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Points, points, what to do with points?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with eXp Commercial, Referral Divison RRE-BRO-LIC-75443

This month ActiveRain is hosting a challenge - ActiveRain Point Store - Points, Points, Points. Our challenge, should we choose to accept it, is to spend our points (1,000,000 points = $100,000) on any goals we want. We can spend them on the community, hobbies, retirement, personal, familial, altruistic goals or anything else we'd like. So here is my first option to how I might spend mine!

At the time I am writing this, I have about 2,675,000 points. I'm going to keep 500,000 so my ActiveRain account remains free. So that leaves me with 2,175,000. In this first "what if" scenario, I am going to spend it all in one place, and all on me!

So I have $217,500 dollars to spend. I am going to do research and then purchase a camper van similar to the one shown here (click on the photo to see details):

 

My minimum requirements are that it has to have:

  • AWD and sufficient clearance - to get down and up those challenging Montana dirt and gravel mountain roads.
  • Kitchen area with propane stove and all other kitchen appliances (refrigerator, microwave, drawers).
  • Bathroom with toilet and shower.
  • Large enough water tanks, and grey/black water tanks.
  • Easy to operate clean-out features.
  • Storage space.
  • Windows to let the sunshine in.
  • Screens to keep the bugs out.
  • Small enough to fit in a regular parking spot.
  • And of course, a comfortable bed.

So why? Why do I want to spend all these points on this one item? Again, more than one reason!

  • I live in a fire prone area and if there comes a day (I hope not) that we have to rush out of the house because of an approaching forest fire, it would be great to have a ready to go vehicle that would not only get us out of the area, but that we could stay in for an extended period of time. And if we kept it full of things we'd need in such a case, it would be an easy escape.
  • Currently, my husband and I have an 18' trailer that hooks up to the truck. It's sometimes a pain in the you-know-what to get it hooked up and it takes a little bit of time. It's also tricky backing into spaces. I would love to have a camping vehicle that allows me to easily maneuver and takes no preparation time (in terms of hooking up).
  • Also, when camping, if there were a need to leave quickly, it would be great to be able to just hop in, turn the key and skedaddle.

 

So, in summary, the first option of what I might do with my points is to purchase a camping van. But I have other ideas! Stay tuned!

 

Posted by

Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside and Somers areas. 

Are you getting ready to sell or purchase land or a home in Kalispell  or the surrounding vicinity? Let’s talk!

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KAT PALMIOTTI, BROKER

 

Comments(27)

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Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Wow now that is the way to 'camp' Kat!  I'll take one too!  Fun entry to the June Point Store Challenge!  Love it!

Jun 12, 2025 04:14 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Anna "Banana" Kruchten !!! We'd have to meet somewhere, me in my camper and you in the banana vehicle!

Jun 13, 2025 04:37 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Fun!!  I'll fly in first in the new jet!

 

Jun 13, 2025 10:14 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hey Kat,
That sounds like a great way to spend your points! That sounds like a vehicle that would be easy to maneuver just about anywhere. 

Jun 12, 2025 04:32 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Even your driveway Carol Williams !

Jun 13, 2025 04:37 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Kat- I love the idea of this and couldn't agree more with your thoughts. Living in an area where you might have to evacuate, it would be nice to be able to grab a few necessities and have everything else waiting for you in your camper/van. 

Larry converted a VW bus (twice..one in Germany and another here) into something similar to your camper/van, except without the shower and john. 

I love it!!!! I hope you get one in real life!!!

BTW- I spent a lot of time checking out the link and looking at the interior and exterior photos. I can't get over what they can do with this small space.

Jun 12, 2025 06:32 PM
Kat Palmiotti

I spent a lot of time looking at all those photos also Kathy Streib ! I didn't mention it above, but I also I think having an outside awning would be a great way to extend the space!

Jun 13, 2025 04:40 AM
Kathy Streib

Kat- yes!!! have an outside awning!!!  I forgot to mention, Larry and I used to go to RV shows!  

Jun 13, 2025 07:19 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Kat - your thoughtful post mounts a strong case for proper preparation which continues drive home many positive points.  

Jun 13, 2025 03:15 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you very much Michael Jacobs for your comment!

Jun 13, 2025 04:41 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Kat... lots of people love their campers and you are clearly one of them (which I am not, as you know). We have a daughter who raves about her camper and my husband and I are like "whatever floats your boat." Hopefully, one day you will have that camper of your dreams, with or without AR points.

Jun 13, 2025 04:31 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Nina Hollander, Broker - We don't love campgrounds where RVs are jammed together and we won't go to those, but having any kind of camper really does make exploring our country easier! And there's plenty of room for clothes, and all the conveniences of home (except space!)

Jun 13, 2025 04:42 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Kat Palmiotti hi Kat... one of my best friends from college has a super deluxe camper and I know they set up in some luxury campgrounds... they are like 5-star resorts.

Jun 13, 2025 04:44 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX
Semi Retired Real Estate Agent

Great idea, Kat Palmiotti! Logically, it makes sense!!! Surrounded by forest trees does make you think a lot about what if. The camper looks GREAT! It is ideal for your needs and wants. I totally get it!

You reminded me of my Wedding Day. My Aunt pulled me aside and gave me the best advice. She whispered to me, always have a running away from home plan. You never know, she said, when you'll need it! Oh, and by the way, always have nice pillows and a blanket to sleep with. Yup! That's what she said alright. And when I went to Maine, I always bought new pillows and blankets for my trips across country. 

