ActiveRain Community

When a salesperson is young, enthusiastic, and motivated and a set back hits, usually the salesperson will bounce back without missing too many steps or opportunities. Why ? I think one reason is age. The younger sales person has a longer view of the road ahead and the younger sales person has the energy to focus and correct down turns. Of course I am presupposing that the younger sales person is professional, motivated, and in good health. The same setbacks may hit the older salesperson with more force and cause much greater concern.  A person in their 60's with a big financial setback may see a dismal future. An older salesperson or professional may start to think back and get overwhelmed with 'could of' and 'should of' and play the game called 'if only'. What is the answer for the o... 06/23/2025

You've still got time to enter the 2025  AR June Challenge!    This ActiveRain Challenge is all about YOU, your dreams and what you would like to create in life and business.  And that is exactly why we're opening the ActiveRain Point Store, to pack a punch to those points you've worked so hard to earn! If you're newer to our community you may not know about the ActiveRain Point Store.  The  ActiveRain POINT STORE is an 'imaginary store' that pops up every now and again in the rain.  Over the years we've had a lot of fun bidding on Point Store 'offerings' and having fun with what our points can buy 🤣.  All fictional folks!  This month, the ActiveRainPoint Store Challenge starts June 1st and ends at midnight on June 30th PST.  Debe Maxwell, CRS and myself will be the challenge hosts. We ... 06/23/2025

4409 Summer Hill Lane Northwest Experience the timeless Mediterranean charm and inviting warmth of 4409 Summer Hill Lane Northwest, located in the heart of Albuquerque. This meticulously maintained, one-owner home has been thoughtfully cared for and beautifully updated to meet the needs of modern living while preserving its classic appeal. At the heart of the home is a stunning, fully remodeled chef's kitchen, equipped with high-end appliances, ample counter space, and elegant cabinetry. This kitchen seamlessly opens to bright and spacious living areas that are bathed in natural light, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere perfect for both everyday living and entertaining guests.The expansive master suite serves as a private retreat, offering generous space, comfort, and tranquility... 06/23/2025

If you’ve noticed dark spots or fuzzy patches on your bathroom ceiling, you’re not alone. Mold on bathroom ceilings is one of the most common issues we find during inspections in Louisiana. The climate here doesn’t help—high humidity, daily showers, and poor ventilation all add up to a recipe for mold growth.Here’s what homeowners and agents should know about why it happens, how to fix it, and what can be done to prevent it from coming back.What Causes Bathroom Ceiling Mold?1. Humidity buildup after showersMost bathrooms generate heavy moisture. If there’s no properly functioning exhaust fan, that moisture lingers and starts condensing on the ceiling.2. Poor or missing ventilationA fan that’s too weak, disconnected, or clogged with dust can’t exhaust steam efficiently. This is especiall... 06/23/2025

The latest Residential Construction report from the Census Bureau showed a noticeable drop in overall housing starts in May, though single-family activity managed a small gain. Building permits also declined, continuing a trend of slight cooling in new construction momentum. As usual, the market focuses most on building permits and housing starts, with the latter representing the beginning of actual construction activity. Total starts fell nearly 10% to an annual pace of 1.256 million, down from 1.392 million in April.The decline was almost entirely due to a sharp drop in multifamily starts, which fell from 420k to 316k, the lowest level in over a year. In contrast, single-family starts edged up slightly to 924k from 920k.Building permits—a forward-looking indicator—also declined, dropp... 06/23/2025

✨ SOLD in 3 Days — Over List Price! ✨ 2663 Glen Echo is officially SOLD for $602,000 — and in just three days! 🏡💥 This one is extra special — the seller, Kristi, has been a valued client of Joe’s for over 26 years. From buying her very first home back in 1999 to this recent sale, Joe has been there every step of the way. Here’s what she shared: “Who ever thought my first home would be my dream house. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Joe for everything!” Relationships like these are what make real estate so meaningful — and what drives Joe to go above and beyond, year after year. Thinking of buying or selling? Let’s start a conversation. 🗝️   06/23/2025

