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 Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
DENVER METRO MARKET WATCH Greater Denver Metro Counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and ParkHighlights June 2025 1 |  MARKET WATCH – June 2025 © REcolorado 2025. All Rights Reserved. 4,004 Closed Listings $609,925 Median Closed Price 19 Median Days In MLS 4,058 Pending Listings $732,660 Average Closed Price 38 Average Days In MLS 5,894 New Listings 13,790 Active Listings 15 Weeks of Inventory Year-Over-Year Insights The Denver Metro housing market remained steady in June. Closed listings have increased by 5%, and pending listings are up 6%, both pointing to strong buyer activity. The median closed price rose slightly by 2%, indicating continued, if modest, home value appreciation. Sellers are responding by bringing new ...
Comments 4
By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
Kickstart your morning with a quick brain stretch!This little puzzle is a great way to get your mind moving and ready for the day.Even if you don’t get it right, your dendrites are waking up and doing their job! 🧠💪Answer for Friday How far can a dog run into the woods? Answer: Halfway, after that, it’s running out.  Brain Buster for Saturday, July 12 How can you throw a ball and have it come back to you without hitting anything?
Comments 5
By Jerry Newman, Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation
(Brown Realty, 210-789-4216,)
The Northwest San Antonio real estate market in 2025 is showing strong signs of growth, fueled by a blend of economic expansion, population influx, and increased demand for housing. This vibrant region—home to communities like Alamo Ranch, Helotes, and The Dominion—is attracting attention from both homebuyers and investors alike.One of the biggest drivers of growth in Northwest San Antonio is the area’s proximity to major employers such as USAA, Valero, and the South Texas Medical Center. Additionally, top-rated schools and expanding infrastructure, including the Loop 1604 and Highway 151 corridors, make this region especially appealing for families and professionals.Home values have continued to appreciate steadily, with median home prices rising approximately 5-7% year-over-year as of...
Comments 6
By Mike Colpitts, Providing Customer Service the old-fashioned way!
(RealtyOne MVP )
An increasing number of consumers feel it’s a good time to buy a home, according to a new Fannie Mae survey. The poll shows growing consumer confidence in housing, with 5 percent more saying it is a good time to buy over May in the national housing survey.“The share of respondents who indicate that now is a good time to buy has been steadily increasing in recent months, reaching 28% in June, the highest level in over two years,” said Joel Berner, a Realtor.com economist. “This shows that buyers are responding to changing market conditions, namely that for-sale inventory is significantly improved, home prices are flat and price reductions are widespread.“For those with equity in their current home who are looking to downsize or those with cash on hand (in other words, those least affecte...
Comments 6
On July 10, 2025, Realtor.com reported on the nationwide median weekly housing trends for the week ending July 5, 2025.Total available listings jumped 26.7% for the week ending July 5, 2025, from the same period of time in July of 2024.Time on the market increased 7 days for the week ending July 5, 2025, from the same period of time in July of 2024.Median listing prices gained 0.2% for the week ending July 5, 2025, from the same period of time in July of 2024.New listing in the market higher 9.3% for the week ending July 5, 2025, from the same period of time in July of 2024.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for the week ending in July 5, 2025, please click HERE
Comments 4
By Joan Cox, Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time
(House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373)
I heard recently before the Amazon deal days, there was a way to check the prices of the things you were thinking of purchasing.Knowing if it is a REAL DEAL is a good thing to be able to look up!   I know I am not buying anything right now, as I am not bringing much (3 suitcases) to Portugal, so my purchasing is very limited right now.To check these prices - check out CamelCamelCamel to see the price tracker and alerting you to good deals on products you love.
Comments 23
By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
If your kitchen isn’t smelling as fresh as you’d like, there are a few simple things you can do right away. Run water down rarely used drains to refill the P-trap and block odors from coming up. Clean your garbage disposal with lemon slices or baking soda and vinegar. Take out the trash regularly, and wipe down surfaces where food scraps or grease can linger. These quick steps can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen smelling clean and inviting. #realestate #realestateagent #buying #selling #listreports #realestateexpert #financehub #homeowner
Comments 4
By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
This is my second entry in the July 2025 ActiveRain Challenge.A big thank you to our thoughtful hosts, Lew Corcoran and Patricia Feager!Change is constant in real estate, and with change comes growth.When I started my real estate journey 33 years ago, I dove headfirst into open houses, learning neighborhoods, and working tirelessly with buyers. Along the way, I began noticing something curious: the way listing agents treated buyer agents varied drastically.Some were prepared and professional, offering all the documents I needed to provide to my buyer; seller's disclosure, survey, T-47, you name it. Others were curt, hard to reach, or left me chasing details. I remember thinking, “Do their sellers know how their agent is representing them to Buyer Agents and their buyers?”Over time, I re...
