ActiveRain Community

Looking for a REALTOR in: University Park, Florida - Seller & Buyer Antelope, California - Seller & Buyer Pasco, Florida - Seller & Buyer Eustis, Florida - Seller & Buyer Bozeman, Montana - Seller & Buyer ~ Send me a private message - will not reply to comments!     01/20/2025

Today is Monday, January 20, 2025!  Inauguration Day!It also is Martin Luther King Day!However, this post has nothing to do with either of those national events.This one is personal and the results at the end of this work week, although possibly not known for day/weeks/years...is by far more important to me than any other event happening on a national or world basis.Friday is surgery day in Denver for our daughter, Jaime...and I have never prayed as much in my life as I have done since her son was born on New Years Eve.A new grandbaby (our first) has brought new routines and a Love I haven't felt since our kid's were babies.  Just something about a newborn that is incredible and so joyful! Even when they fuss or have another dirty diaper.The diagnosis of a glioma mass 2 days after birth... 01/20/2025

Developing the habit of saving is crucial for gaining financial security and independence. It creates a pathway to greater control over your finances and future.​​Daily Tip:Start a small savings habit by setting aside even a few dollars in a dedicated account. Consistent saving, no matter how small, builds financial security and reduces stress over time.​​Rate App Feature of the Day:Join our instructor in this 10-minute mantra meditation designed to center the mind and connect with inner peace. Suitable for all levels, this practice fosters mental clarity and balance. Get started on the RATE APP. https://z6u9c.app.link/1YQfJI8pByb  #MondayMinfulness #DailyPositivity #DailyPositivity2025 #PositivityQuote #PositivityQuotes #GuaranteedRate #Mortgage #MortgageLender #Atlanta #AtlantaMortgag... 01/20/2025

Today is the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States. Regardless of political perspective, every President has a “Heavy Load” to carry as he is sworn in.“You never know how a horse will pull until you hook him to a heavy load.”Bear BryantEach of us as individuals have been hooked to a heavy load though our pulling of that load will not impact millions of individuals, but just a few. Yet that impact is just as important for those few.As professional real estate agents, we also have a heavy load to pull from residential to commercial to vacant land listings, to purchases, to due diligence, to overcoming unexpected close of escrow obstacles. Our failure to successfully pull those loads may jeopardize the hopes and dreams of our clients be they sellers or buyers.  And that f... 01/20/2025

This will be my third post for our January Challenge. My original post, My P.L.A.N. for 2025, outlines some of the areas I want to focus on for this year. I have been looking forward to expanding my thoughts on the "A" in my plan.A - ABUNDANCE - Many think "abundance" only refers to money and success. In this phase of life, this word takes on many different connotations. Abundance for me is found in the quality of time spent with family and friends. Abundance also means time for myself. This will be a fun post as I plan for the "abundance" I wish to experience in 2025.As I stated in the original post, abundance can mean many things. This year, my focus on abundance has nothing to do with money or things. The type of abundance I seek this year will be of a more personal focus.ABUNDANCE I... 01/19/2025

I represent taxpayers with tax issues in New Orleans, Louisiana before the IRS, Department of Justice Tax Division and State Departments of Revenue. I write about tax issues here.Taxpayers can expect a certain level of scrutiny when filing their tax returns. However, some may face an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit. An audit is a thorough review of a taxpayer’s financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws. Taxpayers need to know what an audit entails and how best to prepare for one in case they ever face one. The best advice is to have a tax attorney experienced in handling audits represent you so that you do not need to deal with the examiner directly and can get professional advice on responding appropriately and obtaining missing information.The first step i... 01/19/2025

Sandpoint Realty 'Friday Flag' takes us south, from Sandpoint, about 45 miles to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.With having just been voted in as a Director for Selkirk MLS I thought it appropriate to share a photo of our neighboring MLS in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.  To only emphasize the neighboring Coeur D' Alene Reginal Realtors proximity, and overlapping agents, I will be here on Tuesday for my 'Core 2024'.  As a side note.  I thought a year or two ago I would start winding down.  lol  I am now owner-designated broker, with my partner at Sandpoint Realty LLC.  That was not enough, so I committed this year, 2025, to Selkirk MLS Board.  Funny how things work out.   'Experience the Difference' in working with a full time Professional Sandpoint Realty REALTOR® Your wants and needs will always be my p... 01/19/2025

This is my 4th entry for the ActiveRain January 2025 Challenge: Planning For Success hosted by Leanne Smith. Planning and thinking strategically isn’t just for real estate professionals or other business owners. To survive in a world that is constantly changing, every human being, regardless of who you are, must be their own successful leader. Knowing how to think quickly and be able to gather a large amount of information stored in your head is important. Health and safety are absolutely paramount to you and others. Time is of the essence. There won’t be time to get on your computer and find your strategic plan. You must know how to effectively solve problems by taking immediate action and making fast decisions. Regardless of how well you wrote out your planning for success, something ... 01/19/2025

