Archives of real estate blog entries for July 21, 2010

Featured blog posts


What Will You Do With This Day? Take Time To Appreciate All You Have - 08:47 AM
In the middle of my day my Mom dropped by. As I open the door, I have the phone in my ear as usual. It seems I'm always working.
This week my assistant is on vacation so I have been chained to my computer and I can truly appreciate all that she does. PLEASE get back soon!
Mom wanted me to see an old dusty album that she had rediscovered in the garage that I have been hinting for her to clean out.
So... we settled ourselves on the couch and I realized after I turned a few pages, it was … (34 comments)

What is a "Commitment To Lend" and why they can be worthless - 10:23 AM
Recently there have been several posts here on AR with agents, loan officers and a couple of readers chiming in about pre-approvals, pre-qualifications and even Commitment Letters. In this very short post I am speaking only for myself and my companies and what he have, can and will do and the value of it. Specifically focus is on the commitment letter.
Pre-Qualification
If you get a pre-qualification letter from me you are getting a letter which says I have taken an application, examined the credit history and used an Automated Underwriting System to receive an approval level. No income statements have … (36 comments)

Dog Days of Summer Market for Atlanta Real Estate - 07:51 AM
What are the "Dog Days" of summer? 
"The hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the northern hemisphere, they usually fall between early July and early September. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was somehow responsible for the hot weather." Wikipedia
I am starting to feel the real estate market has hit it's own dog days.  Stagnant, dull and lack of progress pretty well define what's happening right now for … (19 comments)

Top 12 Health Tips for Busy On-The-Go Real Estate Professionals - 12:05 PM

For five years I worked in outside sales and spent half the month on the road.  A typical month included 1,500 miles behind the wheel and 5,000 miles in the air. Even though I was excelling in my field, I was constantly tired, sometimes moody and always craving sugar (I became wildly addicted to homemade yogurt covered pretzels and "energy" bars). I fell out of balance and I knew that something had to change. It is easy to neglect our own health and well being with life's many distractions: work, family, friends, balancing schedules and numerous commitments. Staying healthy can … (95 comments)

A Lesson about Real Estate Transactions From K-Mart of All Places - 05:06 PM
A Lesson about Real Estate Transactions From K-Mart of All Places.
 
I'm going to show my past ignorance/stupidity here to make a point... A few years ago, I bought some Kmart stock back before Kmart went bankrupt and went through reorganization, receivership, etc. 
 
I did not seek the advice of a professional when I purchased the stock.
 
I knew what I wanted, I got it at a good price and I bought it.  I won't mention the sum that I paid, but it was not a small purchase. Then Kmart declared bankruptcy and went into receivership.  I kept … (55 comments)

So...how did you get into Real Estate? - 07:10 PM
Hi folks. Kind of a lazy hot Florida day today. I'm just sitting around and was thinking how fortunate we are to be in the business of real estate. Set your own hours, take a day off if you want, meet interesting people, solve problems, help people realize their dreams and get paid well.
So I was wondering how did you get into real estate? Was it a conscious decision or something you just fell into?
My journey began about 16 years ago while driving a taxi cab out at Disney World. I was driving families to the attractions all day … (138 comments)

New and Improved ActiveRain Leaderboard - 11:00 AM
We are pleased to announce the new and improved ActiveRain Leaderboard! We couldn't have done it without the amazing feedback of our Community over the last couple of days. Thank you all so much!
ActiveRain wanted to create the best possible layout for all of our members.  A place where you can easily see how you rank within all of AR, your state, your professional group etc.
The new style is sleek and sexy...take a look.

