I have been in the rain since November 1st of this year and must say that I thoroughly enjoy it. AR is definitely a place for industry professionals to exchange ideas and information. I have learned quite a bit of industry related information by simply reading and commenting on a wide array of blogs. What I enjoy most is that AR is a complete community that is large enough to encompass both industry related and non-industry related topics. I feel is is incumbent upon me to pay it forward as the saying goes. That said I would like to use a secret passion of mine to set the stage...Chinese poetry! The beauty and simplicity of Chinese poetry is transcendent and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
I built my cottage among the habitations of men,
And yet there is no clamor of carriages and horses.
You ask: "Sir, how can this be done?"
"A heart that is distant creates its own solitude."
I pluck chrysanthemums under the eastern hedge,
Then gaze afar towards the southern hills.
The mountain air is fresh at the dusk of day;
The flying birds in flocks return.
In these things there lies a deep meaning;
I want to tell it, but have forgotten the words.
Tao YuanMing 
And now, "On with the show..."
First up is Danny Thornton Loan Officer extrodanaire. I am happy to be a part of his Thornton Team Danny has such a vast knowledge of the lending side of the industry that through his mentoring, I have become a more well rounded loan officer capable of thinking outside the box. His blogs span the spectrum from funny quotes to touching personal insights to in depth sports reviews. This is the type of person that AR needs to keep the community whole and balanced.
Next up is BLR Guy founder of Beach & Luxury Realty Inc in St. Pete Beach, Florida. His blogs run the gamut as well. He has a unique perspective that definitely comes through and will usually make you laugh. He relates his years of real estate experience through his comedic prowess. And he just might know a thing or two about sports! Be warned he is a Patriot's fan!
This is Kathleen Elim. It is great to have met someone, through her blogs, who is not only passionate about being a realtor but passionate about where she does it, Lake Anna, Virginia. Her blogs are both informative, entertaining, and heartfelt. As a newbie here myself, I find her easy to relate to and a very pleasant read. She has also been the inspiration for at least one of my own blogs, Chasing The Blog's Tail
And here's Brande Bradford of Bradford Realty! I actually had the pleasure of meeting Brande and her associate Donna White a few weeks ago for lunch. She is a very down to earth person who is extremly involved in her local community as is evidenced by her blogs. Her blogs also demonstrate not only her knowledge of the south metro-Atlanta real estate market but the larger real estate trends that are currently effecting Georgia and the country.
Next up is the always enteraining Linda Futral. Her blogs are a breath of fresh air! She is a selfless promoter of Georgia newbies to AR and for that alone she deserves kudos! It is people like her, that take the time to make newbies feel welcome and to help us navigate the AR realm, who definitely make AR an enjoyable place.
This isn't really a picture of Mary Bigelow but it is here avatar today! I encountered Mary during the recent legislative flurry surrounding our industry. Her blogs often reflect her Eco activism and her promotion of Green development! With responsible loan officers like her, and ECO-All-Stars~ Green Resources, Trends & Friends Group, Grand Rapdis, Michigan and our planet can rest a little easier (and so can future generations). Thanks Mary!
Finally, but definitely not last is Eric Kodner of Madeline Island Real Estate. His blogs demonstrate his knowledge and passion for his local Madeline Island, Wisconsin area as well as his passion for jazz, the environment, and our industry. Eric is one of the diverse people you will find on AR who freely shares and enhances this community.
These are just a small sampling of the people I have come to know, whether in person or through their blogs, in my short time on AR. They represent the diversity of AR not only as a real estate community, but a whole community. These individuals have welcomed me as a newbie and helpd me to find my AR blogging voice. I would recommend any of them to you if you can use their services. Beyond that, I would urge other newbies and veteran AR community members get acquainted with them through their blogs! The last bit of poetry:
After I climb the chill mountain's steep stone paths,
Deep in the white clouds there are homes of men.
I stop my carriage, and sit to admire the maple-grove at nightfall,
Whose frozen leaves are redder than the flowers of early Spring.
Du Mu (Tu Mu) 
Remember we were all new once to AR and to "pay it forward"
About the Author
If you are in the market to purchase a home or even refinance an existing loan and you want a loan officer that will walk with you every step of the way, then contact the Thornton Team at Home America Mortgage today. We can have you pre-approved in as little as 4 hours. You can visit our website or send an email to thorntonteam@hammtg.com or call us @ 404-354-2024.
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