ActiveRain Community

There is a Biblical saying "Guard your heart". Now many folks think that means to never fall in love. They are wrong. In Biblical times your heart was also a reference to the thoughts in your mind. To guard one's heart meant to avoid negative input. Avoid negative TV shows. Avoid negative movies. Avoid negative music. Avoid negative people (I know - that may mean losing 30% of your contacts on your phone. LOL). Most importantly, focus on what is good and what is right and let that be predominant in your thoughts. 10/06/2024

I was looking for a recipe to add to my October menu and when back to Endre list of recipes and caught this one.  It is on the menu for Oct. 27 I made a Clam Corn Chowder! Have you ever made one like this? In all fairness I saw a recipe on the interned about a creamy Corn and Clam Chowder ..... and after I read the recipe... I just said Hmm not a good idea. Nevertheless, it gave me the inspiration to make my version. I reached out to one of my favorite Chef's cookbooks: 50 Chowders ... by Jasper White I looked at about five or six of his various recipes and based on that I created my own. The result was great and Diane who is one of my harshest critics was very pleased with it. So if you want to do this it takes a bit of effort: 1. 4 fresh corns 2. 2 lbs. or about 9 large clams 3. about... 10/06/2024

I just read this post from John McCormack's wife, Debbie. I am saddened to read this and my heart and prayers go out to her and the family. Our ActiveRain family will feel his loss. I always appreciated his kind comments, his wisdom, and his support. May each of you feel loved today as we all know how very precious life is and how quickly things can change. Hugs to you all. LIV2DAY! 10/06/2024

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:I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I?Answer: YarnBrain Buster for Thursday, October 10What is always in front of you but can't be seen? 10/10/2024

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:What has a head and a tail but no body?Answer: A CoinBrain Buster for Wednesday, October 9I’m found in socks, scarves, and mittens; and often in the paws of playful kittens. What am I? 10/09/2024

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:What comes once in a year, twice in a month, but never in a day?Answer: The Letter 'E'Brain Buster for Tuesday, October 8What has a head and a tail but no body? 10/08/2024

How to Speak with Confidence When You Don’t Feel ItBy Gary Coles, Cowboy CoachingAs a real estate agent, your ability to communicate effectively can make or break your career. Whether you're negotiating a deal, presenting a property, or delivering a pitch to win a client, speaking with confidence is crucial. But what happens when that confidence doesn't come naturally?This is a struggle even the most successful people in the world have faced. From high-profile business leaders to seasoned real estate pros, the challenge of projecting confidence when you don’t feel it is universal. The good news is, that like any skill, confidence can be cultivated. And it starts with mindset, preparation, and practice.Let’s dive into how you can speak with confidence—whether you feel it or not—and nail ... 10/05/2024

A few months ago, I found what I thought was the right condo for a favorite buyer. We had been looking for six months. Our offer was accepted, but the inspection revealed latent defects that were not acceptable. There was no choice but to withdraw from that transaction. Finally, another one showed up, and we made an appointment for this one the minute it hit the market.  We immediately made an offer that could not be turned down. We asked the listing agent what the seller wanted, including the price, terms, closing dates, and whether a post-occupancy was needed. It was a desirable property we had waited for and was perfect.  The rapport with this agent was perfect, and she was a delight.  Her only goal was to make this deal work for everyone. A few concerns were quickly addressed, and a... 10/06/2024

Motivation inspires us to take that first step—whether it’s exercising, eating well, or practicing self-care—but it’s the daily routines and rituals we develop that ultimately support our long-term well-being. By cultivating healthy habits, we create a stable foundation for our wellness journey, ensuring that we not only start strong but continue to thrive. ​​Find the balance between motivation and creating habits. Start your wellness journey with the RATE APP!  #ThankfulTips #DailyPositivity #DailyPositivity2024 #PositivityQuote #PositivityQuotes #GuaranteedRate #Mortgage #MortgageLender #Atlanta #AtlantaMortgage #AlabamaMortgage #ArizonaMortgage #ArkansasMortgage #CaliforniaMortgage #ColoradoMortgage #FloridaMortgage #GeorgiaMortgage #IndianaMortgage #MichiganMortgage #MississippiMort... 10/10/2024

Some markets lag while others set the standard. But understanding the big picture can help the agent notice changes in their market.    2025 Shall Be The Year Of ActiveRain! When I joined Activerain, the Covid Crisis was still a decade away (do the math on that). In those early Years Activerain was a terrific resource. At the time the big box broker training was way behind the times (sound familiar).  Like many members, I drifted away over the years. Why? Because I knew everything of course! When I started working my new market I came back. Boy I'm happy I did! Here are some ways I see Activerain helping in 2025.  1) We can learn from others-- How did I learn about short sales back in the day? By using the search feature on AR. Presto! a multitude of free training on the subject. By doi... 10/07/2024

As the Sandpoint Idaho temps grow cooler, high 30's to mid 40's at night, the leaves turn simple landscapes into an artist's canvas.I must be honest, I went back and forth in posting this.  The heart ache of Helene with all the damage that will take years, if ever, to replace has me feeling a bit guilty posting this type of beauty.The beauty of the Naples Idaho contrasting colors are here, and will not change due to disasters either in our nation, or on another continent.  I share this beautiful contrast in colors with all due respect to people affected by Hurricane Helene.   Mark Don McInnesBroker - Owner208 255-6227 SandpointNorthIdaho.com - North Idaho Home & Land Searches Sandpoint Realty LLC1205 Highway 2Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 10/05/2024

