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ActiveRain Week in Review - 8/31/08 - 9/7/08

It was a Monday morning like most Monday mornings...EXCEPT that the sun was shining a little brighter, and the birds were singing 'Who Let the Dogs Out' by BAHA MEN! Had I not given up coffee two days earlier, I probably would have known that it was going to be a really, special day...a day like none before and none since.

At 12:37pm, (I remember the moment as if it were only a week ago) I received an email from Mr. Neal Bloom (himself)...inviting me to do the ActiveRain Week in Review for 8/31/2008 - 9/7/2007. Well...I tell ya that I felt as though I had just opened my front door and found Mr. Ed McMann standing right there on my porch with one of those BIG CHECKS (like the ones on The Price is Right) in his hands. In a moment of utter excitement, I screamed "YES, YES, Neal Bloom, I will answer the call...I WILL DO THE WEEK IN REVIEW!"

And...well...that is exactly how it happened. So...I s'pose I better get to it now.

Since this is my first time (doing the Week in Review, that is)...I really had no idea what was expected of me...other than to read a LOT (is 400 a LOT) of blog posts and pick the top 15 posts from this past week that MOVED me, INSPIRED me, CHALLENGED me, EDUCATED me or MADE ME LAUGH (OR CRY) REALLY HARD.

In no particular order...I present to you the BEST of the BEST of ActiveRain 8/31/08 - 9/7/08:

In her post titled: Want to Market to Expireds? Save Time and Effort by Using This Letter and Including Your Personal Brochure... Kay Steele Faulk-The Real Estate Copywriter, not only shares her experience and wisdom... she also leaves her readers with a tangible tool that they can use to market to expired listings. This post is truly a shining example of the camaraderie and spirit of sharing that makes ActiveRain the best networking community on the internet!

Picture of Real Estate - Other: Mary McKnight (1parkplace)

Top 10 Free Programs and Websites I Can't Live Without and You Shouldn't Have to Either, by Mary McKnight is included in my TOP 15 of the week because I've already begun using some of the websites she recommended. As I have admitted many times before, I'm not a 'techie' kind of girl...and I love that I constantly discover new gizmos, gadgets, widgets, websites and 'COOL STUFF' on ActiveRain.

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)

Jason Crouch was one of the first bloggers I discovered when I joined ActiveRain a year ago. I thought his writing was amazing then, and he just keeps churning out the 'GOOD STUFF'! Being a big believer in the importance of having a proper perspective...My Own "Forced Perspective" - Making me think...spoke to me. I bet it will speak to you also! Picture of Real Estate Agent: Elaine Hanson, REALTOR® ~ Topanga, CA Real Estate Specialist (Pritchett-Rapf & Assoc. Realtors, Topanga)

Being a mother of four incredible daughters, Elaine Hansen reached a very special place in my soul with this post: Angel, The Sky is Calling. IF you missed this one...go read it NOW. You'll be so happy you did.

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Debe Maxwell (Helen Adams Realty)

Speaking of posts that reached into the deepest place of my soul...My Dad, My Hero...by Debe Maxwell receives the 'Top Tear-Jerker of the Week' award. Debe's dear mother suffered a massive heart attack and was in a coma. (She is out of the coma and recovering now...THANK GOD!) Although Debe wrote that post when she did not know if her mother would recover, she managed to share a message of hope. Debe is my hero!!!

Since They Love Me After All - and it Feels So Good! was rightfully featured on the ActiveRain Dashboard on 9/2/08...I almost did not include it in this Week in Review. However, I wish to give credit where credit is due...and Margaret Woda deserves a tremendous amount of recognition for this open and transparent post. Just read it!

Be a Rubber Band Head...by Gary Woltal...is more than just a cute post with a catchy title. This baby might be short and sweet...but it packs a big wollup!! Once you read it, you'll want to join the new ActiveRain Group, 'Rubber Band Heads'.

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Carol Smith, ReMax Preferred, REALTOR®, Toledo, OH (www.calltoledohome.com)

After tuning into R.A.I.N. Radio, Carol Smith was inspired to write: ABC ... Easy as 1 - 2 - 3 ... You and me, baby, that's the key! Do you know your three 'P's? If not...go read Carol's blog post!! And, if you have not listened to R.A.I.N. Radio...what are you waiting for?

How Would You Sell This House? by Lisa Hill is another great example of real estate professionals using the vast knowledge and experience of other ActiveRain Community members to find answers to difficult questions. In addition to great content...Lisa's blogs are just so darn pretty!

