I can't wait to see how many people I can reconnect with and I'm not using this challenge as my drive or for motivation and inspiration. Okay, maybe I am a little.The Activerain Reconnection Rally When Debe Maxwell, CRS asked if I would help bring back the spark through this reconnection rally, I said yes. Why? I smiled ear to ear as I imagined the joy and excitement of reconnecting with some of the veteran Activerain old-timers who helped build and create this "still-going" and amazing network. All of which have very long and deep roots here. Oh, the stories to be told by these folks... but maybe not all shared. lol~ What a great idea to have a sort of reunion gathering and then just let the sparks fly. This is exactly what will happen if I can get these following members back here in the rain!My mission, vision, and goal: Reconnecting with you! It might be more exciting for me than for you!? Can you create a blog post of what you've been up to, no matter what? Share the condensed versions of your stories and journey, I want to know. Join me on a 4/30 - 11am Zoom call I'm co-hosting with Debe Maxwell, CRS. Catch up with new faces and places that sprouted while you were away. Somewhere in all this is a bunch of points if you're still into that sorta thing. Catch up with how the value of your time and content have changed... I'm pulling all the stops and inviting all these members back to participate and engage in raising the AR roof. Can we light that "spark" again, and create some Fire in the Rain!? I believe. We built it and they came. Now can we get them back?C'mon, prove me right or wrong, you know you miss me, and I miss you!~ MY RED CARPET ROLL-OUT AND VIP RECONNECTION INVITES GO TO:Jonathan Washburn, Nikesh Parekh, Bob Stewart, Jeff Corbet, Judi Barrett, Lenn Harley, Rich Jacobson, Laurie Manny, Desiree Daniels, Clint Miller, Jay Thompson, Teresa Boardman, Missy Caulk, Broker Bryant & TLW, Kristal Kraft, Michelle Rosser, Ray Saenz, Maggie Dokic, Renee Donohue, Sharon Simms, Brian Brady, Richard Bolen, Kristin Small, Aida Pinto, Fran Gatti, Rene Fabre, Jennifer Fivelsdal, Jeff Turner, Sarah Cooper, Chris Griffith, Neal Bloom, Kim Wood, Colleen Irwin (formerly Kulokowski), Gena Riede, Craig Rutman, Kathy McGraw, Gary Woltal, Christine Donovan, Marlene Bridges, Dave Roberts, Karen George, Brad Carroll Celeste Sally Cheeseman, Cyndee Haydon, Jim Crawford, Ardell DellaLoggia, Jeff Belonger, Laura Brodniak, Elizabeth Weintraub,  Susie Blackmon,Karen Hurst, Brian Schulman, Tracy Saunders, Cynthia McKenna, Nick Bastian, Judi Morgan, Margaret Woda, Jo-Anne Smith, Terrie Leighton, John Horton, Ginger Wilcox, Brian Block, Donna Harris, Mara Hawks, Tom Plant, Tisza Major Posner, Mary Pope-Handy, Mike Mueller, Sandra Cummings, Ann Cummings, Jim Lee, Monika McGillicuddy and Jay McGillicuddy Chris Tesch, Margaret Rome, Judi Bryan, Michael O'Connor, Maureen McCabe, David Podgursky, Robert Hammerstein and Lisa Hammerstein, Doreen McPherson, Melanie Ross, Jim and Maria Hart, Frank D'Angelo, John Occhi, Robert and Jani Bielenberg, Russell Lewis, Ed Rybczynski, Connie Harvey, Gary Waters, Sharon Alters, Jim Cronin, C Tann-Starr, David Childress, Joe Pryor, Mike Jones, and this is a great start. I also know some of my friends here have passed on, may they all be resting in peace.This does not include hundreds of others I have left out for lack of tagging time.This was the Activerain crew back in the day when I was a community manager. If you were named or tagged and you read this, please leave a comment so I know you were here! After 17 years here, the Activerain Gods know I sure need the points!Can't wait to reconnect with you again. "Learn More. Get More. Do More. Be More"

