Admin

Real Estate Industry

“All the news that's fit to print,” or to click, as the case may be, can be found right here at your favorite real estate social networking site, ActiveRain. And here you thought it was merely a great place to chat with colleagues and slap up a blog post or two.


We know you're busy – whether it's trying to fill your pipeline or following up on what's already popped out of the bottom of it. Who has time to read? And, while real estate market news geared toward consumers is easy to round up on the Internet, news for brokers and Realtors is a bit harder to come by.


Your friends at ActiveRain understand how important each of those 168 hours in every week is so we've made it easy for you by consolidating everything you need to know to keep up-to-date with the real estate industry right here, in one place.


How are housing starts looking? Has the FHFA launched any new efforts? How's that Fannie and Freddie loan limit rollercoaster doing?


You've got the questions and your colleagues here at AR have the answers. It's at your fingertips – finally.

Recent blogs on Real Estate Industry
By Carla Goddard, Founder & CEO, Vicinity
(vicinity)
I Think We Need to Rethink the Whole "New Construction Isn't Negotiable" ThingI've been thinking about something since I wrote my last piece for Vicinity, and I'm probably going to irritate some people with this one.I've heard the phrase "new construction isn't negotiable" for so long that I think we've stopped thinking about what we're actually saying when we repeat it.I understand where it came from. I really do.I worked with builders. I worked with buyers. I've sat through enough builder sales meetings to know that the person sitting across from you is not a homeowner who needs to sell the house because they've already bought another one and the movers are coming next Thursday. A builder is running a business. There are hundreds of other houses involved. Pricing matters. Inventory ma...
Comments 1
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
CHARLOTTE BROKER BRIEFING: More Choices—But Not a Bargain-Basement MarketCharlotte-area buyers have more homes to consider and more time to think than they did during the frenzy years. However, anyone waiting for that increased inventory to produce a dramatic drop in prices may be waiting awhile.Here is what Charlotte-area buyers, sellers and their agents need to know this week.PRICES REMAIN RESILIENTAcross the 16-county Charlotte region, the average sales price reached $629,472 in July, an 8.1% increase from July 2025. The regional median sales price was $410,000, up 1.1% year over year.That considerable difference between the average and median matters. The average can be pulled higher when more expensive homes close during a particular month. The median tells us that the center of th...
Comments 0
By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
 Buyers are sometimes surprised when they compare HOA dues in a townhouse community with dues in a traditional subdivision.The difference usually comes down to what the association is responsible for maintaining.What HOA Dues Usually Cover in a House SubdivisionIn many single-family subdivisions, HOA dues may cover the entrance, common areas, street lights, landscaping around neighborhood signs, or neighborhood amenities. Homeowners are usually responsible for the house, roof, exterior maintenance, yard, driveway, and most repairs on the property.Why Townhouse Communities Cost More to MaintainTownhouse communities are often different.Depending on the community documents, the HOA may cover exterior maintenance, roofing, siding, lawn care, landscaping, common driveways, private roads, ret...
Comments 4
By Craig Lebrau, Property Geek in Upper East Side NYC
(Lebrau Property)
South Carolina is entering a defining period of economic and demographic transformation. New residents are arriving, businesses are expanding, manufacturers are investing, and communities that were once considered secondary markets are beginning to attract serious development attention. From the industrial corridors of the Upstate to rapidly expanding coastal communities and inland transportation hubs, the state's physical landscape is becoming one of its most important economic assets. Yet every new factory, housing community, logistics center and commercial project begins long before construction starts. It begins with understanding the land and preparing it for its next purpose.The transformation of raw acreage into productive property involves much more than removing trees and veget...
Comments 1
On September 2, 2026, Realtor.com reported that nationwide median list price of a home was $425,500 in August of 2026, declined 1.0% from July of 2026, and lower 1.3% from August of 2025.There were 1,140,000 listed inventory of homes in August of 2026, up 1.2% from July of 2026, and higher 3.6% from August of 2025.There were 401,760 new listed homes in August of 2026, dropped 5.2% from July of 2026, and down 0.1 from August of 2025.Houses stayed 60 days in the market in August of 2026, higher 3 days from 57 days from July of 2026, but unchanged 0 days from 60 days in August of 2025, according to Realtor.com on September 2, 2026.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for August of 2026, please click HERE
Comments 4
By Linda Edelwich, Serving Glastonbury & Beyond | 218 New London Trnk
(William Raveis Real Estate)
The lakefront versus lake access comparison near Lake Pocotopaug comes up regularly in East Hampton buyer conversations, and the agents who help buyers navigate it most efficiently are the ones who move the conversation from category labels to actual use intentions and specific access rights early. Here is how that evaluation works.What the price difference reflectsLakefront homes on Lake Pocotopaug carry a premium that reflects direct and immediate water access. Buyers are paying for the ability to use the lake from their own property, on their own schedule, without shared arrangements or coordinating access with others. The view from the main living spaces, the outdoor connection to the water, and the private dock or waterfront area are all part of what the premium represents.For buye...