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty)

Don't Give Up Your Power! by Rose Robinson is a gentle but powerful reminder of the power we have, as real estate professionals. over our businesses. We have the power...but do we use it?

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Jim & Maria Hart ~ Charleston, SC Real Estate (Agent Owned Realty)

After reading The Mind of a Six Year Old by Jim & Maria Hart...I smiled for about an hour. Why do we grow up and decide to complicate everything?

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio)

I had to go back and read The Cookie Thief-- Humanity and Humility by Sara Washburn several times. The truth that is packed into this post is PRICELESS!! (I wish I could have seen the look on this woman's face when she realizes....)

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate))

Where to "Beat The Heat" All Over the Great State of Texas! by Steve Homer is a SWEET example of the fun you can have doing Localism posts. I am particularly impressed by how he listed ALL the flavors on the menu. Steve and my daughter, Deren, would get along great. Her face lights up at the mere mention of ice cream.

Picture of Real Estate Agent: June Lewis,Realtor New CastlePa Lawrence Co. (Northwood Realty Services)

IF this post: Incredible Sound of Potential by June Lewis does not inspire you to strive every single day to reach your God-given potential...nothing will inspire you. When I grow up, I want to be like this young man and his father!!

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

Information you need to know about the changes in lending in North Carolina by Tracy Santrock is a one-stop shop post for the most up-to-date information you will find on obtaining a loan in N.C. Tracy has covered it ALL! (And, she's just around the corner from me!)

There are two other posts that deserve representation, as well. I know we expect a LOT from the ActiveRain Community Builders...but Brad Andersohn and Rich Jacobson continually go beyond the call of duty! These are two of my favorites of the week:

Picture of Real Estate Agent: Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

"Is Your Integrity Worth 25 Points?" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips Picture of Real Estate - Other: Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain)

WEB 2.0 - Top 100 Applications and Sites 2008

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Homes for Sale

Posted by Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team on 09/08/2008 12:12 AM

Comments (58)

activerain week in review, bilingual raleigh durham chapel hill nc realtor christian nc realtor raleigh durham chapel hill homes for sale

Originally posted at: Raleigh - Durham...A Real N.C. Girl's Perspective: ActiveRain Week in Review - 8/31/08 - 9/7/08

Post is included in group: WEEK IN REVIEW

58 Comments on ActiveRain Week in Review - 8/31/08 - 9/7/08

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2008

Elizabeth (Little Sister) - I caught many of these posts, but not all. Thanks so much for including that particular post of mine. I was hoping it would garner more attention than it did. Great job on the Week in Review! Have a blessed week!

Elizabeth, thanks for the inclusion among all the luminaries. Your work on Week In Review is exemplary and I for one am glad you are back. Your multi-part series on the adoption of your little ones was extraordinary. You get high accolades from me ALL the time. May God continue to bless you abundantly my friend.

Eli - Thank You for including me in this review! I am honored!

You accepted Neal's challenge and fulfilled your duties in your usual fashion - 100%! I don't think you know how to do anything any other way! And that's one of the many reasons why I love ya!

Thanks, mi amiga. You know you're aces with me!

what a great way to get back in the AR saddle - nicely done and great to se you so active again

Elizabeth - I've read of few of these posts but it looks like you're going to keep me busy over the next few days reading the ones you've listed here that I have not had the pleasure of reading.

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2008

Elizabeth - Only a member for 5 months, I am still kind of a Newbie, your post is full of posts that I will be looking over and reading. And as for Jason, I have been studying the (Legend) very closely.

And Rich, you have to really love this guy, he has his job cut out for him.

Gary, another wonderful person and a great blogger.

And all the others I will get to know in time and by reading their posts

Thanks for the read and info!

Elizabeth, Thanks for coming onto AR, you will find this agreat place (to rackup .. oops my cut and paste broke..... oh well just send me referrals....????

Just a Joke ..... commenting on Rich's right on the mark post already got my allotted 550 points today???

List and Sell (and thanks for going thru all these for us) Gary @ RentonHomeFinder

Elizabeth, thank you for providing such a great list of excellent posts/information/wisdom! It's like waking up early this morning and finding a warm Cinnabun in the kitchen.

Elizabeth, great week in review, now about Neal being Ed McMann..........only if he had a million dollar check in his hand and I could retire and move to Tennessee. Too much work on Week on Review to be Ed. LOL

Thanks Elizabeth, i'm not sure how Mary McKnight's list fell through the cracks but now we have a chance to revisit it. Truly great idea.