Comments 19
By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚▐►RENT to OWN or CASH BUY fsbo 4bd-2ba DWMH Summerville-CharlestonMove- in ReadyNOTE: This Home is a FSBO - For Sale By Owner – Eliminates: Realtor Fees /  Closing Fees 9% approximately,NOTE: HUGE CASH DISCOUNT FOR YOUR OUTRIGHT CASH PURCHASE TODAY !🈚▐►RENT to OWN or CASH BUY fsbo 4bd-2ba DWMH Summerville-CharlestonFully Renovated Late June 2025 fsbo RENT to OWN or DISCOUNTED CASH BUY 4bd-2ba DWMH Summerville-Charleston  Let’s Connect!:To BUY   Website BUYER:    SCInvestmentProperties.comTo SELL Website SELLER:   GetFairCashOfferSC.com 🈚 ▐►RENT to OWN  4bd - 2ba DWMH FSBO Summerville-Charleston★ ★BUY HEREAVAILABLE TODAY 4bd - 2ba DWMH $1,875. Rent to Own Summerville FULLY Renovated PLUS Yard - Shed   3bd - 2ba SWMH  $37,975. Summerville 3bd - 1ba SWMH  $7,975. Moncks Corner   SOLD  3bd...
Comments 2
By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
June 2025 Matthews, NC Housing MarketPrices, Sales, Inventory, Days on Market Trends If you’re buying or selling a home in Matthews, NC, understanding local housing market trends is key. The 28105 zip code continues to see steady activity, competitive pricing, and a healthy level of demand. Here’s a detailed look at how the Matthews housing market performed in June 2025.   MATTHEWS REAL ESTATE  JUNE 2025 HIGHLIGHTS 💲Average & Median Sales PricesIn June 2025, the median sales price for homes in Matthews was $539,000, which is up 2.67% from $525,000 in May 2025 and the same as June 2024.  The average sales price was $567,195, down 6.76% from the previous month’s $608,285 but unchanged year-over-year. The average price per square foot rose to $247, up 2.92% from May and equal to June 2024....
Comments 8
By Wayne Martin, Real Estate Broker - Retired
(Wayne M Martin)
Trivia question answers for Friday July 11, 20251. In the comic strip Peanuts, what color is Woodstock? Yellow2. What country's population hit the billion mark in the year 2000? India3. What does "PO" stand for on a prescription? Bt mouth4. What US president owned a hyena? Theodore RooseveltTrivia questions for Saturday July 12, 20251. In Ancient Greece throwing an apple at someone was a declaration of what?2. A phytotoxin is a poison produced from what?3. What US city had the first subway?4. The city of Muskogee is located in which US state?Enjoy your day. 
Comments 15
By John Martino
(lookSmart Home Inspections, LLC)
Insulation is one of those things that most homeowners never think about, until they have high energy bills, rooms that are hard to heat or cool, or moisture problems in the attic. As a licensed NJ home inspector, I check insulation during every inspection. And I can tell you from experience that insulation issues are more common than people think.Even in homes that are only 10 or 20 years old, I often find missing, damaged, or poorly installed insulation. In older homes, it is even worse. Many were built before insulation was required. Others had it added later, but it was never done right.If you are buying a home or trying to understand why your current one feels uncomfortable, this article will help explain what to look out for and why it matters.Insulation Is Often Missing in Key Ar...
Comments 7
By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
This Week…Pets Lift Our Spirits There are many pet lovers on this site. We know firsthand how comforting they are. Whether we’re suffering a loss or have had a bad day, our pets know instinctively how to comfort us.  In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this. Terry Pratchett It may be as simple as hopping onto our laps or getting as close to us as they can; this simple act lifts our hearts. Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened. Anatole FranceThis week has been no exception. Yesterday was All American Pet Photo Day, so it’s a good time to share a photo of your pet, if you are willing. No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does. Christopher MorleyPeople-watching has always been a favori...
