ActiveRain Community

If someone throws a stone at you throw a flower at them.... Just remember to throw the flower pot with it. People who ask me what I am doing tomorrow probably assume that I even know what day of the week it is. You give my middle finger an erection.Always have a teenager in the house... that way there is always someone there who knows everything.Old age comes at a bad time! When you finally know everything, you start to forget everything you know.Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.I get most of my exercise these days by shaking my head in disbelief.People say that love is the best feeling, but I think finding a toilet when you are having diarrhea is better. Have you ever noticed that the people who tell you to calm down are the ones that pisse... 11/20/2023

Thinking about buying a home? It's like picking the perfect piece for your life puzzle. Let's make sense of it all. We'll break down the numbers and stories that shape how people buy homes today.According to the National Association of Realtors, 32% of people diving into home buying are doing it for the first time – that's more than before, but still a bit less than usual. Couples are still the main characters in this story, making up 59%, but we also have singles (19% ladies, 10% guys) and unmarried couples (9%) joining the adventure.Family-wise, 70% of recent buyers don't have kids under 18 at home, and 14% chose homes where grandma and grandpa can stay too. Imagine that!Now, heroes in uniform – veterans and active-duty service members – are part of this journey, making up 16% of rece... 11/20/2023

Sandpoint Realty 'Monday Motivation' may help with the season we are moving into.  We all look forward to the Holidays.  We also know the Holidays can add much stress and anxiousness.  Just keep moving and enjoy the moment along with the warmth of the season.  This goes for business and personal. 'Experience the Difference' in working with a full time Professional Sandpoint Realty REALTOR®.  Your wants and needs will always be my priorities. Mark Don McInnesBroker - REALTOR®208 255-6227SandpointNorthIdaho.com - North Idaho Home & Land Searches Sandpoint Realty LLC1205 Highway 2Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 11/20/2023

I am immensely grateful for the 24 remarkable years I've spent in the real estate industry, a journey adorned with countless meaningful connections and successful partnerships. To my cherished clients, you are the heartbeat of my career, and this story serves as a heartfelt ode to each one of you. In this dynamic realm of real estate, every transaction is a unique story, and I am privileged to have been a part of yours. From the excitement of first-time homebuyers to the seasoned investors navigating the market, each collaboration has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the art of turning dreams into keys in hand. The trust you placed in me to guide you through one of life's most significant decisions is a responsibility I don't take lightly. Your dreams became my mission, a... 11/20/2023

.  I bumped into a Blog Post this morning that isperfectly timed to help us through the Winter months ahead . Someone once told me that howyou Nutritionally live from 30- 59 will determine your quality of life from 60-90 . But it’s never toolate to implement these tips to have a strong Immune System ! Did you know that you have a phenomenal built-in system that when it is in tip-top shape, will prevent and protect you from disease, maladies, malaise, auto-immune issues, arthritis, cancer, allergies, and everything in between? This system, your immune system, was designed to support your health with an entire network of warriors designed to fight. However, if you have not taken care of your body, this wonderful system struggles to be able to keep up. The big question then is, what can yo... 11/20/2023

Speechless Sunday: Thanksgiving is right around the corner.Just to be clear one of my favorite Holidays is Thanksgiving. I believe it is truly the American Holiday. Sadly, I have seen over the decades that everywhere Thanksgiving is pushed into the background.The rest of the Holidays are being pushed in front of it. Personally, I do not decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Instead, I decorate for Thanksgiving.Ironically, we have been going through phases where people could not say Merry Christmas because it was more 'politically correct' to say, "Happy Holidays" Really???Anyway, now with that said today I started the Thanksgiving Decorations. Tomorrow I am picking up the Turkey and starting the Brining process.Just to be clear I started the prepping for the Great American Di... 11/19/2023

IMPORTANT TAX TERMS TO KNOW FOR THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS  By IRS definition, rental real estate is a passive activity. Rental real estate may have limited losses unless one of the exceptions applies.In addition, you do not need to be a licensed real estate agent or broker to qualify as a Real Estate Professional, many real estate investors will also qualify as a real estate professional in the eyes of the IRS.It's important to consult with a tax professional or accountant for specific guidance on how these terms and rules apply to your tax situation. Almost all tax laws have limitations, exclusions or exceptions. Also, many tax situations are based on facts and circumstances of the situation and the taxpayer’s intent, finally tax laws and regulations can and do change, sometimes yearly.... 11/19/2023