  📍 2663 Glen Echo Drive, Columbus, OH 43202💰 Listed at $575,000 | SOLD for $602,000 in just THREE days! This charming 1916 home in the heart of the Glen Echo Ravine captured hearts fast — and it’s no surprise why! With its serene wooded surroundings, Craftsman character, and modern updates (including a new Amish custom kitchen, Pella windows, and a stunning second-story deck), it offered the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort. ✨ Nature in the city, just minutes from OSU and downtown.✅ 2.5 city lots, 3-car garage, upgraded landscaping✅ Great room addition filled with natural light✅ Original woodwork, custom updates, and so much more! Thinking of selling? Let's talk strategy.📞 Joseph C. Jackson | Hiss Jackson Realty | Hiss Jackson Advantage   06/23/2025

 When someone opens a conversation with phrases like "Can I be honest with you?" or "Let me tell you the truth," it highlights the importance of open communication. My response, "What have you been doing up till now?" or "No, lie to me as you usually do," adds a lighthearted touch to this notion.Many people say they value honesty, but it can be tough to uphold. Often, individuals avoid the truth to spare feelings or avoid conflict, like when asked, "Do you like my new dress?" However, honesty is needed for building trust and lasting relationships. This is especially true in real estate transactions, where buyers and sellers need confidence in the information provided. Transparency about a property's history, condition, and market trends can greatly influence negotiations and overall sat... 06/23/2025

Good morning and hello there again from Tim in my home office in Cottage Grove, MINN.  Hope this email finds you doing well this Monday, and had a great weekend.  Wanted to share Tim's Time Outs with you again. HOW TO BE MORE CONFIDENT: 1)  Stop comparing.  Stay focused on you.2)  Relax.  Go with the flow and don't stress the little things. 3)  Love yourself.  You are a GIFT.  Nothing would be the same if you didn't exist.4)  Be POSITIVE and look for the GOOD in every situation. 5)  Do what you love.  Life is TOO short to waste your time doing anything otherwise. "Confidence is a habit that can be developed by acting as if you already had the confidence you desire to have."~ Brian Tracy "Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow"~ Doug Firebaugh "Fear LESS, H... 06/23/2025

Real Estate Agents are great at telling their clients to declutter their homes. The question is, how often do you clean and declutter your own personal office? Are you due for a Home Office Make-Over? Re-evaluate your organizational skills. If you don't need something, get rid of it. If you are running low on supplies, do you have enough stored to get by until you shop again? Ask yourself, what steps do you need to do to become more efficient? If you find yourself sneezing more than usual, perhaps you need deep cleaning, or your air filters changed.What Happens When You Are Rushing? Your heart starts beating faster. Your brain may be on overload. You can easily forget minor or major things. You may trip and fall. You may forget something important. You can't find what you're looking for... 06/23/2025

In a world that often feels overwhelmed by division, conflict, and uncertainty, Desmond Tutu’s words are a powerful reminder of the impact each of us can have:“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”This quote speaks to the importance of everyday kindness, compassion, and action, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it's checking in on a neighbor, volunteering locally, supporting a cause, or simply offering a smile or word of encouragement, these gestures matter. When individuals across the globe choose to do good in their corner of the world, the ripple effect is transformative.In today’s interconnected society, our "little bits of good" travel further than ever before. A single act of generosity or understa... 06/23/2025

The June ActiveRain Challenge has sparked so many creative ways to "spend" our imaginary points, and I’ve loved reading every inspiring post. But for me, there's one cause that immediately came to mind, one that holds a permanent place in my heart. This is my third post for the challenge.I’m proudly donating $1,000,000 of my ActiveRain points to the John Lockhart Foundation.John Lockhart was a remarkable soul, a talented Austin musician and a fellow member of our real estate community. He lived big-heartedly, always lifting others up. I had the privilege of knowing him personally.Years ago, John reached out to me about his sister, who had entered real estate but was struggling to find her footing. He asked if I’d consider mentoring her and have her join my brokerage. Of course, I said y... 06/22/2025

This month ActiveRain is hosting a challenge - ActiveRain Point Store - Points, Points, Points. Our challenge, should we choose to accept it, is to spend our points (1,000,000 points = $100,000) on any goals we want. We can spend them on the community, hobbies, retirement, personal, familial, altruistic goals or anything else that comes to mind. So here is my third option to how I might spend mine! At the time I am writing this, I have about 2,675,000 points. As I mentioned with my first entry, I'm going to keep 500,000 so my ActiveRain account remains free. So that leaves me with 2,175,000. With my first option, I explored spending the entire $217,500 on a camper van. The second time, the money went towards free groceries for my community. This time I'm spending it on a family event. ... 06/22/2025