Thanks for all of this great info and all the work you did to accumulate this list. I am looking forward to reading the ones I missed.

Elizabeth, thank you for including my post in your list. It's funny how the "quick" little posts are often the best received. I was surprsied when it was featured and I'm surprised again. This reminder to keep in touch with former cleints (even after you get out of the business, as I did for a few years in management) must be one that resonates with AR members.

This is a great week in review. Many of the writers are people I have not met yet, so I look forward to seeing them! Thanks for doing this. I've done it once and it is a tremendous amount of work!! Great job!

Elizabeth,
Thank you for all your hard work this past week in putting together an awesome WIR. The time involved is very fresh in my mind since I did one 3 weeks ago. LOL!

Your picks are some my favorite from last week--I had read all but three of these so now I'm off to do just that.

Ok before I thank you I must say that I wouldn't want to be Ed McMahon....he was facing foreclosure and I don't want that but I'll take the check he left you:)

Great job and thanks for doing this weeks review!

Good Stuff ! Whats up with quitting coffee though? :-)

Hi Elizabeth - this is a wonderfully written summary of the posts you found to be worth singling out. I love how you wrote about each one, and that has made me want to go read each one of these you mentioned.

Thanks for the work and time you put into this week's review - very nicely done!
Ann

Elizabeth, excellent job! I"ve been "out" of the rain for a couple of weeks due to a crazy schedule (SOMETHING had to give) and I'm excited to check these blogs out. Congrats on your Week in Review!

Great job Elizabeth, I am going to enjoy getting to know you.

Elizabeth, great job on the Week in Review. It used to be that by the time he Week in Review got posted, I'd usually read all the posts that were included. Not anymore! There's just so many posts being written each week and only so many that you can read. However, I had read 7 of the ones that you've highlighted -- not bad.

Thanks for taking the time out of your week to prepare this review.

Elizabeth,

Thank you for sharing all of these great articles! I spend hours every week in the rain and I still don't have time to read everything ... so I appreciate you pointing out some of the highlights that I missed!

Great Summary -- made me realze there were some great post that I had missed reading during the week

HI ELIZABETH!

Because I can't read every single post, I count on post like this one to catch me up on the good ones that I may have missed. I do try to read all the week in reviews! Thank you for keeping me in the loop! Have a wonderful, prosperous week!

THANK YOU ELIZABETH! I am honored that you would include me in this star-studded lineup!

And I want to commend you for all the hard work and time committed to read and review (and made comments!) on these posts.

Please stay in touch! I would love to get to know you better; we have a lot in common. Thanks again!

I missed A LOT of these! Thanks for raounding them up!

Elizabeth: What a great line-up and presentation format! Your willingness to do the Week in Review and with such enthusiam, shows your unselfish dedication to others! We are most appreciative.

Thank you also for the mention--I have to say that I'm certainly no hero though! I'm headed back down this morning and will let everyone know how things are going later this evening. I appreciate your support and prayers for my parents!

Again, great job on this difficult task as there are alot of great posts out there and having to chose a select few is no easy task (I've done this one before)! GBU Elizabeth!

Thanks for the post and excellent compilation. i am going to go through and read all these blogs today!!!

BIG BROTHER: (I was just thinking that I could shorten your new nickname to just BB...but that one is already taken. Let me work on it!) Of course, I included your post. It is GREAT! I actually had to decide between three of your posts, but I believe the world needs a new perspective. GBU!

GARY: Thank YOU! I truly sought to find the Best of the Best! I wanted to shine light on the bloggers who really bring something fresh to the table. My friend, you are always FRESH!! GBU!

CAROL: Your post is a PERFECT example of the wealth of knowledge that is available to us here at AR. Thanks for ALWAYS being so generous and sharing with everyone. I luv ya! GBU!

THESA: Thank you, my friend! I've missed playing in the 'rain'! GBU!

DONNA: I promise that you will not be disappointed!! GBU!

Great job and thank you for taking the time to write this week in review. Some of the posts I read but am looking forward to checking out the I missed.

I did read Angel, the sky is calling, by Elaine Hansen and thought it was great! Very touching!!

Have a great week.

ROBERT: Well...after only 5 months...you are doing GREAT!! You have learned the secret...to READ people and get to know them. As you do, you'll grow personally and professionally. There is an ocean of knowledge and experience right here in front of us on AR. I wonder how many people seek daily to learn something new from those around them here at AR. Just a thought! Happy Blogging and GBU!!

GARY: You made me laugh, my friend! Rich's post hit the target, huh? What's wrong with people? Okay...I'll stop! I think I already wrote that post this week. ;-) GBU, my friend!

