Admin

AR July 2025 Challenge is "How Have You Changed"

By
Real Estate Agent with Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX 0506509

Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran are hosts for the July 2025 ActiveRain Challenge: Change. In real estate, the topic of a shifting market is not new. But how has it impacted you directly? For Agents who have been in the Real Estate Industry for some time, the topic of change is not new. However, for those who are newer to the business, your feelings can be unsettling, or you may be excited! Similar topics have been discussed on the weekly ActiveRain Zoom sessions. Since many members are not able to join in the weekly Zoom Sessions, now is a good time for you to share your thoughts about "Change" for this month’s AR Challenge.


The ActiveRain Challenge Is To Share:

How has your Professional or Personal Life Changed from when you started your career in the Real Estate Industry (or as a blogger on ActiveRain) to where you are now? This applies to all active, retired, or inactive members. You may choose your post to be Public or Members Only. Also, we would encourage you to reach out to members who we haven't heard from in a while to participate. 

 
Challenge Details:

Starting today, July 1, through July 31 share how you have been changed from your humble beginnings in your Professional Career or Personal Life to where you are today. Each post meeting the challenge criteria as specified, will earn an extra 500 points each, up to 4 posts through the last day of this month. Please include both hosts names in each entry and choose links to the bottom of this post and keep all links in one comment. Be sure to choose the Group ActiveRain Challenges when you submit your entry.

Challenge Criteria:

Explain and share the challenges you have experienced since you began your career. How has your life changed? You may post up to 4 times in July to earn credit. Leave all your links in one comment related to this topic for the July Challenge. 300 words per minimum – Each post should share a meaningful, heartfelt message about the changes you experienced in your career (or AR) from the beginning to where you are today. For example, you can write four different posts and explain what changed or what effect it had on you. In addition to one FEATURE Photo, add at least one photo or graphic with each post to enhance your message.

 

Submit Your Entries:

To ensure we catch all your entries, post the links to your post in ONE
comment in the comments section below. If you can’t edit your
original comment to add more links, simply add “REPLY” under your
original comment. Bonus Points Timeline: All points will be awarded
by mid-August after the challenge wraps up on July 31, 2025, at midnight PST.

 

Comments(70)

Show All Comments Sort:
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Lew Corcoran and Patricia. Thank you for hosting this month's challenge. 

Here are my four: 

July Challenge Staging's Transitions

July Challenge What's a Text Block?

July Challenge But You Can Go Home Again Mr. Wolfe

Being Here...Now

Jul 24, 2025 12:26 PM
Patricia Feager

Kathy Streib - thank you for completing the challenge with excellence! They were all thought provoking and very interesting. You have certainly been through many changes since beginning your journey on ActiveRain!

Jul 24, 2025 12:51 PM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Kathy Streib, thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful entries and for participating in this month's challenge. I really appreciate the variety and depth you brought to each topic. It’s wonderful to see your insights come through.

Jul 28, 2025 05:35 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Patricia and Lew - while I know both of you have read and commented on these posts, I am including them in this one comment per the challenge requirements.  Thank you for co-hosting.  

Number 1:  What is Change?

Number 2:  Why Change?

Number 3:  When As Well As Where. . .

Number 4:  And Now, How. . .

Jul 25, 2025 03:56 AM
Patricia Feager

Michael Jacobs - Thank you! Listing all four in one comment is greatly appreciated. We are very thankful for your participation and enthusiasm to read new posts and comment too. You're a great support for AR Members and the person who records the points. 

May you have a wonderful day!

Jul 25, 2025 04:04 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Michael Jacobs. I really appreciate you taking the time to include your thoughtful reflections despite having already engaged with the posts. Your insights add a valuable layer to the discussion, and I’m grateful for your participation.

Jul 28, 2025 05:37 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
Jul 26, 2025 07:15 AM
Patricia Feager

Nina Hollander, Broker - Your four submissions are truly appreciated. You offered excellent advice about challenges and changes that will remain memorable. Your dedication through the many changes changed the lives of many people. 

