ActiveRain Community

💰 PRICE IMPROVED!📍 116 Rathbone Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214✨ Now listed at $300,000!Don’t miss this charming home in a highly desirable Columbus location! Featuring timeless curb appeal and a welcoming front porch, this property is full of potential and ready for its next chapter.Opportunities like this don’t come around often — schedule your showing today before it’s gone!👩‍💼 Listing Agent: Deb McGuire | 614-571-4663 | homescolumbus@gmail.com👨‍💼 Listing Agent: Joseph C. Jackson | 614-431-1220 | rjoe@kw.com 10/28/2025

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  Second Chance Saturday is all about giving deserving posts more exposure. If you see a deserving post that didn't get Featured, be sure to tag Carol in the comment section of any post and watch for it in the next edition of Second Chance Saturday.   Let's Welcome Our First-Time Bloggers:Note: We don't feature first-time blogs that aren't about real estate or those that appear to be spamming their own blogs. We consider that spamming the site. I also don't feature blogs that don't allow comments. Patrick Holloway  Marc Wiley  Julie Sutherland HML Investments Jayden Abernathy * * * *  Find The Re... 11/01/2025

How do you know your blog is working?Maybe you start with a cat scan (rim shot)!But there are better ways of determining if your blog posts are doing what you hope, because who in this business really has time to waste doing things that don't work?1. You can check your traffic.For ActiveRain:  My Home>left sidebar My Blog> TrafficAnd just like that, there's your post title, date published, counts for views, comments, likes and short URL clicks.   You can sort by any of the categories.Depending on your subject matter, your comment count will indicate if you're getting engagement from other Rainers. Not every post's purpose is to gain comments, some have the primary mission of getting consumer contacts and any comments are just icing on the cake.  But if you're consistently not getting co... 10/28/2025

Another wonderful post by Leanne. Bill  For several decades my health has been very good to exceptional. No major health issues. No doctor ordered prescriptions. Unfortunately, sometimes life happens and things change.  Since mid-August 2025 I have been experiencing not the best of health. Nothing really significantly serious, but for me who has been quite active, serious enough. My health care provider believes I was exposed to long term COVID as I have the many of the symptoms. I do not believe in COVID tests due to my cynical nature.  On top of that “great” news, after five plus decades of typing, my wrists decided to suddenly to hurt and the diagnosis was carpel tunnel. I am in the process of meeting with the surgeon which is another long and boring story. Add in seeing double that ... 10/27/2025

If you're considering a reverse mortgage in California, it’s important to understand the “hidden income test” — the financial assessment lenders use to ensure you can sustain your home long-term. While reverse mortgages don’t require monthly payments, borrowers must still cover property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintenance. Lenders look at your income, savings, and credit history to verify financial stability. This includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, or part-time work — even small or irregular income streams can matter. If your income is deemed insufficient, the lender may require a Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA), where part of your loan funds are held to pay taxes and insurance automatically. The hidden income test isn’t meant to deny qualified homeowners — it’s d... 10/27/2025

🏡 Just Listed! 1004 N Marland Drive, Columbus, OH 43224 💲 Offered at $215,000 If you’ve been waiting for a great opportunity in the desirable Maize Meadows neighborhood — your wait is over! This three-bedroom, one-bath home is priced below market value, offering a fantastic chance to build instant equity with just a few cosmetic updates.With a little fresh paint and refinished hardwood floors, this home could truly shine. The functional layout and solid structure make it an ideal option for both homeowners and investors looking for a project with immediate upside.Some of the highlights include:✅ Oversized two-car detached garage✅ Enclosed patio room perfect for relaxing or entertaining✅ Additional storage shed in the backyard✅ Prime location near Morse Road shopping, public transportati... 10/27/2025

 Good morning and hello there again. Happy Halloween week.  Hope this email finds you doing great and had a wonderful weekend.  Wanted to share Tim's Time Outs with you again. THINGS I'VE DISCOVERED SINCE I'VE GOTTEN OLDER: *  I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.*  My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.*  I finally got my head together, now my body is falling apart.*  Funny, I don't remember being absent minded.*  All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.*  If all is not lost, where is it?*  It is easier to get older tan it is to get wiser.*  Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.*  I wish the buck stopped her;  I SURE could use a few.*  It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.*  When I'm finally holding all t... 10/27/2025