I am immensely grateful for the 24 remarkable years I've spent in the real estate industry, a journey adorned with countless meaningful connections and successful partnerships. To my cherished clients, you are the heartbeat of my career, and this story serves as a heartfelt ode to each one of you.In this dynamic realm of real estate, every transaction is a unique story, and I am privileged to have been a part of yours. From the excitement of first-time homebuyers to the seasoned investors navigating the market, each collaboration has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the art of turning dreams into keys in hand.The trust you placed in me to guide you through one of life's most significant decisions is a responsibility I don't take lightly. Your dreams became my mission, and ... 11/19/2023

In the past, I was an educator in the public school system, and it's interesting to observe how the landscape of teaching has evolved. Today's teachers not only focus on instructing knowledge in reading, writing, math, science, and history, but they also juggle numerous additional responsibilities. Despite these challenges, the ultimate objective remains consistent: fostering student learning, encouraging the application of knowledge, and nurturing confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of belonging. In a diverse classroom, its important for students to come to realize and appreciate the unique differences and talents each person brings. The key is to discover and embrace your own strengths, find contentment within yourself, and contribute your individual talents. I recently came across... 11/20/2023

Wine and flowers are always great go-to gifts at Thanksgiving, but even wine and flowers can add more stress to the host.   Flowers need to be put in a vase.  Wine needs to be iced or stored or served (if it matches the dinner.)    Instead here are three suggestions that break the mold.  Bring Your Own Apron Can you imagine how your host will love you if you walk into the kitchen and say - how can I help? and you even brought your own apron to prove you are really serious about helping.   You could even bring a brand-new apron and give it to the host at the end of the night!   It goes without saying that you need to take your guidance from your host.  Some hosts love having a guest willing to stir (or make) the gravy while other hosts will only let you fill the water glasses at the tab... 11/19/2023

November Challenge,  I'm Thankful for So Much 3I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me when my wife and I married. In my previous involvement we had no children, but I have been given the gift of being a grandfather to my wife's grands.Grandson Nick, who is well into his adulthood is 30 and is the son of my wife's son. We unfortunately did not have a lot of involvement with Hin when he was younger, and it wasn't until he was into college that we had a more active part of his life.He does visit with us on a recusal basis and his company is always appreciated and enjoyed. While there is no blood connection to me, he constantly seeks out advice and it is always happily given. He has said on numerous occasions that a blood connection could not be any stronger.Younger grandson Rapha... 11/22/2023

I'm Thankful for my Home This is my second entry for the November Gratitude Challenge hosted by Debe Maxwell, CRS. Those 4 simple words in the title mean ever so much to me, and no doubt for others who own their homes. Indeed, it goes beyond owning a home but would include a rental. But for this post, the focus is on my gratitude for home ownership. I’m in my 10th primary house (there have been a couple vacation homes, too) that I have owned – perhaps not a lot compared to many others, but the number doesn’t matter. This is all about the meaning of owning your own home that’s important, whether it’s your first home or the 10th. This is our 6th house on about 2 acres in the small rural/suburban community of Bolton, MA, about 25 miles west of Boston.  We’ve also lived in 4 rentals in our ... 11/19/2023

Wine and flowers are always great go-to gifts at Thanksgiving, but even wine and flowers can add more stress to the host.   Flowers need to be put in a vase.  Wine needs to be iced or stored or served (if it matches the dinner.)   Instead here are three suggestions that break the mold. Bring Your Own ApronCan you imagine how your host will love you if you walk into the kitchen and say - how can I help? and you even brought your own apron to prove you are really serious about helping.  You could even bring a brand-new apron and give it to the host at the end of the night!  It goes without saying that you need to take your guidance from your host.  Some hosts love having a guest willing to stir (or make) the gravy while other hosts will only let you fill the water glasses at the table.  B... 11/19/2023

Listings are the name of the game.  When a newly licensed agent asked:  'How long do I have to wait until I get a listing? My answer, of course, is that it depends. You have to wait until the seller and the house are ready!  Even when you have a list of property owners considering a sale, there is no way to know how long it will take them to get physically and emotionally ready to put the house on the market.   Here are three properties, three sellers, and three timelines. 1I met homeowners with a very unusual property about six years ago. We have talked and discussed their unique home. I've watched as the needed repairs were done. I listened as their family was "strongly encouraging'' a sooner-than-later move-out''. I've prepared the write-up and photography and have a signed listing a... 11/25/2023

Lake Front Property for Sale in Mabank TXLake front property for sale in Mabank TX offers a 3 bedroom house on about a quarter of an acre with a spectacular view of the lake from 85+/- feet of water frontage. Inside this beautiful home offers stylish luxury floors of ceramic tile and luxury vinyl plank, quartz countertops, and wood burning fire place. Step out onto the new porch located off of the living area to soak in the incredible views.Learn More & Make Your Offer Now!Special terms and conditions, and Buyer's Premium apply for all sales.Information About Brokerage ServicesTexas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection NoticeTo Contact the Texas Department of Licensing and RegulationMyers Jackson License DisclosuresMyers Jackson TX Broker 0698695Myers Jackson TX Auctioneer TDLR 17057 11/18/2023

In the dynamic world of real estate, staying ahead means continuously exploring new avenues and opportunities. Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) represent a unique and often underutilized aspect of the industry. At BPOS For Life LLC, we're dedicated to not only providing top-notch BPO services but also to educating and empowering real estate professionals about the value and process of BPOs.Today, we're reaching out to you with a simple, two-question survey that could open the door to new possibilities in your real estate career.[Click here to take our quick survey]### Why BPOs MatterBPOs offer an alternative to traditional property appraisals, often being more cost-effective and quicker to complete. They are essential in various scenarios, from loan refinancing and mortgage lending to forec... 11/18/2023

How to Express Gratitude During Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is the one time during the year where we are prompted to think about others more than ourselves.  We all have so many things to be grateful for. Maybe it's waking up in the morning.  Do we let God know how grateful we are for the day He has made?  Maybe it's a new relationship, or the need for extra income, or even our job situation.  Whatever it is, we must always be grateful for the call God has on our lives, the world He so lovingly made, and the people He puts into our lives to draw us closer to Him.    "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it islike wrapping a present and not giving it."-- William Arthur Ward  Showing gratitude to people who may dislike us or those we just don't get along with is tough.  The Lord commands us... 11/27/2023

Today, while revisiting all the many blessings in my life, sweet memories of my mother came to mind.  So much of who we are is based on the kind of childhood we experienced. I was fortunate enough to live in a home with both my parents.My mother was especially wonderful! My dad worked 10 minutes from home at the Western Pacific Railroad. The Western Pacific whistle would blow at 4:00 pm each afternoon, and we could hear it from our home. It signaled the end of the work day. Supper was at 4:15 each afternoon, and I could set a watch on the family routine - When Dad left for work each morning, when he would return home, when we would sit down for supper, and when Dad would walk out onto the front porch to pick up the evening paper.Mom was the perfect 1950s style housewife and mother. Albe... 11/20/2023

An Attitude of Gratitude This ThanksgivingThe relationship between gratitude and Thanksgiving is deeply ingrained in this holiday. Some of us grew up going around the table sharing "something" we are thankful for. Quotes about gratitude and Thanksgiving pop up everywhere on our social media feeds along with hashtags like #blessed, #grateful and #thankful. No doubt these "feelings" are sincere, but there is a difference between being thankful and being grateful.Being thankful is a fleeting moment, a feeling. Like when a stranger finds and returns your wallet.  On the other hand, being grateful is a mindset. It is an appreciation for all that life brings, (good or bad), because even our worst moments and memories can shape us in so many positive ways.Gratitude is a powerful thing.  Its po... 11/18/2023

The most important thing is to distinguish between laminate and vinyl flooring. The two terms are often used interchangeably even though they are very different flooring types and should never be called by the same term. Laminate has a wood fiber core (HDF or MDF), and this has historically been very susceptible to water damage. Newer versions have either wax on the tongue and groove parts or plastic added to the wood fiber. This certainly improves their water resistance but it can still vary depending on the exact composition. Some might actually be close to waterproof and others still vulnerable to swelling from water. Vinyl plank, whether glued down or luxury vinyl plank click-together are made of plastic through and through. This makes the material itself impossible to damage from w... 11/18/2023