Comments 2
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
“Market crash” headlines can grab attention, but the numbers tell the real story. I always think it’s better to look at the facts and local market conditions before making a move. Good perspective on a timely topic. When prices skyrocket, talk of a market crash inevitably follows. I used to react the same way. My perspective changed when I accepted a foundational truth: all markets go up, and all markets go down. Media headlines love to use words like 'crash' or 'plummet.'  In my opinion, this is often just a psychological ploy to stoke reader emotion and drive clicks. Success comes from ignoring the noise and focusing on the cycle. If you want to take the next step, I can help you find highly ranked real estate brokerages in your area or provide data on current housing market trends. W...
Comments 1
By Jeremy Williams, Founder - JLA Realty - Omnia Elevate
(JLA Realty - Omnia Elevate)
There's a question being asked all over our industry right now: will AI replace real estate agents?It's a fair question. I'm just not convinced it's the right one.After digging through the research, I think there are two better questions. Which parts of my job should AI replace, so I have more time for the parts it can't? And at what point does all this efficiency simply create more things for me to do?That second one is where this gets uncomfortable, because the data has something to say about it.The number nobody quotesNAR's 2025 Technology Survey found AI adoption among REALTORS® reached 68% — the first time it crossed the majority mark. That was the headline.Here's what sat underneath it. Only 17% of those agents said AI had a significantly positive impact on their business. Another...
Comments 12
By Linda Edelwich, Serving Glastonbury & Beyond | 218 New London Trnk
(William Raveis Real Estate)
The East Hampton, Portland, Hebron comparison is one of the more consistent multi-town buyer conversations in central Connecticut, and it resolves most efficiently when agents move past the listing data and into the lived experience of each town. Here is how that conversation typically develops.What distinguishes each town for buyersEast Hampton is lake-oriented in a way that shapes its character beyond the waterfront properties themselves. Lake Pocotopaug creates a recreational and community anchor that influences neighborhood feel across the town, and buyers drawn here are typically seeking that water-adjacent lifestyle as a primary motivation. The seasonal rhythm, the outdoor access, and the neighborhood character that develops around a lake community are the consistent draws.The pra...
Comments 1
By Nathan Fitts, The Leading Name in Real Estate in North Georgia
(Nathan Fitts & Team )
Where Mountains Meet Opportunity: Exploring North Georgia Land for SaleDiscover what to consider when buying mountain acreage, recreational land and larger tracts across North Georgia—and how to find a property that fits your vision.For many buyers, owning land in North Georgia is about more than having an address. It is about having space to build, explore, invest and create something that feels truly your own.From wooded mountain acreage and secluded recreational properties to larger tracts with room for future plans, North Georgia land for sale offers a variety of opportunities. But finding the right property requires looking beyond the number of acres or the beauty of the surrounding landscape.Location, terrain, access, utilities, permitted uses and long-term goals can all influence...
Comments 0
On September 1, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau reported nationwide construction spending dropped 0.5% to $2,157.6 billion in July of 2026 from $2,167.7 billion June of 2026, and fell 3.8% from $2,242.6 billion in July of 2025.Nationwide private construction lost 0.5% to $1,614.2 billion in July of 2026 from $1,622.9 billion in June of 2026.Residential construction decreased 1.3% of $859.0 billion in July of 2026 from $870.6 billion June of 2026.Non residential construction increased 0.4% to $755.2 billion in July of 2026 from $752.4 billion in June of 2026.The public construction declined 0.2% to $543.4 billion in July of 2026 from $544.7 billion in June of 2026.The educational construction lower 0.2% to $112.3 billion in July of 2026 from $112.5 billion in June of 2026.The highway constr...
Comments 4
By Candice A. Donofrio, 928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text
(Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker)
This is funny (at least it was to me!) A long time client who stays in touch called me a couple of days ago. He's in town at his building (one I helped him close almost 10 years ago), and a nearby property he is interested in for a possible expansion project has recently hit the market. Let's do some research!  A new thing lately that I've noticed is BIG agent photos on for sale signs. Like the most prominent thing IS the photo! I don't get that - or more accurately, I do and after wasting time and gas in my younger days on (mostly guys) who just kinda wanted to hang out with me, I phased out photos on cards (I do have one on my DotCard but not on my 'hand out to people I don't know' cards) and never considered one on signage. Because what's the product again? The client noticed it too ...
Comments 5
By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
📊🏠 SEPTEMBER 2026 MORTGAGE & ECONOMIC UPDATESo…what the heck is going on with the economy, inflation, jobs, and mortgage rates? 🤔August gave us a mixed bag of economic data—and there are some VERY important takeaways for anyone thinking about buying, selling, refinancing, or investing in real estate.Here's the #JUSTCALLWILLIAM breakdown:📈 INTEREST RATESThe 10-year Treasury ended August at 4.75%, essentially unchanged from July.Meanwhile…🏠 30-year mortgage: 6.66%🏠 15-year mortgage: 5.98%📈 30-year Treasury: 5.25%Translation?Mortgage rates aren't getting the dramatic relief many buyers have been waiting for.And inflation remains one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of significantly lower rates.🏠 HOUSING MARKETJuly housing numbers were not exactly pretty.Existing home sales: -1....
