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 Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
The metaverse has been a hot topic of interest in recent years, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts, gamers, and investors alike. This expansion of the digital universe seems boundless and has left many wondering just how vast the metaverse really is. In this article, written by Jonathon Spire, we will explore the scale of the metaverse, its driving forces, and its potential impact on our daily lives.Understanding the Concept of the MetaverseThe metaverse refers to a collective, shared, and interactive virtual space that encompasses digital environments, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). This digital ecosystem enables users to shape, explore, and experience digital worlds, as well as engage in a variety of activities with other users in real-time. A true metavers...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
As a popular social media platform, Snapchat has become an integral part of our daily lives. With its unique features and privacy-focused approach, users tend to spend more time on this app. One of the primary motivations for Snapchat engagement is the desire to increase ones Snapchat score. But how do you get your Snapchat score up fast? This article unveils the secrets and shares helpful tips to help skyrocket your score.Understanding How Snapchat Scores WorkTo succeed at anything, understanding the basic mechanism is key. Snapchat scores are the numbers assigned to users based on their activities and interactions within the app. These activities include snaps sent or received, stories posted, and snaps added to your "Snap Memories." The primary goal of Snapchat scores is to encourage...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Google, the juggernaut search engine and a household name, has billions of users worldwide. In this digital age, Googles immense search and service offerings have reached every corner of the globe, providing us with easy access to information, entertainment, and a wide array of communication tools. This in-depth exploration of Google’s omnipresent user base will not only enlighten but fascinate the reader, ensuring a greater understanding of the sites significant role in our lives.A Brief History of the Internet GiantGoogle was conceptualized in 1996 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Ph.D. students at Stanford University. They intended to create a search engine that would facilitate a seamless and effortless search experience for users. The company was officially launched in September ...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field, and its impact on our daily lives continues to grow. With advancements in technology, AI has become more accessible and is increasingly integrated into various industries. There is a wealth of fascinating statistics that can provide insights into how AI is shaping our world.The Number of AI Startups is on the RiseArtificial intelligence has captured the attention of entrepreneurs worldwide, leading to a surge in AI startups. Between 2010 and 2018, venture capital investments in AI companies soared, resulting in a staggering 2,395% increase. This growth indicates that entrepreneurs see the potential in AI and are taking steps to incorporate it into innovative products and services such as EarthWeb. It also signifies that new start...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Spam text messages are a nuisance to many, and despite the measures put in place to curb this challenge, the phenomenon persists. An understanding of spam-text-statistics can help develop strategies for both preventing and combatting this ever-present digital threat. In this article, we delve into seven fascinating aspects of spam-text-statistics: common techniques, types of spam text messages, industries targeted, geographical prevalence, impact on consumers and businesses, favored platforms, and prevention efforts.1. Common Techniques Used in Spam Text MessagesSpammers employ a variety of tactics to lure unsuspecting individuals into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Some of these methods include:Phishing: A technique that uses social engineering to trick r...
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By Brandon Jordan
(ERA American Real Estate)
I have watched David Fabers interviews for decades now on CNBC, he doesnt do them all the time but has specials like this from time to time it seems a couple times a year.I wasnt happy with his softball interview with Exxon in my opinion but he normally is gracious with guest and I feel he was with Elon but Musk seem to pause for almost a full minute and visibly looked like he was going to get up and walkout.There were many headlines and bizarre answers from a person who seems to be under a lot of stress running multiple companies. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/elon-musk-cnbc-interview-texas-shooting-1234736809/ This link above covers one of the odd answers. If you look at his background raised in apartheid it could give some insight about why he feels so strong abou...
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By Zachary Boutin, CPA, Oregon's Tax Problem Solver
(First Response Resolution, LLC)
Welcome to First Response Resolution, LLC’s official blog! We are a specialty tax firm practicing in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. The focus of my practice is solving tax problems for individuals and businesses, IRS Representation of taxpayers, and representing taxpayers before their individual State Departments of Revenue. These services are referred to in many ways such as Tax Problem Resolution, Tax Relief Services, Tax Resolution, IRS Resolution, Tax Controversy, etc. Think of our firm as your Financial First Responders who specialize in saving troubled taxpayers. We help people who are struggling with tax problems get their lives back on track so they can focus on what matters most to them.If you are considering an IRS Offer in Compromise to settle your tax liabilities and s...
