ActiveRain Community

The Genesis of Our TripMany of you may remember my post about Our Israel Trip in 2022.  It was a trip that I really did not enthusiastically endorse when my wife, Mary Margaret, proposed it.  About four days into that trip, our guide, Monte Cox, told us about his upcoming trip to Turkey.  Without knowing anything about the area, I told Mary Margaret that we had to go.  She was almost as surprised as I was, but what I had learned on our trip to Israel in such a short time was that even though our country might be very young, it has a rich heritage which I needed to explore.  This will be my last post regarding our trip to Turkey, but it will be about our primary reason for visiting Turkey, The Seven Churches of Revelation.The Seven Churches of RevelationOur whole life we had read about G... 09/30/2023

What Makes Prospect CT A Fine Place to Call Home? Part 3Many of the residents of Prospect CT  enjoy living in stand alone residential properties. The majority of plots are individual sites and there are very few planned subdivisions in town.  As public services are so limited, there are limited areas for cluster properties like condos.  That doesn't imply that there are nine, however.There are 2 condo developments in Prospect CT town and they are designed for owners 55 years old minimum. The smaller of the 2 developments is called Boulder Brook Condos located off of Union City Rd, (Rt 68).   Built in 2005, Boulder Brook has just 35 units, all offering spacious 1590 sq ft, 2 bedroom homes.The basics include first floor master bedroom suites with plenty of closet space. All models have se... 09/30/2023

It's truly astonishing that four years have passed since your departure from this world on September 30, 2019. We considered ourselves a dynamic duo in real estate and away from work we traveled the world hand and in hand, exploring new horizons around the globe.   If you had the privilege of knowing Geno, your world undoubtedly expanded and brightened. His infectious smile, witty humor, and invaluable advice/mentorship were a gift to all who crossed his path. Whether you were a fleeting acquaintance, a colleague, a new friend, or an old one, Geno had a remarkable way of making your day better.Geno was the guiding light for his family, ready to move mountains for his beloved grandchildren. His zest for life, his playful antics, and his authentic love for people continue to resonate. He ... 09/30/2023

Hydrogen Peroxide is a wonderful substance but many have no idea the many ways it can be utilized. It is a wonderful germicide that is composed of only oxygen and water. The benefits and uses are endless. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use this wonderful substance:💧Mouthwash - I use peroxide to swish my mouth out every morning. Not only does it kill the gross stuff, but it helps to whiten your smile and can wipe out those nasty canker sores in a flash. Use it to also sanitize your toothbrushes.💧Pets - Our Goldendoodle was groomed the other day. The groomer let us know one of his ears was infected. I looked in his ear and it was firey red. I sprayed some diluted peroxide into his ear and within minutes, his ear was no longer red nor was he pawing at it. You can use it on pets... 09/30/2023

San Mateo, CA: What happens at the IRS if there is a government shutdown?The IRS announced today they have contingency plans should the government experience a shutdown this weekend as Congress continues to struggle to pass a budget.The IRS plan includes: Close all call centers; NO CALLS TO THE IRS WILL BE ANSWERED Close all Taxpayer Assistance Centers where taxpayers can make an in-person appointment to get tax matters addressed Stop all non-automated refunds to taxpayers Stop processing taxpayer transcripts Stop opening and responding to mailed correspondence Cease audits, unless the statute of limitations may lapse BUT---SURPRISE!  The IRS will ensure that tax payments are processed during the shutdown.These are the changes forecast for the first 5 days of a government shutdown.   Th... 09/29/2023

Happy Friday, everyone! .. #Delegate #VirtualAssistant #Outsourcing #CoachKaterina #Quotes #QuoteOfTheDay #QuotesDaily #QuotesToLiveBy  09/29/2023

IntroductionBroker Price Opinions (BPOs) have long been a staple in the real estate industry, particularly during market downturns. However, the landscape has evolved, and BPOs are now at the forefront of real estate valuation, offering a cost-effective and timely alternative to traditional appraisals. In this blog, we'll explore how BPOs are thriving across the country and why BPO companies are becoming the leading edge in the real estate valuation world.The Thriving State of BPOsContrary to popular belief, BPOs are not just a relic of the past or a tool exclusively for distressed properties. They are in high demand for a variety of financial decisions, such as loan modifications, estate settlements, and even as a cost-effective alternative to traditional appraisals. Across the countr... 09/29/2023

