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 The Lending Times
(The Lending Times)
In 2023, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan requirements are changing. These changes can affect the banking and real estate industries, as they affect who can qualify for a loan and, thus, how many transactions take place each year. Knowing the FHA loan requirements for 2023 can help those in the banking and real estate industries better understand their options for securing financing for those looking to purchase a home. So……what is an FHA loan?FHA Loan ExplainedAn FHA loan is a type of mortgage insured by the FHA explicitly designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers. An FHA loan offers more lenient credit and down payment requirements than a traditional mortgage. As of 2023, there are a few requirements you must meet to qualify for an FHA loan. These include a minimum c...
Comments 8
By Bruce Breton, Content Marketer For MyState MLS - New Agent
(MY State MLS)
Texas is the home of one of the best barbecue briskets, a large population, and a strong feeling of pride in this State. Texas also offers lower living costs than other regions of the United States and reasonable median home prices.However, buying your first home may take a lot of work, particularly in areas with higher costs, such as Austin. If you need a little help to become a Texas homeowner, one of these programs for first-time buyers will offer a lower interest rate, closing cost, and down amount aid.Fourth Texas Loan for First-time Homebuyers.Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) provide various opportunities for prospective Texas homeowners.TDHCA My First Texas HomeThis program is only available to fi...
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By Lisa Carroll, Real Estate Team serving the Greater Tampa Area
(Team TLC - Mihara & Associates, Inc)
Our family enjoys using our pool year round in our Land O Lakes, Florida home. Many people heat the pool in the winter and enjoy year round use. While we do not heat ours we enjoy the hot tub during the colder months and the refreshing pool in the warmer months. The pool area becomes part of the living and entertainment space because of our beautiful year round warmer climate!Owning a pool in Florida can be a great way to enjoy the warm climate and make the most of your outdoor space. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about owning a pool in Florida:Maintenance: Pools require regular maintenance to keep them clean and safe for swimming. This includes regularly testing the chemical balance of the water, cleaning the pool walls and floor, and maintaining the filtration a...
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By Cassisy Lynch-Solis, A real estate student
(observer)
Dishonesty in any work place is frowned upon, but when working face to face with principals and their hard earned money... Unacceptable. I am new to the real estate world (still taking classes) and learning on the 21 ways to lose a license. This has to be the most common sensed way to lose a license. It also falls into almost all the other 21 ways as well. Who wants an agent who is dishonest with your money? your future? Nobody is the right answer. And who wants to hire a liar? someone who can not be trusted? Again, nobody. When you think about your future in real estate think about the people you are going to be blessed to come into contact with, and grateful to work with, and really think about how you would want to be treated in that situation. Don't take advantage of your future!
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By Zachary Boutin, CPA, Oregon's Tax Problem Solver
(First Response Resolution, LLC)
Welcome to the first blog post from First Response Resolution, LLC! We are a specialty tax firm located in Eagle Point Oregon and the focus of my practice is solving tax problems for individuals and businesses and representing taxpayers before the IRS and State Departments of Revenue. We offer our services online nationwide from the comfort of our client's homes and will provide services on-site to businesses in our area upon request. The goal of this blog is to provide insight and information that is helpful to real estate professionals and the community at large. As we continue to post additional content, feel free to reach out with specific requests for topics that would be useful to you or your clients.Taxes are complicated and tax problems can be incredibly stressful. The longer th...
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By Kelly McQuien, Greater Scottsdale, AZ Home Sales (480) 923-5174
(eXp Realty)
Scottsdale and Paradise Valley AZ HikingScottsdale and Paradise Valley Arizona offer some of the most scenic, picturesque hiking trails in the country!  The area provides a diverse range of outdoor experiences, from easy strolls through the desert to challenging hikes up towering mountains. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely nature walk, there's something for everyone in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Many trails offer unique experiences and breathtaking views, making them popular destinations for both locals and tourists.  It is recommended to come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, a completely charged cell phone, and appropriate gear.  Please follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.Popular Hikes in Scottsdale an...
