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Real Estate General Information

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Recent blogs on Real Estate General Information
By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Here Comes The Sun! George Harrison and the Beatles sang about it or you could live in the sun and get your own FREE MLS Search portal for homes for sale in the Sunny Phoenix Arizona metro. See the portal right here that is UPDATED DAILY! Then call me. (Sunrise Sunset in Scottsdale by Marla K)George Harrison and the Beatles sang "Here Comes the Sun!" Now, you can live it. (Photo: Dobbins Lookout Point, Phoenix Parks and Recreation website) Look and find your next home in Sunny Phoenix metro and the "Valley of the Sun"UPDATED DAILY Homes For Sale on Your FREE MLS Portal in the Phoenix Arizona MetroClick "Sort" and view in price order lowest to highest with hundreds of sort criteria and ALWAYS UP TO DATE Phoenix Arizona Metro Detached Homes on the MLS for a FULL-PAGE view with pictures, p...
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By Susan Isaacs, Real Estate Strategist, Washington DC | N Virginia Top Agent
(Compass)
Redfin’s April 2026 housing report is being touted as proof that the DC real estate market will soon be in the pink. But before homeowners and buyers get too starry-eyed, it’s important to understand why Redfin’s forecast may be shaded with too much optimism. The report highlights a buyer’s market in the DC Metro Area, with sellers outnumbering buyers by nearly 20%. At face value, that suggests great negotiating power for buyers in DC, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding counties, and at least the illusion of greater choice. Why do I say ‘illusion’? Because prices continue to rise throughout the area, which--coupled with mortgage interest rates above 6% and uncertain economic conditions--feels less like “choice” and more like a challenge. Buried midway through its forecast, the Redf...
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By Devin Todd Azbill, Top Rated Berea, KY REALTOR® – Devin Todd Azbill
(Todd & Company KY | BHHS Foster Realtors)
If you work in real estate around Berea or Richmond long enough, you start noticing a pattern:A lot of renters are financially responsible… but still struggle to qualify for a mortgage under traditional lending standards.That’s why this recent mortgage industry change is worth paying attention to.Recently, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac expanded the use of newer credit scoring models that may allow lenders to factor in positive rental payment history when evaluating borrowers.For many buyers in Madison County, this could become meaningful.Especially for: First-time homebuyers Younger buyers Self-employed borrowers Gig workers Renters with thin credit files Buyers rebuilding credit For years, many renters consistently paid rent on time every month without receiving much positive impact on th...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
For sale: Lot 1 Jericho Trail, ideally situated on a dead-end street in the peaceful Royal Trails community, with no time limit to build. Enjoy added privacy with a 40-acre property to the north and state land behind the lot, offering beautiful natural views and no rear neighbors. Measuring approximately 148 x 293, this spacious parcel provides plenty of room for your dream home, pool, and detached workshop. Residents enjoy miles of public maintained roads, perfect for biking and walking, along with deeded access to Lake Norris and Lake Marion. The HOA is $92 a year. Royal Trails is a deed-restricted community with no mobile, modular, or manufactured homes permitted. Come see the potential and beauty of this property for yourself—drive by today. Enjoy the virtual tour to see more!VIRTUA...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Best Auburn REALTOR®? Here’s What Actually Matters Best Auburn REALTOR® is one of the most searched phrases by buyers and sellers moving to Auburn, Alabama—and honestly, I understand why. Choosing the right REALTOR® can completely change your experience, especially in a fast-growing market like Auburn and Opelika. A lot of people assume all REALTORS® basically do the same thing. But the truth is:Local experience matters.Communication matters.Negotiation matters.Market knowledge matters. And in Auburn real estate, neighborhood knowledge matters A LOT. Because different areas of Auburn and Opelika can feel completely different depending on your lifestyle, goals, commute, and budget. Local Experience Matters More Than People Realize Auburn is growing quickly. New construction is expanding...
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By Mike & Cindy Jones, Real Estate - (904) 874-0422 - Jacksonville, Fl
(Florida Homes Realty & Mortgage)
If you’ve been researching the best places to live in Northeast Florida, there’s a good chance Ponte Vedra Beach keeps showing up—and for good reason.I recently filmed a new video highlighting what makes Ponte Vedra Beach one of the most desirable coastal communities in the Jacksonville area. From beautiful beaches and golf course communities to luxury homes and top-rated schools, this area continues to attract buyers relocating from all over the country.What many people love most about Ponte Vedra Beach is the lifestyle. It offers a quieter and more upscale coastal feel compared to some other beach communities while still being close to Jacksonville, St. Augustine, shopping, dining, and entertainment.For buyers, Ponte Vedra Beach offers:✔ Oceanfront and waterfront homes✔ Golf course co...
