Home > Blogs > Colleen Irwin > Retired Realtor - Coaching

Remember the Excitement When You Joined?

By Colleen Irwin

Services for Real Estate Pros with Retired Associate RE Broker

May 16, 2007 03:49 PM

Tonight I had the joy to feature a post of a newer member here at ActiveRain by Cheryl S. Miller titled Where is your Pin? YOUR REALTOR PIN! What a refreshing post! Do you get what drew me to this post? It was a fresh idea! New members breath new life into ActiveRain.

So what is your point Colleen, you are probably thinking? Well ActiveRain is a wonderful experience and the support of the members here truly make a difference to everyone.

Giving back to the community is a wonderful thing. Before becoming a moderator here at ActiveRain I used to go to the board each day and welcome new members.

Initially featuring posts, I would take a tour through the ActiveRain new members section where I would find their first posts that day. Somehow I got out of the habit... After spending some time there today, I thought I should share this hidden gem!

If you are new here today first we want to Welcome you here to ActiveRain! Secondly you might want to check out the ActiveRain Resource Guide!

At the time that I started to write this, there were 138 new members today here at ActiveRain -- they are listed below. Of those members 20 of which posted their first post today. Remember the excitement that very first time that you hit the Post BLOG Entry? I do. The million times that I checked for comments that never came. That first post got a comment months later from Maureen Francis... Here is your opportunity to thank that person that was the first to comment on your first post... Share the joy!

So How about we as members welcome the latest batch of ActiveRain Newbies! Want to see the latest new members here at ActiveRain, just click here.