This month ActiveRain is hosting a challenge - ActiveRain Point Store - Points, Points, Points. Our challenge, should we choose to accept it, is to spend our points (1,000,000 points = $100,000) on any goals we want. We can spend them on the community, hobbies, retirement, personal, familial, altruistic goals or anything else that comes to mind. So here is my final option to how I might spend mine!At the time I am writing this, I have about 2,675,000 points. As I mentioned with my first entry, I'm going to keep 500,000 so my ActiveRain account remains free. So that leaves me with 2,175,000. With my first option, I explored spending the entire $217,500 on a camper van. The second time, the money went towards free groceries for my community. The third time, my points went for a memorable ... 06/23/2025

Kickstart your morning with a quick brain stretch!This little puzzle is a great way to get your mind moving and ready for the day.Even if you don’t get it right, your dendrites are waking up and doing their job! 🧠💪 Answer for Sunday I am less than 100. My digits add up to 9. I’m divisible by 9. What number could I be? Answer: 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, or 90 (any of these will work Brain Buster for Monday, June 23 I am a number. Multiply me by 3, then subtract 6. You get 21. What am I?   06/23/2025

THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST! As I heard the news as you most all have, we have dropped three bombs on Iran. The news is flooded with information still coming in regarding this situation. President Trump is to address the nation this evening at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time.Regardless of your political beliefs, now is a time for those who believe in prayer to get on their knees and pray for not only our Nation but for the entire world. I do not live in fear yet, I firmly believe in the power of prayer. Now is a time for this country to unite.Let's unite to pray for:🇺🇸 Peace🇺🇸 Safety🇺🇸 Difficult decisions for our leaders🇺🇸 Remaining calm in the storm🇺🇸 Staying vigilantMay you all find a way to navigate through this news. This affects us all and many will be completely distressed. We need to re... 06/21/2025

 9209 Howard Square Drive   Grey Rock 21208   MLS MDBC2131406This highly sought-after first-floor condo at The Grey Rock Flats hit the market Thursday, with multiple offers, and by Saturday morning, it was under contract.   This fantastic two-bedroom, two-bathroom home offered the ultimate comfort and convenience, featuring a walk-in shower and a walk-in closet in the primary suite, along with an attached garage for easy access.   Located in a gated community, this condo provided peace of mind and security. With quick access to beltways 695 and 795, the daily commute was a breeze, and just minutes away from popular shopping spots like Wegmans and Trader Joe's, as well as dining favorites like Linwood's and Ruth's Chris.   Inside, the expansive wall of windows filled the space with natur... 06/21/2025

  ​Fed Holds Steady; Mortgage Rates Fall This week ended up being underwhelming in terms of interest rate movement despite the much-anticipated Fed announcement on Wednesday. Anticipation aside, there was zero chance of a rate cut at this week's meeting.  While that has some voices in the mortgage/housing space up in arms,​the pre-Fed thesis bears repeating. ​Mortgage rates rose 1% the last time the Fed had a series of rate cuts. I think that was because bond investors had a gloomy vision of the market. ​This doesn't necessarily mean that mortgage rates would have risen in response to a Fed rate cut this time around.  Rather, it's a reminder that the Fed doesn't set mortgage rates and that the Fed Funds Rate won't necessarily correlate with mortgage rates except in the biggest of pictur... 06/21/2025

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 Every spring, the hills of Altadena and the San Gabriel Mountains begin to come alive in a way that feels both familiar and profoundly hopeful. Among the earliest signs of this seasonal awakening are the yucca plants, their towering stalks crowned with creamy white blossoms standing tall against the rugged landscape. But this year, as I watch these yuccas emerge and bloom, they carry a deeper meaning for me—a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal not just for the plants themselves, but for the entire foothill community and the natural world still healing from recent fires.The wildfires that swept through these hills left scars—charred earth and broken branches—that reminded us all of nature’s vulnerability. Yet, just as the people of Altadena have begun to rebuild, recover, and rec... 06/20/2025