Most frequently hired Realtor® in Canyon Creek - YOUR TRUSTED RESOURCE.

Sixteen years! It’s hard to believe I’ve been blogging on Active Rain for that long! Sixteen years ago, when I first dove into the world of blogging, I did it to pivot my business amidst the 2008 financial crisis. With the real estate market on rocky ground, it was time to rethink marketing strategies, and I knew I needed something fresh and engaging. My son, John Dunham , along with Roxanne Ford, my friend and marketing rep from Austin Title, gave me the gentle push I needed to get started on Active Rain.

Roxanne was right there by my side, helping me fill out my profile and launch my blog. On October 31, 2008, I hit “submit” on my first three posts, what a mix of excitement and nerves! Though I was brimming with enthusiasm, the initial response was a bit of a letdown. No comments on my first attempts despite hours spent crafting posts and adding photos! But that didn’t stop me. I posted 23 times in November, drawing a total of just three comments. By December, things were looking up with 41 posts and 119 comments. Not exactly an avalanche, but it was encouraging!

In those early days, it was George Souto, Kathy Streib, Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC – Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Claude Labbe, and Sharon Tara who took the time to read and comment, giving me that extra boost. They may not know it, but their feedback helped keep me going, reminding me of the importance of community. Soon, I noticed local residents in my community were following along, keeping up with my posts and letting me know they were reading.

Then came the “aha!” moment: interacting with others was key! By commenting on posts, sharing ideas, and connecting with people across the country, I could amplify my reach and forge meaningful connections. I soon built a routine of reading and engaging early each morning, and it transformed my blogging journey. Active Rain became a daily mini course on real estate, best practices, and new perspectives from professionals everywhere. Over time, I found inspiration, humor, and a wealth of knowledge I hadn’t anticipated.

Thanks to John and Roxanne, I embarked on this blogging adventure that has enriched my professional life and brought me new friends and insights I never imagined. Now, as I celebrate sixteen incredible years and a #2 spot on the Texas Leader Board, I look back with gratitude and pride. Here’s to many more years of sharing, learning, and loving every minute of this network. Cheers to sixteen years on Active Rain!! Happy Anniversary to me!♥