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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 Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP, Selling Homes Changing Lives
(DFW FINE PROPERTIES)
Photo Journalism by Patricia 9/5/2024 FIFTY THREE WORDS ABOUT FALLby Patricia Feager 9/5/2024 AUTUMNMy soul is married to the season of FallBrilliance of hues of crimson and goldScent of fresh rain on soil shriveledSound of Autumn leavesScent of woody earthSight of orange pumpkinsSpicy scents baking in the ovenTaste of hot Chai Latte TeaBaked bread with brown crust  I hope all the members of ActiveRain are having fun with the 53 Word Challenge for September 2024. Just 53 Words. Reading your stories has meant so much! They are ALL so different. Positively! Beautifully written! Straight from the heart. Usually, I make a list of things to do in preparation for the season of Fall. This time I created a bouquet of flowers and with each petal and leaf that falls, I have to remember something ...
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By Heather Miller, Realtor, Home Sales Specialist - Cape Cod
(Cape Cod Real Estate Group )
I haven't been on this site forever.  Does it still have a page to ask if anyone is interested in a buyer referral?  I have a Buyer looking in the Providence, East Providence or Warwick, Ri areas for a condo.  Asking 25 % referral fee.  Anyone interested?She will be helped by her Uncle who I have done several transactions with.Heather MillerCape Cod Real Estate Group
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
How  Do You Deal With Rejection?Work in this business long enough (read more than three seconds) and you will come face to face with rejection. Even in the face of your best "pitch" a consumer (don't call them clients without a signature) will opt in a different direction. Let's look at some practical ways to confront real estate rejection...Dealing with rejection 1) Understand that "no" will be a major part of your business--As my coach Mike Ferry says, "logic makes people think, emotion makes them act". Your presentation could be spot on. The next agent that interviews may show up wearing the same sweater as the seller. Yes, sometimes you lose for silly reasons. 2) "No" could mean "not yet"-- Think back to the last time you went to a department store. What was your response to the sal...
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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.)
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who stand by and do nothing.  -Albert Einstein  The Challenge this month, co-hosted by Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 and Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP  is to write a story in exactly 53 words. How the heck can you write a story in 53 words? I decided to try my hand at a fictional story about a corrupt real estate developer with a politician as a partner in the crime.  Here it is:Widowed REALTOR®, Marilyn, stumbled upon a real estate fraud in central Washington. With Jack, a charming client, they reveal a corrupt network between a developer and politician. Threats loom, but Ellen, a retired investigator, helps them expose the truth. Along the way, Marilyn finds more than justice, she found unexpected love with Jack. Afte...
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By Lauren Williams, CPO, Professional Organizer: Puget Sound homes
(Casual Uncluttering LLC)
Stupid little stuff, DUH stuff, makes me happy. I admit it. When I talk to clients about organizing, I use myself for illustrations of the possibilities. For example, my kitchen is so small I don't have a pantry. I've had to take bookcases, stick them in my bedroom, and that's my pantry.I also 'fess up that, when I'm heading to bed, I throw my shoes on the floor next to the bed. It's a muddle, the shoes take up too much space, and every once in a while I step on one in the middle of the night. No fun. But I'm tired, I haven't the energy to put them in the shoe bin in my closet soooooooooooooooooo far away and so be it.FINALLY, finally some light shone on the dim recesses of my brain. I had an idea!?!?!?!?!???!!!?????All it took was moving a shelf up a peg-height in a bookcase, moving a ...
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By Richie Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
The minute one summons the BELIEF of defeat; it will be done to them as quickly as the belief can deliver it up. A nano second, a wisp of time even faster than thought, beliefs govern all outcomes of the human journey and its results or lack of them. If one gives up, what follows is the proof after thatI HOPE SOInstead of ruling a defeat or surrender into play, why not summon hope? What's wrong with allowing faith to kick in and surprise you and your beliefs? Leaving one's self open to "come what may" after all is said and done for the better keeps the door open to allow it to advance. Don't shut this door but instead, leave it ajar. You never know.HOLD THAT COASTER!Realize that as a person thinks, so it will be. Often direct thoughts are powered by personal beliefs and the belief comes...
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By Fred Hernden, CMI, Albuquerque area Master Inspector
(Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area)
Have you ever told a client they shouldn't buy this home?  create delete By Fred Hernden, CMIHome Inspections with Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area InterNACHI 10041206 September 26, 2017 05:53 PMReport A re-post from 2017, was a Featured Post, still struggle with this a bit... As Home Inspectors, it is our job to tell the condition of the home we are inspecting, on that particular day of the inspection. It is not our job to tell them to buy or not to buy, although sometimes it is hard not to! Have you ever had a client ask you if they should buy it? "What do you think... is this a good home to buy?" Been asked that a multitude of times! Always the generic answer, "I cannot tell you whether you should buy it or not. My job is to tell you the condition of it so you and...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Real Estate Practice- One Deal Away from Broke Is 2024 the year you invest in yourself and get that real estate license? Worried about living the commission only lifestyle? In most cases agents are only paid at closing. Literally all the work on a file is complete before the agent gets a penny. So how does this work in a "troubled" economic time? Let's look at some ways to keep the cash flowing!  1) Talk to people you know everyday- The BEST source of business is folks that already know/trust/like you. Call them on a consistent basis. Yes, call. In 2024...Don't assume they saw and remembered some random social media post.  2) Talk to people you don't know everyday-These calls can be tougher. Examples can be for sale by owners, expired/cancelled listings, and neighborhood dials. There a...