Comments 2
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Unexpected changes often move people to make Real Estate changes in their lives. Living close to a military base I see it all the time.Having read a lot of obituaries in my life I know the death of a loved one often produces a need for change. Having lived through a flood that changed a third of our Cities landscape I know natural disasters bring about change.All the planning in the world will not cover some unexpected changes in any of our lives. So what are we to do? Here is my short list when it comes to Real Estate.#1) If you are married discuss with your spouse (family) some of the more common scenarios. ie "if I die would you want to stay in this home".#2a) Carry insurance. Have enough homeowners insurance to cover a total loss of your home. Visit with your insurer to make sure yo...
Comments 5
By Carla Goddard, Founder & CEO, Vicinity
(vicinity)
The housing market isn't the only thing changing.Everyone is watching rates, inventory and home sales. But I think we may be watching the wrong thing.Behind the slow market, builders are changing how they sell affordability. Real estate companies are consolidating around the consumer relationship. MLSs are wrestling with who controls housing data in an AI-driven world. AI is moving into decisions that happen long before a buyer ever sees a house. And new construction methods are challenging some of the assumptions we've accepted about how homes get built.None of these stories looks particularly connected on its own. I think they are.They point to a housing industry that is being redesigned while the market itself is still stuck.And that raises a question I can't quite shake:If consumers...
Comments 2
By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
September has a specific feeling in the East Bay real estate market. I have been leading teams through it since 2009 and I have been a buyer and seller in it since 2000 and every single year ... without exception ... September has a feeling that no other month produces. It is the feeling of the market waking back up. Not gradually. Almost suddenly. Like something that was holding its breath all summer finally exhales. Buyers who went quiet in July are back. Sellers who were waiting for the right moment have decided the right moment is now. The phones are different in September ... the calls have a different energy, more purposeful, less exploratory, the sense that people have been thinking about this all summer and are ready to do something about it. I love September in the Bay Area. I ...
Comments 3
By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
I want to make a case for something that goes against conventional real estate wisdom.September is not a compromise listing month.For certain property types in certain East Bay micro-markets ... September is actually the strongest listing month of the year. Not a close second to spring. The strongest.I know that is a significant claim and I want to back it up with the specific conditions that make it true ... because it is not true for every property in every neighborhood and sellers deserve the honest picture rather than blanket seasonal optimism.Here is when September outperforms spring in the East Bay:Single family homes in strong school corridor neighborhoods. The families who relocate for school access are not spring buyers. They are September buyers ... or more precisely they are ...
Comments 2
By Kerri Naslund-Monday, Savvy Bay Area CA Real Estate Team Leader
(Keller Williams/ The Monday Team)
I want to challenge something that the real estate industry treats as settled truth.January is not the fresh start month for Bay Area buyers.September is.I know.Everything points to January. New year. New goals. New energy. The cultural narrative around fresh starts is so thoroughly attached to January first that it feels almost contrarian to suggest that another month does the job better.But I have been watching Bay Area buyers make real estate decisions since 2000 and here is what I actually see:January buyers are motivated by the calendar. September buyers are motivated by their lives.Let me explain what I mean.I had a buyer last September ... a couple, both teachers, which meant their entire internal calendar was organized around the academic year in a way that most people's isn't. ...
Comments 0
On August 17, 2026, National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index (HMI) for newly built single family homes grew one point to 35 points in August of 2025, from 34 points in July of 2026.The HMI component charting buyer traffic stayed the same zero point at 27 points, the HMI present sales conditions gained two points to 39 points, and the HMI sales expectations index unchanged zero point at 43 points in August of 2026.The three-month moving averages for regional HMI scores, Northeast lower one point to 44 points, Midwest unchanged zero point at 45 points, South down two points to 31 points, the West Stayed the same zero point at 27 points in August of 2026.NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, stated “August marked the 16th straight month that at least 30% of builders reported...
Comments 3
By Debe Maxwell, CRS, The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!
(Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310)
If I Could Eliminate One Task Forever, It Would Be Repair NegotiationsThis post spawned from a question in the Q&A by John Palmer, asking if you could eliminate one task in your daily routine, what would it be? Of course, besides eliminating at least 20 spam texts from my phone each day, my other strong reaction was repair negotiations!And before anyone says, “It’s your job—get used to it!” I know. Believe me, I know.Negotiating repairs is a significant part of representing buyers and sellers, and after decades in real estate, I’m certainly not surprised when the process gets complicated. I’m simply answering the question: If I could eliminate one annoying task from my workday forever, what would it be?Repair negotiations. Without hesitation.No matter how thoroughly we prepare buyers, m...
Comments 15
Back to Top