Jul 26, 2025 07:43 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Patricia Feager thank you, Patricia... you are giving me way more credit than I give to myself.

Jul 26, 2025 08:37 AM
Lew Corcoran

Good morning, Nina Hollander, Broker, and thank you so much for sharing your insightful submissions! I truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and experience you bring to each piece. It’s inspiring to see how you've embraced change and growth over the years.

Jul 28, 2025 05:39 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson - Plainview, NY
We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
Jul 26, 2025 08:06 AM
Patricia Feager

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 - thank you for four incredible entries sharing from your perspective how Changes & Challenges shaped your life into successful careers. 

Jul 26, 2025 08:22 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, thank you so much for taking the time to share your diverse and thoughtful entries. I really appreciate the insights you brought to each topic. They add great depth to the conversation.

Jul 28, 2025 05:40 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Well better late than never to this monthly Challenge. Below is the first entry:

My Change: From Buyer's Agent to Vacant Land Listing Agent.

Hopefully I can a couple more entries in.

Jul 26, 2025 10:18 AM
Patricia Feager

Leanne Smith - thank you! Being busy is a good thing! Bringing up the rear is always commendable and shows commitment. I enjoyed reading what you submitted. Would love to read more, if time permits. Otherwise, Lew and I understand. 

Jul 26, 2025 10:36 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Leanne Smith, better late than never indeed! I really appreciate you sharing your story. It's inspiring to see how you've embraced change and growth in your journey. Looking forward to hopefully seeing more of your entries!

Jul 28, 2025 05:41 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Leanne Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insightful posts and engaging with the challenge summary. I appreciate your thoughtful contributions and look forward to exploring your stories about change and exploration!

Jul 30, 2025 07:47 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Traveler, Retired, Wenatchee, WA

For the convenience of the point fairy, here are links to all four of my entries:
How I Changed From Shy To Confident 
Breaking Barriers: One Fiery Step At A Time  
The 5 Lives Of Carol Williams  
How I Found My Writing Mojo Again  

Thank you Lew Corcoran and Patricia for hosting this month's Challenge. 

Jul 26, 2025 10:56 AM
Patricia Feager

Carol Williams - Lew and I were proud to host together and have enjoyed reading your amazing entries. Thank you for sharing glimpses of your life. It is an honor to read your life stories. It is true. Challenges make us stronger. 

Jul 26, 2025 11:49 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you so much, Carol Williams, for sharing your inspiring entries and for your kind words about the challenge. I truly appreciate your support and look forward to exploring your stories. Your journey is truly motivating!

Jul 28, 2025 05:45 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran 
Hello and thanks for your efforts. Here are my two posts for your topic.   Lynn

1.  Say What you Think       2.  Changed Expectations

Jul 27, 2025 07:35 PM
Patricia Feager

Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 - @Lew and I appreciate your thoughtful and meaningful entries. Thank you for being a big part of ActiveRain. Yes! You are appreciated!

Jul 27, 2025 07:59 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thank you so much, Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375, for taking the time to share your insightful posts. I truly appreciate your contribution and look forward to reading your perspectives. Your thoughtful reflections add great value to the challenge!

Jul 28, 2025 05:46 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Here are my 4 entries to the July challenge "How Have You Changed": 

How My Approach to Client Relationships Has Evolved.
See
https://activerain.com/droplet/JxhL 

How Technology Has Transformed My Real Estate Game.
See https://activerain.com/droplet/Jxzq

How My Marketing Skills Have Evolved in the Real Estate World.
See
https://activerain.com/droplet/JxMG 

How Remote Work Changed My Daily Routine.
See
https://activerain.com/droplet/Jy8k 

 

Jul 28, 2025 06:14 AM
Patricia Feager

Lew Corcoran - Thank you for your extraordinary work to complete the Challenge and for the host responsibilities. You are amazing. You are appreciated. 

Jul 28, 2025 06:28 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

This was a fun Challenge..here is my entry

 

July Challenge

Jul 29, 2025 02:37 PM
Patricia Feager

Hello Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD - Thank you for your participation! I am off to read it now!

