On my father’s side, I was a first generation Swede. My Swedish grandmother was a woman of deep faith and a long time member of the Lutheran faith.As I grew up in Hammond, IN, I attended First United Lutheran Church Sunday School and services with my parents. My father was an elder of the church.During junior high I was confirmed via Luther’s Small Catechism and experienced my first communion. After my daughter was baptized and grew older, I introduced her to the Lutheran faith. Later when she was also in junior high, we searched for a new home church. We visited several local Lutheran churches and discovered Augsburg Lutheran Church located in Porter, IN.  Here at this church founded by Swedish immigrants over 160 years ago my daughter was confirmed and became an active member.We would... 03/20/2025

True professional real estate agents must engage in proactive behaviors if they want to secure a successful close of escrow. Sometimes this means doing the work of the agent on the other side.One Example of Proactive BehaviorCurrently a recent residential property transaction has resulted in my being very proactive as the listing agent. The buyers for this property I listed here in Golden Valley, AZ decided to secure a FHA Loan for a manufactured home. This type of financing does require foundation certification also known as “tie-downs.” Historically, since the lender and the loan vehicle are the buyer’s decision, then the buyer accepts any and all fees including additional costs required by that loan vehicle unless otherwise negotiated.After escrow was opened, I received an email from... 03/24/2025

As I love selling dirt also known as vacant land, I am very happy when an offer for one of my dirt listings goes under contract in 10 days. This 2.35 acre property on North Parker Rd in Golden Valley had good views with a fairly level desert topography. The better news is road access was street vehicle friendly and there was power across the road. FInally, this property is close to Highway 93 going into Las Vegas. Within the next few years Hwy 93 here in Northwest AZ will become part Interstate 5 going from Phoenix, AZ to Las Vegas, NV.Of course as in the super majority of properties here in Golden Valley, AZ, the zoning is Agricultural/Residential meaning "Horse friendly." Even though I had scheduled drone photography for this parcel, due to ongoing high winds there was a delay. Fortun... 03/25/2025

Since I love selling vacant land, selling off grid parcels sometimes takes a while. The reason is an off grid parcel requires understanding of the demands associated with off grid living. This 2.35 acre parcel with cut in driveway and level building pad was on the Golden Valley real estate market for less than 60 days.  Additionally, what helps to sell any property here in Golden Valley, AZ is great views as shown by the photos and lots of elbow room which this property had in abundance.#arizonaacreage #horsepropertiesarizona #goldenvalleyazhomesandland Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M SmithAny reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or ... 03/25/2025