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ActiveRain Community

Being part of the largest real estate related social network has its perks; the community of ActiveRain is on top of that list. Our vast array of real estate professionals have been in the business since the beginning. Not only do they know best practices when it comes to real estate, social media, personal life and beyond but they share their insight so freely with one another. Our mantra of Connect, Share, Learn is taken to another level because of the valuable members of ActiveRain.


Here you will find all sorts of information about what makes ActiveRain members tick. We are spread far and wide and come from all walks of life together to build this one-of-a-kind platform. Anything to do with the community and happenings in the 'Rain can be found here. Dive in and take part of something uniquely special.

Recent blogs on ActiveRain Community
By Mike Litton, Realtor - 760-522-1227 - Homes For Sale Escondido
(Mike Litton, Broker Associate)
How to Build Wealth with Hard Assets | Ben Reinberg on Leadership, Legacy & Commercial Real Estate 🎙️ Welcome to another powerful episode of The Mike Litton Experience! In this episode, we sit down with Ben Reinberg — a renowned commercial real estate mogul, founder of Alliance CGC, and the author of the new book, Hard Assets and Hard Money for Hard Times. Ben opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to building a real estate empire, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and why working on yourself is the foundation for success in both life and business.This conversation is packed with actionable insights on personal development, employee retention, wealth generation, and how to thrive in uncertain times.🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The mindset and habi...
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By Mike Litton, Realtor - 760-522-1227 - Homes For Sale Escondido
(Mike Litton, Broker Associate)
From the Front Lines to the Front Page: David Brown on War, Love, and RedemptionIn this powerful and deeply human episode of The Mike Litton Experience, we sit down with former British Army officer turned acclaimed author, David Brown, as he takes us on a riveting journey from the front lines of Northern Ireland during The Troubles to the emotional battlefield of personal loss, grief, and renewal.🎖️ With over three decades of service and firsthand experience in urban warfare, David shares gripping insights from his second and third books — Hard Rain and The Darkness — and offers a glimpse into his forthcoming fourth novel featuring the complex and resilient character, Bulmer Brown.🔥 Topics Covered:Urban combat, PTSD, and real-life warfare in Northern IrelandThe political and historical ...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Our state is on its knees as we continue to see the ravages of the devastating floods that have gripped the heart of our hill country. The Guadalupe River and many other beloved tributaries in this area are known for numerous campsites, RV parks, and the many children's campsites. As a lifelong Texan, I have vacationed in this area many times.As the news began to come in yesterday on this holiday weekend, we were gripped as we saw the images coming in. The 4th of July holiday is one of the busiest times for our river communities. While flash flooding has happened before in this area, much like the events that wiped out the areas in North Carolina recently, this was an unprecedented event.There was simply no way to prepare for this freak storm, and, because the water rose as quickly as i...
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By Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist, Probate Real Estate Services
(KD Realty - 408.972.1822)
For many introverts, such as me, the corporate world offers a reassuring blend of structure, routine, and defined roles. Cubicles and home offices invite focus and solitude, while email, scheduled meetings, and hierarchical organization provide guardrails that allow one to contribute meaningfully, often without the need for continuous outward engagement. What happened when I left the familiar landscape for the dynamic, unpredictable realm of real estate, which is a field that, at first glance, seems tailor-made for extroverts?My transition is profound, marked by both discomfort and undeniable growth. It stretched my boundaries, exposed new facets of my personality, and allowed me to bring my paralegal, project management, communication skills, and more to the table. I discovered the emp...
