I was honored when Midori Miller asked me to do the Blogger's Choice Selections, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Some of the following contributors you may recognize, read often, or maybe don't recognize or have never read at all. I'll try to highlight some posts from a variety of writer's and subjects to hopefully give everyone insight into our Industry and some of the people inside of it. So sit back, pour yourself a tall, cold, green beer and enjoy the following posts....I think you'll find them magically delicious:-)
The first selection I'll point out is by a very underrated, under-read, yet very talented & experienced Mortgage Professional. In these times where the word 'Regulation' is thrown around the Mortgage Industry like a Leprechaun at 'The World's Strongest Man' Competition, Scott Geary presents another Industry that we often time ignore, yet is responsible for many of our Culture's Financial Woes. He asks us this, 'Mortgage vs. Credit Card Companies - Quien Es Mas Macho?'
Midori Miller takes an interesting perspective on how the Writer's Strike can affect Real Estate and our economy as a whole. Her approach is one of compassion, pointing out how our decisions can prove to provide adverse ramifications across the board. That's the one thing about Greed, it tends to cause a whirlwind of turbulence. Check out 'Writer's Strike...Why? Real Estate Will Be Affected!' and see what you think.
Sometimes, it's the Title of the Post that grabs you. In the following contributor's case, it was just the case for me. Audrey June-Forshey writes a very concise viewpoint on how we tend to buy into everybody's most beloved Real Estate Experts, The Media. While I'm a peaceful soul most hours of most days, I agree with Audrey when she writes, ' Kill your television.'
There is a reason the following contributor of Active-Rain is looked upon as one of the best of the best by most of us. I've called her 'The Master' and if AR had a Hall-of-Fame, she'd be the first inductee in my mind. Whether you're a consumer on the outside looking in, or a Real Estate Professional, the following post is flat-out AWESOME for any prospective buyer, seller, or homeowner. 'REAL ESTATE SECRETS THE AGENT MAY NOT TELL YOU' is yet another contribution by a lady who helps to set the bar around here, Lenn Harley IS The Master!
One of the most inspiring & truly great examples of what is right about the Real Estate Industry is Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman. With so many hands already involved in any Real Estate Transaction, Sally points out a big No-No that is to be avoided. 'When Sellers Play Real Estate Agent..... Reputations At Risk' created some nice conversation and input from Active-Rain and something all Agents should probably read and chew on. Some call her Inspiring, some call her WOOHOO, I call her the Sister I never had:-)
Brian 'He's off the starting' Block wrote a stellar Localism Piece that reminds us once again of the true value and importance of having an Agent representing you and your interests. Reading 'Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines: It's time to sell!' will put you on the fast-track to selling your home in a timely manner for the most profit for the punch!
I'm a picky guy when it comes to those I read and subjects that interest me. I can honestly say that if I were to pick a handful of writers that I would call a must-read, Lola Audu would definitely make that list. 'How "Cream Puff" Marketing is Slowly Deflating the Real Estate Industry? ' is a wonderful piece that we should all take heed too. It will not only help take back the Real Estate Industry by the competent & ethical, it will also help instill the confidence & trust that the consumer may have lost because of the few that gave a lot of us a bad name to begin with.
The following post I loved, heck I knew I would just from the title of it. Allison Stewart presents an article I couldn't agree with more in, 'SINCE WHEN IS BEING COLORFUL A BAD THING?' In life & in any line of work, we should probably all look inwardly and honestly to make sure we are practicing what this post preaches. The message is enlightening and oh so very true!
This post was written awhile back, but I do think it worth re-visiting. It struck a cord with me, because the post he was referring too was actually 'calling out' a former co-worker of mine. Eric Kodner is right on point and creates some discussion with this post from back in December 'What Is "Hate Speech"?. The bottom line in my book, we all share one undeniable likeness, we are human and we're in this gig together.
I hope you enjoyed these posts and discussions as much as your 'Not so Irish' author. None the less, a few more hours to go before I will be sipping on a Green Beer or two or three myself. As always, moderation is key...don't drink & drive....or blog for that matter. Well, maybe you can get away with the drinking and blogging thing:-) Thank you Lola for this group and to Midori Miller for being asked to bring home this rather difficult task. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!!!
I agree - it is often the title that pulls me in - sometimes for good reason. I also enjoyed Audrey's post. There are lots here that I missed though and I plan to read them as soon as I have a little time to catch up.
Happy St. Patrick's Day Jason! Save a beer for me :)
p.s. How did I miss that post by Geary??
Melissa - Back at ya!
Jennifer - I certainly will my dear. Not sure, I really liked that post from Geary.
John - Thank you very much sir, hope you like those posts as much as I did.
Jason, Wow thanks for bringing these to my attention. I gone through a few and they are excellent and I appreciate you pulling this together.
Very important too: Happy St Patty's day to you!! From one Irish person to another (everyone is Irish on St Patty's Day!) Enjoy your green beer tonight.
Lola - Thank you Lola, it wasn't easy. I hope this leads some individuals to check out some mighty good contributions from members of Blogger's Choice.
