ActiveRain Community

Anyone who has spent decades building homes entirely onsite understands why the cartoon is funny. It is funny because there is more truth in it than most builders would like to admit. Weather, labor shortages, subcontractor availability, damaged materials, theft, inspection delays, scheduling conflicts, rework, and constant coordination have become so common that the industry often treats them as if they are simply the price of admission.We have become very good at managing the inefficiency. The harder question is whether we should keep accepting the system that creates so much of it in the first place.That is where modular construction changes the conversation. It does not magically eliminate every problem in homebuilding, and it is not the right answer for every site or every design. ... 09/12/2026

I still have my copy of The Union Leader, New Hampshire's daily newspaper, published September 12th, 2001, and the special edition of the Rolling Stones magazine. Every year, I get them out, carefully turn the pages, and sit with the heaviness and sadness of that day. During the summer of 2001, I was an intern at WMUR Channel 9 in Manchester, NH. I worked the evening and late night news, and didn't have to go into the station until 2 PM or so. The morning of 9-11, I woke up, marveling at the beautiful blue skies, and enjoying the crisp air that was ushering in autumn. I made my way downstairs to the common areas (I lived in a group home for, mostly, students back then) to get some breakfast. Walking through the living room, I was appalled by the stupid movie my roommates appeared to be ... 09/11/2026

Bethesda, Maryland doesn’t suffer from boredom. In fact, no matter your age, interest, or financial status, there’s something to do throughout every season of the year. Many of Bethesda’s recreational options revolve around art, culture, history, and education. There are a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy casual or fine dining, inside or out. Bethesda is a shopper’s delight with a multitude of specialty boutiques, locally owned small gift shops, big brand shopping centers, and high-end retail stores. Bethesda is home to a plethora of parks and trails, salons and spas, and golf. And as if that’s not enough, the city celebrates an array of festivals and special events. Although your house in Bethesda may provide myriad creature comforts, there’s no reason to stay at home wh... 09/11/2026

Realtors: Stop Losing New-Construction Buyers Because You Don’t Understand ModularThere is a growing group of homebuyers who want something the existing-home market often cannot give them: the right house, in the right location, without waiting indefinitely for inventory to appear.For real estate professionals, that creates an opportunity. But only if you understand how modern modular construction actually works and can confidently explain it to a buyer.Today at 1:00 PM Eastern, I’m hosting a webinar specifically for Realtors and real estate professionals:Overcoming Objections: The Trusted Advisor’s Playbook for Modern Modular HomesGet the Replay:https://modularhomesourcepro.com/training/webinars/ Date: Today, September 11Time: 1:00 PM Eastern TimeRegistration:https://partners.modularho... 09/11/2026

From the highest peak in New England and one of the most extreme weather spots in the world, Mount Washington, two beams of light, honoring the Twin Towers and those who lost their lives on September 11th 2001, will be visible to people from a radius of over 100 miles away. Let's pledge to never, ever forget the significance of that day in American history. There's nothing we can do to reclaim those lives BUT we can always carry those famous words 'Let's Roll" with us and permeate withing us. America is the only country where you can become an "American"   09/11/2026

Keeping your home’s moisture at the right level, typically between 30% and 50%, is essential for both comfort and long‑term health. Many homeowners focus on temperature, but humidity plays an equally important role in creating a safe, healthy living environment.When your home is too dry, the air pulls moisture from your skin, sinuses, and respiratory system. This can lead to dry skin, cracked lips, nosebleeds, irritated eyes, and even increased susceptibility to colds because dry air weakens your mucous membranes. Overly dry environments can also cause static electricity, warped wood floors, and shrinking trim or cabinetry.A properly balanced moisture level offers several benefits: Supports healthy breathing and reduces respiratory irritation Keeps skin hydrated and comfortable Protects... 09/12/2026

