Recent Blog Posts

Book Recommendation: Skin and Bones by Paul DoironSkin and Bones and Other Mike Bowditch Short Stories (2025) is the latest novel by Paul Doiron. Click on the link to reach the website. Dolores and I have read all of the novels by this author and recommend them for your reading list. For the first time in print, Skin and Bones features a collection of eight gripping original short stories in the bestselling Mike Bowditch series―including one brand new, never-before-published story―from Edgar-award nominated author Paul Doiron.In THE BEAR TRAP, legendary Maine woodsman and bush pilot Charley Stevens tries to convince young Mike of the dangers awaiting rookie game wardens.RABID draws Mike into the story of a gruesome case involving a bat with rabies from his Charley Steven’s past (2019 Ed... 06/17/2025

"Every exit is an entry somewhere else."— Tom StoppardAs I typed the final letter in the ABCs of Life series, I found myself pausing, but not because I’m out of words. I definitely have more words, and I wonder where they will take me now.This journey started as a result of the Challenge that Debe Maxwell, CRS  and I hosted last July. It was supposed to be one simple letter to my granddaughter, but it turned into a whole lot more. It turned into a series of 26 letters covering every letter of the alphabet. In addition to mailing them to my granddaughter, Michelle, I shared them with you every two weeks and a few select friends, making this a year-long project. The response I received was nothing short of incredible and humbling. Each letter, from A to Z, invited you into my mind and off... 06/17/2025

By making time for play, exploring new activities, and creating connections, you can nurture your inner child and reignite your zest for life.   Finding Fun and Fulfillment Beyond Responsibilities   Introduction   Ever feel like life weighs you down? Work, deadlines, and responsibilities can take over. But guess what? Embracing play in adult life isn’t just for kids. Rediscovering joy through playful activities can transform your outlook and well-being.    So, how can adding a bit more fun to your day make a difference? Let’s dive into why play is essential and how you can bring joy back into your life.   Why Play Matters   Play isn’t just a childhood pastime; it’s fundamental for adults, too. Engaging in playful activities stimulates creativity, reduces stress, and fosters connection w... 06/17/2025

🈚 ▐►RENT to OWN  4bd - 2ba DWMH FSBO Summerville-Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK QUALIFY RENT to OWN DWMH FULLY RENOVATED LOW OPTION PAYMENT  4bd-2bd Summerville Charleston 🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK RENT to OWN DWMH 4bd - 2ba Summerville-Charleston ★Two Rent to Own Options to Choose ★ or Buy Outright for a Cash Discount  ★ RENOVATION COMPLETEDAVAILABLE  SEE WEBSITE BELOWPictures are pre - renovation updated Pictures and Video to Post    ★ ★BUY HERE NOW AVAILABLE  4bd - 2ba DWMH FULLY Renovated PLUS Yard - Shed! See Our BUYER Website Below to BUY Your Next House - Mobile Home or Land for CASH:   ★ ★ BUY HERE  WholeSale Buyer Values See:✴️▐► SCInvestmentProperties.com ** Contact us Today!★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Your Appointment to Visit this Home ★ ★ We A... 06/17/2025

In the fast-paced world of property management, working with the right real estate partner can make all the difference. While large chain brokerages may offer name recognition and expansive reach, more and more property managers — especially in competitive urban markets like New York City — are turning to boutique firms for a better experience and better results.This trend isn’t just anecdotal. It reflects a growing awareness across the industry that personalized service, hyper-local insight, and flexibility are often more valuable than size or brand prestige.1. Boutique Brokerages Offer Direct, Personalized ServiceOne of the top frustrations property managers report when working with larger brokerages is the lack of consistency. You may speak with one representative during onboarding, ... 06/17/2025

If you're dreaming of waterfront living in East Oahu, specifically along the Hawaii Kai Marina, brace yourself: as of May 2025, only two true marina front single-family homes are on the market. With record-low inventory and continued buyer interest, the Hawaii Kai marina market is hotter than ever, and sellers are in an exceptional position... Read More 06/16/2025