SUSIE: Oh...you are a sweetheart! I can almost smell the cinnamon! GBU!!

MISSY: What would AR do without YOU? You can't retire and leave us all here to ourselves. We need Mama Missy!! GBU!

CASTELLUM: YES! My kids also love HULU.com...which we found in her post. GBU!

MICHAEL: You will not be disappointed, my friend! GBU!

MARGARET: Your post was absolutely on the mark! It deserves ALL of the attention it has received. It is a must read for anyone involved in the real estate business. GBU!

SUSAN: Thank you! Truthfully...I LOVED doing it! I read a LOT anyway...and I don't want to miss a single thing. I learn many new things every single day. GBU!

CYNTHIA: I read your WIR, and it was FANTASTIC! You are such a constant source of encouragement to this community. GBU!!

NEAL: Thanks for asking me. So...I may have been a little dramatic in the introduction. I don't know what got into me. YOU KNOW that I'm usually so reserved and subdued. I suppose you are just kinda rubbing off on me. UH OH!! GBU!!

JUSTIN: LOL I don't know WHAT I was thinking, man! Confession time...I've got a cup this morning. ME - COFFEE = A GRUMPY GIRL! GBU!

ANN: I promise you that you will want to read each and every one of these. Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and ENJOY!! GBU!

KAREN: WELCOME BACK! I understand 'craziness'! Take your time to relax and read. This sampling will get you back in the swing in no time. GBU!

PADDY: You made me smile! ME TOO!! GBU!

BRIAN: You are so right! There is so much incredible stuff being written every single day here at AR. It is difficult to keep up. 7 ain't bad, my friend!! GBU!

PIPPA: I try to read everything that my favorite bloggers write...AND to discover the new talent as they join AR. It is not easy to keep up with everything. One of the things that I've done is to try to read a sampling of a new person's work...to get a feel for them. I have found some amazing people that way. ENJOY and GBU!

KATHY: ALL of these are worthy of your time and attention! HAPPY READING! GBU!

YVETTE: That is a GREAT PLAN! The cool part is that you open yourself up to discover readers that you may not have ever found. I promise that you WILL enjoy these! GBU!

ROSE: Your post deserves to be here. I'm so glad we have connected. I'm very much looking forward to knowing you. GBU!

COURTNEY: Hey girlie! What are you waiting for? Go read 'em now! ;-) GBU!

DEBE: Heroes never think of themselves as heroes. That is part of what makes them so special. YOU are so very special. Please keep us posted about your mother. I'm continuing to pray for her. God is FAITHFUL!! GBU!

KELLY: Let me know what ya think when you finish. GBU!

TERRIE: This list is certainly not complete. I could have kept going and going with posts that deserve to be read by everyone. I had to choose just 15. IF you read all of these...you'll be very happy did. GBU!

Super Great job Eli! What a great way to spend a Monday morning...I have been energized and inspired for the week. Outstanding selection of posts.

(Welcome to A/R!)

Thanks for including me!

There's plenty of cool stuff over at www.netamorfasis.com too.

Elizabeth, thanks for saving me a bunch of time looking for really good stuff to read! You read 400 blog posts? You're my hero!

Loved your pics, thanks for doing all the research. Some GREAT stuff that I will begin using today RIGHT NOW!

Hi Elizabeth, Great week in review, I came across some but not all of these. Thanks for finding them for us to enjoy.

You did an amazing job. I missed a few of these last week so your highlighting these posts was very helpful.

I just love the way you put this Week In Review together! Thanks so much for including us! :)

My gosh, Elizabeth, this review is nothing short of fabulous! Your words pull me in and spark my desire to read each and every post, whether I have the time or not. Your words make me WANT to click each link. And they leave me knowing without a doubt that if I skip even one, I will miss out on something wonderful.

Thanks so much for including my post in your list. But that's not why I wrote the above. You simply are one of AR's most talented writers.

When I grow up, I want to be able to write like you!

Wow, wonderful week in review. I cannot believe I missed so many. I've got some catching up to do. P.S. I am halfway done with my MeMe, I am really busy with buyers this week. I'll get it done by tomorrow. Jnae Grant

RANDY: You made MY day just be taking the time to read and comment! These posts truly blessed me, and I'm so happy that I can pass them along to others who may have missed them the first time around. GBU!!

MARY: I'll go check it out!! GBU!

CHARLIE: I did read 400 posts!! BUT...I have to say that, although it was time-consuming, it was a JOY. I am a better person for it, and I met some amazing people on the journey. GBU!