For several decades my health has been very good to exceptional. No major health issues. No doctor ordered prescriptions.Unfortunately, sometimes life happens and things change.  Since mid-August 2025 I have been experiencing not the best of health. Nothing really significantly serious, but for me who has been quite active, serious enough. My health care provider believes I was exposed to long term COVID as I have the many of the symptoms. I do not believe in COVID tests due to my cynical nature. On top of that “great” news, after five plus decades of typing, my wrists decided to suddenly to hurt and the diagnosis was carpel tunnel. I am in the process of meeting with the surgeon which is another long and boring story. Add in seeing double that was due to a new glass prescription that w... 10/27/2025

This brain buster is your moment of calm focus before the day begins.Mindful thinking sharpens everything else. 🧘‍♂️🧠Answer for the dayWhat comes next: O, T, T, F, F, S, S, E, N, ?Today's answer: T (the first letters of one through ten Brain Buster for Tuesday, October 28 What is the only even prime number? 10/28/2025

This brain buster is your moment of calm focus before the day begins.Mindful thinking sharpens everything else. 🧘‍♂️🧠Answer for the dayWith three straight cuts, what is the maximum number of pieces you can make from a cake?Today's answer: 8 Brain Buster for Monday, October 27   What comes next: O, T, T, F, F, S, S, E, N, ? 10/27/2025

Seventeen years! It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed since I first clicked “submit” on my very first ActiveRain post back on October 31, 2008. What began as a way to pivot my business during the uncertainty of the 2008 financial crisis has become one of the most rewarding and consistent parts of my real estate journey.Back then, I knew I needed a fresh way to connect, share, and stay visible in a shifting market. My son, John Dunham, and my dear friend and marketing rep from Austin Title, Roxanne Ford, gave me the encouragement I needed to jump in. Roxanne sat with me, helping fill out my profile and guiding me through those first nervous steps into the world of blogging. I still remember that Halloween day when I posted my first three blogs, full of excitement and nerv... 10/28/2025

On October 23, 2025, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported nationwide regional existing home sales in the Northeast higher 2.1% in September of 2025 to an annual rate 490,000 homes from August of 2025, and gained 4.3% from September of 2024. The median price in the Northeast was $500,300 in September 2025, rose 4.1% from September of 2024.Home sales in the Midwest down 2.1% in September of 2025 to an annual rate 940,000 million homes from August of 2025, but grew 2.2% from September of 2024. The median price in the Midwest was $320,800 in September of 2025, gained 4.7% from September of 2024.Home sales in the South up 1.6% in September of 2025 to an annual rate 1,86 million homes from August of 2025, and jumped 6.9% from September of 2024. The median price in the South was $3... 10/27/2025

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend.  Soon, you'll start again at 5pm.  Set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2nd at 2 a.m. This change will result in earlier sunsets and more daylight in the morning. Avoid showing up early to work and appointments. You'll be the only one there! Did you know?Benjamin Franklin is credited with the idea for Daylight Saving Time back in 1784, but the idea was not implemented until 1895. It did not become law until 1966. Some states do not participate in Daylight Saving Time and continue to run on the same time year 'round. Talks are in the works to do away with DST. If you ask me, I'd say keep it lighter later in the day. Speaking of day...I wish you all a wonderful one! 11/01/2025

Today is another great day!  I'm smiling ear to ear and so glad to be exactly where I am today as I've come a long, long way! Last week I started thinking about how could I start walking more.  So I tried to go out to a store and walk it but honestly that just wasn't working like it did after the 1st hip surgery 2 1/2 years ago. Sounds silly but the  cart felt way too heavy for me to drag around. Duh. When you're stuck on hold  for months doing not much, you know what happens! Right Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 💩🙃A couple of years or so ago I gave my treadmill to a good friend and neighbor.  He wasn't able to hike anymore due to an injury but he could use the treadmill. I didn't need it as I was using a rowing machine at the time.  I kept thinking about that treadmill af... 10/26/2025

