Recent Blog Posts

2026 Changes to the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) Contract Package. Welcome to the series on the changes that the Georgia Association of REALTORS has made to the 2026 Contract Forms. ALSO WATCH: * Overview - https://youtu.be/m1okE3XRR8I * NEW Form - Solder's Notice to All Parties - https://youtu.be/qbSBMmIKa9sDana Sparks, Qualifying Broker, Maximum One Greater Atlanta, REALTORS® 12/14/2025

I've been away from ActiveRain but I wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and offer a short story to help get you in the Christmas mood.  Bubbling Over With Love Kacey and James decided to take up the challenge of decorating their first Christmas tree since their parents retired to Florida, leaving them to fend for themselves.As James maneuvered the undecorated Noble Fir into the open space in front of the picture window, he waited for Kacey to bring in the decorations from the garage.Minutes later, she came in her hands filled with a bundle of green wires dotted with oddly shaped, colorful glass beads.“Look what I found on the top shelf in the garage”, Kacey announced. “These are the original bubble lights that grandpa used on his tree in the 1950s.”“Yeah, the ones he ... 12/14/2025

Mark Twain sharpens his wit to roast Lew’s real estate hustle, photography quirks, staging flair, and drone antics. Twain’s Comedy Roast Act “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve met many men with four professions, but Lew Corcoran is the first to make all four look like hobbies gone wrong.   “As a REALTOR, Lew sells homes with the confidence of a man who’s never fixed a leaky faucet. He’ll tell you the house has ‘great bones,’ which is Twain-speak for ‘the skeletons are still in the closet.’   “Lew sells homes with the enthusiasm of a carnival barker. He’ll tell you the house has ‘character,’  which is Twain-speak for ‘leaning walls and a smell you can’t quite place.’ “As a photographer, Lew captures moments so awkward they make family portraits look like crime scene evidence.  “He even photogra... 12/14/2025

What's the Value of My La Jolla Home? La Jolla Home Sales for November 2025 La Jolla has a reputation as one of the more expensive housing markets in San Diego County. When you visit this coastal community online (see Read More link below), or in person, it’s easy to see why this is so. As a buyer or seller in La Jolla, having current information about local market conditions for La Jolla homes for sale will help you make informed decisions about buying and/or selling your La Jolla home. La Jolla is a coastal community with many homes offering beautiful views of the ocean from the hills and along the coast. La Jolla has an upscale Village, which offers top-notch shopping, dining, galleries, and multiple services. La Jolla is often compared to the French and Italian Rivieras due to the b... 12/14/2025

When clients inherit property in Orange County, one of the first questions I receive is about the best approach to selling. The answer depends heavily on location, and two neighborhoods that illustrate this perfectly are Old Towne Orange and Yorba Linda.Though separated by just a few miles, these communities attract completely different buyer profiles and require distinct marketing approaches. Understanding these differences can mean tens of thousands of dollars in your final net proceeds.Old Towne Orange: Where Historic Character Commands Premium PricesOld Towne Orange is one of California's largest National Register Historic Districts, featuring preserved architecture dating from 1888 to 1940. The current median sale price is $1.2 million, up 22% year over year.Buyers actively searchi... 12/14/2025

 Why Your Morning Routine Determines Your PaycheckSome agents wake up and react to the day. Others wake up and run the day — and they’re the ones who consistently hit their goals.Chaos loves mornings. But systems save them. How you start determines how you finish.🌅 The Power of the First 90 MinutesBefore the world needs you… You need to focus on the actions that build your business.Your morning priority list:1️⃣ Follow-up on hot + warm leads2️⃣ Daily outreach to past clients + sphere3️⃣ Plan appointments + revenue activities for the dayNo social scrolling.No inbox grazing.No reacting — only creating.🎯 Lead Generation Belongs at the Top of the DayYour energy is highest in the morning.Your mindset is fresh.Your belief is strong.Use those minutes for the most critical work:✔ Conversations✔... 12/14/2025

Christmas Tree Safety TipsKeep your Christmas tree safe by placing it at least 3 feet from heat, keeping it watered daily (for real trees), using lights with intact cords, turning them off when away/sleeping, choosing fire-resistant artificial trees, and promptly disposing of dry real trees to prevent fire hazards, while keeping decorations and cords away from children and pets.    Tree Placement & Stability Away from Heat: Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, vents, and heaters. Clear Exits: Don't block doorways or escape routes. Sturdy Stand: Use a stable stand that won't tip over easily.    Real Tree Care Freshness: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don't fall off easily; a dry tree is a fire hazard. Water Daily: Keep the stand fille... 12/14/2025