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By Anthony Stokes-Pereira /REALTOR, Howard Hanna Rand Realty
(Howard Hanna Rand Realty)
As the real estate market continues to evolve, staying informed is crucial whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply an enthusiast. Here at Anthony Stokes-Pereira / Realtor, we are committed to keeping you updated with the latest trends and insights in the dynamic world of real estate. Today, we’ll delve into the current market conditions in Rockland, Orange, and Westchester Counties in New York.### Real Estate Market Report: Rockland, Orange, and Westchester Counties**Rockland County**: The real estate market in Rockland County has been experiencing a steady rise in home prices over the past year. This trend is largely driven by increased demand from buyers looking for suburban comfort while still being within commuting distance to New York City. Inventory remains relatively low, makin...
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By Michael Elliott, Burlington, New Jersey Residential Sales
(Fathom Realty)
I "reactivated"  my seldom - used AR account In Dec. 2023, and as you know, I have been active on a near-daily basis since then.   I didn't not quite know what to expect here, and I have to say, I have mostly been (99%) pleasantly surprised.  I love being able to promote my voice and my business and also sharing it on social media.  What has surprised me the most?   Unexpected phone calls from my new friends!  I am truly grateful for them, it is so nice to be thought of in a way where someone would want to connect.  Thank you, it means a lot.  I really enjoy reading most of these blogs, being a real estate nerd and lifer.Happy selling! My cell:  (609) 864-8164My website:  https://michaelelliott.fathomrealty.com/    
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Saturday: What is full of holes, but still holds water? Answer: A Sponge Brain Buster for Sunday, Sept. 8 What can you catch, but not throw?  
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Friday: What must be broken before you can use it? Answer: An Egg Brain Buster for Saturday, Sept. 7 What is full of holes, but still holds water?  
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Wednesday: What has hands, but can't clap? Answer: A Clock Brain Buster for Thursday, Sept. 5 What must be broken before you can use it?  
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Wednesday: What goes up, but can never come down? Answer: Your Age Brain Buster for Thursday, Sept. 5 What has hands, but can't clap?  
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By Jeffrey Richman, Creative Real Estate Specialist
(Immediate Home Solutions)
This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading.Answer for Tuesday:What has one eye buy cannot seeAnswer: A NeedleBrain Buster for Wednesday, Sept. 4What goes up, but never  comes down?
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By Doug Rogers, Your Real Estate Resource!
(RE/MAX Coastal Properties)
Real Estate Practice- One Deal Away from BrokeIs 2024 the year you invest in yourself and get that real estate license? Worried about living the commission only lifestyle? In most cases agents are only paid at closing. Literally all the work on a file is complete before the agent gets a penny. So how does this work in a "troubled" economic time? Let's look at some ways to keep the cash flowing! 1) Talk to people you know everyday- The BEST source of business is folks that already know/trust/like you. Call them on a consistent basis. Yes, call. In 2024...Don't assume they saw and remembered some random social media post. 2) Talk to people you don't know everyday-These calls can be tougher. Examples can be for sale by owners, expired/cancelled listings, and neighborhood dials. There are f...
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By Ralph Magin, Miami Homes For Sale
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You in Miami-Dade Florida? If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.What Is a 55+ Community?It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains:“The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors...
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By Monica Hill, the REALTOR to help you discover Delaware
(RE/Max Associates)
While still in the midst of a voyage through just a sliver of the great state of Alaska, we’ve seen a lot so far. Harbor seals, Stellar sea lions, eagles, trumpeter swans, Sandhill cranes, Dall’s porpoises, kittiwakes, Tufted puffins and Horned puffins, Coastal mountain goats, Sea otters, and more, but what we haven’t seen yet are whales and moose. I have a feeling we’ll see both yet this week, but what if we don’t?As we drove down the highway into the outskirts of Homer, some of the landscape was hidden in the clouds. We made one of my famous u-turns and went back to a visitor center on the edge of a high bluff and discovered a bit more about the area, including the ring of fire with the five volcanoes visible across the bay. I am amazed by the immensity of the landscape, where the wat...
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Happy September, as we approach Fall with Labor Day Weekend now in the rearview mirror.  The sun sets quickly now, and by 7:30 p.m. it is dark.Thanks to the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) settlement of the big lawsuit, we are just about 2 weeks into the real estate changes that came out of it.  Here's a short summary of what you should be aware of:  ·       Buyer Agent compensation was the number one change. You will no longer see this in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) as a certain percentage of the purchase price; rather, you will see whether or not the Seller is willing to pay the Buyers' broker a compensation.·        In order to see a home or a condominium, a potential buyer will need to present a Buyer Broker Agreement. In other words, you will have to negotiate with t...
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, ePRO, Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
The Winter Patriot (aka professional REALTORS®) stands firm, unwavering in their commitment to the cause no matter the struggle. The summer soldier (aka discount agents), bright and bold, marches only when the sun shines. But when adversity strikes, it’s the Winter Patriot, resilient and resolute, who carries the banner through the storm.  
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