Name	Location	Type	Blog
frank zapata (independent)	Valencia, CA	Loan Officer
Nancy A. Bailey (ReMax)	Tucson, AZ	Real Estate Agent
Janice Glavan (EQUITABLE Real Estate Company)	Scottsdale, AZ	Real Estate Agent
Rosey Eden (Loan Network, LLC)	Honolulu, HI	Loan Officer
Ben Hargis (VR Business Brokers)	Colorado Springs, CO	Business Broker	My Blog
Chris LaGarde (LaGarde Realty)	Coatesville, PA	Real Estate Agent
Gene Dougherty (Realty One)	Akron, OH	Real Estate Agent
Barbara Clagett (Century 21 Premium Realty)	Frederick, MD	Real Estate - Other
Deborah Blanchard (Big Bear Real Estate)	Big Bear Lake, CA	Real Estate Agent
Rachel Perez (Prudential California Realty)	Berkeley, CA	Real Estate Agent
Ben Hargis (VR Business Brokers)	Fort Collins, CO	Business Broker	My Blog
Shirl Aronson (RE/MAX Four Seasons)	Olympia, WA	Real Estate Agent
Jessica Kahnert (Keller Williams Premier Realty)	Hugo, MN	Real Estate Agent
Scott Messina (National Realty News)	Stuart, FL	Real Estate Media
Innovative Realty	San Diego, CA	Real Estate Brokerage
dave calhoun (safe harbor realty)	Vancouver, WA	Real Estate Agent
Kevin Gray (RE-Source Mortgage)	Castle Rock, CO	Loan Officer
Jim Gutierrez (U.S. Funding Group,Inc)	Vancouver, WA	Loan Officer
americorp home loans llc	Lake Worth, FL	Mortgage Company
Chris Harrison (Elite Realty)	Las Vegas, NV	Real Estate Agent
Mike Nelson (Preview Properties)	Everett, WA	Real Estate Agent
gary esposito (Individual)	Pembroke Pines, FL	Real Estate - Other
Kate Beck (First Horizon)	Seattle, WA	Loan Officer
Dick Winefield (RE/MAX Properties)	Nashua, NH	Real Estate Agent
Home San Francisco	San Francisco, CA	Real Estate Brokerage
Cindy Alderton (CENTURY 21 Premium Realty)	Frederick, MD	Real Estate Agent
Eric Coulter (Coldwell Banker All Stars)	Vicksburg, MS	Real Estate Agent
Monica Baird (Remax New Heights Realty )	Phoenix, AZ	Real Estate Agent
John Norris (Exit Realty)	Rome, GA	Real Estate Agent
cathy steiner (John L Scott)	Lynnwood, WA	Real Estate Agent
Angel Perry (Top Mortgage)	Burlington, WA	Loan Officer
Michael Martinez (RE/MAX New Heights Realty)	Phoenix, AZ	Real Estate Agent
Gail & Chuck Richey (Bob Parks Realty LLC)	Franklin, TN	Real Estate Agent
Vicky Blaine (InnerSpace Home Styling)	Calgary, AB	Home Stager
Scott Jones (MEDIAFAM)	Kingwood, TX	Real Estate Media
Dan Myers (Keller Williams Realty West)	Nampa, ID	Real Estate Agent
TRINITY MORTGAGE, LLC	Albuquerque, NM	Mortgage Company
Peter Lin (Me)	Lenexa, KS	Real Estate - Other
Melissa Bates (((looking)))	Walnut Creek, CA	Real Estate Agent
Jesse Allen (Parker Realty Group)	Greenville, NC	Real Estate Agent
EXPRESS R/E & MTG PRO'S	Westminster, CA	Mortgage Company
William Berry (Tarbell, Realtors)	Riverside, CA	Real Estate Agent
Chris Hammerstone (Lee & Associates)	Ontario, CA	Commercial Real Estate Agent
Jerrell Coleman (Coleman Appraisals)	Pinehurst, NC	Appraiser
Assured Capital Enterprise Corporation	New York, NY	Mortgage Company
Kennith Hatfield (Century 21 Premium Realty)	Frederick, MD	Real Estate Agent
WATERMARK PROPERTIES	Vero Beach, FL	Real Estate Brokerage
Samantha Vetter (Signature GMAC)	Kissimmee, FL	Real Estate Agent	My Blog
Darleen McCullen (Keller Williams Realty)	Raleigh, NC	Real Estate Agent
Joseph Ortiz (Nissi Group)	New York, NY	Real Estate Agent
Kelly Johnson (Consider It Closed)	Washington, DC	Notary
Wally Torres (MortgageStar, Inc)	New Port Richey, FL	Loan Officer	My Blog
Judy and Justin Poss (CENTURY 21 Regency Realty, Inc.)	Enterprise, AL	Real Estate Agent
Jen Lear (Realty World Freewheeler)	Islamorada, FL	Real Estate Agent
Robert Moore (Prudential Gary Greene)	Humble, TX	Real Estate Agent
Alfredia Mulkey (MortgageStar)	Tampa, FL	Loan Officer
Kenya Hunter (Right Now Notary)	Washington, DC	Notary
Paul Murphy (Puroclean Mitigation / Restoration Service)	Fitchburg, MA	Environmental Services
freelin hummel (PDXRE)	Portland, OR	Real Estate Media
ALISHA CARR (AMERICAN FINANCIAL HOME LOANS)	Palm Desert, CA	Loan Officer
MortgageStar	Wesley Chapel, FL	Mortgage Company
Dubya Queue (None)	Midlothian, VA	Real Estate - Other
Steve Knott (Conaway Commercial)	Baltimore, MD	Commercial Real Estate Agent
Laura Watts (Positive Properties, LLC)	Laurinburg, NC	Real Estate Agent	My Blog
Ed Wacaster (Residential Pacific Mortgage)	Roseville, CA	Loan Officer	My Blog
Gina Gonzales (COLDWELL BANKER PLATINUM GROUP)	San Jose, CA	Real Estate Agent
Suzette Smith (Castagio)	Phoenix, AZ	Home Stager
H Brek Anderson (Exit Realty Unlimited)	Salt Lake City, UT	Real Estate Agent
Shannon Wilson (Avalon Properties, Inc)	Colorado Springs, CO	Real Estate Agent
Greg Nutter (Farmers)	Santa Clarita, CA	Insurance Broker
ASAP Mortgage	Madison, WI	Mortgage Company	My Blog
Eduardo Garcia (Purofirst Oakland East Bay)	Oakland, CA	Environmental Services
