ActiveRain Community

Today, we visited Vroman's one of our favorite bookstores in Pasadena, CA... no, we did not go to the Wine Bar, but I did manage to get another cookbook.Not sure, but if I counted right, I would be very close to having this as number 100. I need to have a recount count. Last time I counted I did not include the ones in my home office that I am in the middle of always reading. Hence Diane graciously reminded me today: "...another cookbook..."? Told her there are three recipes she would love. Needless to say, on the way home she asked about it and let her know.In case you are wondering it is called "From the Oven to The Table". I do a lot of baked meals and it is easy to do and tastes better than boiling or sauteing.Yes, there are many wonderful baked recipes, just to tease you, beets, sa... 12/09/2023

Challenge: Name any waiter or waitress that served you a meal in 2009. Can you do it?  We can!  And we'll never forget Aldo, who made my bride's Birthday one our most memorable nights ever! There are thousands of waiters and waitresses in the world yet few are memorable for positive reasons. Why? No one put a gun to their head to take the job, so why not choose to be excellent at it or move on. Whatever you chose to do for a living, be the best version of that occupation - you just never know who's watching you or who you're blessing when you do! People really need and deserve your best.We have a wall of fame in our house, it's photos of meaningful moments and people in our lives: our wedding, our dogs, close friends, great vacations, a couple famous people we met naturally, etc. You ha... 12/09/2023

The outdoor Christmas Decorations are 90% finished... and the indoor decorations are at 10% still a lot more work to be done. I know it is only the 8th of December.How is your decoration coming along? Inquiring minds want to know. Needless to say, I still have some time this weekend to improve these statistics.Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach out to me directly!! If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury... 12/08/2023

When Life Gives You Lemons - Make Lemonade!This is my first entry into the December Active Rain Challenge on Acts of Kindness sponsored by Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist, and Dr. Paula McDonald. We have all heard that expression when something goes wrong in a situation, but the person chooses to turn it into a positive result.  Sometimes, it is used to create a feeling of optimism or a "can do" attitude.  Well,  it happened to me one day...  BTW - This proverb is attributed to Elbert Hubbard in 1915. Here is the exact quote....“A genius is a man who takes the lemons that Fate hands him and starts a lemonade stand with them.” – Elbert Hubbard.  Sedona does not have a lot of fast food places.  This is probably a good thing.  So when my husband or I crave fast food, we usuall... 12/08/2023

I have been in Real Estate for a long time but 99% of my sales have been SFR's on lots, not acreage. I have sold all over California but my sales have always been in cities or towns. It is easy most times to price the home and know who the buyers will be.Once I had a really unusual listing in downtown San Jose. The house was built in 1906 and it had 6 bedrooms with 4 baths on a city lot. But, there was no garage and no driveway; only street parking.  Six bed rooms and no place to park. Who would buy this house?Months went by and one day I asked myself, "Who will buy this house". The words San Francisco popped in my head. San Francisco had many similar houses on the market. I marketed San Francisco and the house was in contract 2 weeks later.My learning was not over. San Francisco is on ... 12/08/2023

On November 30, 2023, Realtor.com reported that nationwide median list price of a home was $420,000 in November of 2023 lower 1.0% from $425,000 median list price of a home in November of 2022.There were 754,846 listed inventory of homes in November of 2023, higher 2.4% from October of 2023, and up 0.7% from 511,000 homes listed in the market in November of 2022.Houses stayed 52 days in the market in November of 2023 gained from October of 2023, but decreased 3 days from 49 days in November of 2022.For complete more detailed information about Realtor.com’s real estate trends for November of 2023, please click HERE 12/08/2023

San Mateo, CA: Recently, I have had a few new clients come in with large IRS collection cases.  The IRS had initiated collection action for either a single or multiple years generating a pretty large tax bill with associated penalties and interest for my new clients.The sad part is:  the situation was completely avoidable.In two of the cases, the collection action stemmed from a rather large capital gain from the sale of some cryptocurrency and a stock gain.  In another case, it was a fairly large lottery win (6 figure, not 7 or 8 figure).  In still another, the collection emanated from a large bonus associated with the client's employment, but not included on his W-2.In each case, the clients had "ADVANCED WARNING" that the TAXMAN was waiting in the wings, but the clients did not take ... 12/08/2023

As we step into a future increasingly focused on sustainability, cities across the globe are harnessing the power of renewable energy sources. One such city making substantial strides in this arena is Jacksonville, Florida. The city's exploration and adoption of solar energy have marked a significant shift towards a greener, more sustainable future. This shift holds promise for environmental preservation and presents interesting economic opportunities. In recent years, Jacksonville has seen a rapid increase in the use of solar energy, becoming a shining example for other cities. With an ever-growing number of homes and businesses powered by the sun, the impact of solar energy in Jacksonville is becoming more evident and influential every day. The effects of job creation on environmental... 12/08/2023

I wrote a blog in 2013 about the Scout Law being a Fantastic Sales Law for Realtors and Mortgage Lenders. Going into 2024 I see the world as a sad place and am starting to work on me and my goals toward what is really important to me and what I want to (and need to ) improve on. The Boy Scout Law is a good place to start.  I have also added the 10 characteristics  that A Course in Miracles lists for a Teacher. First,  the Scout Law A Scout is Trustworthy. A Scout tells the truth. He is honest, and he keeps his promises. People can depend on him. A Scout is Loyal. A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation. A Scout is Helpful. A Scout cares about other people. He willingly volunteers to help others without expecting payment or  reward. A Scout is Friendly.... 12/08/2023

