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With Points in Hand. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

With Points in Hand,

Another AR June 2025 Challenge Entry

 

I feel fortunate.  In numerous ways.  As for the ActiveRain platform, I have accumulated a lot of points. I guess there may be those who say my membership and participation has been rewarded. Maybe, too frequently and/or too much. And I agree. But what has occurred here didn't happen overnight or effortlessly.

 

 

 

 

I believe there is a responsibility for those who rank higher on the leaderboard with more points. Any discussion about the subject can prove additional examination may be necessary.   Perhaps, akin to extensive comparison shopping, right? And it's an ongoing conversation as I have experienced many times over the years.

 

 

As for giving away or gifting points I remain uncommitted to doing so. After all, they are my points, dammit, and besides trying to understand value in such things may be more difficult than simply saying or wishing about its ultimate cost.

 

 

 

 

But with that tongue-in-cheekiness shared, I buy into the concept that kindness can be offered by (as well as towards) anyone who has decided to be a member. Generally, such behavior is practiced throughout ARLand. However, no place is perfect. Working in that direction is something that may be beneficial. Without cutting in place to get ahead, I can get in that line too. And it really doesn't cost much. Although double coupons are most appreciated.

 

 

I have long believed ActiveRain may be the ultimate online continuing professional real estate educational platform.  Although no monetary or scholastic credit has been gained from the knowledge I have earned, I remain grateful for the increased awareness about real estate-related topics as well as some real-world stuff that I regularly deposit in that not-so-secure-vault AKA my brain.

 

 

 

 

This month as I wander around the aisles of The ActiveRain Point Store I see opportunity. Although there are those who acknowledge that there has been a shortage of inventory on the shelf (i.e. the daily blog roll) I continue to see possibilities in reviewing (still reading more than commenting) posts from new or new-to-me members. A regular look at the weekly posts from Carol Williams  and Kathy Streib often show me FOMO (Fear-Of-Missing-Out) is not particularly frightening but fulfilling. There is much I might otherwise miss.  Possibilities await as does additional pondering. In the meantime, I wonder what has been forgotten from today's shopping list. Yes, pondering continues. . .

 

 

 

 

 

The images in this post are from canstockphoto.com as well as from this site and my personal collection.

 

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Comments(30)

Show All Comments Sort:
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this thoughtful and engaging post, Michael Jacobs. I truly appreciate your insight into the community and the value you find in continuous learning here. It's a reminder we all grow together, one point at a time. 😊 Grateful for your perspective and for shining a light on the real benefits beyond the numbers!

Jun 10, 2025 09:48 AM
Michael Jacobs

Lew Corcoran - thank you and yes, I continue to wander around the AR Point Store seeing value over here, over there and in many corners of the building.  

Jun 10, 2025 10:11 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael and I am still undecided how I am going to spend some of my points here in the rain.  Good information from you

Jun 10, 2025 09:52 AM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - I understand that.  Some challenges seem like a good fit right from the start. Others take a few (okay, maybe more than a few) steps to the fitting room as we try them on for size.  Or is that, sighs. . .  Yes, I digress.

Jun 10, 2025 10:13 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Michael= with your retail background, this is right up your alley.  For those members not yet at 500K, the enticement of a free membership is certainly worth shopping for points. What I've found as I wandered the ailes of ActiveRain has been bags and bags of useful information, cartons of ponderific moments thanks to you, and the bet part of my shopping trip has always been spending time with the other shoppers here. 

Jun 10, 2025 10:07 AM
Michael Jacobs

Kathy Streib - people can come into the store with all sorts of things on their shopping list.  Especially when the offerings encourage expressions of imagination as a challenge theme.  Yes, cartons, bags and packages of opportunities are to be found along the aisles of The Point Store.  I'm still collecting. . .   More to come. 

Jun 10, 2025 10:19 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Michael somehow I feel like I just took a shopping trip down the memory land of ActiveRain and loved it!  For me the point of it all is to enjoy life, keep creating and keep on keeping on. Whether that's here in the greatest platform AR or in my other life - it's all worth exploring all the points of view possible.

Jun 10, 2025 10:20 AM
Michael Jacobs

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - points of view are worthy of consideration as we wander around The AR Point Store.  There seems to be something valuable to avail anyone/everyone.  While it may be different for each of us, finding that ideal fit can be quite rewarding.  

Jun 10, 2025 11:34 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

FOMO can keep people engaged and often does for whatever reason best suits at the time, Michael. Writing, creating content that grabs also continues to bring people back, time and again! That is ActiveRain, for sure.

Jun 11, 2025 11:12 AM
Michael Jacobs

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! - thank you for adding to the conversation.  And it continues. . .  

Jun 11, 2025 05:37 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Michael, what you say is so true and the best real estate info has been given here over the years.  best to you!

Jun 12, 2025 03:30 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ginny Gorman - thank you for the comment.  It's very nice to see and learn how real estate is practiced in other places.  AR offers a view that enhances a look beyond a peek over the fence.  Well, so to speak.  

Jun 12, 2025 05:19 AM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

For me, I'm not sure points are as relevant to AR anymore - example - there are many listed in state point totals who have not posted a blog in 2 to 12 or more years?  I have learned much from posts since joining in 2007 - especially during the short sale era - which helped us survive a difficult real estate market in the past.

