Rich Jacobson wanted to inspire us to do a little "community building" and he said, "Create a post that tells us what you've experienced, what you've learned; how you've benefited from your participation here; the friendships you've made; the ways you've grown personally". Read more of Rich's inspiring post here: "Testimonials in the Rain" - What's YOUR Story? And join in on the comaraderie and community building. (they changed it from bonding...to building lol)
ActiveRain introduced me to a REAL Estate Network to Blog for Business, to blog for conversation with my peers and to read informational and localized posts for all others areas and neighborhoods. ActiveRain is an all in one place to work, relax, read and socialize with members in the Real Estate Industry. No matter how I word it, ActiveRain has been the learning experience of a lifetime and there IS more to come.
John Suler's The Psychology of Cyberspace taught me the significant points I needed to learn about the individuals that hide behind a keyboard, the different personalities and basically about the online presence. I have experienced meeting members in person or phone...and I have made a few valuable friendships that will continue on.
And this is what it's been all about for me: Looking Back on 2007: Giving Back to the Community where I wrote: "It's not hard to get wrapped up in the "fame, glory and recognition" while writing for a large community as ActiveRainhas grown into. The points, the features and the "friends" we accumulate along the road of blogging gets a little exciting, huh? If it is one thing I have respected are the people who did not change in spirit and in soul along their pathway to blogging freedom and remained themselves. The ones who have written from the heart and let their whole persona shine through."
And last but not least....the most important and beneficial thing for me......
**.MY Very FIRST Sale from an ActiveRain lead!**
Yeah, you may not think it's so important to have a closing from a client from an ActiveRain post but I have been blogging on ActiveRain since March of 2007 and this is THE first closing that I have had directly from ActiveRain and a post my client saw *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* Six more weeks will be one year that I have been a member of ActiveRain and this has got to be high on my list for determination to succeed with this thing called Bloggging.....for Business. Over TEN months of continuous blogging it finally it paid off.
Relocations to Hawaii is something that I specialize in. I know what it is like to relocate to a strange place...let alone Across the Ocean to Paradise. That is the post that my client saw on the internet and called me. It just so happened that 10 minutes before my husband is notified the company is closing nationwide...for good. I wrote When Life Throws a Bunch of Curve Balls........ Deal With It! to catch the rest of that story.
The following stories are all related to this particular transaction that is recording Thursday.
- From Call to Contract: Doing My Homework (Part I)
- Be Proactive: Know Your Lender (Part II- From Call to Contract)
- Going Above and Beyond (Part III- From Call to Contract)
- VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process
You bet I'm proud! We signed last Thursday, the loan officer called and said it's funding by noon tomorrow and recording Thursday morning. ......ONE WEEK ahead of schedule. Proud. It's about how hard I've worked blogging and keeping balance with my Localism posts. It's about receiving many leads from ActiveRain, BUT this one went through. Smoothly.
Last but not least.....I sincerely thank the founders, staff and members who have guided and supported me throughout....to get to where I am today. Without that quality of relationships....what is a professional worth?
UPDATE 1/24/2008: At 8:15am (half hour ago) I received a call from escrow that they received clearance from the Bureau of Conveyances that we recorded. I called my client and wished her a Congratulations and will be going to the unit shortly to drop off a basket of wonderful stuff for her and put on my lockbox as she is in some kind of military class.
I am the PROUD Real Estate Agent of my very FIRST ActiveRain closed (recorded) transaction!
In Hawaii, we sign a week or so before (to be on the safe side) and the loan company will fund one day prior to recordation. When escrow receives the funds they take all documents to the Bureau of Conveyances to record and it is usually by the next business day. THEN we hand over the keys to the buyer. Do I hear a WooHoo?!!
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Brian: You are getting better at first place..haha...see you in the morning.
Missy: Did you do one? I think I must've written quite a few...what ActiveRain has done for me....Main one was the giving back to the community....which Rich is trying to inspire...he's so cute.