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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)
May 20 2026, Celebrating my 72nd birthday. Any great ideas? To help me celebrate.There are a lot of great ways to celebrate, especially if you want the day to feel memorable rather than just busy. Here are a few ideas depending on the kind of day you want:Relaxed and Meaningful Take a scenic drive through the Hudson Valley, stopping at favorite towns, overlooks, or restaurants. Have a small dinner with close friends or family and ask everyone to share one favorite memory or story. Spend the day doing something you rarely make time for — golf, fishing, walking land, photography, antiques, or a quiet lunch somewhere with a view. Experience-Focused Book a weekend getaway in the Hudson Valley, the Berkshires, or coastal New England. Take a dinner cruise on the Hudson River. Try something ne...
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By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
Watch the video:https://youtube.com/shorts/2v3kSSuEv0IYou know a location is ridiculous when your biggest problem is deciding whether you’re walking to tacos, pizza, sushi, brunch, coffee, or ice cream. The hardships of Catonsville life. Truly devastating.Perfectly positioned just moments from downtown Catonsville, 18 S. Beaumont Ave puts you right in the heart of everything people love about this community. Walk to over 20 local restaurants, grab coffee on Frederick Road, spend a Sunday morning at the farmers market, stroll to the library, hop onto the trolley trails, and enjoy the music, festivals, and energy that make Catonsville feel like home.But what makes this property truly special is the story behind it.When the owners realized they had outgrown the location they loved, they di...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?”With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on the few places seeing slight declines right now.When you zoom out and look at the full picture, home prices usually rise over time.What the Data Really ShowsTake a look at the visual below. It uses data from Case-Shiller and Bilello to show how home prices have changed year by year going all the way back to the 1950s.Here’s the key takeaway.Outside of the housing crash, home prices have either held steady or increased in just about every year for decades (see visual below): That’s a remarkably c...
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By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
There is a growing trend in real estate that deserves a serious conversation. Buyer and seller cannot quite agree on price?“Can the Realtor reduce their commission?”Inspection negotiations get tense?“Maybe the agent can help cover it.”Appraisal comes in low?“Can the Realtor chip in?”Closing costs feel high?“Can the agent reduce their fee?”Everyone starts looking at the Realtor as though they are the one “holding the deal up.” People say things like, “Everything else has been agreed to,” as if the transaction is fully together except for the agent’s compensation. But that is not actually true. If someone is demanding that commission be reduced to make the numbers work, then the reality is the buyer and seller still have not fully agreed on the purchase price and terms. What is really bei...
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By Doug Dawes, Your Personal Realtor®
(Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA)
Everything has options. If your plan isn't working or doesn't work the way you envisioned, then stop and find a different option to use. You DO have options!Now, option finding becomes easier to do if you have a professional team working beside you. People such as a Realtor®, Lender, Attorney, Insurance Agent, etc. have experienced the markets in ways you are unaware of. SO, always keep your mind open to options AND Listen.Enjoy the article, and happy house hunting. Listings are up significantly. More Options Are Popping Up This Spring Did you try to buy a home last year, but you ended up pressing pause? Maybe you couldn’t find a home that really fit your needs. Or maybe the ones you liked just weren’t affordable. According to a recent survey from NerdWallet, those were the top two reas...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
PUT Charles In Charge™ | Pensacola • Pace • Gulf BreezeKevin Warsh has officially stepped in as the new Chair of the Federal Reserve, taking over during one of the most politically tense moments in recent memory. He replaces Jerome Powell, who will remain on the Fed’s board — an unusual dynamic that guarantees a complicated start to Warsh’s tenure.Why This MattersWarsh is stepping into a divided Federal Open Market Committee. Several Fed presidents are signaling they believe the next move might need to be a rate hike, not a cut, especially with inflation rising again and the job market still strong. That means Warsh can’t simply lower rates even if he wants to — he only gets one vote.At the same time, he must prove to markets that he’s independent and not influenced by political pressur...
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By Betty Garcia Doral-Miami Realtor® (786) 229-3636, Miami-Doral-Kendall- Coral Gables(786) 229-3636
(17thRealty.com Miami Dade & Broward)
Neighborhood Guide · Homestead Florida · 17th RealtyHomestead, Florida: Why Smart Buyers Are Heading SouthMore space, better value, national parks at your door, and communities that actually feel like home. Here is what you need to know about Homestead real estate.By: Betty Garcia · REALTOR® · 17th Realty · Miami Betty Garcia, Realtor® 17th Realty · Miami-Dade & Broward · 25+ Years · 786-229-3636 Browse current Homestead homes for sale — single-family homes, gated communities, townhomes and acreage updated daily from the MLS. Every week I get calls from buyers who have been searching Doral, Kendall, and Coral Gables and keep hitting the same wall: too much money for too little space. My answer is always the same. Have you looked at Homestead? The silence on the other end of the phone te...
