 in February of 2024, rose 6.7% from February of 2023.Distressed...
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