Calgary, long known for its energy sector prowess and wide-open roadways, is undergoing a new kind of transformation. Electric vehicles (EVs), once a novelty in Alberta, are becoming an increasingly common sight on Calgary’s streets. With this rise in EV adoption comes a parallel surge in infrastructure needs—particularly when it comes to charging stations and home upgrades. As the EV revolution accelerates, it’s creating a ripple effect across the trades, with one profession in particularly high demand: electricians.Whether installing home charging ports or upgrading residential electrical panels to accommodate EV needs, licensed electrician services are now considered critical infrastructure support. Calgary homeowners, developers, and commercial landlords are all seeking professional... 06/16/2025

Our California journey continued to delight as we headed further north up the coast via Highway 1.  The jagged coastline took our breath away at every hairpin turn. I have heard for years how beautiful this area was and it certainly exceeded our expectations.Because we were coming in from the inland area having toured some of the Paso Robles vineyards and because Highway 1 is still closed from the washout, we decided to be adventurous and head toward Carmel via this really cool road called G16 - Carmel Valley Road. It was beautiful and totally an adventure. I am so glad we got off of the main highway (boring) and found this cool, little road. We weren't in a hurry so we just meandered along taking in the breathtaking sights.We arrived in Carmel where we would be staying for two nights. ... 06/16/2025

2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home 06/16/2025

HOME BUILT IN 1950The Feature Photo is an example of someone's kitchen built in the 1950's. From their perspective it was a modern kitchen. Have you ever wondered what someone would think of your kitchen today? Over time your perspectives change. However, if you get too comfortable with what you have now, not only do you get older, your kitchen and the rest of the house gets older too.  STYLES CHANGE AS YEARS GO BYThe kitchen my mother had in our house, built in the late 1890's, was very different. By 1970, my mother made some changes. Photo Number 2 This photo is not my mother's kitchen. The point is kitchens changed significantly between 1970 - 1990. Consumers changed too and Charge Cards made it easier to spend and/or go into debt. My mother bought a big built-in refrigerator. She wa... 06/16/2025

Washington D.C. is a city that breathes history. From the dignified brownstones of Capitol Hill to the grand Georgian facades of Georgetown, each historic home tells a story. Yet beneath the charm and architectural legacy lies a hidden reality: preserving these stately residences isn’t just about fresh paint or period-appropriate shutters. It’s also about what’s lurking behind the walls, under the floorboards, and in the nooks no feather duster can reach. That’s where deep cleaning services come in—and in 2025, they’re more essential than ever.Homeowners, preservationists, and property managers across the District are increasingly turning to professional deep cleaning services to ensure these historic properties don’t just look pristine, but are healthy, functional spaces. While routine... 06/16/2025

AR Zoom Calls - Real Conversations. Real Learning. Real Relationships. Real Estate Gold.Oh, How I Love Our AR Zoom Tuesdays! For over four years—missing only two Tuesdays!—our weekly ActiveRain Zoom calls have been a constant source of connection, collaboration and learning. These gatherings have become a cornerstone of my week and I genuinely look forward to each one.Some weeks, we dive into deep discussions on real estate trends, tools & tactics. Other times, we keep things lighter with roundtable chats but, even then, the nuggets of wisdom that surface are ALWAYS worth the time. I can't think of one meeting that I didn't walk away, having learned something new—and of course I've done so with a few laughs too!Take last week, for example. We were joined by our very own Carol Williams, ... 06/16/2025

As California’s climate grows increasingly erratic, residents of Riverside are grappling with the harsh realities of water scarcity. Persistent droughts, water restrictions, and skyrocketing utility costs have sparked a collective rethink around outdoor aesthetics. No longer is lush green grass the pinnacle of curb appeal—rather, water-wise landscapes are the new badge of eco-conscious pride. In this transformation, turf solutions are emerging as the frontrunner, offering homeowners and commercial developers alike a resilient, beautiful, and sustainable alternative.Artificial turf, drought-resistant grass blends, and hybrid options are reshaping how Riverside landscapes look and function. But this shift isn’t just about convenience. It’s a strategic adaptation to a changing environment—... 06/16/2025

