First Blog Posts

Sometimes, it can be scary to write your first blog post! Luckily, the supportive community of ActiveRain is just the place to start.

On this page you will find a running list of “first blog posts” written on ActiveRain by members of the real estate industry. These new bloggers have taken the leap to begin their blogging journey. Our first-time real estate bloggers deserve a big welcome and some extra encouragement from you!

Take a read, leave a comment, and say hello. You'll make that author’s day and help to give them a great first impression of our community.

Agent's first blog posts on ActiveRain

By Morgan Gutierrez, Nationwide Investment Company
(American Freedom Buyers LLC)
Merry Christmas everyone! I just joined Active Rain. I know this is a blog forum type thing. Could someone give me some insight on how best to use this platform?
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By Norman Szobotka, Real Estate Agent & Team Lead @ Bachelor's Realty
(Norman Szobotka)
There is a lot of talk in the news about real estate agent commissions. They LOVE what they do and they do it because they LOVE helping people but there is almost always a huge misconception on what they do and how they get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊The average FULL-TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full-time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage. As a REALTOR they do not get paid an hourly wage or salary and they only get paid if they sell a home and it closes. They can only get paid by broker to broker. As an agent, you could work with someone days, weeks, months, or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.Essentially they wake up each day unemployed going on Job Interviews and they deal with ...
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By Connor Kobilarcsik, Think of me when you think of Real Estate
(Russell Real Estate Services)
What makes Cleveland so great? Why do "Clevelanders" choose to not only stay in the city and never move - but always come back for more? As a lifelong "Clevelander" and real estate agent who knows the city like the back of his hand - I can attest to the greatness of Cleveland and know that it is truly our "little known secret."Cleveland not only has some of the most affordable homes in the country - but it's forward thinking, sports fanatic residents know that it a treasure that the rest of the country ignores. Cleveland is full of culture and grit that you just won't find in most midwest cities...It's what continues to bring residents back after their time living in the bigger cities of America.  
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By Jason Lapene
(Jason Lapene Real Estate)
Welcome to the epitome of luxurious city living: Sovereign Condos in Buckhead, Atlanta's premier residential hotspot. Unveiling a lifestyle enhanced by top-tier amenities, Sovereign Condos is an architectural icon that redefines high-end living in Buckhead.Sovereign Condos' majestic structure is a standout in Buckhead's skyline. The glossy, high-rise building, crafted with modern aesthetics, offers homes that are nothing short of works of art. Every condo features floor-to-ceiling windows that invite natural light and offer panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline. These residences are meticulously designed with a keen eye for detail, boasting contemporary finishes and state-of-the-art appliances.Sovereign Condos fosters a community that is as exclusive as it is vibrant. The shared amenit...
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By LeAnne Carswell, Real estate broker in charge of large team
(Expert Real Estate Team)
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Greer, South Carolina, golf course homes offer a unique blend of luxury living and scenic beauty. Imagine waking up to the lush green fairways, enjoying breathtaking views, and having easy access to world-class golf facilities right outside your doorstep. In this blog, we will explore the charm and allure of Greer's golf course homes, highlighting the features that make them the epitome of upscale living.Click here to see available homes:  Greer, SC Golf Course homes Prime Location: Greer, SC is renowned for its ideal location, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere while being conveniently close to urban amenities. Golf course homes in Greer are strategically positioned, offering residents the best of both worlds – tranquility and accessibili...
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By Dayton Realty LLC
(Dayton Realty LLC)
Dayton Realty LLC currently has license brokers in many states that we can match to your real estate company to assist you in getting  license to do business. Becoming a Real Estate broker for your company depends on the state and varies. Most states requires from 40-200+ hours of education to qualify and 3 to 4 years experience in the real estate field. Plus yearly exams and continuing education. We can provided you with this service saving you the wasted time and  expenses, let us act as your broker of record in a state you may have a transaction but no brokers license.    Dayton Realty LLC will:  Match your firm with a qualified broker to assist in transactions and since we already have brokers associated with your firm we won't just find a lists of brokers and try to  you one. We ge...
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In the digital age, scrolling through listings, gazing at picturesque homes, and envisioning your future within those walls has become a common pastime. However, what appears as a dreamy abode online might often crumble into a harsh reality upon viewing. This stark difference between expectation and reality results from a pervasive issue plaguing the real estate industry—false advertising.1 First, what exactly is False Advertising in Real Estate?False advertising in real estate refers to the deliberate misrepresentation of properties through misleading descriptions, altered images, or concealed information. It's a deceptive practice that aims to lure buyers by exaggerating the virtues and concealing the flaws of a property.2: Impact on Buyers and SellersFor buyers, the consequences of f...
