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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 Joe and Sherrie Toth, The #1 Apple Valley Lake Team
(RE/MAX Consultant Group | Apple Valley Lake)
Apple Valley Lake, located in Knox County, Ohio, is rapidly becoming a top choice for homebuyers looking for a unique blend of scenic charm, leisure activities, and a vibrant community spirit.  We, Sherrie and Joe Toth, leading realtors with www.AppleValleyLakeOhio.com, specialize in this idyllic area, offering our expertise in waterfront, water view, golf course, and full-time or second homes.  Here's a detailed look at what makes Apple Valley Lake OH Homes for Sale, Apple Valley Lake OH Lakefront Homes for Sale, and Waterfront Homes for Sale at Apple Valley Lake OH a standout in Ohio's real estate market. A Prime LocationApple Valley Lake is conveniently near major Ohio cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron. This prime location offers residents the tranquility of lakeside living ...
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By Gary & Melynda Wolter, Since 2001, 480-269-1164, Reliable, Premier Personal Service since 2001
(ProSmart Realty)
 You have always had the opportunity to not hire a professional when buying or selling a home, that didn’t change recently, this has been the way all along.So why so much talk about it now?   You can do your own taxes, you don’t need a CPA, but you will lose money you didn’t know you lost.You can book your own trips, you don’t need a travel agent, but you will lose out on special deals and promotions that you never knew about.You can represent yourself in court, you don’t need an attorney, but you will not have the experience or knowledge of how the system works like a pro would.  The outcome could be different but you won’t ever know because you thought you knew everything.You can be invest in stocks on your own, you don’t need a financial advisor, but you lose out on the 40 hours a we...
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Alternative to the SandblasterThe Maryland Association of Realtors took its annual conference back to the beach last week.After a few less than desired yearly conferences at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino, which is located right outside of Washington, DC, the decision was made to take the event back to the Roland E Powell Conference Center in Ocean City, MD.In spite of this event being planned well in advance of the scheduled date, the weather decided to book overcast skies and nonstop high winds for the entire 4 day period.Additionally, somebody thought that it would be a good idea to dump their trash into the ocean, trash which included hypodermic needles and feminine hygiene products.  Just in time for the conference, this debris washed ashore prompting officials responsibl...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
We are in the process of selling a house that is titled to an LLC.  The listing agent wanted all documents signed by his seller, not the LLC. He did not like the LLC to be included in any of the papers.  This past week, we have been well-educated on what you cannot do when you have a house titled to an LLC.Things to Remember When Selling an Asset of an LLCWhen selling an asset owned by a Limited Liability Company (LLC), several necessary steps must be followed to ensure a smooth, legally compliant transaction. Here are several essential things to keep in mind when navigating the process.1. Check the Operating AgreementThe first step is to review the LLC's operating agreement. This document typically outlines the rules for selling company assets and may require specific procedures, such ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog covers two important real estate topics: VA appraisals and buyer agent agreements. Both aspects play a significant role in protecting the buyer's interests and ensuring a smooth home-buying process.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When it comes to VA loans, recent changes have added a new layer of responsibility for real estate agents and buyers alike. If you're working with VA buyers, understanding the new requirements surrounding buyer agent compensation agreements is essential for ensuring a smooth transaction and avoiding delays. Let’s dive into what’s changed and how it impacts you. New Requirement for VA Appraisals and Buyer Agent Agreement In light of recent updates from the VA, a new guideline has been implemented that directly affects how agents a...
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By Frank Garay, Daily News, Listings, New Construction & Education
(Real Estate Daily Magazine)
When it comes to VA loans, recent changes have added a new layer of responsibility for real estate agents and buyers alike. If you're working with VA buyers, understanding the new requirements surrounding buyer agent compensation agreements is essential for ensuring a smooth transaction and avoiding delays. Let’s dive into what’s changed and how it impacts you.New Requirement for VA Appraisals and Buyer Agent Agreement In light of recent updates from the VA, a new guideline has been implemented that directly affects how agents and buyers handle the appraisal request process.As of August 2024, VA appraisals now require the submission of the signed buyer agent compensation agreement when the appraisal order is placed, regardless of who is paying the buyer agent’s commission​.This change i...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
The real estate market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry. Whether you're an experienced real estate professional or just stepping into the field, staying informed about market trends, effective strategies, and buyer preferences is essential for success. In 2024, the real estate market continues to experience shifts due to economic factors, interest rate changes, and evolving buyer expectations. Understanding these trends and implementing targeted strategies can help real estate agents and sellers thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.Understanding the Market DynamicsBefore diving into specific strategies, it's important to understand the current dynamics of the real estate market. In many regions, the post-pandemic surge in property prices has started to level off, but...