Journal Entry 9/11/2026 JFK - The JFK assassination gave Americans their first dose of reality. When it comes to vulnerability, no one is exempt. The dramatic scene broadcast on T.V. in front of ordinary citizens, the media, documentaries, and movies proved when it comes to tragedy, facts, and confusion, no one is immune. Life is fragile.  9/11 - The Planes! The Towers! The Smoke! The Fires! Life can change in a New York minute. Shared grief can heal a nation. Unity is strongest when people are not divided. The Media and politicians can amplify fear, confusion, and division. Trust is never guaranteed. Freedom and safety require vigilance and security must be balanced. Real Estate Career - It is natural for people to want a sense of belonging and a place to call home for their own. Rente... 09/11/2026

The key to your dream home is closer than you think. Browse homes for sale in Aventura today. Contact Ralph Magin, your trusted real estate agent, at 305-741-2142 or visit http://ralphmagin.com/ for real estate inquiries. #RealEstateMiami #SouthFloridaRealEstate #RealEstateWilliamsIsland #WilliamsIslandRealEstate #RealEstateSouthFlorida #RalphMagin 305-741-2142 #NorthMiamiBeach #MiamiRealEstate #SouthFloridaRealEstate #NMB #RealEstate #ColdwellBanker #33162 #33160 #33179 #33161 #33180 Think New Homes Cost More in Miami-Dade, Florida? Not Right Now. Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards. Newly built homes are more affordable than existing ones in most of the markets. That is because builders are cutting prices and s... 09/11/2026

Every year on September 11, and this year on Friday September 11, 2026, we honor the Patriot Day since September 11, 2001 the memory of the approximately 3,000 innocent victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and remember the first responders who risked their own lives to save others. We can remember and honor the Patriot Day by attending Patriot Day ceremonies.We can volunteer helping others remembering the day, help an organization with meaning to you. Improve the lives of others and the world around you, spread kindness, and offer them hope.Remember the victims we lost in the attacks and stand united as a Nation, and join others in prayer vigils or memorial events.I want to wish ActiveRain Community a Great Patriot Day National Day of Service and Remembrance Day. 09/11/2026

I have shared what I remember most about 9/11 here on ActiveRain since 2012, and have made a commitment to share this memory each and every year on September 11, so today once again I am honoring my commitment with this blog.September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget!  It is a day forever imprinted on my heart and mind.   September 11, 2001 is a day each of us has a special reason why this day will forever be remembered.  September 11, 2001 is a day we will not only forever remember the vicious attack on our country, but also a day to honor those who lost there lives.  It is a day for us to reflect on the memories, and thoughts which went through our mines as the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded 25 years ago.Below is my special memory of that day, it is an event which hit clos... 09/11/2026

Pricing your house can be gut-wrenching. How do you know how much your house is worth? You want to get the most profit possible, and you dread the idea of losing money. Certainly, you want to sell your home in Bethesda and keep it simple! Although no one can tell you matter-of-factly what you should charge for your house, there are some tips and tricks to consider when pricing your home to sell.Neighborhood Research on Pricing a Home in BethesdaOne of the first things you can do is scout your neighborhood. Explore other houses in your area that are for sale and take a good, honest look. If possible, attend an open house so you can explore the interior and exterior to see how your home compares to the competition. If you were the buyer, would you choose that house or yours? But don’t let... 09/10/2026

 Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post to Re-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Doug today, and worthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / Helping Arizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026 Market, Chandler  #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore As the Chairman of the Georgetown Board of Selectmen and a Veteran, I was asked to say a few words at our 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. It's hard to believe it's been 25 years. My prepared remarks are below. I wrote them in a conversational style, so it is shorter than it looks...lol I'm publishing it today be... 09/10/2026

As the Chairman of the Georgetown Board of Selectmen and a Veteran, I was asked to say a few words at our 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. It's hard to believe it's been 25 years. My prepared remarks are below. I wrote them in a conversational style, so it is shorter than it looks...lol I'm publishing it today because I don't want to take a chance at messing up the "future" publishing feature. Every time it hasn't worked was because of user error...lol  Where Were You on September 11, 2001?Good Morning,We’re here today to remember and honor those whose lives were taken and those whose lives were given in service.On September 11, 2001 -- 2,977 innocent people lost their lives: New York: 2,753 — including people aboard American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, as well as those... 09/10/2026