Stephanie: Yes it is...anything that is going to inspire great writing and supporting each other is a good idea.
Sally-I read Rich's Post....it looks like you went for every category.......did you leave anything off LOL.....anyway.....what you have written here is a very good recap of your experiences here. I agree that it is like a one stop shop.....you can find just about anything here :) :)
OK, how many Rich Points did you get LOL.....................
Sally, congrats on your sale. I am just about to reach my one year anniversary and I know that Active Rain has directed people to my website but I don't know of anything that was directly from my blogging. It is something to keep striving for though. It has been such a rich experience that I know I will just keep on.
Sally - what a nice testimonial to your efforts and to ActiveRain. Congratulations on your sale. You and your buyer must be thrilled. There is so much that can be said about AR - this clearly come from your heart and soul! See ya in 6 days!!
Jeff
Kathy: I just did what he said....okay...all of it...darn Virgo is detailed. I told him to trade em in for a plane ticket for him/wife to come on a second honeymoon lol!
Marchel: I've had a few from articles I've written...and even took out a couple of leads...that turned into nothing....and this is the first one...called...asked for me...said she saw my article and I'm the person for her. Another who went to my website is coming in a week and a half. I've gotten many contacts for rentals too....but I direct them to our office.
Jeff: Thanks Jeff! It was one interesting transaction. I know one thing...I appreciate AR...Without it I'd be in nothing land like before. This transaction paid off for a little time and effort. I like that. I'll be more please when the Outside AR blog is up....hint...hint...:)
Thesa: Yeah...know what you mean. I gotta get one done...tomorrow. :)
Carole: And you too have a bunch to tell....go do one too!
I knew you would have to slip in the fairy somehwere. LOL
You have turned into a great blogger in such a short time. I am glad you joined us.
Hahahaha...Randy....fairy tales come true lol! I am glad you invited me... hey...we're going to have fun on Monday with these guys...woohoo!
Katerina: Yup...mighty proud of myself and glad she happened to see my post. Stay tuned for Monday's Hawaii Gathering!
I'm very happy for your success, Sally. You even went "high tech" with your post!
If it is one thing I have respected are the people who did not change in spirit and in soul along their pathway to blogging freedom and remained themselves.
Those are the people to keep around you, all right.
Yes, ActiveRain could use this post for PR. You are one of the members that I consider a mentor and leader here on AR. I appreciate that you have remained true to yourself. I just know that the Sally I know here is the same Sally she would be if and when I meet her. :0)
Sally,
I was so happy for you when you wrote about receiving a client via one of your blogs....with the number and quality of blogs you write for localism, I believe you'll be receiving an avalanche of new prospects/clients this year...
you certainly deserve it and anyone who finds you through one of your posts is lucky indeed.
Jo
Sally - thank you for this post it is quite inspirational to me, especially as I start out. I am feeling discouraged but have glimmer of hope and what to keep a positive outlook
Again, thank you.
B
Wonderful blog entry. I am going to send this to one of my friends who has been hesitant about joining ActiveRain. Many people I have spoken with ask me why I waste my time here, your answer is perfect.
Thanks
Great posting there Sally. I hope you receive your bonus points too. Great success story!
Don
Elaine: Well, Rich gave us something to do that will build our community...not keep breaking it down..and with all the malcontents out there....we surely got to bring some positive in to balance it all out. Thanks and my sentiments exactly.
Dan: Thanks buddy! Are you starting on yours? Yours will definitely add some inspirational words to this community!
Gary: Records tomorrow! WooHoo! Thanks for always coming by to support me....I gotta seriously catch up....busy doing my carpet, washed the dog, and actually cooked yesterday..lol!
Sandra: It's topics like this that will surely get us going to support our ActiveRain...too much complaining ...too many chiefs. lol!
Wonderful testimony! I love hearing the successes from people of AR, its worth the fun time spent. Sometimes I think I'm spending too much time, because I enjoy it so much - but its business :) !!