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By Frank Garay, Daily News, Listings, New Construction & Education
(Real Estate Daily Magazine)
The real estate industry is constantly evolving, but one problem that has plagued both agents and loan originators for years is the aggressive use of trigger leads. If you’ve ever had a buyer complain about getting bombarded with unsolicited calls or texts from random mortgage companies, you’ve likely encountered the consequences of this practice. Trigger leads occur when a consumer’s credit is pulled during the mortgage process, and their information is sold to other lenders, who then flood the buyer with calls promising better rates or terms.As a 37-year mortgage veteran, I’ve seen the chaos this causes firsthand. I’ve had clients tell me they received over 25 calls in a single day from mortgage call spammers, each claiming they could offer a better deal without knowing a thing about ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog provides excellent strategies for making your offer stand out in a competitive real estate market. Thanks for sharing these practical insights!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP You’ve probably heard that interest rates have decreased and are likely to decrease even more.That’s GREAT news when it comes to affordability. It likely means that there will be many more buyers jumping into the game. However, with more buyers = more competition.So let’s talk about a few things that’ll set you up for success this fall.First, for many sellers, it’s not always about price.While many sellers are concerned with walking away with the highest dollar possible, sometimes there are other circumstances or motivations that will take priority over a negligible difference in pri...
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As the bright colors of fall fill Pennsylvania, visiting the beautiful landscapes is a must.    Pennsylvania Fall Foliage: Top Viewing Locations   Key Highlights Pennsylvania boasts a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the U.S. Peak fall foliage typically occurs from late September to late October, varying by region. The state offers numerous scenic drives, hiking trails, and viewpoints for enjoying the autumn colors. Popular destinations include Allegheny National Forest, Pine Creek Gorge, and the Pocono Mountains. Many state parks and forests provide breathtaking vistas and opportunities for leaf peeping.   As the air gets cool and the days get shorter, Pennsylvania comes alive with beautiful fall colors. The state has many types of land and plenty of n...
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By Nancy Braun, Professional Service, Personally Delivered
(Showcase Realty LLC)
Planning for retirement is a big deal. And if you're eyeing North Carolina for your golden years, you're onto something special. Its stunning scenery, lively communities, and lifestyle options make it a top contender. Our guide explains everything you need to know to enter retirement in North Carolina confidently.1. Sorting Out Your FinancesLet's talk money. Before you embark on retirement, assessing your financial situation is crucial. That means checking out your savings, investments, and retirement accounts. Getting advice from a financial whiz can help you tailor a plan that fits your goals and comfort level. Remember to maximize those contributions to retirement plans and scope out opportunities to grow your savings.2. Finding Your Dream SpotNorth Carolina offers attractions for al...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
This is a great post from Lori Mode on a rarely discussed topic ! First, know that this is a just general timeline📆👉Of course, it’s different for everyone but it typically takes about 3 months from pre-approval to keys-in-hand🔑Here’s a general timeline of what to expect:✔️Pre-Approval (1-2 weeks)✔️Home Search (4-8 weeks)✔️Offer and Negotiation (1-2 weeks)✔️Inspection and Appraisal (2-3 weeks)✔️Loan Approval and Underwriting (3-5 weeks)✔️Closing and Receiving Keys (1-3 days)Again, these timelines can vary depending on various factors like the complexity of the transaction.It’s important to have an experienced real estate agent (aka me😉) on your side to help your through this process!💬Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll DM you my free Buyers Guide with all the steps for a successful purchase👇#reales...
