When I first started writing my blog several years ago, it was because I was an active real estate agent and I was interested in using it as a way to increase my web presence, communicate with clients and the public, commiserate and learn from other agents, and get my message across about how I do business.  It was a daily event for me to log on to Active Rain, read other blogs and post my own articles about pretty much everything under the sun. And fun, too!

Although I no longer log on or post regularly (I'm busy and enjoying my new  job, hanging out with my family, and traveling) I do wish to maintain an active web presence for my referral business. (My former clients and friends trust my recommendations and look to me for advise and referrals ~ I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted in the last 6 months!) I still feel the desire to write, though not nearly as often as I once did. Sometimes, that is because I want to share what's going on in my life currently, sometimes it is to rant about something that is bothering me, and sometimes it is simply to work out thoughts I have and get the opinion of others that I have come to know and respect.

Recently, I posted about a referral gone wrong. Perhaps it wasn't the nicest thing to do (I have since removed the post) but sometimes I feel so strongly about something that I simply have to voice my opinion. On the flip side of this, however, I have also been equally strong in voicing my appreciation and praise for companies and people that offer exceptional service and/or products. Although my recent blog was quite harsh in it's criticism of a particular company, there have been past posts in which I have strongly advocated and applauded this very same company. Does it balance out? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that it is important to remain true to yourself and to fight for what you believe in ~ whether it will result in change or not.

On another note, today, as I was taking Zoey the Wonder Puppy for a stroll around the block, I noticed several houses that were starting to look a little run down. The blogger ~ and former real estate agent ~ in me immediately started thinking of how I could incorporate my observations into a blog post. It's funny, isn't it, how you can find it difficult to think of anything to write about for weeks, and then suddenly a topic or two presents itself out of the clear blue?

As we walked, I was pondering whether it was the recession that has resulted in homes that were formerly well-manicured going to ruin, or whether these properties had new owners that didn't care as much as the former owners. It doesn't cost much to mow your yard, trim your bushes or pull a few weeds. Perhaps it's simply a symptom of people who have given up and just don't care anymore? While those few shabby homes bum me out, happily, many others in the neighborhood are actively sprucing up their homes with new siding and roofs, paint jobs, new driveways and front walks, and gorgeous landscaping. A sure sign that maybe things are improving out there and hope has returned, because these homeowners are spending a considerable amount of money on their homes ~ and who would do that if they didn't have faith in the real estate market?

So what are your thoughts? Are you seeing more sales and increased morale in your market, or are you seeing homes falling into disrepair? And why do you continue to blog after all this time? I'm just curious!

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day! :-)

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.