Let's Meet in My Virtual Office

Is blogging on Activerain from a mobile device doable and even necessary when you’re out in the world and Mobile? My answer, yes! The fact and reality is I’m doing it right here right now. Why? To see how much effort really goes into creating a blog post quickly and efficiently while out on the road and living your life?I wanted to see how much time it took, how many resources I needed, and how quickly I could get links, images, videos, and more posted on a blog posting. I also wanted to see if there would be any hitches in my giddyup?! You know, bugs and glitches, etc. We all know mobile isn’t the same as pads, and laptops etc.I’m creating this post using an iPhone and I suddenly realize how important this could be to track my progress along with giving guidance and instructions on how to do it along the way?! Also trying to use tags as a test. (a request from Carol Williams) Using Debe Maxwell, CRS and Kathy Streib as an example. It works.☝️Step one: You’ll need a mobile device, I use iPhone. Also Safari browser, Chrome works just as well I’m pretty sure.✌️Step two: Log into ActiveRain, and click write a post at top of page👌Step three: Do as I do, not as I say!! Start typing away… (hint) I used the speech to text tool built-in to my iPhone. I know it’s cheating, but I still have to preview and review the post before hitting submit. I’m sure all my typos, and Siri corrections will make up for the time saved. Lol✌️✌️Step four: Add images, links, and video if you choose.🖐️ Step five: Select your audience, your ActiveRain topics, your hyper LOCAL pages, if applicable, your relative groups, and your outside blogs, if applicable. Add your tags, SEO Title and Description. Lastly click the save button or the orange PUBLISH!Viola - a blog posting thought and idea, created on location, written and blogged out, and then published in literally minutes. And this can be done from any mobile device and from anywhere you are on the planet?! Internet connected of course. This is right in line with my theory, and my motto, and this is for me personally, a better, faster, easier, more efficient, more effective way to get some of my blogging done! You know what they say, practice what you preach. So I am :-)Lastly, I did say video, so here’s a link and an embed to confirm it works?!This is a moonlighting retirement activity I have taken up. It’s seeing the world and places I live and go from a whole new perspective. Imagine if folks used this in Real Estate?!? lol~ https://youtu.be/5JuDEFCc-V0?feature=sharedHere is the video embedded: This is so cool that I can do this here on AR! 😎

 

I hope you find this to be of value and good use if you’re reading and following. 😊 "Learn More. Get More. Do More. Be More" Let's Meet in My Virtual Office

The value and power of Activerains Real Estate Network is not measurable in my honest opinion. Your path, story, journey, and experience will be unique and custom to you, only you, and no one else.Today I had the chance to co-host a weekly Zoom session held by my dear friend Debe Maxwell on Activerain. The topic was "Why Activerain" and "What's the value and purpose of blogging?"First, let me say that the attendees and guests on this call made me realize every bit of value that has personally come from this network. I also realized how much more value can and will come from this real estate network going forward.There is no website, platform, social media app, or space quite like Activerain. More value and opportunity than any other site or location in the real estate industry. It was the first and only network of its kind, and still is today! Most networks cater and position themselves to provide "value-added" services to their specific industry ie: REALTORs, Title, Lending, Inspections, Staging, etc.The Activerain Network and its members cater to the entire industry no matter what hat you wear. There are no hidden agendas. Having access every day to these experienced industry professionals from all over the country who share their knowledge and expertise is a most valuable and powerful asset.The power of "one" is you!  All you, just you, and only you. The power of the Activerain Network collaborating with you is "Being ALL you Can Be!" just saying?! I didn't present anything today I had researched or prepared for this call. I was so excited to see everyone. I caught myself recognizing the "real" importance and "true value" of this network. The call helped me today to recall why I joined this place and why I'm still here on Activerain.Activerain is my home, starting place, community, friends, family, comrades, and even my competitors, all sharing and collaborating successfully for 17 years! If it didn't work, then Activerain and none of the members would still be here.I can get more answers, solutions, and education here in a day than spending 3 days at a national convention somewhere. All in real time. I can also go to meetings, broker tours, company-sponsored, and National events, etc. plus spend a fortune on travel and accommodations. Or I can just use my Activerain Network.But this is my story and journey and what worked for me. I had to start here to get where I am now. On Activerain, it's never too late. It's your story and journey that when shared with others will have the most impact on your success and life.The greatest value from today comes from the comments in the chat, not my presentation or presence. When asking questions, other members shared their valuable comments and priceless opinions for joining this network.Can you imagine the multiple answers and responses to the questions, "Why Join Activerain Network" and "What reasons do you blog on Activerain? I shared some responses below from a portion of the chat thread on today's call.I asked this question over a decade ago, this is what members said back then.

 