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On September 19, 2024, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales down 2.5% to annual rate of 3.86 million homes in August of 2024 from July of 2024, and lower 4.2% from 4.03 million homes from August of 2023.There were 1.35 million homes supplies of available inventory in August of 2024, higher 0.7% from July of 2024, and jumped 22.7% from 1.11 million homes in August of 2023.On average it took 26 days to sell a home in August of 2024, gained from 24 days in July of 2024, and increased from 20 days in August 2023.There were 4.2 months available inventory in August of 2024 grew from to 4.1 months in July of 2024, and up from 3.3 months in August of 2023.First time buyers acquired 26.0% of homes in August of 2024, decreased from 27.0% in July of ...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The many hats you will wear as a real estate agent.  As a real estate agent, you wear many hats and take on a variety of roles to effectively navigate the complexities of the real estate industry. Here are some of the key roles: 1. Salesperson The most obvious role, where you actively market and sell properties, negotiate deals, and close sales. This involves understanding your clients' needs and helping them find the right property. 2. Advisor You act as a trusted consultant, providing clients with valuable insights on market conditions, pricing strategies, and the long-term investment potential of properties. 3. Negotiator Real estate agents must be skilled negotiators, balancing the interests of buyers and sellers to strike deals that work for both parties. 4. Marketer You need to ma...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Did you know that you cannot order a VA appraisal until you either have or have applied for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? While this isn’t a new requirement, it’s an important step that often gets overlooked in the rush to move a transaction forward. The good news is that, for now, the VA allows lenders to order the appraisal as long as there’s at least an application for the COE in the system. However, this could change soon, and the VA may start requiring the COE to be fully in hand before the appraisal can be ordered. As a real estate agent working with VA buyers, this is a critical tip to keep in mind. In fact, if you’re currently working with a VA buyer, make sure their lender has either obtained the COE or at least started the application process. It's not just a formality;...
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By Jim Garcia | Douglas County Real Estate, 240+ Reviews-Most Recommended Realtor
(Jim Garcia | Douglas County Real Estate)
What is the lawsuit about?In the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, a court case was filed, Burnett et al. v. National Association of Realtors, et al. (NAR). Defendants includes NAR, Anywhere, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. The lawsuit claimed that Defendants created and implemented rules that require home sellers to pay commissions to the broker or agent representing that buyer, and that caused home sellers to pay total commissions at inflated rates through anticompetitive and unlawful practices.RE/MAX and Anywhere both paid to settle this suit. Anywhere and RE/MAX are not admitting any liability or that they did anything wrong. Both sides want to avoid the uncertainties and expense of further litigation.   This case and o...
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By Frank Garay, Daily News, Listings, New Construction & Education
(Real Estate Daily Magazine)
Did you know that you cannot order a VA appraisal until you either have or have applied for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? While this isn’t a new requirement, it’s an important step that often gets overlooked in the rush to move a transaction forward. The good news is that, for now, the VA allows lenders to order the appraisal as long as there’s at least an application for the COE in the system.However, this could change soon, and the VA may start requiring the COE to be fully in hand before the appraisal can be ordered.As a real estate agent working with VA buyers, this is a critical tip to keep in mind. In fact, if you’re currently working with a VA buyer, make sure their lender has either obtained the COE or at least started the application process. It's not just a formality; ha...
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Millennial buyers are now a big part of the housing market. As they get older and have more money to spend, it’s key for real estate professionals to know what they want.   Attracting Millennial Buyers Made Easy: Expert Tips   Key Highlights Millennials make up a big part of the housing market. This group cares about being real, open, and using technology. Showing off eco-friendly features, work-from-home options, and chances to get involved in the community can grab their attention. It is important to focus your marketing strategies on having a strong social media presence and creating genuine content. Knowing their money worries and interest in smart home features is important to draw in this group.   Millennial buyers are now a big part of the housing market. As they get older and ha...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
You’ve probably heard that interest rates have decreased and are likely to decrease even more.That’s GREAT news when it comes to affordability. It likely means that there will be many more buyers jumping into the game. However, with more buyers = more competition.So let’s talk about a few things that’ll set you up for success this fall.First, for many sellers, it’s not always about price.While many sellers are concerned with walking away with the highest dollar possible, sometimes there are other circumstances or motivations that will take priority over a negligible difference in price… especially in the fall market.For example, some sellers have a specific timeline they must adhere to (otherwise, they may have opted to sell in the spring instead).If they need to close quickly so that t...
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By Lori Mode, Real Estate Made Simple
(The Mode Real Estate Group)
It’s the LAST thing you want to have to do when you put your home on the market.A price reduction makes potential buyers ask, “Why didn’t anyone else buy it yet?” It makes them want to know what’s wrong with your home. That’s just the truth.According to data from Realtor.com, there were 326,540 price reductions in the US in July 2024.Here’s how to avoid that:Price your home strategically from the start.The real estate market, especially right now, is constantly changing. This is due to a number of reasons like:- external factors such as interest rate fluctuations- what other homes are on the market & how many of them (competition)- the season- buyer demandWhat your neighbor got on their nearly identical home to yours 4 months ago may be surprisingly different than what you can get for y...
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