Friday Flags in Southington CT  Calendar House Senior CenterAround the corner from a listing of mine is a facility that always has a jammed parking lot. It's location is perfect as it is so close to 2 large 55+ senior housing complexes.Calendar House on Pleasant St in Southington CT is a community gathering and resource center for 55+ adults in Southington CT.It is an impressive building and just aside the main entrance stands a flagpole.Seniors are a generation of people that truly recognize our nations banner and for those that have served, it gets an acknowledgement as they pass.I am getting to believe that the flag guardians know my intent as it was a rather calm day and yet when I wanted a gust of wind, I got enough to allow the banner to unfurl and wave for me.An image like this j... 09/29/2023

Throwback Thursday's: memories can get foggy at times... I had a great conversation with one of my Active Rain Friends today.We reminisced about the days we saw each other in Boston... after I hung up the phone One Drive was sending me photos.Ironically, I could not remember the year or the month we got together. We were talking about our friend Grant Schneider  and his wife. Sadly, he is looking down at me as I write this post. Hope Phillis is doing OK since he was her care giver as far as we could remember.It was around 2018 or so and the photos did not show us with Grant Schneider  or George Souto  or Debe Maxwell, CRS  to name a few. Instead, I saw photos of our old friends from the Boston Days and of course lobster and clam photos.So, if you were at this meetup, please include phot... 09/28/2023

COMING SOON! Dallas Texas Home for Sale Near North Central ExpresswayMake Your Offer Now!Dallas Texas home for sale near North Central Expressway. This three bedroom home sits on a corner lot with a fenced backyard. The spacious living and dining rooms feature vaulted ceilings and large windows letting in lots of natural light. The bedrooms allow room to relax and more natural light. Relax on the covered back patio with a cup of coffee in the morning and dinner with family and friends in the evening. There is space inside and out for entertaining.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 Di... 09/28/2023

Welcome back to another edition of "Thursday Treasures," where we shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals and businesses making a positive impact. Join us as we uncover their inspiring journeys that encourage us all to become catalysts for change in our communities.Today, we introduce you to Aanal Sheth, a prominent figure in the world of Indian dance and the proud owner of Studio Dhoom.Her extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to the art of Indian dance have not only earned her widespread recognition but also the remarkable honor of performing at the White House. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, cementing her status as a distinguished and accomplished artist in the realm of Indian dance.Aanal's story is just the ... 09/28/2023

On September 21, 2023, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that a median home value price was $407,100 in August of 2023 rose 3.9% from the price of $391,700 in August of 2022.Single family home sales were at annual rate of 3.60 million units in August of 2023 declined 1.4% from the annual rate of 3.65 million home sales in July of 2023, and fell 15.3% from home sales in August of 2022. The median single family home price was $413,500 in August of 2023, increased 3.7% from August of 2022.Condominium and co-op sales were at an annual rate of 440,000 units in August of 2023 higher 4.8% from July of 2023, but dropped 15.4% from August of 2022. Median existing condo price was $354,600 in August of 2023, gained 6.2% from $333,900 in August of 2022.Distressed homes sales were 1.0... 09/28/2023

    Maintaining a pool can be daunting even for seasoned homeowners. With so many chemicals, cleaning supplies, and methods to sift through, it's tough to know exactly the best way to keep your pool crystal clear and looking spectacular all season long. One of the most important options for maintaining your swimming oasis is knowing when an acid wash might be necessary. Understanding what an acid wash does—as well as its benefits—can help you make sound decisions about caring for your pool into summer and beyond.    In this post, we'll explore how exactly an acid wash keeps your pool plumbing pristine while helping repair any damages that can occur over time due to normal wear and tear or previous neglect. Read on to become a buff in all things understanding pool maintenance.   The Bas... 09/28/2023