The world is shifting towards renewable energy sources, and solar power is leading. Miami has been at the forefront of this movement as a city known for its abundant sunshine. But as with any significant investment, the question arises: are solar panels worth it in Miami? It's a query that many homeowners find themselves asking as they weigh the benefits against the costs. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth look into the potential of solar power in Miami. We'll dive into how solar panels work, the cost and savings associated with their installation, and the unique factors that make Miami a prime location for harnessing solar power. Our goal is to clearly understand whether investing in solar panels is the right move for you in Miami. Understanding Solar Power    http://solaredge... 12/08/2023

Ever met someone pushing you to invest in stocks for a better future? We get it—Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla might've been sweet deals. But hey, not everyone's into the growth game.I'm no financial whiz. Skipped the Blockbuster, deck, Xerox rollercoaster. Instead, I'm all about real estate. Why? It's not just an investment; it's where family memories happen.Real estate is my journey, not just money in a bucket. It's a home, a story. So, what matters to you—cash or memories? Share below! 12/08/2023

Friday Flags  At a Naugatuck CT RetailerI find myself doing a little extra gazing while driving to find a commercial site that has a flagpole and uses it.Sadly, it is not as easy as I would like to see, and I cover the small towns around my work hub looking for opportunities.This past week, I made a stop at the Walmart in Naugatuck, CT and got a smile as I walked to the store front. There was not a lot of wind and the building offered protection but I got enough to wave proudly.This is a standalone store so the builder and management were astute enough to want to at least offer a pole for a flag.There are a couple of other stores in the area but they do not have a flagpole.I don't shop at lot at Walmart but will make this my preferred store in the future.Friday Flags  At a Naugatuck CT ... 12/08/2023

MIDTOWN MIAMI DADE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE BIGGEST SALES * As of December 8, 2023 #RealEstateMiami #SouthFloridaRealEstate #RealEstateMidtownMiami #MidtownMiamiRealEstate #MiamiRealEstate #RealEstate #Realtor #houseexpert #househunting #home #RealEstateAgent #RealEstateBroker #RealEstateExpert #RealEstateForSale #Realty #Broker #HomeForSale #HouseForSale #PropertyForSale #HomeForSaleMiami #HomeForSaleSouthFlorida #HomeForSaleSouthFlorida We have the key to your dream home. Call now for real estate inquiries! 305-741-2142 or visit www.ralphmagin.com  Miami-Dade Florida: When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are cravin... 12/08/2023

Throwback Thursdays: Love "One Drive" the photos keep on coming... sometimes it is a distraction because I click on it and then I am motivated to see other photos and spend some time reflecting on the past.This of course can be a huge distraction and not what I intended on doing. I am very obsessive and compulsive about time management, hence I could say "One Drive is not my friend." Wishing you a safe and healthy life and I look forward to your comments. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, focused and goal-oriented Realtor in the Beverly Hills area who will help you achieve your Real Estate goals, please reach out to me directly! If you are looking for a pet friendly Beverly Hills Realtor who can handle and sell the most difficult properties that no one else could, please reach out... 12/07/2023

TX 4744 Holly Tree Drive, Dallas, TX 75287Nestled in the prestigious Bent Tree North community, 4744 Holly Tree Drive, Dallas, Texas 75287, stands as a beacon of modern luxury living. This exquisite single-family home showcases a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Built-in 1989, the residence spans 3,873 square feet, offering three bedrooms, three full baths, and one half bath.Occupying a generous 0.21-acre lot in Collin County, 4744 Holly Tree Drive commands attention with its captivating curb appeal. The attached 3-car garage, complete with epoxy flooring, adds functional convenience to the property.The outdoor haven is a meticulously landscaped retreat boasting a pristine pool and spa that beckons relaxation. The outdoor kitchen and a serving window leading to a wet bar for... 12/07/2023

When it comes to maintaining the comfort and functionality of your home, keeping your HVAC system in top shape is a priority. However, the cost of HVAC repair can sometimes catch homeowners off guard. Understanding and managing HVAC repair cost per hour is crucial to ensure that your budget remains intact while keeping your indoor environment comfortable. In this informative blog post, we'll explore essential tips and insights to help you make budget-friendly decisions when it comes to HVAC repair cost per hour. Whether you're facing an unexpected breakdown or planning for routine maintenance, these tips will empower you to make informed choices and keep your HVAC system in optimal condition without breaking the bank. So, let's dive into the world of HVAC repair costs per hour and disco... 12/07/2023

Join us for an open house and get a firsthand look at the magic behind these walls. Your dream home journey starts here. See you there!Want to know more? Contact us today!☎ 614-571-4663📩 homescolumbus@gmail.comClick here for more information! 12/07/2023

Unlock the door to your future! 🏡✨ Swing by our open house and explore the endless potential of your next home sweet home. See you there! Don't miss the opportunity to live in the popular Midgard neighborhood near the ravine,Contact us to know more:☎ 614 - 431 - 1220 | 📧 rjoe@kw.comClick here for more information! 12/07/2023

Maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is a top priority for homeowners, and a crucial aspect of achieving this comfort is a well-functioning heating and air conditioning system. Whether you're dealing with chilly winters or scorching summers, a reliable HVAC system ensures that your home remains cozy and pleasant year-round. However, like any mechanical system, HVAC units can encounter issues over time. When your heating and air conditioning repair needs arise, it's essential to have a solid understanding of the basics to make informed decisions and keep your home's climate under control. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of heating and air conditioning repair. We'll break down the key components of your HVAC system, explore common signs indicating that repa... 12/07/2023

 Another happy chapter begins as this stunning property in Columbus finds its new owner! 🏡✨ Sold with joy and gratitude. Here's to new beginnings and cherished memories. Your next real estate adventure awaits. Whether you're buying or selling, we're here to turn your dreams into reality.  Contact us today to get started.☎ 614 - 431 - 1220 | 📧 rjoe@kw.com 12/07/2023