Why do I blog on Active Rain?
TLW wrote an interesting post in which she asked us to comment with our own responses as to why we post on Active Rain and what we get from it. I wrote a lengthy comment there, but I realized that I should actually turn it into a post of my own as well, because I sincerely feel that Active Rain has contributed more to the success of my business than just about anything, because of the balance and support it offers me as well as all of the more obvious benefits.
When we are cooped up so much of our day (and evening) in our home offices, it is easy to feel cut off from the world and it can be difficult to keep up with new tech stuff, fun stuff and marketing. AR allows me to take a quick break here and there throughout the day for some encouragement, some 
humor, some help with a specific issue, or to offer my own help or advice to another. It allows me to be a much more pleasant and upbeat person with my family and friends, and that in turn makes me more productive in business and in my personal life.
When I first joined Active Rain, I thought it was so that I could write posts aimed at consumers, in the hope of getting some business from people who would appreciate my experience and expertise.
It wasn't long before I realized that I had joined a special community of professionals willing to help each other as well, and I wanted to contribute to my fellow 
real estate agents in addition to consumers, as I was learning new things here every day, and I wanted to "pay it forward." So some of my posts were aimed at agents.
The more I wrote and the more I read, the more I began to feel like I had made some friends here, as they shared some of their personal stories, and I began sharing more of my own personality, and posting photos of things I found interesting or special or funny.
AR is also a support group for times when I find myself in a dilemma I've never in my 20+ years in the business faced before.
Through all of the mixture of posts on my blog I have truly become friends with some of my regular readers and those whose blogs I read all the time, and I have gotten several excellent clients, including repeat clients, from consumers who have begun to feel that they know me from all my posts - personal, business and photos.
So why am I a constant ARer? Because it enriches my life on many levels, and I wouldn't care to pick one above the others!
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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."
For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.
"Music to Sooth the Savage Chickens"
parking lots and shuttle to the festival. Shuttles will run every 15-20 minutes from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm on Saturday, making stops at Scandinavian Design (4301 Fair Oaks Blvd at Winding Way), and you can also walk from there if you prefer. Just walk across Sunrise and up a short block to the park. There will be handicap parking at Russ Monroe's Village Chapel (corner of Winding Way and Fair Oaks Blvd). There may be additional shuttle stops at other parking lots, and once those are announced, I will update this post.
decided to lower credit scores for anyone doing a loan modification.
I also thought that extenuating circumstances helped to mitigate the credit score. In other words, if you show a late on your credit but can explain that it was because you lost your job or were hospitalized from an accident or something similar, you didn't lose the points you would ordinarily have lost. 
why not just do a short sale and get out of the loan if you'll be penalized anyway.
mortgages, and a couple of the lenders I work with regularly have become good at this new program, I am offering this to my buyers who qualify (62 years old or more). It is great for older folks who are downsizing, and allows them so much flexibility in their lifestyle!
seeing. Some of my current clients include people who have been in my database from meeting them months ago at open houses or otherwise answering some of their real estate questions. I have kept them on my email list for real estate news, listings similar to what they indicated they wanted, and my enewsletters. Now ready, they have been calling me.
Home prices not seen in Sonoma County in nine years continued to draw buyers back into the housing market in February, according to a new report. Sales jumped 77.6% in February compared to a year ago - rising for the 11th consecutive month - as bargain hunters snapped up foreclosure properties, often priced under $300,000. "People who had been waiting are taking advantage right now. We have a lot of first-time buyers, and investment buyers have been coming out of the woodwork."
Patriot Golf Day, in which people all over the country will be playing golf on Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, in honor of soldiers killed or disabled in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to benefit their spouses and children.
As the plane landed, the pilot spoke. "We have the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board, and his twin brother Corporal Brad Bucklin has accompanied him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while we honor Corporal Bucklin and his sacrifice," the pilot requested over the intercom.
No outside food or drink may be brought in, but water and treats will be provided for the dogs and a close concession stand will be open for their owners. The seating is in a lawn area and should be comfortable and lots of fun. You may bring blankets or beach chairs if you want. Please do keep your dog on a leash.