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By Elyse Berman, PA, Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824
(LoKation Real Estate)
What Should I Blog About I have been blogging since 2009, back when I first joined Active Rain.  It's been a huge part of my life and I love it.  Anyone who knows me knows I am rarely at a loss for words.  Seriously!  And I write my posts pretty much the way I speak.   Now I'm stuck.  This happens every once in a while.  I sit down to write, stare at the computer and nothing comes.  Sure, I could go to AI and have it write a whole post, but that would be like buying blog posts.  It just doesn't sound like me!   My voice wouldn't be there.  It's not that I have anything against it, but I need to sound like me or it doesn't work.So what to do?  I called up my good friend Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, who is always a lifesaver.  Anyone who knows Margaret knows she is never short on...
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
When it comes to venturing into the real estate market and achieving your homeownership dreams, one crucial step sets the foundation for success: getting pre-approved. This simple yet powerful process can significantly impact your homebuying journey in numerous ways.Cost-Free and Informative: The best part about getting pre-approved is that it won't cost you a dime. It's a service provided by lenders to help you understand your financial capabilities and determine how much home you can afford. By obtaining a pre-approval, you gain invaluable insights into your purchasing power.Planning for the Future: With a pre-approval in hand, you can confidently plan for your future goals. Whether it's buying a single-family home, investing in real estate, or downsizing, knowing your budget allows y...
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By John Winzenried
(843, REALTOR)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is home to a number of piers that offer visitors the opportunity to fish, crab, and enjoy the ocean views. Some of the most popular piers in Myrtle Beach include:Apache Pier is the longest wooden fishing pier on the East Coast at 1,206 feet long. It is open 365 days a year and offers a variety of fishing and crabbing opportunities.Cherry Grove Fishing Pier is located in North Myrtle Beach and is known for its large catches. In fact, the largest Tiger Shark ever caught was landed from this pier.Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is located three miles south of Myrtle Beach and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a popular spot for fishing and crabbing.The Pier at Garden City is located in Garden City Beach and is a great place to enjoy the ocean...
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By Jeff Stevens, Jeff Stevens, Associate Broker/REALTOR
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Mexico Properties)
You Can't Sell 'em All: An Overpriced Listing StoryWhen I first entered the world of real estate back in 2013, my mentor told me that there will be certain listings that I would not be able to sell, for one reason or another.I, being the cockeyed optimist that I once was, thought this was nonsense. I WILL sell every single listing I take because I'm just that good. Insert face-slapping emoji here.Recently, I had a listing that I feared was overpriced. It was a cute property and it was not overpriced for the market but overpriced for the condition of the property. But, I took the listing anyway, and at the somewhat unrealistic list price that the sellers were seeking.Six months passed by - I had an open house every month, held broker's open houses, and obtained broker's price opinions an...
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By Beth and Richard Witt, Long Island Cash Home Buyer 516-330-6940
(Long Island Cash Home Buyer)
 What are you grateful for in your life? How do you express your gratitude, and how often do you say it?One of the things that I constantly remind myself about, is to be very aware of the good things in my life. I have noticed how seldom we speak of the positive things in our lives compared to how often we speak of the negative things in our lives. If we want to change our focus to the positive things in our life we must make a conscious effort to do so. I find it is something that we must work on every day.  Start with a daily gratitude list of 100 things that you are grateful for and consider positive in your life. When was the last time you were thankful for the fact that we have electricity? Or you can see? Or you can walk? Or your loved one? See what I mean?   Then focus on these t...
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By John Pusa, Your All Time Realtor With Exceptional Service
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Crest)
On May 9, 2023, National Association of Realtor (NAR) reported on nationwide existing home sales values lower 0.2% to a median single family home price was $371,200 at the end of 1st quarter of 2023, from the end of 4th quarter of 2022, buy higher 4.0% from 1st quarter of 2022.The most expensive housing market was San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California Metro area an average price of a home was $1,618,400 in the 1st quarter of 2023.Regionally, the South gained 1.4.0%, the Northeast 0.1%, the Midwest increased 2.9%, and the West rose 5.3% in the 1st quarter of 2023 from 1st quarter of 2022, according to NAR on May 9, 2023.NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun, stated "Generally speaking, home prices are lower in expensive markets and higher in affordable markets, implying greater mortgage ...