JANNA: I'm just so very happy that you found something that will make your day brighter and your life better. GBU!

CHRISTINE: THANK YOU for reading and commenting! GBU!

JOAN: Thanks, my friend! I'm glad this helped you find the ones that slipped by. Happy reading!! GBU!

JIM & MARIA: Thank you for using your blog as a tool for touching others. GBU!

KAY: I know your words are sincere...as evidenced by the tears welling up in my eyes. ALL I want to do is use the gift God has given me to make the world a little bit better. Words should build up...NOT tear down. Your words ALWAYS build up!! GBU!!

Thank you ALL so much!!!

Elizabeth, I've read several of your entries on the post, but before I go, I must leave you a note of Thanks. This was a very well researched Week In Review & I've found several articles which have proved helpful, informative and great reading. Thanks for taking the time to do this well.

Elizabeth, What a wonderful week in review---I'm sure it was a tremendous amount of work and time and some I've read that were wonderful....I know if you enjoyed them, I will too so I have to make it a point to try and read the others. So thrilled you're back!

I have read some of these, but will check out the rest. I too really like Jason's posts. That is really a lot of home work you did for this review.

JANE: I can't wait to read your MeMe!! I know you'll do me proud. I'm glad you are getting the chance to read these posts. They are truly special!! GBU!

LOLA: Thank you so very much for your kind words! I know your depth of sincerity...so they mean much to me. I'm so glad you enjoyed reading these great posts. GBU!

CAROLE: Awwwwwwwwww...you are so sweet! And...YES...you'll love them. They are definitely right up your alley. GBU!

CHASTITY: It is a lot of work, but it felt like I was hanging out with friends as I was reading. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm happy you are here at AR. GBU!

Thanks again, Everyone!

Hey you! This was a great surprise! Thank you for including my post about my Angel.

You've done a really great job at covering a variety of interesting posts -- but then I never expect you to do anything without a bit of spice! It is SO EXCITING to have you back in the Rain!

These posts are definitely hard work and effort to put together and I commend you for the wonderful job....will try and get to the ones I missed (same ole story) and thank you for keeping up with the WIR!

Elizabeth~You did go to a lot of hard work to put this great list together. Thank you for your efforts and encouragement here in the rain.

Hey Elizabeth. I want to thank you for reading and commenting on some of my recent blog entries. Also I want to thank you for putting together this Week in Review. I try and read the posts that get sent out by AR each day and luckily yours provided even more good reading than the standard 5 or 6 they send out each day.

Also, I hope you'll still visit my blogs! After reading your comment on Rich Jacobsen's blog (the one you referenced) I'm afraid you may have added me to your ignore list!

Wow, you've really jumped back into the Rain with both feet! Thanks for your work on compiling an interesting list, Elizabeth. And with all of the blogging you've been doing lately, you might want to keep a fire extinguisher near your keyboard just in case. :)

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2008

ELAINE: I could not do this post without including your beautiful tribute to your angel. I'm so very happy to be back. Doing the WIR was truly my honor. GBU!

SALLY: I know how busy you are, my friend. Sit down with these...take your time and ENJOY! GBU!

JULIE: What a wonderful surprise to see you, my beautiful friend! I really miss you! GBU!

BENJAMIN: I haven't 'ignored' anyone lately...much less YOU! Why on earth do you think that? I'm gonna email you privately to ask. GBU!

JOHN: It was definitely a busy week, but I couldn't let Neal down. Funny you should mention the keyboard thingy. My laptop is acting a little weird. LOL GBU!

YOU GUYS are the BEST!!!

A great list and I used them -- went to several of the different blogs and learned something new -- easy to do and I appreciate your work in getting it together

SCOTT: Thanks, my friend! I'm so glad you found this list to be of interest and use to you personally. I know that ALL of them left me with something I needed.

GBU!

Elizabeth! I LOVE IT! I actually replied to your email--but to the AR (do not reply!) when you sent me your new sig and I am JUST now getting back online! I love the green and have been thinking of 'revising' mine to something brighter! Now wasn't that easy?!

Debe in Charlotte

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2008

Elizabeth I'm glad you got the chance to do one of these....they really do give you a different perspective of AR. Nice job, and thanks for being a good community member and taking a turn.

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2008

Elizabeth ~ What a wonderful job you did. The post is so you which is what I love about the Week in Review. Having done the mortgage one, twice...I know the work involved. You did great, kid! :-)

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2008

Thanks for taking the time to post all these links. I have missed some of the posts.

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