A Festive Wreath to Remember The Annual Sip 'n Sparkle Party was filled with laughter, an array of holiday desserts, Bad Santa Bingo, seasonal drinks and we all soaked up the perfect weather. This drink is so easy to make and the presentation will wow everyone who watches the drink transform right before their eyes! To make the wreath:• A mini-bundt pan with 12 slots works best. You can use either the flexible type or metal mold.• 1 1/2 cup of cranberries• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, sliced in thin ribbons• 1-16 ounce bottle of lemon-lime soda• 16 ounces of pure pomegranate juice Add everything to the molds, not quite to the rim and freeze overnight, (I do this 2 days in advance to get a hard freeze). As guests arrive, place a wreath in the bottom of a martini or wide brim wine glass. Ad... 12/14/2025

Senior Real Estate Specialist® designation course offered by California Association of REALTORS®When:  January 14 & 16, 2026 Wed. and Fri.  9:00 to 4:00  Note: Not consecutive daysWhere: ZoomCost:  CAR members $240, Non-CAR members $480, current SRES® members $99Register: store.car.orgTaught by Skip Frenzel  12/14/2025

I woke up to snow today, and I’m not thrilled about it. With showings scheduled today, I’m dreading driving in it and trudging through houses that haven’t been salted or shoveled. Don’t even get me started on frozen lockboxes.The best part is that my buyers are such amazing people, and I truly enjoy working with them!Wish us luck—my buyers are eager to snag the house they want, and I’m hopeful today’s the day!I miss the Bahamas!  12/14/2025

Journaling for December 14, 2025 A dear friend of mine and I celebrated Christmas together at LLela in Lewisville on December 13, 2025. These are the gifts I made and the mug I received while enjoying the spirit of Christmas. Every year, the volunteers from LLela present their guests with a new cup of kindness to keep after they serve us a hot cup of cider. I liked the mug. I am grateful! In the top left corner, I chose a pinecone, tied the top with string, smeared the cone with peanut butter and rolled it in seeds for a birdfeeder. Below the pinecone is a candle hand made by dipping my wicks tied to a heavy nut into the hot wax. The trick is to dip 2 seconds, pull out for 10 seconds, and repeat a few times for the wax to melt into a tapered candle. I think I did well! On my display, yo... 12/14/2025

Foothills Pest Solutions Establishes Premier Pest & Moisture Standards for the Statesville CommunitySTATESVILLE, NC — Homeowners and businesses in Iredell County have a dedicated partner in property protection. Foothills Pest Solutions is pleased to highlight its commitment to providing high-quality, locally-focused pest control and moisture management services to Statesville and the surrounding foothills area.In an industry often dominated by large, national corporations, Foothills Pest Solutions brings the focus back to where it belongs: the local community. By combining top-tier industry techniques with a neighborly approach to customer service, the company raises the standard for home health in the region.A Local Approach to Local PestsLiving in the foothills offers a beautiful land... 12/14/2025

My "aha" Moment in 2025As we enter new seasons in our life, we make choices that add value or remain stagnant.  When choosing the life of entrepreneur, one must have a plan and then work the plan. 2025 was no different for me.  I was wrapping up my chapter of listing and selling vintage condos here in metro Fort Lauderdale FL and then deciding whether I should retire or not.With 37 years on the books, I asked myself if I am ready to retire or do I have a greater purpose?What's next?  Certainly, vintage condos were off my hit list.  I enjoy selling waterfront residential properties.  I enjoy selling hotels, apartment buildings, and probate disposition.I am healthy and still enjoy engaging with people in all walks of life.  Renewing my real estate license was also on the horizon. What to ... 12/14/2025

When people search for the best luxury real estate agent in Naples or top Naples boutique brokerages, theyoften discover something surprising: the highest level of service doesn’t always come from the biggest firm. In Naples’ high-end market - where privacy, expertise, and precision matter - a boutique brokerage can actually deliver a stronger luxury experience than many large national brands.This is exactly why Renee Hahn and Alfred Robbins Realty Group stands out as a top choice for buyers and sellers seeking luxury representation in Naples. Following is a clear explanation of why boutique luxury thrives in Naples, what qualifies Renee Hahn and Alfred Robbins Realty Group as a true luxury brokerage, and how this model benefits clients who expect exceptional service.What Defines a Luxu... 12/14/2025