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By Richard (richie) Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
Two beautiful caterpillars were living their simple lives when they noticed a random caterpillar passing by & then another until a line of caterpillars paraded themselves. The two wondered what this was all about as they observed the commitment to march with determination. They inquired & the feedback they got was that there was something more to just eating leaves, mating, journeying & discovering in their small, predictable lives. What more is there, they asked?JOIN USWe don't know the parade said, but we want to find out. Wouldn't it be nice to discover something we are not doing & then have it because we now know it exists? But what could that possibly be? That's what we are going to find outGET IN LINEThe two joined the line as did many others, non-stop until a marching parade form...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Living together as a family across different generations can make life easier and help preserve traditions.   Multi-generational living is when several generations of a family come together to share a home, and it’s gaining popularity among many families today. This arrangement offers benefits that can make life more enjoyable. One of the most appealing aspects is the financial savings. With housing costs rising, pooling resources allows families to afford a bigger, more comfortable home than they could on their own. Sharing responsibilities makes daily tasks feel less burdensome. Having family members around makes it easier to tackle tasks like cooking, cleaning, and caring for pets, children, and elderly relatives together as a team. Living together can strengthen family bonds. Sharin...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.WarrenCountyOhioRealEstate.com)
Think about your typical office training.  Locally focused I'd bet? Local contracts, addendums, practices, local market info, perhaps some social media use, etc.  Now step into the Rain and what's available to you?The entire buffet.Local info.State info.Regional info.National info.Even some over the border info!While the objective of buying and selling homes may be common to all of us, the HOW it gets done across the country can vary significantly, so having exposure to different techniques can provide you an edge on how to best conduct business in your market.Today a potential buyer called to talk about patio home availability and his needs.  He's a former NY attorney with some real estate experience there.  And NY real estate is significantly different than Ohio.  They're an attorney ...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Have you ever thought about sharing a home? Inspired by the beloved TV show "The Golden Girls," this idea could transform your life into a fun-filled adventure. Imagine waking up every day to the laughter and companionship of friends who support you. Living together can eliminate feelings of loneliness while creating a nurturing environment where you can thrive.multi-gen living and my friend Carol Williams mentioned the idea of sharing a home. By sharing a home, you can combine your resources and hire all the help for chores like cleaning, cooking, maintenance, and gardening. This means less time focused on mundane tasks and more time for what truly matters: enjoying life together. However, if you love to cook or enjoy gardening, you have the choice of doing the parts you love. Consider...
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By Richard (richie) Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
Payback is part of the human experience, but it shouldn't be, but it is, nevertheless. One thinks it more than they care to acknowledge & there is something about seeing a wrong righted or a comeuppance meet up with a worthy subject, but this has to be done correctly less what we do, is done to us. Wrongs have to be righted. Justice is the measure. Let's exploretake that & thatNO ONE LIKES THISTit for tat? Where are we going with this? The person who has been injured or slighted didn't like it at all thus it brought out temptation feeling of "getting even". But there is the paradox. If you didn't like it, what makes you think it is worthy to practice on another? Heaping it on someone else when you know it is not right is two wrongs at work. Your hurt gets better if others are hurt? nons...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Multi-generational living is when several generations of a family come together to share a home, and it’s gaining popularity among many families today. This arrangement offers benefits that can make life more enjoyable.One of the most appealing aspects is the financial savings. With housing costs rising, pooling resources allows families to afford a bigger, more comfortable home than they could on their own. Sharing responsibilities makes daily tasks feel less burdensome. Having family members around makes it easier to tackle tasks like cooking, cleaning, and caring for pets, children, and elderly relatives together as a team.Living together can strengthen family bonds. Sharing space means more time spent together, celebrating special occasions, and creating cherished memories. This clo...
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I’ve learned that when one door closes, another opens, but only if you’re brave enough to knock.   Thank you to Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran thoughtful July ActiveRain Challenge. When I read the prompt—how have you changed?, my mind immediately went back to where I started in real estate: filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and questions I didn’t yet have answers for. Anxiety can feel like a fog settling in, clouding every decision and whispering doubt into every thought. At that time in my life, I was a single mom suddenly faced with the overwhelming task of rebuilding a future, not just for me, but for my children. I had to act quickly, yet every choice felt paralyzing. I knew I had a solid education behind me, but the pressure of figuring out what was next felt immense. I started b...
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By Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty, ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700
(Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska)
TIME FOR a CELEBRATION!  Light off Fireworks today if you want to help me celebrate my accession into the 1,000,000 Point Club on Active Rain!Many, many years in the making with long pauses throughout the decades long journey!I actually thought the June Contest points would be posted prior to today and I would have been over.I am PROUD to achieve this level on AR on one of the greatest days of the year... 4th of July!My efforts, however, pale in comparison to those who gave us this freedom and those who help maintain it!The men and women of the past, present, and future are (and always will be) the reason we have the rights to share our thoughts....whether on line...on paper...at a rally...or a sign during a walk or protest...and so many other reasons!I wish ALL a safe and Happy 4th of ...
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By Carol Williams, Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
(Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.)