Comments 17
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
This article provided by Kindal Glasgow, Realtor a member of The Betts TeamAre you as excited about Hooters in The Villages as I am?  I couldn’t wait to see what all the hype was about - who doesn’t love good food, fun times, people-watching, and the famous Hooters Girls?  We arrived around 4:00 PM and were relieved the line had finally stopped winding through the parking lot.  After a 45-minute wait inside (not bad at all!!), we browsed the Hooters merchandise and snagged a few t-shirts proudly emblazoned “The Villages Hooters”Once seated, we barely had time to settle in before placing our order, and even got to meet one of the store managers (they brought in extra staff from other locations to handle opening day).  Our food and drinks arrived promptly, hot and fresh, and definitely di...
Comments 5
By Brian England, MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ
(Ambrose Realty Management LLC)
👣Val Vista Baseline Area in Mesa, AZ for 7-12-25☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian💲REAL ESTATE Activity in the Val Vista Baseline Area💲The Val Vista Baseline Area in Mesa, AZ is very well located.  Shopping, Schools, and Fine Dining are within Walking Distance and there is quick access to the US 60 Freeway.  Arizona is known for having an abundance of golf courses since the weather allows for year-round play. There are definitely a lot of great courses to play near the Val Vista Baseline Area so residents have plenty to choose from!  There is always something fun going on in the area. I live in the Val Vista Baseline Area myself and I have always enjoyed how friendly the people are, the affordability of the homes, and the...
Comments 13
By Michael Jacobs, Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393
 July 2025 AR June ChallengeWhy ChangePost Number Two  While I explore the definition, you know the "what is change" question in my initial post, I wonder is "why" next for me? Relatively quickly why not also enters my mind. And perhaps obviously so. Especially as I think understanding differences can often show us why I feel similarities can help move us forward to a mutually agreed upon decision. Or at least a compromise that seems survivable. Discussions of why and why not may not be the way your mind works. Because reality-based compromise is my often-elusive hope in life and for the sake of this challenge, co-hosted by Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran that’s the route I am continuing to take. Questioning continues. After all, it's another familiar path for me.   We shall see if tha...
Comments 18
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
One of the joys of being a Realtor and working with young first time buyers is discovering the changes in their lives when you check in with them.I had reached out to some past clients and got back some lovely photos of their new baby born in March. A little girl called Quinn. I also heard about one of their dogs needing surgery on a herniated disc and the improvements they are making to the house. Baby proofing it now there is an additional member of the family.It is part of what makes this job worthwhile to hear that the house you helped them find and guided them through the transaction is the perfect place for them as they raise their family.When they bought the house, they were a couple and they added a large deck to the back of the house and used the back yard for their marriage.On...
Comments 12
By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Bass Fishing in MarylandMaryland’s Freshwater Bass Scene Reels In Nationwide TournamentsWhen it comes to competitive bass fishing, Maryland stands out as a prime destination for anglers across the country. With abundant waterways offering diverse and healthy fish populations, the state provides ample opportunities to catch both sizable smallmouth and largemouth bass. Read more.This is a Maryland Department of Natural Resources announcement. Columbine, Aquilegia, Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4428Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs 
Comments 4
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Joe is a month off and the guinea pigs are glad to correct him. May the 4th is big in our home because my sifi loving daughter was born on May 4th.That being said the 4th of July is also very big in our home. Each one of us know the constitution well and hold it close to our hearts. It saddens us that every year we lose some of the freedoms the founding fathers blessed us with. Liberal policies and liberal judges are constantly trashing our rights... many of those rights are God given.  
Comments 6
A recipe from the kitchen of Will Hamm.    Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Total Time: 50 mins cooking spray 1 (16.3 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands! Original) 1 pound bulk pork sausage 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese 8 large eggs 1 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper   Local Offers     Directions Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Line prepared baking dish with the biscuits, pressing to form an even layer.  Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). (Leave the oven door open for a bit to let the oven cool down.) Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat...
Comments 2