Recent Blog Posts

The amazing members of ActiveRain produce hundreds of blog posts every single day of the year.  There is a wonderful mix of all things real estate and beyond for your reading pleasure.

This board rolls all day long with the newest blog posts to our site. You’ll find some diamonds in the rough on this page, so check back often to peruse the blog roll and learn from our committed community of real estate professionals.

The newest blog posts on ActiveRain

By Inna Ivchenko, REALTOR® | Residential & Commercial
(Equity Union )
Another successful lease for my clients in Sherman Oaks.This beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse offers 1,654 square feet of living space and a private attached 2-car garage—a wonderful combination of space, comfort and convenience in the heart of Sherman Oaks.Built in 1973, the intimate 26-unit community offers a pool, spa, sauna and clubhouse, while the location provides easy access to Ventura Boulevard, shopping, dining and major freeways.The home itself features a bright, open layout, updated finishes, generous storage and plenty of room to feel like a home rather than a typical apartment.Monthly rent: $3,900Congratulations to my clients! I’m wishing them many happy memories and a wonderful new chapter in their Sherman Oaks home.And thank you to a listing team for th...
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By Inna Ivchenko, REALTOR® | Residential & Commercial
(Equity Union )
The housing market went from The Fast and the Furious to The Walking Dead. Everything is just wandering around aimlessly, refusing to move.Buyers are cautious, selective, and in no hurry. They know homes are sitting longer, they know sellers are watching every showing, and they are perfectly comfortable waiting. They want the right house, the right price, the right terms — and ideally, a seller who is finally ready to negotiate.Sellers, meanwhile, are trying to protect the value of their homes. They see every reduction as money left on the table, so they adjust carefully, hoping the right buyer will recognize the value before they have to give up too much.And in between them is an entire real estate ecosystem — Realtors, lenders, inspectors, escrow, title, photographers, stagers, and ve...
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Shrimp tacos with avocado and lime continue to be a favorite among easy summer dinners, and I can certainly understand why. This Prime Recipes version gives the shrimp a smoky little kick, then balances it with crisp cabbage, sweet corn and a creamy avocado-lime dressing. Set out the toppings and let everyone build their own—easy, colorful and perfect for a relaxed weekend supper.   RECIPE: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Lime Slaw A Cool, Colorful Dinner for a Hot Weekend When it is nearly 100º outside, I want dinner to taste fresh, look cheerful and spend as little time over the heat as possible! These Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Lime Slaw check every box. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes, the slaw is cool and creamy and the avocado makes the whole meal feel a little extra sp...
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By Carol Williams, Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA
(Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.)
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”-Often attributed to Abraham LincolnMy boyfriend has had a job lined up since moving to Wenatchee, but it is not the long-term position he wants. Joe has a master’s degree in chemistry, and that's the field he hopes to return to.He recently scheduled an interview with a local manufacturer that appeared to be a good fit for his background. Like most people preparing for an interview, he wanted to anticipate what the interviewer might ask and think through his answers in advance.Rather than relying on a generic list of common interview questions, Joe gave ChatGPT the actual job description and a copy of his résumé. He asked it to compare his background with the employer's responsibilities, skills, ...