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By David Ramirez, Tax Representation at its Best
(Tax Relief Services)
How to Resolve Your IRS Tax ProblemsIt’s no secret that dealing with the IRS can be a daunting task for business owners. From tax audits to missed payments, there are plenty of ways to get on the wrong side of the IRS. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to resolve your IRS tax problems and get back on track with the government agency. Understand Your Tax Problem – One of the first steps in resolving an IRS tax problem is understanding what kind of issue you’re facing. Are you dealing with an audit? Do you have overdue taxes? Knowing exactly what kind of tax problem you’re facing is key to finding a resolution. The more information you have about your situation, the easier it will be to come up with a solution. Seriously Consider Professional Help – If you’re not sure how to ...
Comments 4
By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
Why Trust Femme Capital Partners To Be Your Mortgage Broker?  Femme Capital Partners is a lending and small business consulting firm committed to strengthening financial futures.  We are a full-service, residential and commercial mortgage broker based in Chicago, IL , also serving Florida and Coming Soon....... South Carolina.  Our mission is simple, strengthen financial futures while paving the way to long-term wealth.   How Do We Accomplish Providing a Mortgage Loan? Concrete Communication Femme Capital Partners utilizes a hands on approach that allows our clients to have direct access to us as their trusted advisors. We provide clarity, so that our client’s feel comfortable and never forgotten. Exponential ValueOur commitment to our Chicagoland clients goes beyond the initial partne...
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By Lachelle Burns
(Real Estate)
I believe that neglecting our fiduciary duties is one of the biggest ways to lose our licenses. It is our responsibility to take special care of the fiduciary duties and make sure they are applied with every transaction. Within these duties are many different ways to lose your license. Accounting is one part of our fiduciary duties, and can also be another way to lose our licenses. If you receive earnest money from a client you must make sure this money is placed in the proper account. If money is placed within our personal funds, you now are not only neglecting your fiduciary duties but you are commingling money. Resulting in lose of license in two ways. A client must always be taken care of and receive honesty. These are very important for our reputation and for our client. Being dish...
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By Brad McLeese, Residential and Commercial Inspections
(HomeGuard Inspections)
Choosing a home inspector for your home purchase can seem like an overwhelming task. With so many inspectors out there, it's important to be sure that you select the best home inspector for the job. This blog post will provide helpful advice on how to choose the right home inspector. We'll cover topics such as choosing an inspector who has the right credential and certification, the best source for referrals, and more. The National Home Inspector Examination When selecting a home inspector, you should look for a home inspector who has passed the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). The National Home Inspector Examination is a comprehensive written examination that evaluates core competencies in home inspection and proficiency in related areas of practice. Passing this exam shows ...
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By Rochelle Roesler Fargo Realtor, Top Realtor Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo
(Century 21)
Fargo is known for its unique weather patterns - from the extremes of the hot summer months to the mild temperatures of spring, there's never a dull moment when it comes to Fargo's climate. But what about the four distinct seasons? In this article, we explore just how different each season can be in the Red River Valley, and give you all the information you need to plan your next visit accordingly.Introduction to Fargo and the Red River ValleyFargo, North Dakota is a city in the Red River Valley. The valley is a flat plain that experiences all four seasons. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are cold and dry. In the spring, the temperatures can vary widely, from cool to warm. Fall is generally cool and crisp.The Red River Valley is prone to flooding in the spring due to me...
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By John Thomson, Winnipeg real estate market
Winnipeg is the capital city of the province of Manitoba in Canada, and it is a vibrant and growing metropolis with a strong economy, diverse culture, and a rich history. The real estate market in Winnipeg is stable and offers a wide range of options for buyers and renters.The average home price in Winnipeg is currently around $300,000, which is lower than the national average. This makes the city an attractive option for first-time home buyers, as well as those looking to upgrade to a larger home. The city is also home to a variety of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. From the historic charm of the Exchange District to the trendy and vibrant Corydon Avenue, there is something for everyone in Winnipeg.There is a wide variety of housing options availa...
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By Carmine Rauso & Debbie Rauso, Professional REALTORS® and Real Estate Investors
(COMPASS RE)
Welcome to our blog. We are Carmine and Debbie Rauso, a married couple who work together in our passion: real estate! We take tremendous pride in being REALTORs® and it never feels like work. We love what we do, and we love who we work with. When we are not immersed in real estate, we enjoy spending time together. As a married couple of over 23 years, we still seek out opportunities to relax and have fun together. We enjoy exploring different cuisines from around the world and cooking together. We relish gathering with family and friends, exploring scenic bike trails in the area, and spending time with our three kids and our rescue dog. We are 15 year residents in Newtown Square, PA, although we are collectively licensed in PA, DE and MD, serving the greater Philly, Wilmington and Balti...