As you can see, I have narrowed my search down to Real Estate Agents in All States.  You can also add state, county, and … (139 comments)

Interviewing Is A Task With Many Purposes - 08:31 AM
There have been several posts recently on changing real estate offices and how to select your next one.  In between leaving an office and deciding on the next one is the process of interviewing.  In my opinion, everyone should interview once a year.  The exercise of interviewing will accomplish a few things.  First and foremost, it will enlighten you with some thoughts about how other real estate offices work.  Interviewing is a tool that when used properly will assist your broker/owner in maintaining certain standards that may have been relocated to the back burner.  Interviewing may give you a greater appreciation … (64 comments)

MAWAHAHAHA! Active Rain what have you done? The world will never be the same! - 03:11 PM
Now you've done it! You have let me get Rainmaker status AND changed the state ranking pages so that my blog shows up more often. 
"Shenanigans!" The Realtors cry! "It's so unfair! She's been here so much less time that we have and yet she shows up more often!"
That's right! With the new set up (Which I LOVE) the more active you are and the more often you blog, the more visible you are.
Sorry slackers! I know that you put in hours and hours of work to get where you were on the list. . . like two years … (106 comments)

Active Rain gives back to Local Agents - 09:20 AM
I had a blast yesterday meeting and teaching local real estate agents about Real Estate Blogging for Business at Hexter-Fair Frisco TX. Janeil Lester of Hexter-Fair invited me to share some pointers that has kept me fairly successful these past 2 years that we've been in business together.
When there is an opportunity to give back, I'm all for it.
I shared my blogging journey from 3 1/2 years back, and how I really didn't know what I was doing. My first year of blogging in 2007 didn't really yielded me much of anything but little did I know, every single … (33 comments)

The Housing Market Has Fallen And Won’t Get Up - 11:03 PM
An article in the Wall Street Journal, Housing Market Stumbles, describes how home sales seem to be deteriorating, but it isn’t just a stumble; the housing market has fallen and won’t get up. The WSJ piece projects the dreaded “double-dip” in housing, a prediction that has grown more popular in recent weeks.
 
What most seem to overlook, however, is that the fundamentals of housing are being rearranged. The overall market was never truly in recovery; the brief periods of upward momentum were, in general, a response to an artificial stimulus applied by government—a stimulus which was neither permanent nor productive.
… (89 comments)

Realtors aren't Camels, you know! - 09:29 AM
During this type of weather, when the temperatures get routinely into the 90's and above... a nice thing to do, when holding a broker's tour (or a Sunday Open House, for that matter)... is to be considerate to those who come and visit your listing.
We drive around, and go from house to house, to familiarize ourselves with the inventory.  We pop in and out of the car, drag in and out of properties, sometimes removing our shoes, sometimes not.  And this builds up a mighty thirst on a hot day.  (not to mention the possibility of dehydration and heat stroke).
… (47 comments)

Think Making Homeowner Association Monthly Fees Are Less Important? Think again! - 09:37 PM
 
    
     I wish I could tell you that I am surprised at some of the issues being brought up during the processing of my clients' mortgages these days ... but the element of real surprise is long gone.  It's now become "what will they think up next?"  I certainly gain an education on many topics ... and it's never dull in my lending world.    
     All sorts of credit issues, employment, liens, personal histories, financial accounts, retirement accounts, and more ... for both buyer, seller, and even those providing buyers a monetary "gift" ... are coming under scrutiny.  Detailed explanations are being demanded for everything.  You … (32 comments)

The Problem With Active Rain SEO - 08:39 PM
Don't get me wrong. Having great search engine optimization as a result of Active Rain is, how else can I say it -- swell and a very good thing.
However, now how do I say this gently, there are times when that SEO prominence sucks. You are probably wondering when that might be. The answer is when you are doing research on a topic that you have written on heavily in the past at Active Rain.
In the last few days I wanted to do additional research on the insect pest known as the anobiid beetle. When I googled "anobiid beetle" … (41 comments)

Realtor Ethics - Are You Talking About Your Clients Online? - 03:37 PM
 
More and more, people are talking about their daily lives online. We, as Realtors, have days that are unmatched by any profession. We work hard not knowing where our next paycheck will come from, and many times can be left in the dust by potential clients who change their minds without notice.
 
At the end of the day, it's nice to go online with other professionals who've shared our ups and downs. But how far do we go? Is it okay to talk about our deals as they happen with others? Should we wait until a deal is closed … (62 comments)

Half Way Through 2010, How's That Workin For Ya? - 02:16 PM
Half Way Through 2010, How's That Workin For Ya?
Have you created some plans, set some objectives or identified goals for 2010 and are you on track?
The mid point of the year just past and it IS time to look at your strategy to assess how it is working.
                                  
