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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 Kukun--240-483-3649 Franklin Carroll, Elite client engagement tools and proptech
(Kukun, Inc.)
As 2024 progresses, both homebuilders and mortgage lenders are grappling with the challenging economic conditions characterized by high interest rates and affordability issues. The August results from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) and Fannie Mae’s Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey (MLSS) reveal a landscape where confidence is shaky, yet there are glimmers of optimism.Declining Confidence Among BuildersBuilder confidence in the market for new single-family homes dropped to 39 in August, a decline of two points from the downwardly revised July reading of 41. This marks the lowest confidence level since December 2023. The ongoing decline is driven by affordability challenges and buyer hesitation resulting from elevated interest rates and high home prices.All three componen...
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By Mike Tolj, Commercial Real Estate Without the Stress!
(Tolj Commercial Real Estate )
Let’s face it: property taxes are the uninvited guest at every CRE owner’s party. They show up, eat all your profits, and leave you wondering why you even bothered investing in the first place. But here’s the thing – it doesn’t have to be that way!As a seasoned pro in the commercial real estate world, I’ve helped countless business owners and landlords navigate the murky waters of tax reduction. Trust me when I say understanding and managing your property tax liability can be the difference between a mediocre investment and a cash-flowing powerhouse.This article will explore some tried-and-true strategies for reducing your CRE property taxes. From the basics to some advanced ninja moves, I promise you’ll walk away with actionable tips to boost your bottom line. Ready to turn that tax bu...
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By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
You may not feel it yet, but the housing market is shifting.  In July, the market shifted from a strong sellers’ advantage to more balanced neutral territory, according to Zillow’s latest market report.  So, what does this mean for you? Let’s dive in.The Shift to a Neutral MarketFor the first time this year—and the first July since 2019—the national housing market entered neutral territory. This means neither buyers nor sellers hold a distinct advantage, a significant change from the competitive sellers’ market we’ve seen over the past few years. In July’s more balanced market, homes stayed on the market longer, with properties going under contract in an average of 18 days across the country. I know you’re probably thinking, “That’s a quick sale!”—and you’re right. But keep in mind, it’...
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By Chris Colgan, Real Estate Expert Advisor
Welcome to Falls Church, Virginia, often hailed as the richest city in America. This title might bring to mind images of places like Malibu or New York City, but Falls Church, nestled in Northern Virginia, holds its own with a unique charm and affluent demographic. In this article, we'll explore what makes Falls Church not only the wealthiest but also one of the healthiest cities in the country.1. A City Within a CountyFalls Church, known affectionately as "the little city," is an independent city located just a couple of miles outside of Washington D.C. Despite its proximity to the capital, it operates as its own independent municipality, complete with its own police station and school system. This autonomy allows Falls Church to maintain a distinct identity separate from the surroundi...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
I belong to 3 networks of many great agents across the country.   If you are moving to a new and unknown area, I can likely help you.   If you are currently in the Mercer or Burlington region and moving into an adjacent market, I can definitely help you.   I have "friends" who cover every county in New Jersey and many across the river in Pennsylvania.Recently, I have successfully placed friends and clients with top notch agents in Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Middlesex County, and another client to  Essex County,  New Jersey.It would be my pleasure to help you.My cell:  (609)  864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/ 
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On August 27, 2024, The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the U.S. house prices higher 5.7% in the 2nd quarter of 2024 from 1st quarter of 2024, and gained 0.9% from 2nd quarter of 2023 based on home sales values obtained from mortgages sold to or guaranteed by FNMA and Freddie Mac.Nationwide, among nine census Middle Atlantic Division was highest with an increase of 8.5% in the 2nd quarter of 2024 from 2nd quarter of 2023, while West South Central Division had a gain of 2.8% in the 2nd quarter of 2024, from 2nd quarter of 2023.State of Vermont had the highest increase of 13.4% in house prices in the 2nd quarter of 2024, from 1st quarter of 2024.For complete more detailed information about the FHFA’s home price index for 2nd quarter of 2024, please click HERE