David Boone (First Coast Funding)	Neptune Beach, FL	Real Estate - Other	My Blog
Stephanie Burns (Property Colorado)	Steamboat Springs, CO	Real Estate Agent
Lisa Mullins (Reliable Business Solutions)	Fredericksburg, VA	Virtual Assistant	My Blog
Curtis Fenn (Real Estate Data X-Change, Inc.)	Provo, UT	Real Estate - Other	My Blog
Carolyn Ragone (Carolyn Ragone Real Estate LLC)	Southern Pines, NC	Real Estate Agent
Tiffany Wilson (Compass Properties)	Manhattan Beach, CA	Real Estate - Other	My Blog
Mario Martinez (Coldwell Banker Platinum Group)	San Jose, CA	Real Estate Agent
Jessica Pirone (Just Perfect! Home Staging & More)	Wilmington, NC	Home Stager
Carla Muss-Jacobs (EBA Portland, LLC)	Beaverton, OR	Real Estate Agent
Cici Glaser (Keller Williams)	Sacramento, CA	Real Estate Agent
Christina Keedy (United States Mortgage Company)	Phoenix, AZ	Loan Officer
Erik Molina (Cornerstone Mortgage Company)	Las Vegas, NV	Loan Officer
David (Dave) Woodman (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)	Woodbridge, VA	Real Estate Agent
American Home Mortgage	Sacramento, CA	Mortgage Company	My Blog
Rain Wallace (Citywide Home Loans)	Salt Lake City, UT	Loan Officer
Kathy DeLaquil (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)	Frederick, MD	Real Estate Agent
Michele Fausnacht (RE/MAX Bayside)	Meredith, NH	Real Estate Agent
Carolina Aponte (Bilingual Marketing Group)	San Diego, CA	Virtual Assistant
Charles Barden (Triangle Lending Group, LLC)	Clayton, NC	Loan Officer
OnTimeLender	Huntington Beach, CA	Mortgage Company	My Blog
George Lain (EXIT PLATINUM REALTY)	McHenry, IL	Real Estate Agent	My Blog
Patrick Bryant (Nationstar Mortgage)	Virginia Beach, VA	Loan Officer
Jennifer Singh (Intero Real Estate)	Pleasanton, CA	Real Estate Agent
G & A Home Mortgage, LLC	Blaine, MN	Mortgage Company
Chris Allerton (The Real Estate Weekly)	Charlottesville, VA	Real Estate Media
Prime Financial Group Inc	Deland, FL	Mortgage Company
Ann Moore (Re/Max of Naperville)	Naperville, IL	Real Estate Agent
Missy Askey (Real Property Specialists)	Newnan, GA	Appraiser
guillermo a (s)	New York, NY	Property Manager
Stephanie Mecham (Exit Realty Unlimited)	Sandy, UT	Real Estate Agent
Texas State Mortgage Consulting	Austin, TX	Mortgage Company
Jason McFarland (Xtermitek Professional Pest Management)	Simpsonville, SC	Inspector
Michael Wagoner (Associated Home Inspection, Inc.)	Lawrenceville, GA	Inspector
Ramon Haaswyk (Prudential)	Westminster, CA	Real Estate Agent
Timothy Lane (Coffey Insurance Agency / Cotton States)	Chattanooga, TN	Insurance Broker
Amara Hyde (Sensible Mortgage Solutions)	New York, NY	Commercial Lender
Thomas Glick (RE/Max First Realty)	East Brunswick, NJ	Real Estate Agent
Morquest LLC.	Orlando, FL	Mortgage Company
Sommer Von Behren (Nth Degree Real Estate)	Sauk City, WI	Real Estate Agent
Lori Diaz-Lane (Moved by Design)	Fergus Falls, MN	Home Stager
Nick Snow (Keller Williams Western Realty)	Bellingham, WA	Real Estate Agent	My Blog
Daryl Kelton (RE/MAX ALLIANCE GROUP)	Gilbert, AZ	Real Estate Agent
Sarah Johnson (Moved by Design)	Fergus Falls, MN	Home Stager
Ed Lowther (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)	Osage Beach, MO	Loan Officer
Dean Jackson (NewInformation!)	Winter Haven, FL	Real Estate Trainer	My Blog
Amanda Cline (Remax Crossroads)	Lincolnton, NC	Real Estate Agent
Tabitha Patrick (Century21 Tri City)	Kingsland, GA	Real Estate - Other
Russ Kirk (Kirk Realty Group)	Indianapolis, IN	Real Estate Agent	My Blog
Christopher Burrell (BMC Capital)	Brighton, MI	Commercial Lender
Randy Tobbe (Hope Financial )	Novi, MI	Real Estate - Other
Don Dorsey (RX Realty)	Las Vegas, NV	Real Estate Agent
National Future Mortgage	Gibbsboro, NJ	Mortgage Company
Roty Anne Welstead (Coldwell Banker/Country Properties)	Rye, NY	Real Estate Agent
JT Pelt (Title Acqusition I, LLC)	Tampa, FL	Title Company
Jeffrey Crisalli (The Santo Group)	Toms River, NJ	Real Estate - Other
Elegante Realty	Albuquerque, NM	Real Estate Brokerage
Stephanie Zellous (Keller Williams Realty)	Austin, TX	Real Estate Agent
Geoff Roberts (Vitagon Diagnostics Inc)	Sumter, SC	Real Estate - Other	My Blog
Matt Eversgerd (First Integrity Mortgage Services)	Des Peres, MO	Loan Officer
John Woodburn (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage)	Waldorf, MD	Loan Officer	My Blog
Stephen Brooks (Lightstream Marketing)	New York, NY	Real Estate Media
Azteca Realty	Salinas, CA	Real Estate Brokerage
Kery Silva (K & R Lendnign and Realty)	San Jose, CA	Real Estate Agent
Steve Bussman (Keller Williams Realty)	Corona, CA	Real Estate Agent
Vince Ortiz (Puroclean Mitigation/Restoration Services)	Seattle, WA	Environmental Services
Sapanjot Behar (Royal Group Tapestry Realty)	Langley, BC	Real Estate Agent	My Blog