 
Looking at the 2010 plan:
What is working?  Keep doing that! Do the financial outcomes need to be adjusted? What needs to be changed in the strategy to accomplish your objectives or goals? What is not working?  Stop doing it … (50 comments)

The Ultimate "LIVE" Wedding Ceremony - You're Invited! - 02:17 AM
This Friday, our very own Bob Stewart and the lovely Christa Caulk will be joining hands for eternity in marriage!  Yup, a couple of my very best friends in the World are getting hitched and permanently tying the knot.  Since I am unable (along with so many other friends and family) to make it to their wedding out in Michigan this year, we are putting together this "LIVE" streaming video to share with everyone.
And Two Become One...

On Behalf of the entire ActiveRain Team, We request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Christa Noelle to Robert … (234 comments)

Black Goop - 06:17 AM
Even before going around back to see what the roof had to show, I was able to confidently say to my client that I suspected a second layer of shingles over the first.  The roof looked newer, but the plumbing penetration sleeve was covered with black goop.
"How do you know that?" was her question.
My answer - "Experience."
Roof tar, or what I call "black goop," is what a non-professional will use for roof repairs.  It does not last long, being deteriorated by the sun's UV rays, and it cracks and leaks.
Even from the ground my client could see … (29 comments)

Your Nirvana Might Be My Hades: The Fallacy of Best Places To Live Lists - 09:45 AM
We opened our mailbox yesterday and the front cover of Money magazine declares "AMERICA'S BEST PLACES TO LIVE" & Cincinnati magazine's cover also features "BEST PLACES TO LIVE".  Please note, Money's cover doesn't qualify the story in any way.  BEST places to live!  But flip to the cover story on page 64 and you find there IS more to the story.  Best places this year is only their best rated SMALL cities!  And then to this engineer's delight, page 69 details their process!  You KNOW how we engineers like to know the process! So step 1, start with 746 small cities … (55 comments)

If Apple Can Do It, So Can I - 12:17 AM
A reporter's words on the evening news stopped me dead in my tracks.  She was discussing the release of Apple's earnings, which blew away Wall Street estimates by a mile, thanks in large part to the brisk sales of iPhones and the iPad.  In a compromised economic environment, Apple's profit managed to grow 78% in the last quarter, due to a healthy and continuing demand for its products.  It sold an astounding 3.3 million iPads and 8.4 million iPhones in the quarter. 
On a purely personal level, it should have come as no surprise to me.  When I decided to add the iPad to my arsenal of tools, I visited the local mall to check … (39 comments)

Are you just throwing marketing dollars away? - 09:18 PM

Are you just throwing marketing dollars away?

I had a conversation with an investor I'll call Bob who markets to people who have defaulted on their homes. I asked him whether he had a strategic marketing plan that drove traffic to his business.
He told me "No", that he sends notes to everyone on the monthly Notice of Default lists.
I suggested that he hire a licensed  agent to weed out listed properties, it could save money. Anyway...
Investors are known to be savvy about saving money, then why is Bob just throwing money out there?
Most of those on the NOD list would … (36 comments)

JUST WHAT IS IT ABOUT "SOCIAL NETWORKING" THAT YOU "LIKE"??? CONFESSION OF A GOOGLEPHILE! - 08:09 AM
JUST WHAT IS IT ABOUT "SOCIAL NETWORKING" THAT YOU "LIKE"???
What do you consider the best feature of social media and what do you consider the biggest failure of social media for business (for those of us who are here for business). 


