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 Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
When you are considering the purchase of a new home, one of the first things to think about is if you will be able to get a mortgage loan. At the start of the home buying process, you will hear terms like “pre-qualification”, “pre-approval”, and “conditional approval”. If you are not familiar with these terms and their meanings, it can add to the already stressful process of entering the housing market as a buyer.While all these terms may sound similar, they are not the same. Pre-qualification, pre-approval, and the conditional approval letter share common characteristics, but they occur at different times during your journey to home ownership. Having a clear understanding of what they mean will save some of the confusion, time and energy that goes into finding the right home for your b...
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By Lew Corcoran, Real Estate Agent, Home Stager, & Photographer
(Better Living Real Estate, LLC)
Are you planning to sell your home or showcase it on social media? Do you want to impress potential buyers or followers with stunning photos of your property? If so, you might be wondering how to take professional-quality photos of your home without hiring a photographer or buying expensive equipment.In this blog post, I will share some tips and tricks that will help you capture the best features of your home and make it look more appealing and inviting. Whether you have a smartphone or a DSLR camera, you can use these simple techniques to improve your photography skills and create amazing images of your home.Tip #1: Clean and declutter your spaceBefore you start taking photos, make sure to clean and declutter your space. Remove any unnecessary or distracting items, such as personal bel...
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By Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
How to Leverage a Mortgage EffectivelyKey Highlights Mortgage leverage is a powerful tool that allows real estate investors to use debt and equity to purchase investment properties and increase their return on investment. By leveraging the equity in one property, investors can use it as a down payment or collateral to secure for additional properties. The benefits of using mortgage leverage include the ability to pay off debt quicker, take advantage of housing market opportunities, consolidate debt, increase buying power, and have easier loan approval. However, there are also risks associated with mortgage leverage, such as putting the original property at risk, incurring closing costs, paying more in total for the loan, and managing multiple mortgage payments. Real estate leverage can ...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Chenequa WI Homes for Sale | Market Report for March 2024Looking for a place with beautiful natural landscapes and many outdoor recreational opportunities?Chenequa is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Located in “lake country”, it is about 30 miles west of downtown Milwaukee.  It completely surrounds the 703 acre Pine Lake, and includes portions of Beaver Lake and North Lake.The village has a total area of 4.71 square miles, of which 3.54 square miles is land and 1.17 square miles is water.Chenequa comes from the Potawatomi Indian word for “pine”, referring to a rare Southern Wisconsin grove of white pine. This white pine can be seen along the Eastern Shore of Pine Lake.The Village of Chenequa was formed from the Town of Merton in 1928 by wealthy Milwaukeeans. The residents owned...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
It was a beutiful sunny day in Carlsbad Village and a wonderful meal with a view at 264 Fresco yesterday in Carlsbad, CA. A stranger had come to town, well, actually anyone but a stranger: Brian England paid us a visit and Jeff Dowler, CRS, Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI and myself joined him for a long overdue ActiveRain Meetup.We enjoyed catching up on life, real estate, aches & pains and of course we solved all the world's problems and figured out how to make ActiveRain even better. We even jumped in on the Weekly ActiveRain Zoom call long enough to raise a glass and toast the group!We can forget ourselves behind the keyboard, we reconnect ourselves when we shake hands and hug some necks while breaking bread. I feel blessed that Brian visits so often and to have good people like...