Go forward and make someone's day here at ActiveRain! Give someone their first comment, email them a welcome message. Most importantly pay that kindness paid to you forward!

Colleen Kulikowski Real Estate Professional DeFrancoRealEstate.com 481 19th Street
Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
US

Work: 716-990-7384 Mobile: 407-288-0017 paradisereport@gmail.com http://www.buffaloniagararealestatehomesales.com/wnyrealtor

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Colleen Kulikowski is your Western New York Real Estate Expert focusing on Buffalo and Niagara Falls neighborhoods of Western New York. If you are on Twitter, please follow me... If you enjoyed this post by your Buffalo & Niagara Falls Home Sales Expert, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed!

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Andy Kaufman

Better Homes & Gardens Mason McDuffie Real Estate - Berkeley, CA

East Bay Sales & Investments

Thanks for putting together the list Colleen. I just welcomed a couple newbies in my area.

When I decided to actually get active on this site, it was so cool to have people leave welcome comments right away. I'm part of a lot of online communities and that helped me immediately recognize that this one is special.

May 16, 2007 04:20 PM

Tom Burris

NMLS# 335055 - Baton Rouge, LA

Texas/Louisiana Mortgage Pro - 13 YRS Experience

i remember the excitement.... because my 'Web Girl' told me that blogging was cool for Google Juice

oohhhh.... and i DID welcome the Texas newbies.

;-)

May 16, 2007 04:28 PM

Axel Weiss

Bradenton Realtor and Sarasota Homes for Sale - Bradenton, FL

Sea to Sky Realty

Welcome to all newbies! I remember how excited I was when I joinded AR, and by now (after exploring all the possibilities) I´m even more excited....

May 16, 2007 04:52 PM

John Novak

Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV

Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

This gives me an idea for a new AR feature - New Voices in the Rain. Maybe the AR Team could set something up for new members so their first couple of posts wouldn't get buried in the daily avalanche.

May 16, 2007 05:21 PM

Randy L. Prothero

eXp Realty - Hollister, MO

Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645

We should do this Walmart style and have a greeter for new members.