By Charles Stallions, Your Trusted Real Estate Broker Since 1995Purchasing a home in beautiful Pensacola is an exciting milestone, but as your trusted real estate broker, I believe in complete transparency to help you make the most informed decision. Beyond the listing price and mortgage payments, several hidden costs of homeownership can catch buyers off guard. Being prepared for these expenses is key to a smooth and financially sound transition into your new home.1. Closing Costs Expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. These include: Loan origination fees Title insurance and search fees Appraisal and home inspection fees Attorney fees (if applicable) Prepaid property taxes and homeowners' insurance I’ll help you estimate and prepare for these ahead of t... 06/16/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. DFW suburbs Flower Mound, Mansfield, Frisco, and McKinney rank in the top 40.Flower Mound TX ranks number 14 in the Best Places to Live and number 8 in the Best Small Cities to Live. Mansfield TX comes in ranked at number 27 in the Best Places to Live and number 19 in the Best Small Cities to Live list. Frisco TX comes in ranked at number 30 in the Best Places to Live and number 10 in the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live. McKinney TX comes in at number 37 on the main list and number 11 among the medium-sized cities.Want to find homes for sale in these Dallas Fort Worth suburban cities? You can start your search on our website. 06/16/2025

As Denver continues its rapid evolution from a frontier city into a national model for sustainable urban living, builders are rethinking how homes should be constructed to endure the challenges of the future. One innovation has quickly gained ground in the residential construction landscape: spray foam insulation.Once considered a premium option, this cutting-edge material is now becoming standard for forward-thinking builders aiming to create high-performance homes in the Mile High City. In 2025, the demand for spray foam insulation in Denver is experiencing a remarkable surge—and not just because of energy savings. Builders are recognizing its wide-ranging benefits for durability, indoor air quality, and long-term resilience.From new suburban developments to infill projects near RiNo ... 06/16/2025

Madison, Wisconsin is known for its lush green spaces, tree-lined neighborhoods, and beautiful canopies that define the city’s unique character. But in recent years, a shift in climate patterns has brought stronger storms and more unpredictable weather—often leaving a trail of uprooted trees, cracked limbs, and hazardous stumps in their wake. As a result, Madison tree removal services and stump grinding have become essential components of the city’s post-storm recovery and long-term urban planning efforts.Tree damage isn't just a cosmetic concern; it’s a structural and environmental one. Downed trees can block roads, damage power lines, create trip hazards, and even compromise building foundations. In a city that values its green aesthetic as much as its safety, investing in proactive a... 06/16/2025

Condo Information Discover coastal living at its finest in this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium located in the Leeward Key community at 2936 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550. This 1,823 sq. ft. unit offers breathtaking Gulf views and is just steps away from the pristine white sands of the Emerald Coast. Property Features: Open-Concept Living Area: Spacious and inviting, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Private Balcony: Enjoy panoramic Gulf vistas and stunning sunsets from your own outdoor space. Modern Kitchen: Equipped with updated appliances and ample storage, ideal for culinary enthusiasts. Master Suite: Features an ensuite bathroom and generous closet space. Guest Bedroom: Comfortable and versatile, suitable for family or visitors.This is an ideal vacation ... 06/16/2025

US News and World Report recently released its Top 250 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025-2026 list. Not surprisingly, 2 of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina made the top 10.Apex NC ranks number 7 on the list. Cary NC ranks number 5 on the list. Both are suburbs located in the Triangle area of the state. Both rank with scores of 6.9 out of 7.Apex also ranks number 2 in the Best Small Cities to Live, behind Johns Creek GA. Cary NC also ranks number 4 in the 15 Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in.Want to find homes for sale in Apex? We can help you in your search. We can also help you find homes for sale in Cary. 06/16/2025

Great post by Tim. Bill  Good afternoon and hello again from Tim in my home office in Cottage Grove, MN.  Hope this email finds you doing well this Monday and had a fantastic Fathers' Day Weekend.  Sharing Tim's Time Outs with you again.   POWER OF POSITIVITY:   12 steps to self cure:   1)  If it feels wrong, DON'T do it. 2)  Say exactly what you mean...and mean exactly what you say. 3)  Don't be a People Pleaser. 4)  Trust your instincts. 5)  Never speak BAD about yourself or others. 6)  NEVER give up on your dreams. 7)  Don't be afraid to say NO. 8)  Don't be afraid to say YES. 9)  Be kind and loving to yourself, others, and animals. 10) Let go of what you CAN'T control.  11) Stay away from drama AND NEGATIVITY. 12) LOVE yourself!   May you day and week be filled with many positive mo... 06/16/2025