Lenza - You too man, it's hard not to click a post with that type of title.
Karen - Awwww, you do the same Karen. Thanks!
Midori - Happy St. Paddy's day! Yup, off the cuff. Even when I try to sit down and take my time, it never works out that way. I end up having to just do it my way:-)
Allison - Thank you and I'm about trying to make people feel "egg-stra" special:-)
Susan - Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed.
Thanks for including me Jason! I am honored to be among the selections here. These surely bring out some of the posts that bring and add value to the platform....sometimes ...we the people need to pick some out of the crowd that were obviously missed :)
I'll have a green tea please. (no beer and now no shakes...sob)
No worries Sis, I personally love green tea...so I'm all stocked up:-)
Sandra - Right back at ya, say hi to Dano for me as well.
Great post Jason and thanks for the feature. I've gotten a lot of mail from that post.
I actually read all of these posts and remembered all of them.
Good job. This is an interesting group. There just isn't sufficient "feature" room for the great articles on this network. So, this group gives us a "second bite at the apple".
Audrey - It was my pleasure, it certainly got my attention and I thought it deserved some more recognition. Thank you!
Missy - I got your back:-)
Rich - Yes, I wanted to make sure to add those posts into the mix as well. I'm a staunch believer in adding more of the human element to this Industry. Thank you for the kind words.
Jason,
Some of these bloggers are favorites of mine, but some are new to me ... don't know how I've missed them before, but I'll be reading these posts per your recommendation tonight! Thanks. Good post!
Lenn - I love the idea and concept behind this group and hope that more people will get on board as I do believe the is one of the true 'gems' in regards to groups here on Acive-Rain. Heck, with Lola Audu as the founder, it's hard to go wrong.
Cheryl - Thank you and I hope you enjoy them. It was truly my pleasure.
Jan - I hope you find some new talent that strikes your fancy. Thanks for the nice comment.
Hi Jason,
Nice picks, I read many of these. Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! :)
Jason.... looks like some great selections here by a very good blogger himself.... nice job here...
Now it's time to go drink with my Lepercons...
Thanks for taking on the task, I'm sure it was a difficult one. Lots of reading to catch up on.
Looks like you came up with a great selection! I'm going to have to go check some of them out. Anything titled Kill Your Television is worth a read in my book! I hope I'm *bright* enough to understand them all! BwaHaaHaa!
Enjoy your Green beer! Stay safe, don't drink and blog.
Nice work, and Happy St Patricks day to you!!!
Jason,
Had to stop by to see what's going on. Glad I did. Enjoyed some of the picks you had chosen, especially the Midori piece on the writers' strike. In honor of St. Pat's day, hoist one for all mortgage people and our fellow real estate pros.
Jason - I will enjoy reading the posts you have chosen for us to read. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!
Jason,
I hope you had a great St. Patty's day!
Brian - Nope, I did the moderation thing:-)
Suzanne - Back at ya, hope all is well!
Jeff - Thanks man, I bet you drank those Leprechauns under the table:-))
Cynthia - Yes it was, never an easy one. Thank you for stopping by.
Jay - As always, thank you for stopping by and I hope you get something out of these posts. Some good stuff in there.
Christine - I hope you liked!
Jeannie- Oh, you are 'bright' enough. If need be, I'll draw up a 'Cliff-notes' version of my post for your little friend:-) Me? Drink & Blog? Why never....
Linda - Thank you so much, hope you enjoyed your day.
Esko - Long time no see amigo! And you bet I did!!
Teresa - Why thank you so much, very kind words.
Candy - Hope you enjoyed the reads.
You too Neal!
Well Matthew, I'm a way cool guy. Either that, or I'm downright delusional:-)
Diane - Yes I did, there is a method behind my madness.
Hi Sardi...
Sorry to have missed this yesterday. When I found the time to Blog...AR went 500 on me :)
Anyway...Great selections and thank you for introducing me to a Blogger I didn't know :)
TLW...ROAR!
Hello TLW - And which new Blogger may that be? And did you ever really call me?
SARDI...MEOW?
Hello Sardi...
Audrey I think :)
And I'm on the phone with you now :)
I won't mention the p thing :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW - It was a pleasure speaking with you last evening, despite the 'backround noise' that B.B. provided;-)
Natalie - Yes they are, same to you!
LOL...
That call was overdue and so was you taking a turn at making me laugh :)
I am off to go find something to do that will keep from entertaining the oral fixation :)
Ooops...Now that remark is going to have folks wondering. Good :)
TLW...ROAR!
Marc - Thanks man, I think we share similiar tastes in what we like to read so perhaps you'll find some of these as interesting as I do.
Sarah - I've secretly hired 'Ghost Readers' which makes my job seem painless & pretty damn easy:-)
Jason - This is a treasure trove of information. I will come back to this entry and give it the time it deserves (like, obviously, you did).
I am forming a picture of a remarkably dedicated man here.
Awesome.
Jason - I'm going to have to take a break from the Mutual Admiration Society. But I will be back to finish your writings.
I am learning, you know.
Hope you had the luck of the Irish on St Patrick's Day.