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By Lupe Soto-Realtor, Listing, Selling Burbank, San Fernando Valley LA
(Premier Realty Assoc)
(818)276-6968 SYLMAR house for RENT lease - SE RENTA casa en Sylmar, CA in San Fernando valley, CA 91342, available now 05/19/2023. SYLMAR RENTAL HOUSE3 bedrooms, 2 baths, central air system, two patios$3,295/mo(818 276-6968 TEXT for fast responses 13209 LAZARD ST, SYLMAR, CA 91342available NOW 5/19/2023 sylmar house for rent, sylmar rental, casa en renta sylmar ca, San Fernando valley house for rent, relocation to sylmar ca, sylmar house for lease 
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By Myers Jackson, America's Auctioneer
(Auctioneer, Texas Flip N Move )
Complete Remodel-House for Sale in Granbury TX.Make Your Offer Now!Completely remodeled home on .75ac +/- lot in Granbury - voted Best Historic Small Town in America 3 years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021). Fully encapsulated insulation. New windows, check out the picture window in the living room!The large master bedroom has 2 closets and a feature wall you must see!The master bathroom features double sinks and a spacious tiled shower with a rain head and regular shower head.In the kitchen find a large pantry, pot filler, custom soft closing cabinets, microwave in the island, and stainless steel appliances.Enjoy the peaceful backyard on the semi covered patio. Mature trees on the lot provide shade in both the front and back yards. This .75ac +/- lot is so spacious another house could possi...
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By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
It's OK to ask for help. ..Delegate your lower paying tasks to Get It Done For Me Virtual Services ISAs and VAs to free up your time for more revenue-generating tasks! .Find out how we work with you by texting Katerina Gasset at 561-502-1577 today! .. #Delegate #VirtualAssistant #Outsourcing #CoachKaterina
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By Carol Williams, Retired Agent / Broker / Property Manager
(Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals.)
"Sometimes you deserve a second chance, not because you weren't fabulous the first time but because the timing and circumstances weren't quite right. You just got overlooked."-Carol Williams   Giving deserving posts more exposure is what Second Chance Saturday is all about.  Be sure to tag me in the comment section of any post and watch for it in the next edition of Second Chance Saturday.    Your Every Choice Has An Impact By: Lou Ludwig "As I see it..."Special Relationships Made Via Real Estate Last Forever By: Barbara Todaro "Special relationships made via real estate transactions are long lasting."  (I haven't heard any news regarding Barbara for a while. I hope she is doing ok.)How To Get a Utility Pole Added or Moved. The Dirty Details  By: Cameron Bagherpour "Let me say this up f...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
Through my eyes- A May Challenge.  Thanks to Debe Maxwell, CRS, for this month's challenge about appreciating the beauty of May flowers.I was sitting outside on my porch this week, enjoying a lovely picnic lunch with my beautiful daughter. It was a delightful perfect Spring day. I looked up and around and saw the sheer beauty of the trees, the leaves, and the grass. Did those trees and leaves get so much greener than I remembered? Did what's left of my blooming Azaleas get brighter and more delicate in color and shape? Maybe not, but to me, they were much more vibrant. The texture, the colors the shapes were spectacular.  But they are the same trees and flowers that bloom yearly. What changed was me! The way I saw this beauty was through my "new" eyes. Recently I had cataract surgery. I...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Disclosure: This post isn't meant to open a can of worms. Its aim is to better understand how real estate agents use their social media accounts, specifically what type of content should be shared. If you feel you can comment without making a political statement, read on.Over the course of the last several months we have increased our use of multiple social networks, and upped the number of accounts we follow to access current market information, and to learn more about our clients.During that process one thing has jumped out; the proliferation of non-real estate content shared by agents, and a lot of it is personal political commentary. Which leads to a question:In an ever more binary world, does sharing your personal opinion, especially political commentary, help or hurt your real est...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
April Market StatsInventory is still low in most areas here at the beach, helping keep the prices up. Higher interest rates make it even more difficult for buyers to find affordable properties. Sellers have to price it right to sell quickly and understand the market is stabilizing. Spring and summer are usually the best times to sell at the beach. The buyers are here enjoying all the Hammock Coast has to offer! If you are thinking of selling or buying, call us, and we can share information with you to help you make educated decisions about your real estate investments! Getting all the information you need to make informed decisions is always a good idea. Let’s Chat!To see the market stats for Georgetown, Murrells Inlet, Surfside and Myrtle Beach go to EdgeOfTheBeach.com, click on Local ...
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