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By Kelly McGovern, Working with Kelly is a good move
(Realty Concierge International)
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of helping repeat clients sell their home and purchase another. We all know that doing both can be stressful and time-consuming, so everyone involved needs to be on point, organized, and ready to make it happen seamlessly.This transaction was a success from day one. We listed their home the day before a blizzard, had over a dozen showings in three feet of snow just two days later, and received multiple offers. At the same time, we toured a home for them to buy, made an offer contingent on their sale, and got it accepted.The stars truly aligned.This family was amazing - they followed every bit of advice, got all their documentation to the lender right away, and met every deadline perfectly. They were an absolute joy to work with! Receiving their ...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Are you ready to downsize and retire? Plowed you last acre back east? How about retiring in the VALLEY OF THE SUN? We have SO MANY homes for sale just for you in the Phoenix Arizona metro area. Many with GREAT golf within the 55+ communities. (American Gothic, by Grant Wood 1930)Ready to finally settle down in Arizona? (Arizona sunset, Pixabay)I love helping Senior find the right home in one of older tested or the latest Age restricted neighborhoods detached homes for sale in Phoenix metro and always up to date when you are reading this. Give me a call or text 480-242-6500, I can help you find the right home at the right price.Ready to downsize in a place without snow and plenty of things to do. Are you 55+ and looking for an age restricted neighborhood in the Sunny Phoenix Arizona Metr...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Foreclosures are up, but don't panic.Yes, filings have risen over the past year. But zoom out and look at the full picture.We're still below historical norms – and nowhere near levels seen around 2008. This isn't a crash. It's the market returning to normal after foreclosures were artificially low during the pandemic.And here's something else worth knowing. These are filings. Not all of them will actually turn into completed foreclosures.If you've been hearing a lot about this lately and want to make sense of what it means, drop a comment or send me a DM. Happy to talk it through. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the...
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By Kathy Hyatt, PA Realtor® Plantation-Davie-Sunrise, Broward Realtor Selling Plantation,Davie & Sunrise
(Remax Services)
🌊 Hillsboro Lighthouse Point, Florida – Coastal Living at Its Finest                                  📍: 907 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL✨If you are looking for that Perfect Blend of South Florida Luxury, History, and Waterfront Living, Hillsboro Lighthouse Point is a hidden gem 💎 you need to know about.✨Nestled between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic, this area offers boating access, pristine beaches, and some of the most exclusive homes in Broward County.✨Thinking about calling 🌴 South Florida 🌴Home? Inquire with Kathy for exclusive opportunities in this area.  Kathy Hyatt is a South Florida Realtor Helping People Buy and Sell Homes in Broward County and Palm Beach County Florida.✨👱‍♀️Kathy Hyatt – Realtor📲📞954-347-0244📨📧 Kathy@HyattRealtors.com✨#HillsboroMile #HillsboroBeach...
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By Victor Amadi, Greenville SC Realtor
(PRODUCER Realty, LLC)
The latest Greenville SC real estate market update reveals a housing landscape that is steadily balancing after years of rapid shifts. While national trends continue to show cooling demand and affordability pressure, the local Greenville SC housing market is showing a more active and opportunity-rich environment for both buyers and sellers. In this month’s report, we break down what’s happening nationally, what’s driving the local numbers, and what it all means for you if you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Upstate South Carolina. U.S. Real Estate Market OverviewThe broader U.S. real estate market update shows continued cooling in sales activity. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), existing-home sales declined 3.6% month-over-month and 1.0% year-over-year, rea...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Don't Let Your Real Estate Dreams Become a Digital Nightmare: Protecting Your Move in 2026The mountain air in Big Bear Lake and Fawnskin is crisp, and the lifestyle is unbeatable, but there’s a different kind of "wildlife" home buyers need to watch out for this year: cyber criminals.While we are seeing a massive "mountain pivot" where buyers are trading city streets for hiking trails, a recent report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reminds us that the digital world follows us wherever we go.The Reality of Real Estate Fraud in 2026According to the latest FBI data, online real estate fraud climbed to a staggering $275 million in 2025. With over 12,000 complaints filed, it’s clear that scammers are becoming more sophisticated, often using AI technology to create convin...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Here’s your opportunity to tour FOUR homes at once in Cole Creek!Join us for a Neighborhood Open House in Fort Mill, SC this Sunday and compare multiple townhomes for sale in one easy visit. Whether you’re actively searching or just starting to explore, this is a great way to see what Cole Creek has to offer.🗓 Sunday, May 17, 2026⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM📍 Cole Creek | Fort Mill, SC✨ 4 townhomes open✨ Different layouts, price points, and features✨ No appointment needed—just stop byCole Creek in Fort Mill is ideally located just minutes from Pineville and Ballantyne, offering a low-maintenance lifestyle.  The community features a pool for warm days and sidewalks perfect for walking your dog or an evening stroll. With easy access to shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, it’s a location ...
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