Jul 29, 2025 03:38 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD, for sharing your entry. What a fun twist! I really enjoyed seeing your take on the challenge, and I appreciate you taking the time to join in. Always great to see your perspective shine through!

Jul 30, 2025 07:51 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Thank you Pat and Lew Corcoran for hosting this challenge.  Good to reflect.
Here are my offerings.  Now on to read the others.

Change in Brokerages

Free Falling

Evolution of Spam

Gaining Experience

Jul 29, 2025 03:00 PM
Patricia Feager

Gloria Todor - Thank you! I enjoyed reading all of your entries. You did a great job. 

With sincere appreciation,
Patricia

Jul 29, 2025 07:41 PM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much for sharing your reflections, Gloria Todor. I really appreciate how you took the time to include your links and encourage us all to explore your stories. It’s inspiring to see your openness and commitment to growth. Thank you for that! 😊

Jul 30, 2025 07:57 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

Got a post in after making a drive and it became obvious.

Have we Changed with Time?  July Challenge #3

Jul 30, 2025 03:58 AM
Patricia Feager

Thank you, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754! I will read it now. 

Jul 30, 2025 04:07 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks for dropping by and sharing your thoughts, Ed Silva, 203-206-0754. I appreciate you taking the time to connect your drive to the challenge. It’s a great reminder that inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere. Glad you joined in the conversation!

Jul 30, 2025 08:00 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root
Jul 30, 2025 11:52 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you!

Jul 30, 2025 01:35 PM
Patricia Feager

Kat Palmiotti - Thank you! I'm off to read it now. 

Jul 30, 2025 12:32 PM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty

It was a great blog! A lot valuable info in it!  Thank you for sharing Kat!

Jul 30, 2025 07:49 PM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Kat Palmiotti, I just wanted to say again how much I appreciated your insightful entry. I really enjoyed reading your perspective. Your reflections add such a genuine touch to this month’s challenge, and I’m glad you shared it. Thanks for contributing your voice!

Jul 31, 2025 02:35 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hi Patricia and Lew Corcoran here are my two EOM July entries for your "How have I changed" challenge. Thanks for the inspiring suggestion for posts on the subject. Jeff 🙂

1. The More Things CHANGE The More They STAY THE SAME?

2. Times Are Changing My Friend, 55+ Homes Phoenix AZ Metro UPDATED DAILY

Jul 30, 2025 10:11 PM
Patricia Feager

Thank you, Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI for your entries! 

We appreciate your time and participation. 

Jul 30, 2025 10:16 PM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughtful entries and for your kind words about the challenge. Your reflections beautifully capture the ongoing dance between change and consistency. It's inspiring to see how you’ve embraced the theme so genuinely. Thanks again for contributing your voice and insights!

Jul 31, 2025 02:41 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker
Jul 31, 2025 04:36 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Ed Silva, 203-206-0754, I really appreciate you taking the time to share all three of your insightful posts. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading them and seeing your perspective on how we’ve evolved over time. Your thoughtful reflections add so much depth to the challenge, and I’m glad we could connect through this conversation. Thanks again for engaging so genuinely!

Jul 31, 2025 12:31 PM
Patricia Feager

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 - Your entries were rich with wisdom. We are so very happy you gave us the opportunity to read how you changed due to the challenges we have faced in the Real Estate Industry. 

With sincere appreciation,

Patricia

Jul 31, 2025 06:05 AM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Well I did it!  I made 4 posts about my career...not sure they are any good but if nothing else...you can see that perseverance pays off in the end.  I will try and list them here! 

In The Early Years Before License and Laws

Not the Early Years But Still Before License and Laws

Let's Move to Colorado and I Will Get Licensed #3

33 Years Licensed 22 Years In Kearney #4 

Not sure I did these correctly as I am a pretty dang good broker but a slow computer learner!!   

Thank you for a great trip down memory lane...I know I left out a lot and I DO NOT recommend people travel my path to success!