 
The use of "social network" sites on the Internet is individual.  Some agents rely on the "social" aspects and some rely on the "network" aspects.
Which is more successful???  That is the question.
Real estate agents have been "networking" forever.  It's a natural function of self promotion, which agents are trained to do the day they … (80 comments)

Credit Report - How long will information remain on the report? - 07:38 AM
HOW LONG WILL INFORMATION STAY ON A CREDIT REPORT?  With so many questions about credit and credit reports here is some helpful information.  The best answer, ask your lender.
BANKRUPTCY CHAPTER 13: (Often called a debt reorganization. A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is generally appropriate for those individuals who have non-exempt property they wish to retain and who have enough income to reasonably pay the reorganized debt after covering reasonable living expenses.) 10 years from the date filed. If discharged it is reportable for 7 years from the date filed.
BANKRUPTCY CHAPTER 7: (Often called a straight bankruptcy-involves the liquidation of all … (33 comments)

Mr. Seller - The Market Doesn't Care What You Need - 10:54 PM
Dear Mr. Seller,
Congratulations on your marriage on New Year's Day last year and the twins that are coming in December.  I am very happy for your growing family, and I am sure that you are looking moving to that beautiful home that you sent me from Realtor.com. Your dream home comes with a tablespace kitchen, a big yard, and a family room off the kitchen! It also comes with a $750,000 price tag. 
I know that you paid $300,000 with 5% down for your 650 square foot one bedroom condo three years ago.  I understand that you need your condo to sell for at least $450,000 … (30 comments)

The New Leader Board....The Name Denotes Competition....I Like It!!! - 01:19 PM
The new leader board, in my opinion, will add a touch of competition to this site.  It's a natural happening for those in sales to have a competitive mentality when a list of real estate related people are displayed with numbers disclosed.  I'm happy that those points are no longer involved with public displays.  However, the points, the number of posts and the number of features create an atmosphere, in my mind, that is conducive to encouraging more attention to ActiveRain participation.  It encourages me to become more competitive and strive for that #1 position in my state. 
Of course, the … (79 comments)

Were You Listening When Active Rain Said, "Local" - 08:21 AM

Over the last few days we have all observed both the angst and support for the new AR look.Obviously, we were not privy to the actual format, but the signs of it have been in place for a long time. I believe it all started when "LOCALISM" was announced. We were able to set cities and subdivisions as places for our subdivision posts to reside Next came Brad Andersohn's How To Create A Blog For Customers and Search Engines that has been suggested reading many times over Bob Stewart's "contests" offering beaucoup points for hyper-local posts should have told many … (90 comments)

In Defense of ActiveRain and the New Change to the Local Page - Here's Proof! - 12:26 AM
Wow. What a tornado of words, opinions and emotions since Sunday afternoon! At least that's when I first discovered the new layout of the Local Page. 
I'm not brand-spankin' new to AR, but only just lately have I been learning the nature and benefits of an ActiveRain blog. I've been actively climbing the points ladder and I am a mere few thousand points away from my first 100 grand. 
When I first discovered the Local Page change I was disappointed, and honestly did not understand the changes or motivations. 
One of the first blogs on the subject I read absolutely condemned the AR … (38 comments)

"I'd blog but I wouldn't know what to say" YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING! - 10:19 PM
 
Blogging is apparently on the minds of many agents. Perhaps they have scoped me out and are envying my number one spot on A.R. of 18 positions in Carroll County, Arkansas! Yes, read it and weep. Number one in Eureka Springs metro area of 10 participants and number one of 18 in the county. I know, I know, it is amazing. For me to have risen from such a vast crowd to such heights of glory.
Please hold your applause...
                                                          
What really amazes me though is the comment shared by more than one agent I know. Usually with head slightly bowed … (47 comments)

Blogs Are Not Scrolls .... Don't Believe Everything You Read. - 01:38 AM
Active Rain content is wonderful, but it's content isn't being written by Obi-Wan Kenobi.

 
Scrolling through the posts it's easy to take the material for gospel.  ---* IT IS WRITTEN *------
 
Blogs are not scrolls and the authors are not GODLY, trust me. I am not normally one to "correct" publicly, nor privately when it comes to real estate content. I am a very humble person in this department. This is why you rarely see me posting about changes to this or changes to that. How do I know - FOR SURE?
 