Buyers and Sellers You Always Have a ChoiceBuyers and sellers should not feel obligated to use a particular real estate agent. Maybe it's a friend, a relative, or an acquaintance who has previously talked to you about RE. Perhaps it's an agent you have me through an open house, a party, or at work. Maybe it's a person who is friends with a relative, and again, you feel that obligation.You feel like you must use them and may feel trapped by a specific agent. This is not the time or place for guilt.How do I know? Buyers and sellers talk to me; they call and ask me for advice. In the past couple of weeks, two callers asked me about properties.The responses were disturbing when asked if they had a buyer's agent.They "sort of" have an agent and don't feel they are looking out for them. The a... 10/08/2024

I feel my tech tools are leading me into better contacts with past and future clients.    Our October challenge hosted by Frank Worrell and Carol Williams is about the tech tools we are using and those we have even discarded. My first I want to share is one I knew of for a while but only recently started using extensively. That is RPR it has allowed me to reach out to potential clients with a property report, just one of multiple you can select from, and email it to the client, impressing them with the depth of information. It includes a valuation of the property as well, with a score about how accurate that valuation might be, from one to five stars. The feedback i have had from those I have sent it to has been one of gratitude and they have been impressed with the depth of information... 10/05/2024

It's October and I am Ready for Halloween Here’s what you can expect from my upcoming posts: How to Speak with Confidence When You Don’t Feel It The Secrets to an Effective Listing Presentation Mastering Buyer Interviews: Questions to Ask and How to Read Their Responses Public Speaking 101: How to Engage Any Audience How to Prepare for the Toughest Questions in Interviews or Presentations Let’s Connect for a Free 15-Minute Review Extending Your Hand in a Time of Need Can Change the Course of Peoples lives -- Including Yours.https://www.gofundme.com/f/change-four-lives-with-education   Gary Colesgarytcoles@gmail.com307-288-5660+ 52-664-125-4280 (MX)   10/04/2024

 Choose who you want to work with. This decision is in your hands. It is not how many listings you take or how many buyers you are helping.Ask questions. Have they already spoken to agents, or have any relatives or others they may feel obligated to?  I know agents who have spent time with sellers, helping them price, stage, or telling them what they need to do before selling.  Those same agents get disappointed when the seller goes with another agent.  If you are spending time and giving this advice, you better have a signed agreement. Otherwise, that seller has no obligation to you.  I wonder how many have been in this situation.  Be careful, Realtors®. Some buyers and sellers interview agents for their knowledge and ideas.  Some, when they are already listed with another agent, will a... 10/04/2024

What Makes A House Have Value??Getting ready to sell your home in greater Destin Florida? One of the first things we do is determine to find the proper asking price. Let's examine some factors that contributes to a home's value...Factors that influence a home's value1) Location-- This is the granddaddy of them all. One thing you cannot change (without heavy equipment) is where the home sits. There can be a MASSIVE price distinction between a home on the beach verses one 1/2 mile away. 2) Features/amenities--A condo with deeded garage space or a boat slip will command more than a building missing those items. It's critical the agent's marketing puts these features  front and center. The buyers in this price range certainly know. Be cautious adding features though. Not everything (in fact... 10/04/2024

 NORTH MIAMI KEYSTONE SANS SOUCI MIAMI-DADE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE BIGGEST SALES *as October 4, 2024  WE HAVE THE KEY TO YOUR DREAM HOME. CHECK OUT REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN NORTH MIAMI KEYSTONE. #RealEstateMiami #SouthFloridaRealEstate #RealEstateNorthMiamiKeystoneMiami #NorthMiamiKeystoneRealEstate #MiamiRealEstate #RealEstate #Realtor #houseexpert #househunting #home #RealEstateAgent #RealEstateBroker #RealEstateExpert #RealEstateForSale #Realty #Broker #HomeForSale #HouseForSale #PropertyForSale #HomeForSaleMiami #HomeForSaleSouthFlorida #HomeForSaleSouthFlorida Home Values Rise Even as Median Prices Fall in Miami - Dade FloridaRecent headlines have been buzzing about the median asking price of homes dropping compared to last year, and that’s sparked plenty of confusion. And a... 10/04/2024

Have a problem with smiley's? 🙁 Well, bless your little heart! 😘 Recently, I came across a post that was written in 2007 and the jest of the message was that a fellow member was chastised for using emoji's in his answers in the Rain. Can you believe someone would choose to be that petty? 🙄 And further more, to email and berate him as well?! 😠 Well, it's true. I had to laugh 😄 because, while he admitted the woman was quite attractive, her behavior did not match the face. Ugly 👹 starts from the inside and radiates out. Believe me, having watched people transform, it's true.  Do you think the person who did this will come forward and claim she threw that petty party ? 🤫 I doubt it as it would show who she truly is 😡, instead of the one that is publicly shown to all of us. 😊 I'll give you a... 10/04/2024

Join us for PUMPKIN PATCH 2024!🥫🍴 Bring any canned goods or make a cash donation to support those in need, and you'll receive a beautiful pumpkin in return. Let's come together to make a difference, It will be a great day!#PumpkinGiveaway #CommunityLove #thejacksonteamEVENT LINK HERE  10/04/2024

Places To Eat In Destin Florida- Dewey DestinsOne of the benefits to being the World's Luckiest Fishing Village is access to fresh seafood. Locals and visitors to Destin Florida keep returning to Dewey Destins for a reason. Let's have a look! Located on Destin Harbor, Deweys surprises guest with a neat outdoor waiting space. The crowds are real during peak season, but with these MASSIVE oak trees providing shade, the time passes in a hurry. Before long the host is escorting your party to the table and passing out menus. There a multitude of menu choices, I recommend sticking with one of their market fresh fish options. Usually there are snapper, tuna, redfish, and grouper selections. The above is a grouper filet with parmigiana crust. Served baked, the best term to describe this plate i... 10/04/2024