It's been a while since I've been here, and I thank Patricia Feager for reminding me to get busy again! I haven't nagged anyone about grammar for even longer than I've been absent, so perhaps it’s time to start again.While many people (even most) might not notice little errors, some people do.Grammar is important, because for those who do notice, grammatical errors can act as giant stop signs in whatever point you were trying to make when writing on your website, in your blog, or in a message to a client or prospective client.In addition, grammar errors can confuse your readers, making your words meaningless. Some words make people stop and think "What's wrong here?" And that's how I came to write this post... A few days ago, I read that there are “Less young people identifying as trans... 10/26/2025

Before I get started, I must say that Debe’s presentation was captivating.  I am so impressed with the breadth and depth of what she shared about North Carolina! There is no way I can choose just one thing or compare it to California.  For the homework assignment, I’ve chosen to highlight many of the facts Debe Maxwell, CRS shared.  "157 people every day are coming into Charlotte."  The Gray squirrel is the State Mammal. The Sweet Potato is the State Vegetable – no surprise because the State is the Nation’s #1 producer of sweet potatoes. ************************North Carolina is an Economic PowerhouseManufacturing:  #1 in the Nation for Pharmaceuticals and Medicines#2 in the Nation for Chemicals #5 in the Nation for Aerospace products and componentsAgricultural Exports: #1 in the Nation... 10/26/2025

We either forget, don't know, take for granted or dismiss what I am about to share. These gifts are extra-ordinary. Pause for cause here. If you wanted to purchase these gifts, they would be unaffordable. Also, they were given without the asking & are free of charge too. What then? Show respect by acknowledging them & then by using them. When we return them via usage their results automatically go to you, who you shared with AND the original sender/giveryou, yourself, your part, take charge, prevailBreath in, breath out. Have no distractions. Still your mind. Savor what is to comeLOGICA system of validity that deals with what is presented to a person that is used to validate & assess using universal, acceptable, general & personal math allowing one to deduce without hesitation but preci... 11/07/2025

I think so? Let me guess? What do others say? I'm assuming that is correct? All irrelevant in a court of law & reality where people are wanting to live life & grow better for it. In the world of assuming, your position is weak, seeking sympathy & involvement with some ignorance thrown in. Sound harsh? Are there exceptions? Does an assumption position have any value?YES, NO, I DON'T KNOWNow here is safe, honest ground to be found in. Your yes should be definitive, your no firm, & your I don't know driven by honesty/innocence. All should be offered up to the offeree with confidence, no hesitation, doubt or confusion. We are earnestly seeking something here. The approach we use puts an objective value on it.THE ABOVE POSITIONWhen we take any of the previously mentioned stands or responses,... 11/06/2025

This past week has been a swirl of emotions. Each day, I talked with my brother as he gently moved closer to meeting his maker, a tender reminder of the preciousness of time and connection. At the same time, I’ve been navigating some new health issues of my own, which gave me a deeper understanding that everyone carries something. None of us walk through life untouched, and yet, we are never truly alone.Getting out, being with others, and sharing honest conversations brought me a quiet sense of hope. It reminded me that community and compassion are healing forces.When I came across Thich Nhat Hanh’s quote:“At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it.” his words settled deep within me.This week, that choice felt very real. I could... 10/27/2025

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” -James Beard  At the end of last Tuesday’s Zoom meeting, we were challenged to write a post comparing our own state to something Debe Maxwell, CRS mentioned in her presentation about North Carolina. I really enjoyed the whole thing, but when it comes to comparisons, there’s only one direction my mind goes… food!Washington State is the #1 apple producer in the country, while North Carolina holds the title as the #1 producer of sweet potatoes. That’s a fun and flavorful matchup.These two states sit about 2,500 miles apart, Washington in the far northwest corner, bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and North Carolina in the southeast, hugging the Atlantic. One produces the crunch of crisp apples, the other the comfort of warm, sweet potatoes.... 10/26/2025