Looks like a nice place.... I want to sit on the Lanai there as well !!
Neal: As do they you. It's all of us who are contributing to support this platform. I may not be a controversial writer...but that's okay...need to balance out the other stuff :)
Cynthia: Well, until we get to meet...you'll hear all about us at our Hawaii Gathering on Monday...now that I am excited about...another great story about how ActiveRain brought us together. Cool.
Jeanean: That's cool... you have many posts you have written about that are positive and inspirational to this network....that you can use in your post. I'm sure it'll be fine.....:)
Jo: Thanks Jo. I've been battling over the "assignment" for your Localism group. I've got to pump one out ...to balance out my writing again....lol! Thanks Jo.
Sally, wonderful news on your client and I have to say this blogging thing is still new to me. I have really enjoyed the information, inspiration and stories fellow agent and affiliates have shared. Looking forward to 2008 and perhaps I can send someone your way.
Brenda: If anything...don't get discouraged! It's like any other place....starting new in real estate, an office or just the new kid on the block. It's not instant....it's work and effort. Welcome and see you around the rain!
Frank: Thanks for dropping by and I'm glad you're starting to see some activity from your blogging!
Carole: You're funny...people are going to start talking....too many features in short period of time :)
Ira: Great! I have invited several...only one is starting to actually write :)
Mana: And it's the support we ALL give to others that makes this a great community
Katerina: Either I'm all of a sudden great writer or it's to announce our gathering in hawaii and the week in review that always get featured....and then this one...for the inspirational challenge gave to us. Which he is picking to feature :)
Lil Bro: Noogie on your head lol! I want to adopt you. :)
Donald: Wow...I went to go look....they did woohoo! (I'm trying to trade in my points for plane tickets for Rich and his wife's second honeymoon :) Thanks for coming by and reading my story!
Anonymous writer: Thanks!
Kim: Thanks Kim! I have written for almost a year....and I don't think I spend too much time...if I get everything else done first...I can blog away!
Katherine: Thanks for the call and will look forward to meeting you next month! You'll be fine!
Wayne: Cool....hope you enjoy.
Sally congratulations on your first ActiveRain Closing. I read your blogs leading up to this point, and it is good to see the Closing finally happen. I can’t believe that it has been almost a year that you have been blogging here. It seems just like yesterday that I read your first blog.
Another STAR ............ you go girl.
Lisa: Okay...so ...are you going to do a testimonial post too?
Midori: Thanks...smile smile.
Bob/Carolin: Thanks for coming by...and glad you enjoyed.
Melissa: Thanks...interesting to do.
Martin: Thanks for the uplifting comment this am. (it's am here :) And also thanks for the vote of confidence. I feel the same about many others as well.
Barbara: Thanks for coming by...I'm having my coffee :)
Jewell: Keep it up and welcome!!!!
Team Miura: Thanks so much and I sure willl!
Kathy: Oh, she is painting and moving and the handyman was there by the afternoon to fix a couple of minor things...she's also going to redo the bathroom floor, already bought the vanity etc. I loved talking to you yesterday.....we both were on some kind of smiling high...woohoo!
Amanda: Thanks Amanda....and everyone...Amanda is new...writing and needs some more welcoming!
Tom: Oh, yes.....wait until Monday!
Woo Hoo Sally...
I am so sorry. I could have sworn I commented on this already. As I don't see me here I guess I must have gotten side tracked with something else.
Anyway...Now that I am here I would like to congratulate you on the fine Testimonial post :)
I am pleased to see you added the Cyberspace Study link. I wish more people would read that :)
TLW...ROAR!
Gail: Thanks for your comment and support.... it's all of us contributing as a whole that makes AR a wonderful community. Love it!
TLW: I always do that too. Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my testimonial. I really have learned so much on AR ... I don't forget about the Cyberspace study....that and you..helped me gain insight into personalities here. :)
You're welcome...whoever you are :)