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By Norma J. Elkins, Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team
( Elite Realty Group)
 You are not going to make yourself look better by blowing out someone else's candles. Don't let your ice cream melt while you are counting someone else's sprinkles.  Stay clapping for other's until it is your turn to be clapped for.I am big on treating people with respect.  (That means even the people that you may not be fond of). As the old saying goes ... kill 'em with kindness! Smile at the world and the world and the world just might smile back! Happy Hump Day Everyone! The Elkins Home Selling Team with Elite Realty Group provides services with Morristown TN Real Estate For Sale and Morristown TN Homes For Sale to home buyers and home sellers in Morristown Tennessee, Whitesburg, Talbott, Russellville, Sevierville, Bean Station, Dandridge, Pigeon Forge and surrounding communities.We...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Starting the process of buying a home can be stressful and feel so overwhelming,but remember that you don't have to do this alone, I've got your back.  I have been working in this industry for longer than I want to admit.  I can help all thru this activity called home buying, don't stress it.  Just send me a message or give me a call!#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #happyhome #icanhelp #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #dailyaffirmation #themoreyouknow
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By The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos - RSPS - The Jeff Rickert Team
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
Click here for price and locationCharming Chalet on a cul-de-sac in the gated, amenity-filled community of Arrowhead Lake. This chalet has 3 beds, 2 baths and a sitting loft. Living room has hardwood floors, a stone faced propane fireplace, mini split A/C and cathedral ceiling. Dining area has sliders to the side deck. Full size washer/dryer closet. Main floor has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. Upstairs has a sitting loft and a primary bedroom with a walk-in closet and a connecting bath with a tiled stand up shower. Home is on community sewer and has a storage shed for all of your equipment.Call Heather Rickert today at (570) 972-2940 for more information!Click here for price and location
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Yesterday Candice A. Donofrio posted a question about the AI Real Estate agent JOY. I had one of those "in the middle of the night thoughts" that I wanted to share with you.Back in the 70's there was a very creative musician/song writer who had a couple of monstrous hits.  I am talking about Harry Nilsson. One non-hit but hilarious song was called JOY. Best line:Joy to the world was a beautiful girlBut to me Joy meant only sorrow.The other day, I met a girl named JoyShe said "Come here, I'm gonna make you my Joy Boy"Well, things went good, things went badNow, every time I think of Joy it makes me sadIt makes me sadThe other day, I met a girl named JoyShe said "Roy, I'm gonna make you my Joy Boy"Well, she took me for a ride, sort of a joyrideNow, every time I think of Joy I get all weird...
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By Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!
(Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes)
My attention was snagged by the notion of blank space today as I contemplated an early morning blog.My inbox shared thoughts by speaker Seth Godin, "Blank pages beg to be filled, and it helps to have them around."I thought of the Chinese and Japanese art of space and found these thoughts, "Zen artists in particular appreciated the dynamic vitality created by empty areas. They saw in them a signifier of the Buddhist notion of emptiness as the ultimate reality. In this context emptiness doesn’t signify lack or something negative. Instead, it can be understood as an energetic field of infinite potentiality. "and, "White spaces can be profoundly beautiful; full of mystery and promise, a reminder of the infinite potential that dwells within nature--and each of us. " Victoria ScarlettJan Rish...
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By Katerina Gasset, Amplify Your Real Estate & Life Dreams!
(The Gasset Group & Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
The first time I lived in Provo, Utah was in 1980. I was newly married with a young infant. We only lived here for a very short time before moving to be closer to family in California. Then we moved back to Provo in 1987, just seven years later. We lived here until 1990 before moving again to be closer to family — this time in Seattle, Washington. We eventually moved to Florida in 1995, and I lived there for the next 26 years. However, I always dreamed of moving back to the Provo Hills and Provo Canyon. I missed the mountains, the spirit, the people, and my church centrality. In Florida, I lived less than a 5-minute walk to the Wellington Chapel, but the geographical boundaries of our ward were so large. It was hard to connect and be close to each other, living so far from away. Most of...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s more affordable to rent right now than it is to buy a home. And while that may be true in some markets if you just look at typical monthly payments, there’s one thing that the numbers aren’t factoring in: and that’s home equity. Here’s a look at how big of an impact equity can have and why it’s worth considering as you make your decision.What the Headlines Are Based onThe graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare the two options. As the graph shows, especially if you’re not looking for a lot of space, it can be more affordable on a monthly basis to rent:But if you’re looking for something with 2 bedrooms, the...