Why Join Activerain?ZOOM CALL CHAT THREAD: Michael Elliott / NJ to Everyone:    Google juice J. Philip Faranda to Everyone:    1. strategeryActive Brad to Bill Spear(Direct Message):    JobLisa Friedman to Everyone:    Sense of communityLorrie Semler to Everyone:    SEODorie Dillard to Everyone:    Market to my communityKathy Streib HOUSTON to Everyone:    learn to blogJeff Dowler - Carlsbad CA to Everyone:    Building relationshipsBill Spear to Active Brad(Direct Message):    My wife said so :)Alan May to Everyone:    It was court-orderedJohn Juarez, Fremont, CA to Everyone:    Recommend by a friendJ. Philip Faranda to Everyone:    2. TherapeuticKat Palmiotti to Everyone:    community, knowledge, SEODorie Dillard to Everyone:    learn to blogGeorge Souto - Middletown, CT to Everyone:    Realtor ContactsEdward Silva to Everyone:    KnowledgeBuzz Mackintosh to Everyone:    Latest & greatest in 2006Carol to Everyone:    connecting with other professionals in the industry.Hannah Williams-Pa to Everyone:    free knowledgeElyse Berman to Everyone:    Someone told me about blogging   Don't remember why but for sure it is a wonderful addiction.Jim Paulson - Boise to Everyone:    I joined for Realtor feedback from around the country verses local answers with confirmation biassham reddy to Everyone:    ComarotoryLynn B FRIEDMAN Atlanta to Everyone:    Community, learning special circumstances, amazing peoplekarensanchez to Everyone:    I joined Active Rain because I was brand new in. RE and someone, wish I knew who told me too. I didn’t know any better.  But it was a great decision.Carol to Everyone:    And, the next question is why do we stay?Jim Paulson - Boise to Everyone:    36 on call today.  Great turnout! :)Jim Paulson - Boise to Everyone:    If it wasn't for artificial intelligence, I wouldn't have any    Brad, what year did Active Rain begin? I joined in 2005.Eileen Burns Hollywood, FL to Everyone:    Glad you are backElyse Berman to Everyone:    He didn’t write that post yet 😉Debe Maxwell to Everyone:    Here’s the link to AR roster - started in 2006:    https://activerain.com/social/roster/2006J. Philip Faranda to Everyone:    Rain camps were AWESOMEHannah Williams-Pa to Everyone:    brad will you make an effort to join us on Tuesdays on Zoom. "Brad said yes!!"What is the Value of Blogging?sham reddy to Everyone:    Share your thoughts on different topicsJim Lee to Everyone:    Fun, Marketing, generate business, and Educate buyers and sellers.Alan May to Everyone:    The benefits of blogging on AR?  It’s the points… I’ve almost got enough for that toaster.Will Hamm to Everyone:    Meeting more Realtors in other statesCarol to Everyone:    I'm retired so I like to share what knowledge I have and give deserving posts more exposure.Jim Paulson - Boise to Everyone:    Brad, if you can show me on Android how to set a "Vacation mode" on a text the way you can on email and voicemail, I would be in your debt!Elyse Berman to Everyone:    Business, seo, educate the publickarensanchez to Everyone:    The benefits of blogging on AR.  I feel heard in a non-competitive manner.Jeff Dowler - Carlsbad CA to Everyone:    SHARING!The Outcome of TodayAlan May to Everyone:    JEFF DOWLER has been featured on this zoom call!!!  Jeff Dowler is a rockstar!!Lorrie Semler to Everyone:    Excellent hour! Thank you so much Brad. We do have retired bloggers here. Just sayin. Gotta run. Thanks BradActive Brad to Everyone:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqy7ThASNNc&t=15sHannah Williams-Pa to Everyone:    I am not a retired blogger many more years to goAlan May to Everyone:    Super High Value, Brad.  Thank youJeff Dowler - Carlsbad CA to Everyone:    This was tremendous, Brad. THANK YOU!Jim Lee to Everyone:    Do you still have the paid bloggers?                🤣Kathy Streib HOUSTON to Everyone:    Thank you so much, Brad. You helped me so much here!!!Greg Large to Everyone:    Good to see you Brad and thank you!Dorie Dillard to Everyone:    Thank you Brad. I have missed your enthusiasm for everything!! I have to leave for an appointment hope you will enjoy future Tuesday Zoom Meetings!!Kathy Streib HOUSTON to Everyone:    Brad, I love the energy you bring with youJohn Juarez, Fremont, CA to Everyone:    Gpt to go. Thanks, Brad.Buzz Mackintosh to Everyone:    See y'all next week gotta run. Great crowd this week!Jim Paulson - Boise to Everyone:    Thanks "Still Active & Not Retired Brad" :)karensanchez to Everyone:    Thanks all for waiting for me to grow into my own.  I was the awkward blogger 16 years ago~.  AR HUG~J. Philip Faranda to Everyone:    I have to go but this has been awesome. When is the next one?Jeff Dowler - Carlsbad CA to Everyone:    Replying - Every Tuesday same timeLisa Friedman to Everyone:    This has been a wonderful and heartwarming reunion fondly remembering old times. <3Ashley to Everyone:    So wonderful to see everyone here today! LynnAlan May to Everyone:    I've got an appt.  I’ve got to run… This was great.. thank you all… thank you, Brad.anna kruchten to Everyone:    Thank you Brad! You are so awesome!  Hope to see you here again 😊  AJ Heidmann to Everyone:    Awesome call today... thank you Brad!  Hope to see you back very soon, got to run.Ann Cummings to Everyone:    It's so great to see so many AR people on this zoom that I remember from years ago when  AR was about the only online platform there was.  Looking forward to being a part of this again.Debe Maxwell to Everyone:    We are so excited to see you too, Ann!!!Elyse Berman to Everyone:    Thank you Brad.  Great hour!  Gotta run.  See you all soon.Margaret Rome to Everyone:        I am loving this!! Can we do it for another hour?Gayle C. Rich-Boxman to Everyone:    Look I found the chat!    YIPPEE!!!END OF CHAT!Today's chat was of great value and not to be overlooked or taken for granted. There is nothing I could say or share today that would be more valuable and powerful than this network of people. All joining together as an industry force and sharing selflessly. I've witnessed great success here through collaboration, education, and learning from the successes and challenges of others.It's all here at your fingertips. May the force of helping others join Activerain be with you, and may those fingertips bring your voice and great content to a successful, fun, and healthy blogging journey. Build relations, not just business.  "Learn More. Get More. Do More. Be More" Let's Meet in My Virtual Office