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 Understanding the FHA Self Sustainability Test for 3 & 4 Unit Properties FHA loans provide relatively easy financing for people who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. Although the Federal Housing Administration doesn’t actually lend money, they insure the banks and mortgage brokers that do. They also enact rules that govern the loans they cover. In other words, they won’t insure a loan unless it meets a long list of specified criteria. To make it more complicated, FHA loan requirements differ between types of properties. Those trying to purchase a single family home or even a duplex, for example, will do so under a different set of regulations than those trying to purchase a 3-unit (triplex) or 4-unit (quad) dwelling. To help you make sense of the 3 and 4-unit requirements, ...
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By Kamal Pillai, Real estate agent serving Ontario
(The Canadian Home Realty Inc)
Getting the best possible deal on a new home - this is exactly what prospective homebuyers aim for. And a buyer’s market is where aspiring homeowners have the maximum chances of nabbing the sweetest deal.A buyer’s market is when there are more houses up for sale but there are fewer buyers or investors to grab them. It is when supply surpasses demand.In a buyer’s market, the prices of homes for sale decrease and the homes linger on the market longer. So, sellers are more willing to negotiate and drop their asking price to attract potential homes and sell their property faster.So, Has the Ontario Real Estate Market Become More Buyer-Friendly?Starting from March 2022, the Bank of Canada (BoC) has been hiking up interest rates to bring inflation under control. From March 2022 onwards till n...
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By Freeman Wang, Real estate agent serving in California
(Freeman Wang Team)
Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty (YHSGR) is excited to introduce the YHSGR Advantage, a revolutionary marketplace poised to transform the home buying and selling experience. This pioneering platform provides a diverse array of state-of-the-art solutions, empowering both sellers and buyers to navigate the real estate market with unwavering confidence and achieve their goals with unparalleled success. Discover the Seamless Functionality of YHSGR Advantage: Uniting Offers in a Single Marketplace: YHSGR agents leverage the transformative capabilities of YHSGR Advantage by soliciting offers from a myriad of providers. This consolidation creates a singular, user-friendly marketplace that simplifies the intricate processes of buying and selling homes. Profound Expertise at Your Disposal: Our d...
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By Donna Eller, Luxury is Feeling not a Price Point!
(Keller Williams Domain)
During this time of the year, agents seem to calm down and do holiday cheer. I'm out to say in last 3 months all 6 of my listings which happen to be all over Michigan got Multiple offers. 3 selling in 3 days with 6 or more offers. 2 sold in 7 days and had at least 3 offers and the last one sold in 1 day. The other thing to note is THEY ALL SOLD over asking, anywhere from 2k to 27k.BAM! - Here's my Holiday Cheer to those of you not working, PEOPLE are still selling and buying! BRING ON THE REFERRALS - I'm working!Donna Eller, KW Domain, Birmingham Michigan
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By Ana Elizarraras
In a real estate transaction, there are a few parties involved. One of which would be the principal. A principal is the individual that is being represented by a licensed agent to manage the transaction to sell or buy real estate. There are three different types of principals. First, you have a disclosed principal. A disclosed principals identity is known. A partially disclosed principal allows for the opposite party to know they exist but the identity of the principal is remained private. Lastly, there can be an undisclosed principal. This means that the principal is not revealed. No details are given regarding who the principal can potentially be. The principal can be the agent themselves or someone completely different.
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By Keller Williams Preferred Properties, We are the #1 Real Estate office in Prince George'
(Keller Williams Preferred Properties)
Embarking on a real estate journey in Maryland is an exciting venture, but it comes with its share of challenges. To ensure a smooth transaction, it's essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise. In this blog, we'll delve into the common stumbling blocks in Maryland real estate and provide practical strategies to sidestep them, empowering you to make informed decisions on your property journey.1. Lack of Proper Research and Due DiligenceOne of the cardinal sins in real estate transactions is the neglect of thorough research and due diligence. To mitigate this risk, prospective buyers must invest time in gathering comprehensive information about the property and its surroundings. This includes researching the neighborhood, nearby amenities, schools, and any future deve...
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By John Weber, Real estate Agent, Bluffton Real Estate,
(The John Weber Team)
Sun City or Latitude Margaritaville | Bluffton Real Estate | Which one is better?A  good video that may educate you on which 55+ community is right for you. Watch and learn how John Weber explains which is better, Sun City or Latitude Margaritaville.  As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Sun City and Latitude Margaritaville are both popular active adult communities in the United States, but they are distinct and operated by different developers. Keep in mind that the details provided here might be outdated, and it's recommended to verify the latest information before making any decisions. Additionally, the comparative advantage of one over the other can depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Here's a general overview:Sun City:Developer: Sun City communities are o...
