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Dee Greene Hill

Philadelphia Area REALTOR®

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Real Estate

Your Learning Journey Starts Here

by Dee Greene Hill

As the back-to-school season begins, consider expanding your skills and knowledge this fall. In 2025, a wealth of free online resources will be available for anyone looking to continue their education, acquire new skills, or simply explore a topic of interest.

Whether you want to learn a new language, get a second degree, or get insight into investing or real estate, keep reading for some tools that will help you reach a new goal. 

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Level Up Your Learning: Essential Educational Tools

Duolingo

I know many people love this app because it’s a great way to learn a new language. It’s completely free, and the lessons are easy to access and feel like a game. What I find really cool is that there are no hidden fees, so everyone gets the same full experience. You can also customize your learning journey by moving through the bite-sized lessons at your own pace. 

LEARN MORE

Coursera

Coursera offers a flexible, self-guided online learning experience accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or background. Whether your goal is to acquire a new skill, delve into an unfamiliar topic, or earn a professional certification to enhance your resume, Coursera allows you to tailor your educational path. The platform provides a wide array of free courses, alongside paid options for more advanced studies.

LEARN MORE

Philadelphia Continued Education

Interested in furthering your education but not interested in relocating from the Philadelphia area? The city works with local organizations to offer services to residents 16 and older who are looking to grow their civic skills. Contact adultedu@phila.gov for more information!

LEARN MORE

Udemy

Udemy is a popular online learning marketplace where experts teach a wide range of courses, from professional skills to personal interests. Learners get lifetime access to self-paced content after purchase.

LEARN MORE

The CE Shop

Ready to embark on a new career path in real estate? The CE Shop provides comprehensive online pre-licensing courses, designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. And I’m always available to answer any questions about getting your license in PA!

LEARN MORE

Your Next Obsession: Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter

The Real Estate Podcast at Bigger Pockets

Hosted by Dave Meyer, this podcast is the longest-running podcast at Bigger Pockets and breaks down real estate investment strategies. The Real Estate Podcast provides plenty of tips for listeners with new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

HAVE A LISTEN

The Ramsey Show

Dave Ramsey, author and personal finance expert, walks listeners through financial strategies as callers call in to the podcast with their financial questions and life stories. Dave offers honest, crucial advice during times of need and financial stress. Listen in to know how you can avoid financial pitfalls and be a wise steward of your wealth. Dave’s company, Ramsey Solutions, has a variety of real estate resources as well, from podcast episodes, mortgage calculators, and blogs.

HAVE A LISTEN

AI Is Your New Sidekick

Many worry that artificial intelligence will soon take over jobs, but understanding the facts reveals a different truth. AI is designed to enhance business operations, particularly in Customer Relationship Management, employee training, and boosting overall productivity. To learn more about how AI can benefit your business, read this article.

READ MORE

AI can act as your personal assistant, drafting emails, summarizing articles, brainstorming ideas, and organizing schedules. It frees up your time and mental energy for important tasks or personal passions.

READ MORE

Why is it so important? 

AI mimics human intelligence to solve complex problems and make decisions rapidly. It automates tasks, analyzes data for efficiency, and streamlines customer interactions. AI is also expected to impact global challenges like climate change and healthcare. However, challenges such as bias, privacy, and workforce disruption necessitate ethical development.

READ MORE

Filed Under: Home for Dinner

Transform Your Backyard BBQ: Oversized DIY Games & Delicious Grill Recipes

by Dee Greene Hill

Ready for another reason to enjoy the outdoors? DIY oversized outdoor games and grill up some tasty meals to transform your next BBQ into a memorable event! Philadelphia area summers are fleeting—hot, humid, and gone too soon. Maximize your outdoor fun before winter’s chill returns. I’ve compiled some fantastic budget-friendly ideas to elevate your summer party game.

Choose a recipe or DIY project, personalize it, and then share your experience with me!

FIRST, MAKE IT TASTY!