Having spent so many years in the real estate industry, the one question I was asked most by people, not in real estate was, "Do I need, or should I use a REALTOR®?" What a great question, even after all these years. Looking back I have learned so much about the industry and that question in particular.There are many reasons why you should use a REALTOR®. Here are just a few:REALTORS® have the knowledge and experience to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. They know the local market inside and out, and they can use their expertise to price your home competitively and market it to the right buyers.REALTORS® can help you avoid costly mistakes. The home selling process is complex, and there are many pitfalls that can cost you money. A REALTOR can help you avoid these mistakes by guiding you through the process every step of the way.REALTORS® can represent your best interests in negotiations. When you sell your home, you want to get the best possible price. A REALTOR can negotiate on your behalf to get you the highest offer possible.REALTORS® can provide peace of mind. Selling a home can be stressful, but a REALTOR can take the stress out of the process. They can handle all of the details, so you can focus on other things. If you're thinking about selling your home, I highly recommend using a REALTOR. They can help you sell your home quickly, for top dollar, and with peace of mind.Here are some additional benefits of using a REALTOR:REALTORS® are required to be licensed and insured. This means that they have met certain professional standards and are financially protected in the event of a mistake.REALTORS® have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is a database of homes for sale, and it's the best way to reach a large number of potential buyers.REALTORS® can provide you with market data and analysis. This information can help you make informed decisions about pricing your home and marketing it to buyers.REALTORS® can help you with all aspects of the home-selling process. This includes preparing your home for sale, negotiating with buyers, and closing the deal. If you're serious about selling your home, I encourage you to contact a REALTOR today. They can help you get the best possible price for your home and make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Like any industry where you take an oath, REALTORS are expected to protect and serve.Featured Image by Tumisu from Pixabay "Learn More. Get More. Do More. Be More"

Let's Meet in My Virtual Office

Well if I had known I could have seen all these great and amazing people, I would've joined these Zooms years ago. Thank you, Debe Maxwell, CRS  for setting up and moderating, and a special thank you to Silvia Dukes for sharing her valuable time and interesting information with us all today. Silvia presented some great charts and stats regarding interest rates over time and some history that I found fascinating. Like my first home which had an interest rate of 19.5%. That was a good deal according to my lender at the time. Sometimes a view of the past helps us see where we might be going?! Nothing is predictable, or is it? Popping into one of these Zoom calls is so easy and the collaborative opportunity of the members present on these calls is invaluable. Just look at these VIPs, rockstars, and heroes that constantly and consistently make it rain.I was going to tag and call everyone out in the above photo, but then I realized they are all very busy people out trying to help others with their real estate needs. Who am I to tag and suck them all back in to read this?!? lol~Seriously, I appreciate every person taking valuable time to be there. No reason I can see that there shouldn't be hundreds of people on these Zooms participating, learning, sharing, collaborating, and growing.The community's love and support get carried over to these meetings. It was nice seeing familiar faces again and meeting some new ones too. Here's a link to join any Tuesday at 11 am PST, 2 pm ESTAs a side note, I'm excited to announce that I get to present at the Zoom on the very last day of February, that's Tuesday the 28th. (Thanks Kathy Streib)Click the button above and bookmark the link, then join ANY Tuesday. I'd love to see you at the 28th Zoom event in particular. I'm giving away the farm. Why? Tossing rocks in Activerain puddles has the potential to ripple forever. "Learn More. Get More. Do More. Be More"

Let's Meet in My Virtual Office

Agent Goal Planner Best in Class - Mobile REALTOR® Tools Best Tool for Agents Wanting Buyers - What You Pay In Rent Can You Name These ActiveRain Originals? Grill Bill with eXp Realty Blogging Mastermind - Bill Gassett