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day share several commonalities: Federal Observance: Both are recognized as federal events in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, established in 1983, honors the civil rights leader's legacy. Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a federal holiday on November 2, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed the legislation into law. It was first observed as a national holiday on January 20, 1986. However, it took until the year 2000 for all 50 U.S. states to officially recognize the holiday.  While Inauguration Day, set by the 20th Amendment, marks the commencement of a new presidential term.    The 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution went into effect on January 23, 1933, after being ratified by the required number of states. I... 01/20/2025

Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of nature, the gentle lapping of water against the shore, and the sight of majestic Great Blue Herons gracefully patrolling the edges of your lakefront property. These elegant birds are not just a delight to observe but also bring a myriad of benefits to your lakeside environment. In this blog post, we'll delve into what makes Great Blue Herons such fascinating creatures and why having them at your lakefront home is a unique and rewarding experience. Meet the Great Blue Heron The Great Blue Heron is a striking wading bird known for its tall, slender silhouette. They also have a distinct blue-gray plumage. With a wingspan that can reach up to seven feet and a height of four feet, these statuesque birds are a captivating presence along the water's ed... 01/20/2025

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man who deserves to be honored and respected.  Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, is a day very worthy of being celebrated.   Martin Luther King, Jr. deserves this honor and much, much more.  The opportunities many have today are a result of Martin Luther King, Jr. vision and work.Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream not for himself but for all mankind.  A dream of equality, freedom, and justice.  Nothing Martin Luther King, Jr. did centered on himself, it all centered on others.  His life was one of service to others unconditionally.As a young boy from a different country, Martin Luther King, Jr. taught me a major life lesson, one that I learned very early in my life.  He taught me not only to dream, but to fully expect the dream to be fulfilled.  No mat... 01/20/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading.Answer for Friday:They come at night without being called and are lost in the day without being stolen. What are they?Answer: StarsBrain Buster for Saturday, Jan 25I can bring tears to your eyes, resurrect the dead, make you smile, and reverse time. What am I? 01/25/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading.Answer for Thursday:I have many keys but usually only one ring. I’m essential for security but often overlooked. What am I?Answer: A KeyringBrain Buster for Friday, Jan 24They come at night without being called and are lost in the day without being stolen. What are they? 01/24/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading.Answer for Wednesday:What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back?Answer: A StickBrain Buster for Thursday, Jan 23I have many keys but usually only one ring. I’m essential for security but often overlooked. What am I? 01/23/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading.Answer for Tuesday:I build castles, yet tear down mountains. I make some people blind, but I help others see. What am I?Answer: SandBrain Buster for Wednesday, Jan 22What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? 01/22/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Monday: I’m found in the sky but never on the ground. What am I? Answer: A Star Brain Buster for Tuesday, Jan 21 I build castles, yet tear down mountains. I make some people blind, but I help others see. What am I? 01/21/2025

This is to help get your brain thinking!  See if you can come up with the answer.  If you do, great!  If not, it will help you to really think about what you are reading. Answer for Sunday: What can’t be put in a saucepan? Answer: The Lid  Brain Buster for Monday, Jan 20 I’m found in the sky but never on the ground. What am I?     01/20/2025

 My plan for the January contest is to assist professionals eager to learn.  After three-plus decades in RE, I would like them to know the following:There is plenty of free education. Take advantage. Always check your associations for classes to learn, not just for your CE. Get your required credits as soon as possible. Every transaction is a valuable learning experience. Make a mistake; make sure you learn and own up to it.  Develop relationships with those who can help you. In return, you help them, whether they are lenders, title attorneys, inspectors, stagers, or contractors. There is always something to learn from any of these. Being seasoned in the business gives you many stories and a lot of knowledge. You may also have skills from a previous career that you can contribute. Give ... 01/19/2025

Staying in Touch with Past Clients ~ Client Touches ~ We all know the value of staying in touch with past clients once the transaction has completed. Some do a better job of this than others, of course, but the reality is it’s important to do and there are many ways to do so depending on your personal preferences. I realized quite some years ago that while I was staying in touch with past clients in a number of ways, I was not doing so in a very organized or consistent fashion, I’m embarrassed to say. I was sending some emails, a market report here and there, holiday and birthday cards (when I knew them), and other client touches, but was not tracking very carefully what I was doing, and when. No doubt some actions, and past clients, slipped through the cracks. It was not a thoughtful p... 01/18/2025

With the recent “disasters” nationwide, it has become clear to me that very few homeowners understand that they need to ensure that their policies cover replacement cost for their homes.  To ensure that you can rebuild your house at the current market costs and codes, you MUST have replacement cost valuations and insurance coverages.Whether you are dealing with missing tiles on the roof or a collapsed ceiling, knowing how replacement cost works can mean the difference between making do with quick fixes or restoring your home to its original condition. Replacement cost is an option you usually choose when purchasing or renewing your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s one way of valuing the property being insured – so it will affect how much your insurance pays out for a covered claim. De... 01/18/2025