“If my children think I'm genuine, no one else's opinion matters to me.” ― Beth Moore... #Delegate #VirtualAssistant #Outsourcing #CoachKaterina #Quotes #QuoteOfTheDay #QuotesDaily #QuotesToLiveBy 09/28/2023

  Maintaining a pool can be daunting even for seasoned homeowners. With so many chemicals, cleaning supplies, and methods to sift through, it's tough to know exactly the best way to keep your pool crystal clear and looking spectacular all season long. One of the most important options for maintaining your swimming oasis is knowing when an acid wash might be necessary. Understanding what an acid wash does—as well as its benefits—can help you make sound decisions about caring for your pool into summer and beyond.  In this post, we'll explore how exactly an acid wash keeps your pool plumbing pristine while helping repair any damages that can occur over time due to normal wear and tear or previous neglect. Read on to become a buff in all things understanding pool maintenance. The Basics of ... 09/28/2023

 Are you looking for ways to market yourself or your business on TikTok in 2023? If so, then this is the post for you! Over the last few years, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media apps. With millions of active users each month and countless creative opportunities, it's a great platform to share your story and build an online presence. And with its marketing capabilities growing increasingly powerful every day, now is the perfect time to get started. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide step-by-step instructions on how to use TikTok as a valuable marketing tool in 2023 - from understanding basics like hashtags and choosing content topics to advanced techniques like influencer campaigns and video optimization - so that you can make sure you're getting maxi... 09/28/2023

Zoom Call  9.26.23  Paddy Deighan Using AI the Right WayThe Zoom Call this week was entertainingly presented by ActiveRain member Paddy Deighan, a real estate lawyer and a highly qualified individual as offered with some of the conversation he presented.Paddy started his presentation as a continuation of the AI Challenge in June.He expressed that AI tends to be greatly misunderstood, as evidenced, from his experiences with other areas in which he is involved. He spoke of a conversation with a person he called the Godfather of AI, Dr Kelly of IBM who manages 15,000 PhD's at IBM. AI has really been a factor with us for over 60 years, with Hal 9000 in 2001 Space Odyssey.He expressed that AI is greatly misunderstood and misused and requested that someone on the call that has used AI and dis... 09/28/2023

As the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp, it's apple-picking season in the DC Metro area! If you're looking for a fun and family-friendly fall activity, apple picking is a fantastic choice. Whether you're in search of the perfect apple for pie-making or simply want to enjoy the beauty of an orchard, you're in luck. We've compiled a list of the top 5 apple-picking destinations around the DC Metro area that promise an unforgettable experience. 1. Baugher’s Orchard Location: 1015 Baugher Rd, Westminster, MD 21158 Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday in September, 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday in October Baugher’s Orchard is a family-owned gem located just a short drive from DC. With a wide variety of apple varieties, including classics like Gala and Granny Smith, ... 09/28/2023

With Cyber Security Awareness month set to kick off on October 1, a new survey finds that the boards of U.S. companies should pay attention. The Wall Street Journal reports that an analysis by software provider Diligent found 88% of companies listed on the S&P 500 have no directors who are cyber security experts.The survey defined “experts” as those who had served as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or who had technology experience, including those who had previously held senior roles in technology. The survey also found that 52% of companies had at least one member of the Board of Directors with technology experience “adjacent to cyber security.” NightDragon CEO Dave DeWalt, who commissioned the survey with Diligent, said, “This lack of momentum in the boardroom continues to... 09/28/2023

In the fast-paced world of real estate, every call could be a game-changer. Commission-based professionals often find themselves tethered to their phones, living in fear of missing that one pivotal call. But what if I told you there's a way to reclaim your freedom, stand out from the crowd, and still come off as the top-notch professional you are? Enter: The Daily Voicemail Hack.🔥**Why Update Your Voicemail Daily?**🔥Stand Out from the CrowdEvery time you miss a call and the caller hears your updated voicemail, they immediately recognize your dedication and commitment. It's a clear indicator that you're on top of your game and are meticulous in your approach - a trait every client appreciates, especially in the real estate world.Reclaim Your FreedomBy setting clear expectations through y... 09/28/2023