May 16, 2007 08:02 PM

Chris Griffith

Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL

Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

That picture is a riot, Colleen. I love welcoming new people and making comments to banish the zero. It was nice of you to point this out to the masses.

May 16, 2007 11:16 PM

Neal Bloom

Brokered by eXp Realty LLC - Weston, FL

Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate

Colleen,

I have and will continue to encourage the new members to join in on our fun here on A/R.

May 16, 2007 11:17 PM

Colleen Irwin

Retired - Irondequoit, NY

Creative Real Estate Solutions...

Ok, now I know how why Margaret Rome wrote not to to give her anymore gold stars! It is impossible to answer everyone individually after you go to bed. Now there is the problem -- I went to bed!

John I like your idea! Or perhaps a section where people's very first post goes....

Everyone if you want to save a link to see the latest list of membes just click here. Once opened bookmark it to your favorites and then you can make it part of your reading routine! Jurst remember how lost you felt those first few days and how great it was when someone reached out and assisted you!

May 17, 2007 12:50 AM

Stephanie Edwards-Musa

thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX

knitwit at thred UP

Colleen, I can't believe you did that! You're supposed to stay up awaiting every comment!

Just kidding! Have a great day!

May 17, 2007 12:54 AM

Tim Maitski

Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA

Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal

It's fun trying to be the first to comment on the first post of someone's blog. I was doing it consistently for a few weeks.

I remember when I received my first comment. It was so exciting. Then when I received my first comment from Broker Bryant I was so honored that the top dog had taken time to comment on something that I had written.

May 17, 2007 01:33 AM

David A. Podgursky PA

THE PODGURSKY GROUP @ Re/Max Direct - Boynton Beach, FL

THE PODGURSKY GROUP - Make the Right Move!

wow... nice list

I see a lot of Floridians joining too!

Great promotion of members CK!

May 17, 2007 01:59 AM

Maureen Francis

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel - Bloomfield Hills, MI

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Blogs have a long lasting value. Even though it took me months to comment on that first blog, we had shared comments on many other posts in the meantime.

May 17, 2007 03:04 AM

Colleen Irwin

Retired - Irondequoit, NY

Creative Real Estate Solutions...

Stephanie -- I know I am bad...

Tim -- I know exactly what you mean -- for me it was Kristal Kraft and it was amazing when she referenced me as being a leader here at ActiveRain.

David -- Thanks!

Maureen -- Nice to see you around! Yes we have had many posts shared over the time!

May 17, 2007 05:21 AM

Laurie Manny

Long Beach CA Real Estate - Long Beach, CA

When I hit enter on my first post it was followed by a severe anxiety attack. Same on the second, third, fourth... It took me quite a while to feel comfortable and safe.

May 17, 2007 05:36 AM

Jeff Turner

RealSatisfied - Santa Clarita, CA

I'll be joining the welcome wagon group!

May 17, 2007 09:29 AM

Stephanie Edwards-Musa

thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX

knitwit at thred UP

Colleen, You really started something good here! If you check out the new blogs...last I saw they all had comments! Great Job!

May 17, 2007 09:31 AM

Colleen Irwin

Retired - Irondequoit, NY

Creative Real Estate Solutions...

Laurie -- you an anxiety attack? Couldn't be possible! You write such beautiful posts!

Jeff -- Welcome to the Team!

Stephanie -- and what about today's latest new posts?

May 17, 2007 11:44 AM

Stephanie Edwards-Musa

thredUP.com - The Woodlands, TX

knitwit at thred UP

Colleen, that's what I meant. I think it's awesome that you started it last night and it carried through to today. I went to comment on the posts but someone had beat me to it. Just shows how much everyone appreciates what you do! Thanks for everything!

May 17, 2007 11:51 AM

Christy Powers

Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners - Pooler, GA

Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent

LOL.....were you looking over my shoulder when I did my first post? I did the same thing. I was soo excited and anxiously awaited my first comment. Great post!

May 17, 2007 12:12 PM

Allison Stewart

St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL

St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

Very nicely done Colleen- It takes a little effort to look for the newbees but the encouragement goes a long way.

Jun 20, 2007 07:51 AM