Designing a new home? Make your pets part of the plan! From built-in feeding stations and pet wash areas to smart entryways, sleeping spaces, and litter-box solutions, thoughtful design can make everyday life easier. Explore seven smart pet-friendly ideas that create a more comfortable, functional home for the whole family. If you are designing a new home and you have pets, one of the smartest things you can do is stop treating the pet as an afterthought. A dog door, feeding station, wash area, litter-box location, or quiet sleeping space may look like a small detail on a floor plan. After move-in, those details can affect how comfortably the entire household lives every day. That is where building new gives you an advantage. You have the opportunity to customize a modular floor plan ar... 09/10/2026

September 11, 2001–2026: 25 Years Later, We RememberThis September 11 marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001—a day that forever changed our country and the lives of millions of Americans.Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that morning in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Thousands more were injured, and countless families, friends, coworkers, first responders, and communities were forever affected.For those of us who remember that day, it is difficult to believe that 25 years have passed. Many of us can still recall exactly where we were when we first heard the news and watched the events unfold.But September 11 is also remembered for what happened afterward.We witnessed extraordinary courage from firefighte... 09/10/2026

Passing the exam makes you eligible to practice real estate. It does not hand you a business. Anyone who has been licensed more than a year or two already knows the difference, usually because they learned it the expensive way. I spent a recent training session on what I think is the real dividing line, and it is not talent or territory or how long you have held a license. It is identity. You either see yourself as someone who shows houses and fills out paperwork, or you see yourself as a trusted advisor, a market expert, a business owner, and an advocate for the people who hired you. Whether you are two months in or twenty years in, the question underneath everything else is the same one: who are you becoming as a real estate professional? ▶ Subscribe on YouTube What actually separate... 09/09/2026

🏗️📉 RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPENDING CONTINUES TO WEAKEN — AND THAT MATTERS FOR HOUSING SUPPLYHere's another piece of the housing-market puzzle that deserves attention.Private residential construction spending fell for the FOURTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH in July.According to the latest Census Bureau data, residential construction spending was running at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of approximately:💰 $859 BILLIONThat's:📉 -1.3% from June📉 -7.3% from July 2025But here's where it gets interesting…🏡 SINGLE-FAMILY CONSTRUCTION IS TAKING THE BIGGEST HITSingle-family construction spending fell 3.2% from June and was down 6.5% year over year.That's significant because single-family construction is one of the most important sources of NEW housing inventory.Builders are dealing with a challenging ... 09/09/2026

When you’re setting out on the exciting endeavor of buying your first house, you’ll hear the term “closing costs” as you begin negotiating offers. Closing costs is a blanket term covering all of the professional services and expenses of completing the real estate transaction. The reason this is important to you, the buyer, is that it’s usually the buyer who foots the bill for the closing costs.You can estimate closing costs at anywhere from one percent to eight percent of the total value of the home you’re purchasing. The other important factor about closing costs is that these are an out-of-pocket expense and are not generally covered by your home mortgage loan.  So, on top of your twenty percent down payment and your earnest money deposit at the beginning of your transaction, you’ll a... 09/09/2026

Keep the reports coming, with over 4400 posts we can hit 5000 posts by the end of the year! Also I wanted to reintroduce myself, I am Melodi Morelli and I am the founding member and lead agent at Magness + Morelli Group at Keller Williams Realty, Southlake, Texas.Follow me on my socials to see what we are doing to sell luxury homes in Southlake, Texas and around the areas in North Texas.kw.com  · facebook.com  · realtor.com · melodimorelli · pinterest.com/SouthlakeTexas  09/09/2026

Few things are as rattling as the thought of your home sale falling through at the last minute, right before closing. All that waiting, all that progress, out the window.But if you’re getting ready to sell, here’s what you should know: even in today’s market, it rarely comes to that. Buyers who are moving at today’s rates and prices are doing so because of a major life change. That means they’re motivated and eager to make it all the way to the closing table. According to the latest data from Redfin, only about 1 in 7 pending sales are falling through. Meaning the vast majority make it all the way to closing.And the single biggest thing that puts a deal at risk is the one you have the most power to prevent. It just takes a little smart planning before your house hits the market.Why Some... 09/09/2026