I've noticed some AR authors … (46 comments)

This can make or break your real estate career ..... - 09:37 PM
The Importance of Reaching Out! Have you ever driven by the home of a past client and wondered how they're doing? Maybe you haven’t spoken with them in a while. You might have quickly found yourself reflecting on the time you spent working on that sale. Then, as fast as the thought arrived, the recollection passed and you went right back to stoking today’s fires. If you’re like a lot of agents, this happens a few times a month – sometimes more. Instead of letting the moment fade away, what if you took five minutes to reach out to that long-ago … (38 comments)

A Way to Spice Up Your Active Rain Blogging and Meet Some New People - 11:37 AM
I've been a member of Active Rain since November 2007.  Just like all newbies, I was unsure of what I was doing. I joined a few groups, started commenting, set up a profile and finally threw some posts out there. 
Over time, I have found my voice, and the posts come much easier.  Last year, I updated my profile.  It really needed it.  I've updated my profile description too.  And once I sat down and added some new groups.
Lately, I'd been seeing posts that I loved reading were posted to groups I was unfamiliar with.  I'd make a mental note … (67 comments)

The power of active rain perturbs me. - 04:47 PM
There's an agent in our office, who I invited to join Active Rain over a year ago.  He did join, started a profile by putting in his name and phone number, and that's about as far as he got.
He's never posted a single post.  He's never made a single comment.  His complaint, as with many people is "I don't know how to blog... I don't think I can, I wouldn't know what to say".
So, his account has sat dormant... just sitting there for over a year... (maybe more).
But, that's not what has me perturbed.  He's not the only … (115 comments)

Dear Realtor, I Have a Few Favors to Ask You... - 01:16 PM
Dear Realtor,
I can appreciate how busy you are, as so many of us are these days.  I like to think that if we all work together, we can make our jobs just a little easier.  I have a few favors to ask you:
If you are too busy to return calls and prefer that I email you, please state that in the confidential remarks in the MLS.  However, if email is your preferred method of communication, then please respond--I may just have a buyer for your property.  My clients appreciate when I can give them information or answer their questions … (40 comments)

Peek Behind The Scenes With FlagFox. Roar. - 09:51 AM
As you all are well aware, I am a hardcore FireFox user. I'm always finding the greatest little Add-Ons. This one is no different. This is <FlagFox>. An Add-On that has had 10,717,604 downloads. Do you know what that means? It means it's a killer Add-On. I've been playing around with it, and I love it. No longer shall I wonder what lies beneath a space page I'm romping around on. Sometimes I really have to question the validity of some of the sites I find. Here's a few of the things FlagFox does and some snippets that will help you … (67 comments)


Blog posts


Private Retreat with Landscaped Gardens, Walking Trails & Mountain Vistas - 08:15 AM
Single Family Home for sale in Waynesville, NC … (1 comments)

Brand New HAWAII Custom Word Press Site!!!! - 04:32 PM
We are still fine tuning, you will always here me say that :)  Hope you like this.                                                         www.HawaiiHomesandLand.com.Let me know if you would like a beautiful website that you own completely and can work on.Kind regards,Cherie Youngwww.CherieYoung.comwww.BeautifulCustomMaps.com760.440.0699
… (2 comments)

New and Improved ActiveRain Leaderboard - 11:00 AM
We are pleased to announce the new and improved ActiveRain Leaderboard! We couldn't have done it without the amazing feedback of our Community over the last couple of days. Thank you all so much!
ActiveRain wanted to create the best possible layout for all of our members.  A place where you can easily see how you rank within all of AR, your state, your professional group etc.
The new style is sleek and sexy...take a look.

As you can see, I have narrowed my search down to Real Estate Agents in All States.  You can also add state, county, and … (139 comments)

Talk to Local Candidates - Mason County WA - 09:27 PM
Talk to Local Candidates - Mason County WA
Thursday July 22, Arcadia, Dinner and a Movie

Our candidates want to SERVE YOU ! 
They'll be donning aprons and serving YOU dessert at the Hoodsport Fire Hall, 331 N Finch Creek Rd on Thursday, July 15th at 7 PM.  Late-comers welcome.  We have some scrumptious desserts planned and a wonderful family movie.  The movie will start 7:30 - 8:00 PM.
Invited candidates are
Rick Ryan  (County Assessor)
Mike Dorcy (County Prosecutor)
Terra Dittmer (County Commissioner)
Dan Griffey   (35th District State House of Representatives - Pos. 2)
Nancy Williams  (35th … (2 comments)

