ActiveRain Community

Real estate is like designing a custom home. You listen carefully, plan with purpose, and combine just the right features to fit your client’s vision.  And just like building, there are always a few surprises along the way, but when everything comes together, it feels exactly right. Happy Sunday Rainer's Sheila 11/09/2025

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

What is regret? Interesting as the definitions fit the different scenarios as there is no general regret but instead specific. A missed opportunity? That would mean a failure to act promptly or at all. A poor choice? That remains normal for the life journey. Disappointment? For whom? You or the other person? What is more important or valuable now or yesterday? WORTHY NOTE: Regret drives you to places that are not worthy to visit except to learn from. Sitting with a drink, reminiscing, gives regret life. I say: U had your turnI think I will stop thinkingWHY REGRET?It has been said that all we need to know is safely hidden within ourselves & the life journey via seeking, exploring & risking brings it all to the surface. We also have a skills bank, abilities & talents that when needed spri... 11/11/2025

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

The well-named rut has seized you & the grip is so subtle, you don't notice you are bound. Helping this along is a comfort zone that made a home in you, with your permission & has captured your awareness & growth dynamics basically locking them up for no further use. The why & the how of life is reduced to hypnotic trances, suggestions & complacency. Is this the Twilight Zone? The invasion of the Body Snatchers? The Matrix? All of the above unless you act!everything is yours to do with as you wishBEGIN HEREJust appreciate the obvious that you are UP & about, enjoying an amazing gift that we call life. It is easy to overlook it when we are in a hurry or acting out an agenda or purpose. Sometimes what we must get done gets all our time & attention a good thing. But without Life, simple do... 11/10/2025

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

Hygge proposes that we find small moments in our daily lives to rejoice in.Don’t shy away from indulging in life’s simple pleasures.  Practice daily gratitude to help fill your mind with thoughts of abundance and reframe your mind to help you see what brings you happiness.   Is this word new to you?  It is pronounced HOO-GAH.  Over the last few years, I've noticed this word referenced in more and more home, health and beauty magazines.  This Danish word does not have an English translation.  The closest word in English would be cozy.  Hygge is a feeling not an activity or tangible thing. Meik Wiking, author of “The Little Book of Hygge” wrote: “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that... 11/11/2025