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By Kimberly Chadwick, Residential realtor with team to serve!
(Keller Williams Realty Group)
Meet Matthew Strauss of the M. Walter Group.  Matthew has been exposed to real estate buying, selling, investing, and managing his entire life.   He specializes in many types of commercial real estate estate, which brings a whole new level of service, knowledge, and expertise to my clients. Together, we proudly work under the Keller Williams brand, specializing in residential, commercial, luxury, land, relocations, business expansion, investment, and OGM (oil, gas and mineral).....nothing is too big or too small.Kim Chadwick 215-527-5134Matthew Strauss 484-961-0731#realestate #luxury #commercialsales #commercialrealestate #leasing #residentialrealestate #realtor #officespace #industrial #OGM #business #kimchadwick #mwalterstrauss  
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By Rhona E. Bryant, CAPM®, Project Management Consultant
Would you take your money now or wait?Have you ever wondered why someone receiving a large payout would take it in a lump sum instead of installments over time? It boils down to economics. The principle is that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow because it can earn you money NOW and grow your wealth exponentially for your future.  This principle is known as the time value of money.  How does this apply to you as a commercial property owner?Is there a lottery for commercial property owners that you can start playing? In all jest, no, but there is money waiting for you to claim right inside the walls of your building.Most commercial property owners depreciate their buildings over 39 years.  But there are better ways to do it.  The components of your building depreciate mu...
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By Donald Sutherland, Reverse puts borrower back in the "Driver's Seat"
(Mortgage Network)
Reverse Mortgage helps Realtors in slow real estate market - Now pays her mortgage when she receives a commission check!
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By Greg Raymer, Real Estate Invester
(Usa House Partners)
There can be several reasons why a home may not be selling. Some common reasons include:1.Pricing: If the home is priced too high, it may not be competitive in the market, and potential buyers may be looking at other properties that are priced more reasonably.2.Condition: If the home is in poor condition, it may be difficult to attract buyers. Issues like deferred maintenance, clutter, and outdated decor can turn buyers off.3.Location: The location of the home can be a factor in its salability. Homes in desirable neighborhoods or areas with good schools and amenities are more likely to sell quickly.4.Marketing: If the home is not being effectively marketed, it may not be reaching the right audience. Poor photographs, a lack of online exposure, and ineffective advertising can all contrib...
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By Mark Sias, Executive Closing Agents
(Noble Notary & Legal Document Preparers)
An Executive Closing Agent (ECA) is a Signing Agent (Notary Public or Closing Attorney) who has honed the craft to perfection such that merits higher than average fees from Vendors for the closing services rendered. In short; You get what you pay for! They will typically handle HIGH NET WORTH CLIENTELE on a regular basis without flaw or intimidation.Please allow me to illustrate this further… A Notary Public is a rather “low entry” field for the most part. Theoretically, any old notary or signing agent can conduct a real estate closing. The bar is low, but the margin for error is HIGH! The larger & subsequently more important the transaction, the higher the stakes become for all parties involved!  Industrious Title & Escrow firms, and those lenders out to make a serious name for themsel...
Comments 4
By Candice Silverthorn, "Let me do all the heavy lifting!"
(Candice Silverthorn, Realtor, RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks)
Having a dock on the Lake of the Ozarks requires a little maintenance, right?? Anybody that has a dock on the lake would probably say "a little??" Ha ha. Yeah maybe more than just a little lol.Well my husband and I tackled our dock after we bought a home on the lake. We knew it needed a lot of repair. But my husband is a carpenter, so how bad could it be?? We managed to fix three areas by ourselves. That includes the walkway in the water, which was detached from the pier, and two areas with the boards popped up with the floats sticking out.Well our dock did not have big enough floats, so we bought 6 4x8x20 new floats, ($469 a piece) and hired two fantastic companies to help finish the hardest part! They were both a Godsend! Beasley's Mobile Welding & Repair LLC. and Wicked Welding LLC. ...
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