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This comprehensive guide is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the housing market. You've done an excellent job breaking down the key issues that can impact buyers, sellers, and investors. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions in today’s ever-changing market. Thanks for providing such valuable insights and clarity on this important topic!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Rising Concerns: Housing Market Issues Explained   Key Highlights The housing market is facing an affordability crisis, with high prices and rising interest rates. A shortage of housing supply is a major factor contributing to the rising prices. The Federal Reserve's monetary policies and interest rate hikes impact mortgage rates. Ma...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
From my experience, rural vacant land is often viewed as the fair hair red stepchild. The RPR program focuses on residential and commercial though land is available when one digs a little deeper under Property Type. Unfortunately, the search for land also yields residential properties which when searching only for rural vacant land wastes time.This RPR program pulls its information from the local MLS, in my instance, WARDEX.  Also, the program does include the measurements of the lot/parcel size, though not the geometric graphic shape and does not pull flood plain map.  Both of these are essential points of information for sellers and buyers.The flood map is via another click through the links titled Climate Check and Risk Factor. Both of these links require further clicking requiring a...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
This is a suggestion for my fellow agents, past clients and future clients:Ignore the real estate predictions.   They are typically wrong, and they will continue to be wrong.   In my 40 years of watching these educated guesses, they are more often wrong than on target.For my fellow agents:   Work hard and serve your clients well.   Do not let the prognosticators influence your attitude.For my clients:  If you want or need to buy or sell, let's do it.  Trying to time the market perfectly to suit your needs is risky and often foolhardy.With interest rates in the 6%'s and most Burlington and Mercer homes selling in under 30 days,  there are advantages to get it done now.Contact me today with any real estate questions you may have, it would be my pleasure to discuss.My cell:  (609) 864-8164...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article is spot on! In today’s digital age, prioritizing cybersecurity is crucial for real estate companies. The strategies you’ve outlined are practical and necessary for protecting sensitive client information and maintaining trust. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure a safer environment for both the company and its clients. Thanks for highlighting such an important topic!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Due to the high levels of technologies embraced in the current business environment, the security of information particularly for real estate companies with numerous clients is highly important. The threats that originate from cyber attackers are commonly known to lead to several adverse consequences, incl...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is a must-read for anyone in the market for a new home! The safety components you've outlined are critical and often overlooked by buyers. Ensuring these elements are in top shape can prevent future issues and provide peace of mind. It’s essential advice that can make a big difference in the long-term safety and value of a home. Thanks for sharing these important insights!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Buying a home is a huge investment. You can help to ensure that you’re making a sound investment by considering the safety of any property you’re seriously considering buying. Leverage the assistance of professionals to check the six most critical safety components listed below before signing on the dotted line. 1. Structural Integrity Several important factors...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is a great article! The design trends you’ve covered are not only modern and stylish but also highly functional. It’s refreshing to see a focus on trends that blend aesthetics with practicality. For anyone planning to build a new home, these ideas can help create a space that is both beautiful and tailored to their lifestyle. Thanks for the inspiration!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP People who are fortunate enough to be able to build a home have a variety of designs to choose from. Some homeowners choose designs that are largely aesthetic while others choose designs that are practical. Other considerations are whether the homeowner has or plans on having children, their age, their budget, and whether they want to stay in the house long-term or sell it after a...