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By Tim Tanz, St Louis Real Estate
(Platinum Realty)
As my goal is to continually learn and hone my skills for my Sellers, I just wanted to share that I have earned the Certified Listing Professional Designation. I have been representing home buyers and home sellers in the St Louis Metropolitan Area since 1997 - 26 years!  I am an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), and GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute).  Affiliations: Member St Louis Association of Realtors (SLAR), Member Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR), Member National Association of Realtors (NAR), Member Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC). St Louis Real Estate, St Louis Real Estate Agent, St Louis Realtor, St Louis Realty, St. Louis City and St. Louis County Residential Real Estate, Homes, Condos, Lofts & Town-homes, Gay St Louis Real Estate. St. Louis City Neighbo...
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By Andrew Lesa, I help investors & consumers with real estate
(Real Estate Agent with Realtor)
Lithium batteries have revolutionized various industries, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems. However, understanding the impact of temperature on these batteries is crucial for maximizing their performance and longevity. In this article, we will delve into the intricate relationship between temperature and lithium batteries, exploring how temperature variations affect their capacity, lifespan, safety, and applications.Fundamentals of Lithium BatteriesLithium batteries operate based on the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. These batteries consist of several key components, including cathodes, anodes, separators, and electrolytes. During discharge, lithium ions move from the negative electrode (anode) to...
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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)
Using a real estate agent like Thomas Santore who has a track record of successfully selling vacant land in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties can greatly benefit you as a seller. Their experience and expertise in the local market will ensure that your land is priced competitively and marketed effectively to attract the right buyers. Additionally, their negotiation skills and knowledge of the land selling process can help you navigate any challenges that may arise during the transaction. Overall, working with a seasoned real estate agent like Thomas Santore can streamline the selling process and maximize your chances of a successful sale. Call Tom at 845-590-5488 for a competitive market analysis today!!!! 
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
193 Nautilus Dr, Monticello, FL Click here to Get Directions$1790000 3 Beds - 5 Baths - 32.1 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Introducing a breathtaking fusion of modern convenience and medieval charm nestled in the heart of the woods. This meticulously renovated 9,848 square foot architectural marvel boasts a captivating design, featuring uniquely sized windows and curving walls that exude artistic allure at every turn. Step inside and experience the epitome of luxury living. The main building offers a seamless blend of functionality and elegance, with a spacious kitchen offering expansive views, a library capable of housing 10,000 books, currently fill with about 6000 books. The ensuite bedrooms provide unparalleled comfort and privacy. The master bedroom is situated on th...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Starting the process of buying a home can be stressful and feel so overwhelming, but remember that you don't have to do this alone, I've got your back. Just send me a message or give me a call! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #happyhome #icanhelp #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #dailyaffirmation #themoreyouknow
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Huntington Beach Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Cabo Del Mar RECENTLY SOLD Dorado Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1222 sq. ft. | $749,000 Christiana Bay BACK ON THE MARKET Harbour Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1336 sq. ft. | $1,395,000 Harbor Heights Villas RECENTLY SOLD Calle Castor Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 837 sq. ft. | $599,000 Harbour Pacific NEWLY LISTED Pacific Coast | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 734 sq. ft. | $630,000 RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Coast Highway | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 478 sq. ft. | $555,000 Harbour Vista RECENTLY SOLD Blackbeard Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 843 sq. ft. | $365,000 Huntington Landmark RECENTLY SOLD Biscayne Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | $659,000 Huntington Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Arena Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 11...
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By Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker
Here is the north Texas real estate market update for  April 17 2024.New properties for sale 511 Back On Market 124Price Decrease 575Price increase 95Active kick out 17Active option contract 381Active contingent 82Pending listings 409Sold listings 403Expired listings 44Cancelled listings 89Withdrawn listings 7Temporary off market listings 52Coming soon listings 141
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By Linda Blumenthal, NYS Licenced Real Estate Salesperson, CBR
(631-819-2913)
April 17th - National Bat Appreciation Day:Enjoy your day!Directions: Click on the link below.  Your puzzle will open in a new window.To locate a word, please hold down the left side of your mouse while dragging your cursor over the letters of that word. Release your hold when all of the letters of the word have been selected. If your response is correct, the word will change color on the word list.Please check back for future daily puzzles.Enjoy and have a great day!Click Here To PlayIf you are looking to purchase a property or home on Long Island, New York, I hope you think of me, Linda Blumenthal.
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