AR was the closest thing to A I  back in the day - you could come search a subject and gleam insights from others adept at a different knowledge or skill set. It is also a great place to get repeat business, as some consumers still call us from years old posts :)

Thanks for sharing Michael and have an awesome weekend.

Sincerely,

Grace

Jun 13, 2025 01:16 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Grace Jeff&Grace Safrin - as I see itthe point of ActiveRain is a connection to real estate in a social media world.  Like the points that prompted participation in the beginning, it continues to change, evolve, morph and many other descriptions as time goes on.  I am thankful for legacy members as well as those newer to the community.  It's a big world.  Thank you for the comment.  

Jun 14, 2025 04:25 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I hear ya...

they are my points, dammit

With the right offer, I could be persuaded though. I don't see such an offer coming any time soon. LOL

Jun 14, 2025 02:01 PM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - like in real estate and everyday life, everything is negotiable, right?  Bartering, some other fair as well as not-so-fair trade seem up for consideration on many fronts.  

Jun 15, 2025 06:23 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Jun 14, 2025 06:27 PM
Michael Jacobs

Kathy Streib - thank you very much - I appreciate being included in your weekly post.  

Jun 14, 2025 07:05 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday morning, Michael.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Jun 15, 2025 04:58 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - may your day and the week ahead continue to bring memorable moments.  And those that last longer too.  

Jun 15, 2025 06:26 AM
John Henry, Florida Architect
John Henry Masterworks Design International, Inc. - Orlando, FL
Residential Architect, Luxury Custom Home Design

whaaaaaatttt????  "no monetary or scholastic credit has been gained from the knowledge I have earned

 

accccckkkk!!!!

Jun 15, 2025 10:57 AM
Michael Jacobs

John Henry, Florida Architect - right accccckkkk at you.  

Jun 15, 2025 06:56 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Michael Jacobs your ponderings will always remain evergreen for me as I tune in to your chuckles often Mister Ambassador 😎

Jun 15, 2025 11:03 AM
Michael Jacobs

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 - or kinda like bamboo - too stubborn to wilt away.  

Jun 15, 2025 06:57 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Michael, I enjoy the subject matter of this and other posts that you post and I especially am fond of your writing style!!  Happy Father's Day

Jun 15, 2025 12:20 PM
Michael Jacobs

Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD - that's kind of you to say.  Thank you.  

Jun 15, 2025 06:58 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Hello Michael Jacobs  I agree with you about the education value of AR. We can all learn and so much here from sharing information. ideas and what not to do! I have utilized the vast knowledge of the people in this group many times and never once disappointed. From day one you have lived up to the King of Ponder in my book! I so enjoy your pondering mind! 

Jun 16, 2025 12:09 AM
Michael Jacobs

Debra Leisek - the education on this platform continues.  And, of course, beyond the boundaries of it too.  Likewise, so does pondering.  Thank you for the comment.  

Jun 16, 2025 04:00 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Another thought provoking post!  Well done!  So agree as to the education available to all on this site.  Love that so many are available to offer wisdom.  Where else can you find this kind of site?! 

Jun 16, 2025 03:59 PM
Michael Jacobs

Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ - shared experiences as well those that may not have been felt can enhance the experience of the membership.  Thank you for the comment.  

Jun 16, 2025 05:15 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs Yes, Active Rain is a place that keeps giving—a place we all love, or we wouldn't be here. If only our points were spendable, wouldn't that be fun? 

Jun 17, 2025 08:36 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - it's interesting to me to see how AR has evolved over the years since I joined.  Lots of memories, comments, posts and so much more. . .  

Jun 17, 2025 08:39 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Michael, I always enjoy the tone and content of your posts and comments. It took me a few years to notice that I was accumulating points, but then I started enjoying it. I love all the creativity that the challenges trigger, and the enthusiasm of the community.

Jun 19, 2025 07:30 AM
Michael Jacobs

Steffy Hristova - points can definitely be problematic in many ways - how does one collect them, what do they mean and all sorts of other concerns.  The AR challenges can be entertaining and enlightening.  

Jun 19, 2025 07:58 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Well, you certainly get the point, Michael! Being here for so many years, I've remained for the relationships, the referrals and the endless learning opportunities. I'm confident that when I retire, I too will choose to keep my toes in the ActiveRain water, keeping my brain as active as possible. 

And, you're so right - participation, whether seen by the masses or not, is rewarded with points for which you've given of yourself. Giving them away fictionally may easy in jest but, I can't see many giving up a single one of their well-earned points! 

Keep combing the aisles of the AR Point Store and sharing your thoughts, my friend. We all love your points!

Jun 20, 2025 10:49 PM
Michael Jacobs

Debe Maxwell, CRS - AR has a foundation based on points of many kinds.  Although it may not always be as stable or as strong as some may think, "it is what it is".  And that's a point worth remembering.  

Jun 22, 2025 10:22 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Michael, I like/believe your statement is right on 

ActiveRain may be the ultimate online continuing professional real estate educational platform

Jul 08, 2025 02:35 PM
Michael Jacobs

Gloria Todor - I continue to learn often as I explore ActiveRain and discover familiar as well as different voices.  In the posts read and even the comments shared information can be found.  New-to-me as well as expressed in a different way.  

Jul 08, 2025 03:24 PM