Playa Vista Weekly Market Update December 1st - 7th, 2025 Crescent Walk RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Promenade | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 836 sq. ft. | $869,900 12/14/2025

Ingredients For the Star of the Show: 1 pound ground beef go for 80/20 for the best flavor! 1 tablespoon minced onion we want it super fine ½ cup water 1 beef bouillon cube this is our secret weapon 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce For Building These Beauties: 12 slider buns soft and ready for action Plenty of dill pickle slices 6 slices American or cheddar cheese pick your favorite! For the Heavenly Topping: ½ cup butter melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard adds the perfect kick Instructions First things first: Get your oven warming up to 350°F. While that’s happening, grab your biggest skillet and brown that beef. Here’s the trick – break it up into the tiniest pieces you can manage. We’re talking really small here. Once it’s no lo... 12/14/2025

Prep time: 2 min. (plus 1 hour minimum to brine the chop [up to 12 hours is better])Cook time: 25 min.INGREDIENTS 1 boneless pork chop (bone-in works fine too) 1/2 apple Dash of cinnamon Dash of nutmeg 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp grass-fed butter (or sub ghee) 1 bay leaf (optional) Whole black peppercorns (optional) 1 clove garlic (optional) PREPARATION A least an hour before cooking, brine your pork chop and let it sit in the fridge until you’re ready. Brining will make your pork chop extra moist and tender (after learning this, I never make ANY pork chop without brining it first. You’ll never have dry pork chops again). For the brine, get a freezer baggie with a zip lock top (a bowl or pan will work too). Pour in 1 tbsp of salt, 1 bay leaf, a couple of whole black peppercorns, and a smashed gl... 12/14/2025

The ink is finally dry on the mountain of closing documents. You have the keys in your hand, the moving truck is in the driveway, and you are officially a homeowner. It is a moment of triumph. But as you walk through the empty rooms, the reality starts to set in. The beige carpet in the living room looks a lot dingier than it did during the open house. The kitchen cabinets are definitely from the 1990s. Suddenly, you realize that while you bought the house, you haven't quite bought the dream.This is the classic new-homeowner dilemma. You just drained your savings account for the down payment and closing costs, leaving you "house poor." You have a list of renovations a mile long, but your liquidity is gone.Living in a construction zone for five years while you slowly save up cash isn't a... 12/14/2025

If you have tried to buy a home in the last three years, you know the feeling. It feels less like a calculated financial decision and more like a high-stakes round of musical chairs. Prices spike, inventory vanishes, and bidding wars erupt over houses that haven't even been inspected.For the average buyer or real estate agent, the market often feels unpredictable, driven by invisible forces and whims. But for the developers and builders shaping our neighborhoods, there is no guesswork involved. They aren't looking at Zillow; they are looking at the raw numbers that precede the house.The residential real estate market doesn't start when a "Coming Soon" sign goes up in a front yard. It starts months, sometimes years, earlier. It begins with soil testing, zoning applications, material fore... 12/14/2025

►►🈚 We Buy Cash Mobile Homes ANY CONDITION in Low Country Charleston ►►🈚 We Buy Cash Mobile Homes  ANY CONDITION in the Counties of Greater Charleston  - Berkeley - Dorchester  - Low Country Area  - Georgetown - Colleton - Horry - Orangeburg - Beaufort - Clarendon🈚  WE CASH CLOSE on Your Schedule  -  You Remain as You Require After We Purchase ►► 🈚 WE BUY and SELL MOBILE HOMES HOUSES LAND CASH ★ Close on Your Schedule Greater Charleston-Summerville 29483★ ★ Text us: Please Leave Your Name, Your Number, and Your Message for Steve to Call You Back TodaySTEVE 843-881-7171★ ★ 🈚 BUY - SELL - RENT to OWN - WHOLESALE - INVEST 🈚Houses - Mobile Homes - Land★★ SPECIAL NOTE!! This is Our 22nd Year in Business ★★We Are the Mt Pleasant SC Licensed Real Estate Investment Company. Serving the Greater ... 12/14/2025