 

 

Jul 31, 2025 08:44 AM
Lew Corcoran

Thanks so much for sharing your journey, Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty! I really admire your honesty and perseverance. It’s inspiring to see how far you've come, even if the computer isn’t always your best friend. Your stories are a great reminder that success isn’t about perfection, but about sticking with it. 😊

Jul 31, 2025 12:36 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Real Estate Svcs.
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello - I dealt with an emergency today. I planned to complete the 4th post, however I did not get to it.

To comply with the rules, my three entries are:

Dark Night of the Soul | Life Changing | You Have Cancer

Somewhere Over the Cuckoo's Nest

An Introvert’s Journey of Growth From Corporate America to Real Estate

Thank you for hosting. 

Jul 31, 2025 06:46 PM
Patricia Feager

Thanks for letting me know.

Jul 31, 2025 07:01 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I didn't have four posts in me! But I put one posts together for the challenge. Thank you both for hosting!

 

Changing for the Better

Jul 31, 2025 08:35 PM
Patricia Feager

Thanks Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty - you made it in time before the challenge officially ended. Good job! In Real Estate Time is always of the essence! Thank you!

Jul 31, 2025 10:03 PM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Patricia Feager & Lew Corcoran,

I know that this should've been done by yesterday, but I had to put my dog down on Wednesday and I lost my other one 2 months ago.  It really hit the family hard.  So I'm hoping that you can provide me just a little slack for the issues that we've had to face in the recent days.  If you do, here are my 4 entries:

1) Challenge I

2) Challenge 2

3) Challenge 3

4) Challenge 4

Here are my 4 posts for the month of July's challenge

Aug 01, 2025 05:56 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty   Sorry to hear about the pet issues. If you were diligent about posting them individually you should be okay as this is just a recap to make it easier for them 

Right Patricia Feager ??

Aug 01, 2025 07:12 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Jeffrey Richman, I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of your dogs. I can only imagine how difficult this must have been for you and your family. Thank you for sharing your posts despite everything you have been going through. It means a lot, and I want to assure you that because your articles were already posted in July, you'll be awarded the points as outlined in the challenge. The main goal of this post was to remind everyone to get their posts in before the deadline, and I truly appreciate your effort during such a difficult time.

Aug 01, 2025 08:07 AM
Patricia Feager
Appraisal Review Board, Denton County, TX - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Jeffrey Richman

Lew Corcoran and I are sorry to learn you had to put your dog down and couldn't post all 4 links. Rest assured, all of your posts were including in the summaries from Lew and my posts. Also, I will list them here to make sure entries are counted from the Point Recorder from AR. You did qualify for all four posts. We are sorry you are going through a grieving period at this time in your life. Stay strong and take care.

Also, we are a loving and caring Membership on AR. Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 was also kind enough to nudge me to let me know about your dog. 

July Challenge, Post 1: My Pivot into Mobile Home Parks

July Challenge, Post 2 Why I Built a CRM

July Challenge, Post 3: My Shift into Government Contra

July Challenge, Post 4: Pivot or Perish, Finding Your N

Aug 01, 2025 09:25 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

I want to thank Patricia Feager, Lew Corcoran and Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 for your kind words.  These were my dogs that I had to let go of the last two months.  Thank you for your kind words.  They definitely were family.

KobeGreyson

Aug 02, 2025 07:43 AM
Patricia Feager

Jeffrey Richman - Your family members are so beautiful. Truly angels! It is so hard to lose them because they always give unconditional love. The photos of them with wings are a good way to honor them. There won't be a day you won't find a hair to remind you, they are still there. 

Peace to you. Thank you for letting me see their pictures. Through their eyes, I can see they never lost focus on what their jobs on earth were for you. 

Aug 02, 2025 07:55 AM
Lew Corcoran

Hi Jeffrey Richman, I truly appreciate you sharing such heartfelt words. Losing beloved pets is never easy, and I can tell how much they meant to you. Your love for them shines through. Wishing you comfort and peace as you cherish those special memories.

Aug 02, 2025 12:14 PM