Jun 13, 2025 06:28 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Ahh, your aunt was preparing you for all sorts of possibilities Patricia Feager ! That's what family is for!

Jun 13, 2025 12:46 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

You are wise to retain 500K points in order for your ActiveRain account to remain free of charge, haha.

Jun 13, 2025 06:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I like your idea of having a comfortable camper.

Our HOA restrictions would prevent us from having a camper at our home. 

Orange Forest - Good Morning Happy Friday The 13th

Jun 13, 2025 07:06 AM
Kat Palmiotti

We don't have any HOA so no restrictions! Plus no one can see my home from the road anyway.

Jun 13, 2025 12:47 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello kat, and I hope that you get it and enjoy it and travel more and see all 50 states in the camper.  Come to Denver.

 

Jun 13, 2025 08:43 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Ahh, it's all in my dreams Will Hamm !

Jun 13, 2025 12:47 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I wish the points actually had some value. I think if they did, I would give them to Tunnel to towers.

Jun 13, 2025 11:23 AM
Kat Palmiotti

That would be very nice.

Jun 13, 2025 12:47 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this fun and thoughtful take on the ActiveRain challenge, Kat Palmiotti. I really appreciate your insights and the way you turned points into a plan that’s both practical and inspiring. Looking forward to seeing what other ideas you come up with! 😊

Jun 13, 2025 01:58 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Lew.

Jun 13, 2025 03:03 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kat Palmiotti that kind of money should be able to get you a VERY, VERY nice class "B" with all those features and more.

Jun 13, 2025 04:49 PM
Kat Palmiotti

George Souto - The cost of camper vans is crazy!

Jun 14, 2025 04:42 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

You have really given this a lot of thought, Kat. That set up is both for fun but can serve as emergency housing if a disaster occurs and is well worth the points paid!

Jun 14, 2025 06:06 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! - exactly, it would serve two purposes!

Jun 15, 2025 04:43 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Jun 14, 2025 06:30 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you so much for the feature Kathy Streib 

Jun 15, 2025 04:43 AM
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners Bowen - Port St Lucie, FL
Your Home Adds Value to You

You have accumulated a lot of points. You have great ideas on how to use them. Have a super Saturday. Stay safe.   Joe

Jun 15, 2025 05:33 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Joe Mojica - I hope your Sunday is wonderful!

Jun 15, 2025 06:47 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kat. Great use of your points. Can't wait to read more of your ideas. I am own the process of spending my points and forgot about the 500,000 needed for a free account. Enjoy your day.

Jun 15, 2025 06:13 AM
Kat Palmiotti

I hope your day is wonderful too Wayne Martin !

Jun 15, 2025 06:47 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Great plan for evacuation Kat Palmiotti  Ready to rock and roll with supplies already loaded for getaways.

I discovered overtime I have become a glamper and will only consider purchasing a 2021 Unity Class B. It will be a resale with low miles. It is an All in one with a queen bed.  You can maneuver it in and out easily and shop for food before your ez hookups.  Easy to maintain.  no worries about rotting tires, sealing and/or falling off the roof.  NO lifting heavy propane tanks and using your truck to obtain refills.

After a class A, 5th wheel, Avion vintage 19 ft trailer you can ask me anything.

Love county, state and national park locations because you can only stay 14 days and have to move on.   I understand there are now rural farms that offer another type of adventure.     

Jun 15, 2025 11:24 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Yes, Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 - there are options where you can stay at a farm or other rural properties and in some cases be the only people there. That sounds interesting as well!

The 2021 Unity Class B is definitely a similar idea but bigger than I'm thinking!

Thanks for commenting!

Jun 16, 2025 04:55 AM
Kathy Streib

Eileen Burns 954.483.3912 I had to peek at your dream camper and I love it!!!!!  

Jun 17, 2025 04:47 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Pretty smart idea Kat!  While you're at it, make sure the surfaces have no VOC's so that indoor air quality is preserved.  I toured one a few years back that had cork walls, a self composting toilet, and solar panels on the roof.  You could operate everything inside from the solar panels, and there was a rechargeable battery to store power to use at night or during a storm.  Good choice for points! 

Jun 18, 2025 11:59 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ - and good tip!

Jun 18, 2025 01:05 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Kat! I'm sorry I missed this post and am thankful for your posting all of them in one comment so I could find them! LOL

I hadn't really thought about having a camper in a fire-prone area but, you're so smart to think that way. We have friends who have the big RV (all-in-one - driveable) and they used to complain that they have to disconnect and drive the 'monster' around town. They were not fond of the idea of towing a vehicle behind them because the RV was already so large. Anyway, they grew accustomed to the additional vehicle being attached to the back of the camper and now enjoy the freedom of running to the store or sight-seeing in their car and not the 'monster' anymore! 

Great idea for this month's challenge! Thank you so much for participating. 

Jun 23, 2025 03:26 PM
Kat Palmiotti

Well, Debe Maxwell, CRS - with a camper van, it's small enough to take it to the store or go sight-seeing and you can sleep anywhere! I would seriously love one!

Jun 23, 2025 05:41 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, I can't wait until you get one, Kat Palmiotti! Maybe you guys will travel to NC!

Jun 24, 2025 05:35 AM
Kat Palmiotti

You never know!

Jun 24, 2025 06:00 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Great point about fire prone area.  Good luck finding the camper to fill all of your needs. 

Jun 24, 2025 06:24 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Leanne Smith !

Jun 24, 2025 07:17 AM