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By Inna Ivchenko, REALTOR® | Residential & Commercial
(Equity Union )
Recently, I attended the Beverly Hills Mayor Meet & Greet with Mayor Craig A. Corman, hosted by Greater Los Angeles REALTORS® in partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow REALTORS® and learn more about what’s ahead for Beverly Hills.The discussion covered SB 79, the new Metro station, future development fees, cooperation between the City and the business community, and greater REALTOR® involvement in public service. An informative evening and a valuable look at some of the issues shaping the future of Beverly Hills, while connecting with fellow REALTORS® and industry professionals. Always valuable to stay informed, connected, and involved in the communities we serve.*Photos courtesy of Greater ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Malibu Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Maison De Ville BACK ON THE MARKET De Ville Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1746 sq. ft. | $1,950,000 Malibu Gardens BACK ON THE MARKET Cavalleri Road | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1540 sq. ft. | $1,159,000 Malibu Villas RECENTLY SOLD Rey De Copas Lane | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1681 sq. ft. | $819,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Westchester Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Capri Villas RECENTLY SOLD La Tijera | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1076 sq. ft. | $595,000 Tremont Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Alvern Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $645,000
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By Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D
(http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com)
The media loves claiming AI is taking jobs away from people who need the jobs.  This is true in some cases, but AI also creates jobs.  Also, the people that "lose" a job to AI are frequently trained in other areas to remain in the labor force. Frequently, they are re-hired at the same or better pay scale.  In this regard, most companies will find work for good employees.The Economist magazine recently performed a study and the result was that AI has already created over 1 million new jobs in the US economy. These are skilled jobs that almost anyone can train for and benefit from.   I also read today that lower level employees of Costco are millionaires from stock options, pensions and benefits.  A friend applied at Costco and they are paying $20/hr for entry level jobs...not to shabby!!...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Long Beach Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 838 Pine RECENTLY SOLD Pine Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1030 sq. ft. | $550,000 Coast Plaza BACK ON THE MARKET Ximeno Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $649,000 Grand Villa RECENTLY SOLD Grand Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 867 sq. ft. | $550,000 Lindenwood RECENTLY SOLD Linden | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 906 sq. ft. | $409,900 Marina Pacifica NEWLY LISTED Marina Pacifica | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 873 sq. ft. | $690,000 Ohio Square BACK ON THE MARKET Ohio Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1134 sq. ft. | $509,000 Villa Del Obispo RECENTLY SOLD Obispo Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 944 sq. ft. | $449,900
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By Coral Amelia, Professional Real Estate Services You Can Trust
(https://keenanhowardrealty.com/)
  A cabin stay can be one of the easiest ways to slow down, spend more time outdoors, and enjoy a trip without feeling tied to a hotel schedule. In Sevierville, Tennessee, cabins offer convenient access to mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and nearby entertainment, but the quality of the experience depends heavily on what you book. Location, road access, amenities, group size, and seasonal conditions can all affect how relaxing the trip actually feels. A little planning upfront can help you choose a stay that fits the way you want to travel rather than simply picking the listing with the best photos.Start With the Kind of Trip You Actually WantBefore scrolling through cabin listings, think about what you want the trip to feel like.A quiet couple’s getaway calls for a very different ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Santa Monica Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 101 Ocean BACK ON THE MARKET Ocean Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 4148 sq. ft. | $11,499,000 San Vicente Villas RECENTLY SOLD San Vicente Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1542 sq. ft. | $1,299,000 California Patios RECENTLY SOLD California Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $799,000 Villa Toscana RECENTLY SOLD Yale Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2001 sq. ft. | $1,345,000
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By Trish Sarfert, Serving military & civilian relocations!
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
How would you like a $40/month power bill in the middle of Summer in Florida??? With PAID OFF Solar Panels, a Tankless Gas Water Heater and an EV Charging Plug for your electric car, this home HAS IT ALL!Better yet, it is located on a 1/2 acre lot in the gated, rural community of Magnolia Glen, in Milton Florida.  While the location is peaceful, you are only a short drive to the amenities in Downtown Milton, a short hop to NAS Whiting Field, and practically next door to all the outdoor activities you can imagine!Camp, swim, mountain bike, hike or fish at one of the Blackwater River State Forest sites- Bear Lake, Krul Lake, Hurricane Lake, Clear Creek, Coldwater & more!Go kayaking or boating on the Blackwater River, Blackwater Bay, Escambia Bay at one of the many public access boat ramps...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(The Hulsman Group of Coldwell Banker Realty)
This is valuable information for any homeowner with a septic system, not just for Montgomery County residents.Does your home have a septic system? Are you thinking about buying a home with a septic system? I grew up in a house with a septic system; it needs to be maintained, emptied, and cared for.  Montgomery County SepticSmart Week It's SepticSmart Week! Did you know there are about 20,000 properties on septic systems in Montgomery County? Watch the new DPS Podcast episode, "Septic System Basics," for info about the importance of maintaining your system to avoid costly repairs! https://ow.ly/umuw50ZMwu1 This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.   Goldflame Honeysuckle, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8700Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyR...