SEO and The Long Tail - 03:47 PM
If you’re a blogger and don’t understand the long tail concept, you are missing out. Basically, the long tail concept shows that the demand for less popular items can be greater than the total demand for the most popular items.
Look at a bookstore as an example. They may sell hundreds of best sellers every week, but they probably sell thousands of lesser known books. The demand for the lesser known books illustrates the power of the long tail.
The top search terms my real estate website gets found for Austin real estate, Austin homes and Lake Travis real estate. These … (0 comments)

Austin TX Weather - Hasn't hit 100 degrees yet! - 01:31 PM
Austin TX Weather is very inconsistent.  Last year, in the summer of 2009, we had 68 days over 100 degrees. It became the hottest summer on record, though the actual record for the number of 100+ degree days was 69 days. As of today's date last year, we had already had 35 days over 100 degrees. Basically, we would have just made it past the half way point of misery for the summer! However, what has this year been doing?? The summer of 2010 in Austin TX, thus far, has been fairly tame. We have had ZERO days at or above … (10 comments)

PODCAST: CHARLIE CRIST’S BRILLIANT POLITICAL MOVES! - 10:15 AM


 
There are so many things we could say about Charlie Crist.
We could call him a flip flopper; we could call him a traitor to the Conservative cause; we could call him a master manipulator, but what most Conservatives won’t be calling him today, is a brilliant politician. That’s exactly what I’m calling him.
Yesterday, Champagne Charlie was a huge winner on so many fronts and if any of you doubted his ability to become the next Senator for the Great State of Florida, then all doubts should have disappeared now.
To find out exactly how and why this is … (2 comments)

3 Bedroom Garrison Colonial For Sale in Charlton (01507) - 04:10 PM
3 Bedroom Garrison Colonial For Sale in Charlton JUST LISTED!  Lovely Garrison Colonial privately tucked away from everything, yet minutes to all major routes. This home features 3 extra large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, large family rm & formal living rm with new carpet, formal dining room with hardwood floors going out to large deck for entertaining. First floor laundry is a great convenience! Master bedroom has his & her closets & a full bath w/5 person hot tub & separate shower. Good candidate for a 203k streamline loan. Title V in hand & easy to show! For more … (1 comments)

What a Buy!! What an Investment!! 7221 Holabird Ave Dundalk, MD 21222 - 11:41 PM
 
 
… (13 comments)

So...how did you get into Real Estate? - 07:10 PM
Hi folks. Kind of a lazy hot Florida day today. I'm just sitting around and was thinking how fortunate we are to be in the business of real estate. Set your own hours, take a day off if you want, meet interesting people, solve problems, help people realize their dreams and get paid well.
So I was wondering how did you get into real estate? Was it a conscious decision or something you just fell into?
My journey began about 16 years ago while driving a taxi cab out at Disney World. I was driving families to the attractions all day … (138 comments)

Outer Banks Foreclosure|41196 Windlass Court Avon, NORTH CAROLINA 27915|MLS#67305|$379,900 - 01:03 PM
41196 Windlass Court Avon, NORTH CAROLINA 27915 MLS# 67305:  6 Bedrooms   4 Bathrooms   1 Partial Baths-$379,900
Some sound views from this 3 story home. Reverse floor plan, in-ground pool, screen porch, sun deck.

For more information about this listing please contact Matt Huband-Buyer's Agent at obxrealtors@gmail.com or 252-255-0221
 
 
… (0 comments)

Kitty Hawk Foreclosure|3809 Hallett Street Kitty Hawk, NORTH CAROLINA 27949|MLS#67253|$324,900 - 01:13 PM
3809 Hallett Street Kitty Hawk, NORTH CAROLINA 27949 MLS# 67253:  4 Bedrooms   2 Bathrooms $324,900
Now is your chance to own a home between the highways in Kitty Hawk. Reverse floor plan with master bedroom on the top level. Relax on the rear deck and enjoy partial views of the ocean. First floor has all new wall to wall carpet. This would be wonderful second home or spruce it up with some paint and furnishings and have yourself a great vacation rental home.