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By Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor®
(Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA)
Hello Monday. I read this article and figured I would share it on this blog. There are many myths that come up in life and the Real Estate market is not immune from them. Myths seem to get handed down from generation to generation even after they have been debunked. Enjoy the article.Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? That’s especially true if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in today’s housing market. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important. If you partner with a real estate agent, they can clear up some common misconceptions and reassure you by backing them up with research-driven facts. Here are ...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Due to the high levels of technologies embraced in the current business environment, the security of information particularly for real estate companies with numerous clients is highly important. The threats that originate from cyber attackers are commonly known to lead to several adverse consequences, including financial losses as well as reputational losses. Below are five practical strategies that real estate firms can employ to ensure the cybersecurity of their products and clients’ data.1. Implement Strong Access ControlsRestriction of such information should also be observed due to their security implications. Real estate companies should implement strong control measures such as MFA and RBAC to minimize employees’ access rights and privileges. MFA checks the user with two or more ...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
How to Make Your Home Smell Great: Ultimate Tips & Tricks Key Highlights Neutralizing unpleasant odors is as important as introducing pleasant ones. Natural solutions like essential oils, baking soda, and fresh air are effective and healthier. DIY options like simmer pots, scented candles, and linen sprays offer customizable fragrances. Regular cleaning of odor-prone areas is crucial, including trash cans, pet areas, and the garbage disposal. Embrace seasonal scents to create inviting and festive atmospheres throughout the year.  Walking into a home that smells fresh is a warm and welcoming feeling. Open windows can help bring in fresh air and clear the space. But there are many other simple ways to create a cozy atmosphere. This guide will share easy tips and tricks to make your home s...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
Buying a home is a huge investment. You can help to ensure that you’re making a sound investment by considering the safety of any property you’re seriously considering buying. Leverage the assistance of professionals to check the six most critical safety components listed below before signing on the dotted line.1. Structural IntegritySeveral important factors can impact a home’s structural integrity, including the quality of the build, the quality of the materials, the age of the home, the condition of its foundation, and more. You’ll want to hire a structural engineer to ascertain the structural integrity of the property since some issues could be cost-prohibitive to fix or downright dangerous. But during your walk-through, be on the lookout for signs like cracks in basement walls and ...
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
People who are fortunate enough to be able to build a home have a variety of designs to choose from. Some homeowners choose designs that are largely aesthetic while others choose designs that are practical. Other considerations are whether the homeowner has or plans on having children, their age, their budget, and whether they want to stay in the house long-term or sell it after a few years. Whatever the design, it should make it safer, more pleasurable, and easier to live in the house. Here are seven design trends to think about when building a new house.1. Closed, Not Open Floor PlansOpen floor plans are currently popular. However, closed floor plans are trending. Putting walls around rooms differentiates them from each other, and adds feelings of comfort, privacy, and even safety. Cl...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Flipping Foreclosures: A Profitable Investment Strategy Key Highlights Foreclosure flipping involves purchasing properties under foreclosure, renovating them, and selling them for a profit. It presents an opportunity for real estate investors to acquire properties at below-market value. Thorough market research, property analysis, and understanding the legal framework are crucial. Investors need to secure adequate financing, assemble a reliable team of contractors, and manage renovations effectively. Patience, due diligence, and a realistic assessment of potential risks are essential for success in foreclosure flipping.  The real estate market has many ways to invest. One popular option is buying foreclosure properties. These are houses that are being sold for less than their value beca...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Overcoming Title Issues with Foreclosed Properties Key Highlights Foreclosed properties can be attractive investments but often come with title issues. Title issues can include unresolved liens, unpaid taxes, and conflicting ownership claims. A thorough title search is crucial before purchasing a foreclosed property. Title insurance protects buyers from financial losses due to undiscovered title defects. Legal assistance from a real estate attorney can be invaluable when resolving complex title issues.  The real estate market offers many chances, especially with foreclosed properties that attract smart investors. Still, dealing with a foreclosure sale can be complicated. It often requires handling title issues that might affect ownership and make the process difficult. Knowing about the...
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On August 22, 2024, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide existing home sales gained 1.3% to annual rate of 3.95 million homes in July of 2024 from June of 2024, but declined 2.5% from 4.05 million homes from July of 2023.There were 1.33 million homes supplies of available inventory in July of 2024, higher 0.8% from June of 2024, and jumped 19.8% from July of 2023; while, there were 4.0 months available inventory in July of 2024 lower from to 4.1 months in June of 2024, but grew from 3.3 months in July of 2022.On average it took 24 days to sell a home in July of 2024, gained from 22 days in June of 2024, and rose from 20 days in July 2023.First time buyers acquired 29.0% of homes in July of 2024, unchanged from 29.0% in June of 2024, but from 30.0% in July of ...
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