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By Cabo San Lucas Real Estate, Best Place to Buy Homes in Cabo San Lucas
(Cabo San Lucas Real Estate)
Cabo San Lucas, situated at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, offers an irresistible blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and luxurious living. With its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and a dynamic atmosphere, it's no wonder that Cabo San Lucas has become a sought-after destination for individuals seeking a slice of paradise.Overview of Cabo San Lucas Real Estate MarketThe real estate market in Cabo San Lucas presents a diverse range of properties, from oceanfront estates to modern condominiums, catering to various tastes and lifestyles. Prospective homeowners have the opportunity to invest in breathtaking residences that embody the essence of luxury living or find cozy homes nestled in serene neighborhoods.Types of Homes Available Oceanfront Villas: Ex...
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By Judy Michaelis, Real estate agent serving Westport, CT
(Coldwell Banker)
Westport homeowners: Our October real estate market figures are in: just as they've been all throughout 2023, Westport homes for sale and inventory are down about 30%. The big question everybody is speculating on is which way the Westport market is going: will it soften? It really depends on Westport commuter habits. Are commuters traveling to their New York City offices five days per week, or three? If all remains the same at roughly three days per week, then the market will follow. But if NYC office workers begin commuting to the office five days per week, our market will soften.Sitting down with a top realtor is vital in helping you understand your options. If you'd like to know what's going on in your part of Westport, or you’re looking for any further detailed analysis, feel free t...
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By Sandy Keller, Top Producing Real Estate Agent in Prescott, AZ
(Team Keller Homes - Realty One Group Mtn Desert)
Nestled amidst the pine-covered hills of central Arizona, Prescott offers residents and visitors a unique blend of a mild desert climate with a touch of winter magic. While snowfall might not be as extensive as in colder northern regions, Prescott experiences a delightful winter season that transforms the landscape into a serene and picturesque scene.Typical Snowfall in Prescott:Prescott's winter weather brings a charming dusting of snow, adding a layer of beauty to the already scenic surroundings. The city, situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet, enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Snowfall in Prescott is usually moderate, creating a winter wonderland without the extreme accumulations often seen in higher elevations.Average Snowfall:On average, Prescott...
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By Tom Hurley, Residential and commercial inspector.
(Double H Inspections)
Hello! I'm Tom Hurley, the proud owner of Double H Inspections, based in the beautiful Sheridan, Wyoming. My journey in the world of construction and real estate began during my high school years, starting with hands-on experience in a roofing and remodeling company. This foundational period ignited a passion that led me through a diverse career in general construction, specialized roofing projects, low voltage, and alarm systems installation, and eventually into construction management and sales.Alongside my wife, I ventured into real estate, purchasing and renovating multiple homes. This experience gave me a unique insight into the property lifecycle—from acquisition to transformation. In 2020, driven by a passion for excellence and equipped with a comprehensive skill set honed over t...
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By Jeff Pivo, Real Estate 3D Tours & Imaging Expert
(Pivo Inc.)
When you're selling your home, you want to make it as attractive to buyers as possible. Here are seven tips to help you do just that:Declutter and depersonalize your home. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it's important to declutter and depersonalize the space. This means removing any personal items, such as family photos and souvenirs. It also means getting rid of any clutter, such as piles of laundry and stacks of dishes.Make minor repairs. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that is in good condition. Take some time to make any minor repairs that need to be done, such as fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in the walls, and painting chipped trim.Clean your home thoroughly. A clean home is more inviting to buyers. Make sure to clean e...
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By Kim Devlin, Realtor in St Augustine Florida
(Kim Devlin Team @Keller Williams Atlantic Partners)
Welcome to our community tour of the picturesque Aberdeen, a master-planned community nestled in the scenic landscapes of northwest St. Johns County, Florida. As a resident of beautiful Northeast Florida and a local Realtor®, I am excited to take you on this virtual journey. Whether you are a homebuyer searching for your dream property or a homeowner looking to sell, this tour will provide you with valuable insights into the offerings of Aberdeen. Let’s dive in!Northeast Florida Living1. Aberdeen: Nature’s Beauty Meets Modern Living Aberdeen sits on a sprawling 1,316 acres of wetland conservation, surrounded by the captivating longleaf pines and an impressive 501 acres of on-site conservation land. The community boasts 68 acres of serene lakes, accentuating the natural beauty of northea...
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