For more information about this listing contact Matt Huband-Buyer's Agent at obxrealtors@gmail.com or 252-255-0221
… (0 comments)

If Apple Can Do It, So Can I - 12:17 AM
A reporter's words on the evening news stopped me dead in my tracks.  She was discussing the release of Apple's earnings, which blew away Wall Street estimates by a mile, thanks in large part to the brisk sales of iPhones and the iPad.  In a compromised economic environment, Apple's profit managed to grow 78% in the last quarter, due to a healthy and continuing demand for its products.  It sold an astounding 3.3 million iPads and 8.4 million iPhones in the quarter. 
On a purely personal level, it should have come as no surprise to me.  When I decided to add the iPad to my arsenal of tools, I visited the local mall to check … (39 comments)

The Starbucks Connection - 05:32 PM
It may be premature to say this, but there is a change in the air.  On a recent trip to the mall I noticed for the first time in so long that it struck me as odd, stores were crowded.  People were actually committing to buy nonessential items
… (0 comments)

Happy Birthday Gary Keller ! - 08:01 AM
  Today is someone's birthday ....maybe someone you know...and now many of the social media sites enable you to know who and when....and you can send an e-card at no charge and with little effort....and make the birthday person feel remembered, special, cherished, loved.
   Today is Gary Keller's birthday...I am not sure now who told me that a year or so ago....the date stucck with me...a year and a half ago we were researching brokerages...with an open mind always to what was new...different...how we might better serve our clients... and we began to investigate, learn and talk with agents from … (7 comments)

Who’s going to Kiss-A-Pig?! - 04:19 PM
That's right! It's that time of year again! The Loudoun County Fair will be kicking-off this Sunday, July 25th and will run through Saturday, July 31st. Come out and enjoy the summer Loudoun County style with a Demolition Derby, the Great Outhouse Race, the First Annual Karaoke Contest, and the 12 year old running tradition of the Kiss-A-Pig contest - a fundraiser that raises monies for youth programs, the upkeep of the grounds, and maintenance of buildings and barns! We will be there enjoying the carnival rides so when you see us, make sure to say "hello!" Tickets at the gate … (0 comments)

Sabbath Gleanings......... I am getting back into the swing of things slowly... - 07:55 PM

 
 
 
 
After writing a comment on Sara Washburns Facebook page about Christianity yesterday, I suddenly felt more renewed to post here in ActiveRain.
To be frank I am still getting my feet wet around here and even though my posts are getting better statistics, I stillfeel like a new born puppy learning to sniff around again.
Please be patient with me while I find my blogging legs again. I promise my blogs will continue to get better as time goes on. I have heard it written and said that practice makes perfect. My blogs will NOT be … (2 comments)

I spy .... - 11:21 AM
How many soccer fans??? This picture was taken during my recent trip to Spain where I had an opportunity to experience the spirit of true soccer fans in Madrid. This was from my hotel where they crowd was waiting for home coming parade.. if you are interested in more pictures read my previous blog Spain
 

… (10 comments)

Tricking People ---- Are voters dumber than sellers? - 11:27 PM
I am blessed to be a realtor. I have never had such a wonderful opportunity to help people and make money as I have now. I can determine what I am going to do on a daily basis. I know by writing goals down I am almost sure to achieve them. I know by placing my customers desires before my need to make a sale works better in the long run. I know by reading Active Rain and staying in touch with others like me, I can build a network of referrals both ways that will last as long as I do. … (5 comments)

Sunny End Unit has Beautiful Views! - 04:02 PM

1067 Crane Pointe Dr., Elgin, IL 60124 2 Bedrooms/ 2.1 Bathrooms MLS# 07587411 $180,000 This sunny end unit in The Reserve of Elgin has beautiful views of flowered field and rustic barn. Bright kitchen with 42" cabinets opens to dining and living rooms with vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting. Huge master suite with nook for office or additional seating. TONS of storage in this townhome. Full finished English basement with rec room, extra bedroom, and full bath. Close to downtown Elgin and the river! Click on the link below for more details and pictures: http://www.housebyzip.com/MLS=IL07587411&s=active RE/MAX Action 847-338-0180
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