“Confidence is not loud. It comes quietly, stitched together by each victory, whether big or small.”   -Carol Williams  I've written about some of this before, so I hope I don't bore my regular readers as I write this post for the July Challenge. But, I promise you'll learn something new about me before the end.As a child, I was so shy that I dreaded saying "here" during roll call in grade school. It sounds ridiculous, but for a painfully shy girl growing up with early personal loss, even that simple word felt like too much attention. After our parents died, my aunt and uncle became the guardians of my brother and me. My aunt, a 4-H leader, decided 4-H would be a good program for us to get involved in. It wasn't like I had a choice; she signed me up for the sewing and knitting clubs an...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Thank you to Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran thoughtful July ActiveRain Challenge. When I read the prompt—how have you changed?, my mind immediately went back to where I started in real estate: filled with anxiety, uncertainty, and questions I didn’t yet have answers for.Anxiety can feel like a fog settling in, clouding every decision and whispering doubt into every thought. At that time in my life, I was a single mom suddenly faced with the overwhelming task of rebuilding a future, not just for me, but for my children. I had to act quickly, yet every choice felt paralyzing.I knew I had a solid education behind me, but the pressure of figuring out what was next felt immense. I started by evaluating my strengths and asking myself what I could genuinely see myself doing, not just to earn...
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By Ralph Magin, Miami Homes For Sale
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
MIDTOWN MIAMI DADE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE BIGGEST SALES * As of July 4, 2025 WE HAVE THE KEY TO YOUR DREAM HOME. CHECK OUT REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ON MIDTOWN MIAMI. #RealEstateMiami #SouthFloridaRealEstate #RealEstateMidtownMiami #MidtownMiamiRealEstate #RealEstateSouthFlorida #MidtownMiami #MiamiRealEstate #RealEstate #Realtor #houseexpert #househunting #home #RealEstateAgent #RealEstateBroker #RealEstateExpert #RealEstateForSale #Realty #Broker #HomeForSale #HouseForSale #PropertyForSale #HomeForSaleMiami #HomeForSaleSouthFlorida   Why Big Investors Aren’t a Challenge for Today’s Homebuyer in Miami-Dade, FloridaRemember the chatter in the headlines about all the homes big institutional investors were buying? If you were thinking about buying a home yourself, you may have wondered...
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Every year on 4th of July and this year on Friday July 4th of 2025, we celebrate the patriotic holiday Independence Day for our country and the freedom we enjoy in the United States. We celebrate 4th of July Independence Day gathering with family and friends for parties, barbecues, music, games, parades, and fireworks.I want to share some 4th of July Independence Day quotes with you:Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people. Abraham Lincoln In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. Franklin D. RooseveltIf your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. John Quincy AdamsThose who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. Be...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
 As we celebrate Independence Day, we’re reminded of the values that make this country great — freedom, resilience, and opportunity. Just as our nation was built on the dreams of those who dared to dream big, we continue to help families turn their homeownership dreams into reality.From all of us at Hiss Jackson Team | KW Capital Partners, we wish you a joyful and safe 4th of July!#IndependenceDay #4thofJuly #RealEstateCommunity #HissJacksonHomes #KWCapitalPartners #Homeownership
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
 We’re proud to share some exciting news — Joe Jackson has been recognized in the Top 3% of all REALTORS® in the Columbus and Central Ohio Region for production volume!Out of more than 8,000 Columbus REALTOR® members, this distinction reflects Joe’s relentless commitment to delivering exceptional service, his expert market knowledge, and his deep dedication to helping clients achieve their real estate goals.At Hiss Jackson Advantage | KW Capital Partners, we value integrity, professionalism, and results — and Joe embodies all of these qualities every day. His success is well-earned, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have him on our team.👏 Please join us in congratulating Joe on this well-deserved recognition!#Top3Percent #RealtorRecognition #KWCapitalPartners #HissJacksonAdvantage #Colu...
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By Carol Williams, Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA
(Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.)
"Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear."— George AddairIn my early years of entrepreneurship, I developed a passion for personal development. I read books by Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Jim Rohn, Wayne Dyer, Stephen Covey, and many others. Eventually, reading wasn’t enough, and I wanted an experience. That’s how I found myself 800 miles from home, alone, at the San Jose Fairgrounds for a 2½-day Tony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” seminar.There were 1,500 of us packed into long days that stretched from early morning to late evening. No sightseeing. No distractions. Just pure Anthony Robbins energy.Friday night was the firewalk, Tony’s legendary exercise in breaking through fear. When I saw the 12 to 15-foot bed of burning coals (glowing at 1,000–1,200º), I t...
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