Grilled Carne Asada

The key is the tasty marinade that needs to soak for at least 2 hours and fresh ingredients! 

See Recipe!

Mexican Bean Salad

My go-to for a BBQ and a fan favorite! No mayo or dressing so it won’t spoil while you prepare your other dishes on the grill!

See Recipe!

BBQ Sweet Potatoes

Healthy and delicious side or starter with natural sweetness balancing out a BBQ flavoring.

See Recipe!

SECOND, DIY IT!

Lawn Scrabble!

Enjoy this classic and strategic game outdoors!

1. Purchase at least 34 feet of 1×4 wooden boards in the lumber section of Home Depot, cut/saw into 3.75’’ to make 100 square tiles.

2. Sand and smooth with sandpaper.

3. Use black paint to paint the letters + scoring numbers, do a simple Google search to find the point values.

4. Seal the tiles with a Rust-Oleum cover.

5. Use your yard as the board and get scrabbling!

Learn more!

Dominoes

Cut and paint your own Dominoes with these steps!

Learn more!

Bottle Ring Toss

Easy DIY! Create your own team colors and use recyclable items.  It’s also great for the kiddos to have a hand in.

Learn more!

Plinko Board

A little harder to make with more steps and measurements!

Learn more!


Filed Under: Home for Dinner

Beyond the Handshake: Networking

by Dee Greene Hill

Networking in real estate is generally the same way you network in other professions. Growing your network and honing your networking skills can be essential when starting a new business or joining a new profession. When you prioritize quality relationships over sheer numbers, maintain regular communication and nurturing, you can create long-lasting connections.  

The principles of building valuable connections, whether in real estate or any field, truly shone through at this year’s unforgettable Compass national retreat in Denver.

What an incredible experience it was to finally reconnect with the Compass community at our annual national retreat, held this year in the beautiful Mile High City! Having not attended since 2019, I was particularly excited to dive back into the vibrant energy of the Compass family.

The three-day retreat is packed with opportunities for growth and connection. From insightful keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions to the always-anticipated networking events, every moment was designed to foster collaboration and camaraderie.

A major highlight was the annual Compass Cares Classic, a fantastic golf, tennis, and pickleball event that benefited local Denver charities. It’s truly inspiring to be part of an organization that prioritizes giving back!

I also cherished the chance to meet up with my smaller networking and affinity groups in person, like the Compass Mom Collective and Compass LOVE Fellowship. Connecting with these groups, who we usually only see virtually, was invaluable. And let’s not forget the fun events, like Karaoke for a Cause!

Attending the Compass National Retreat in Denver was a truly productive and purposeful trip. I’m so glad I made the intentional time and investment to be there. The connections forged and the insights gained will undoubtedly yield a great return, further highlighting the immense importance of networking in our professional and personal lives.

Are you looking to get started on your network or want to improve your current connections? I’ve compiled some tips and ideas for you to consider…

How to get started:

  • Develop an ‘Elevator Pitch’: Practice a concise and compelling summary of yourself and your goals within 60 seconds. This will be a lifesaver for anytime you are put on the spot or at events with new faces. 
  • Have Questions Ready: A few alternating questions in your head will help you forge a better connection and conversation with someone new.
    • “What are you looking forward to in the coming months?”
    • “What are you most passionate about right now?”
    • “What do you like to do when you shut down for the day?”
    • Follow up with, “Tell me more about that.”
  • Organization: Find a system or CRM platform that will house all your networking friends, notes on conversations, last meeting or contact dates, and more. This will ultimately be your network in digital form.

What can you do to keep up with your network and maintain it?:

  • Be Proactive: attend events or throw events for your network. 
  • Follow Up: The fortune is in the follow-up. After an event or gathering, make sure to send a thank-you note or text. If you meet a new prospective contact, make sure to personally reach out.
  • Online Presence: This is your most powerful tool in today’s world. By staying consistent on social media, through email, and/or with active engagement, you’ll remain top-of-mind within your network.

My Tips: 

  • