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 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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Posts Just For You- This Week at ActiveRain May 14 to May  20, 2023  Every day there is something to learn here at ActiveRain.  With this series, I try to highlight posts that gave me that lightbulb moment. It could be something techie, something about Real Estate or other professions, about a place, or about a person. Or, it could be a post that made me sit up and take notice! May 15: Marte Cliff Motivational Monday- Check Your ThinkingShort, sweet, and absolutely true, It never hurts to step back and recheck your thinking.  Alan May A breach of trustYes, there are agents like this. What would you do?  May 16:  Dee Toohey    Hacked Vs ClonedDee’s post was featured but it is worth additional exposure. Most of us are on Facebook, and I’ll bet we’ve all had our accounts hacked. Dee has a ...
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
 In the vibrant city of Salina, Kansas, where opportunities abound, a world of untapped potential awaits, ready to be unleashed. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, the prospect of mastering a new skill in just 30 days is an exciting endeavor. In this ultimate guide, we will navigate the pathways to skill acquisition, providing you with the knowledge and strategies needed to embark on a transformative journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Setting the Stage for Success Embracing the growth mindset: cultivating a belief in your ability to learn and improve. Identifying your passion: Choosing a skill that resonates with your interests and goals. Setting realistic goals: defining what mastery means to you and establishing achievable milestones. Crafting Your 30...
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By Rob Dalton, Big Island Vacation Rental Guru
(Waikoloa Vacation Rentals)
Recently Google did an update to their ads.  This has caused two primary things in searches in our market.  First, the number of ads that are showing up for any given search term has increased drastically causing the organic searches to drop almost halfway down the first page.Second, while the number of ads have increased there are also several that are irrelevant to the search term.  The method of placement seems to do more so on budget than relevance.  Has anyone else seen something similar in their market area?
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By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
Energy is contagious. ..Delegate to elevate! .Our team of VAs/ISAs is dynamic and focused, working continuously within specific task requirements & tight task deadlines so that YOU can finally have peace of mind knowing your work will get done and you can even start taking your “vacation-a-day” if you so desire! 👨🏼‍🤝‍👨🏼 .Don't delay! Find out how we work with you by texting, “Get Started” to 561-502-1577!
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By Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho, North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227
(Sandpoint Realty LLC)
Sandpoint Realty 'Thursday Thought' holds no less truth today, than when spoken many presidents back.  I might add to this that, in my opinion,  Real Estate stands on the same precipice.  The importance of high morals and ethics grow more important every day.   '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
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Nestled along the scenic Potomac River, the Cascades Community Association in Sterling, Virginia, offers an enviable lifestyle within a 2,500-acre planned community. With a host of award-winning amenities, it's no wonder this community has garnered such accolades as the Best Large Association Award and the WMCCAI's 2011 Humanitarian of the Year.Its convenience is unparalleled with the Dulles International Airport and Dulles Town Center for shopping, just a short drive away. Major transportation routes like Route 7 and Route 28 are nearby, and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station connects to Washington D.C. and other parts of Northern Virginia.For the outdoor enthusiast, recreational options abound. From the golf course and trails in Algonkian Regional Park to the fun of Volcano Island W...
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By Ed Silva, Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
(Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 )
John Arendsen  Accessory Dwelling UnitsJohn Arendsen was the speaker for this week's Zoom call. As founder and owner of Crest Backyard Homes, he gave a presentation that explained the nature of the modules he builds as well as its advantages.For Multi-generational families, an Accessory Dwelling Unit, ADU offers convenience and serves to keep the family close and still offer independence.His company is very much a regional operation staying close to His San Diego area. This is predominately as the efficiency of his operation is maintained by contractors that he knows to perform their jobs well and be cost effective. If he were to work farther away from his market area, costs would rise due to the distance as well as not knowing the nuances of local permitting etc.There are 2 types of AD...
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By Realty Net Media - Real Estate Web Design
(Realty Net Media)
For real estate agents, your ability to generate and convert leads is the foundation of your success. While you probably already use a range of marketing strategies, there is one powerful tool that often goes unnoticed: your real estate blog. When used effectively, your blog can become a driving force for increased traffic and real estate lead conversion. Utilizing just six key points of emphasis, you can ensure that you are getting maximum results from your real estate blog:1. Provide Value with Relevant ContentThe key to successful blogging lies in consistently delivering valuable content to your readers. The more often, the better. Search engine algorithms reward sites that are consistently adding new and valuable content, so the more often you post the higher your search engine rank...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
We pride ourselves on personable service, specializing in working with seniors or those who may need an extra helping hand. Let’s Chat! We will share with you some tips and tricks about how to get "Top Dollar". Please feel free to reach out anytime and share what might make your real estate experience easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Email Joanne@EdgeOfTheBeach.com or text/call 843 655 6343.  Visit EdgeOfTheBeach.com for: Real-time emails of current listings FREE home evaluation tool Latest blog articles 5-star reviews on Google, Realtor.com, Facebook and Zillow  Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
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By Daniel Ramsey, MyOutDesk - Real Estate Virtual Professionals
(MyOutDesk)
A common concern among new virtual assistant (VA) users is how to keep their VA busy, all of the time. Because I totally understand that some days you simply won't have a lot on your plate, your local team is crushing it and your VA is caught up, and it feels like a waste to pay them to sit around waiting.Don't do that!There is no reason your VA should ever just be non-productive. That's why I wanted to cover 7 different ways that I myself utilize VAs in between their usual duties. This ensures that they're always productive for you and you're never wasting any time or money. Let's go!My company: https://www.myoutdesk.com/If you liked this video, don't forget to like, share and subscribe — I'd really appreciate that!
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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 right here near Medford in 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.The IRS Offer in Compromise Program is the focus of our next couple of blog posts!...
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By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali..Get your life back! ❤🤗 Stop doing tasks that are redundant or simple to duplicate. 💼📌🔖.Delegating your tasks is so empowering and freeing! 🤩😍.Find out how we work with you by texting, “Get Started” to 561-502-1577 today! 📞📲💻..#Delegate #VirtualAssistant #WednesdayWisdom
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By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Over the past two weeks, nearly 48% of homes have been sold, pending further proceedings, as reported by Redfin. This is your Midweek Market Report. While the national housing market remains heated, we're here to provide a comprehensive analysis of our local micro market in Northern Virginia.Many analysts often compare the 2023 market to the one from 2021. However, in order to provide a more in-depth perspective, we have pulled some intriguing statistics from the Bright MLS in our Smart chart. This will give us a comparative look at the 2019 and 2023 sales volumes, which have notably decreased from 1.9 million to 1.76.The number of days on the market has also been shortened by 17 days and the active listings have dropped by almost 50%, resulting in a near 50% decrease in units sold. Thi...
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By Realty Net Media - Real Estate Web Design
(Realty Net Media)
Whatever your level of experience in the real estate field, chances are you have had to become acquainted with two acronyms. SEO and SEM. All across the country, agents are turning to these two common real estate marketing tactics everyday, yet many individuals lack a comprehensive understanding of their disparities or how to use their real estate website properly to enhance lead generation.To have successful real estate marketing campaigns, agents really need to grasp the in’s and out’s of each process, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. This knowledge will empower you to determine the strategy that aligns best with your specific goals.Search Engine Optimization (SEO)What is SEO?Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a marketing technique designed to gain more organ...
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By Joanne Gillet EdgeOfTheBeach.com, Experience is not expensive. It is Priceless!
(Edge Of The Beach Realty)
Click on this link for more information and pictures of this Beautiful, Comfortable, Convenient Semi-Custom Low Country Style Home.78 Lake Trail - Hagley Estates   
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Lilacs It Takes More Than April Showers... I have always loved lilacs.  However, I couldn't grow them in Southern California.  By that, I mean the lilac bushes would not flower.  When I moved to Sedona, I discovered I had flowering lilac bushes the following April.  I was so excited about this.  I didn't plant these lilacs.  They were there when we moved in.  You Need A Cold Winter For Great Blooms I am not sure where I heard that lilacs need an excellent freeze to bloom. But that is not an issue in Sedona.  We do not get days below freezing, but our weather is cold enough to allow the process to set for the next season's blooms. Lilacs are very hardy.  We had a really cold winter in 2022-23.  I didn't do anything special to protect the lilac bushes.  This year was very good for a stro...
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