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A week passes. There have been a few showings, some online activity, and no offers. You still need to send the seller an update.“Nothing new this week” leaves a lot unanswered. What happened at the showings? Has anyone shared feedback? What work was completed? What happens next?A useful weekly update gives the seller a clear picture of the activity, what you have learned, and the next steps. It can be brief, even when the week has been quiet.Here is a practical structure you can use for an email, a short call, or a one-page report.1. Start with the status and the datesGive the reporting period and state the offer status plainly. For example:“Here is your update for [date range]. We completed four showings and received feedback from two of them. No offers were received during this period...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
"BUT WE'RE NEVER GOING TO SELL IT."I've heard this from buyers more than once."Margaret, this is our last house. We're never going to sell it."   I understand exactly what they mean. They have found the place where they picture staying. So why should they care whether the next buyer will like it?Because life has an interesting way of changing our plans. Jobs change. Families change. Health changes. Finances change. Neighborhoods change. Sometimes people change their minds.The house that was supposed to be forever may someday need a For Sale sign.  That doesn't mean every buying decision should be controlled by resale.If something gives you tremendous pleasure and works perfectly for the way you want to live, that has value too. But I don't want buyers completely ignoring resale simply b...
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By Linda Edelwich, Serving Glastonbury & Beyond | 218 New London Trnk
(William Raveis Real Estate)
The dynamic between overpricing and buyer behavior plays out differently in Hebron than it does in higher-volume markets, and understanding why is useful for agents working with sellers in this part of eastern Hartford County. Here is what lower inventory actually does to the consequences of aggressive pricing.How limited inventory sharpens buyer analysisIn markets with abundant active listings, buyers move through options quickly and individual properties do not receive prolonged analytical attention. In Hebron, where active inventory is typically limited, each listing stands out. Buyers who are actively searching in town are tracking what comes on the market carefully and evaluating new listings almost immediately against recent comparable closed sales.That concentrated attention bene...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
It’s easy to focus on the commission from a closing, but the more important question is what you actually keep after expenses. Understanding the true profit from each transaction is an important part of managing a successful real estate business. How Do You Figure Profit on Each Closing? (Step-by-Step Guide) A closing is not just a paycheck. It is a business transaction—and every one of them has a cost. If you want control of your business, you need to know exactly what each deal puts in your pocket. Here is how to break it down. Step 1: Start With Your Gross Commission This is the number most agents focus on—but it is only the starting point. Take the total commission from the closing. Example:Sale price: $350,000Commission: 3% = $10,500 Write that number down. That is your gross, not ...
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
What would it be like to wake up 37 floors above Honolulu?Royal Iolani 3705 offers elevated island living with incredible Diamond Head and ocean views. 🌴This three-bedroom, two-bath residence features a 2020 remodel, granite countertops, travertine floors, central air, and a spacious open lanai.The views stretch across Diamond Head, Waikiki, the Ala Wai Golf Course, and the Waianae Mountain Range.Residents also enjoy a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, sauna, barbecue areas, and secured parking... Read More
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By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
A recent real estate survey revealed that nearly 70% of house hunters admit to having a “home crush.” They fall completely head-over-heels for a property before they even know if they can actually buy it! When you first step into a stunning living room or walk out into a perfect backyard oasis, your heart naturally takes over. But before you start mentally arranging your furniture in a house you don't own yet, you need to firmly understand your initial capital requirements. Simply put, this means figuring out exactly how much upfront cash you need for your down payment and closing costs, alongside the absolute maximum monthly payment you can comfortably carry.The #1 Must-Do Step: Get Fully Pre-ApprovedI see it all the time. Buyers jump straight into touring homes after getting a quick "...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Residential Houses For Sale in Aston, Delaware County, PA as of September 15, 202616 Active ListingsPrice Range $82,500 - $595,00023 Listings Pending Sale/Under Contract Sold in Aston in August 2024 2025 2026 # Sold 22 17 16 Average Days on Market 11 11 16 Minimum Price Sold $80,000 $83,000 $50,000 Maximum Price Sold $595,000 $565,000 $630,000 Median Price Sold $359,950 $297,500 $380,000 (info from Bright MLS various brokers/agents)Aston PA is part of the Penn-Delco School District.Aston Veterinary in Aston - where I took my kitty, Sunny.Ice Works in AstonDairy Queen AstonZac's Burgers AstonAston DinerSage Diner
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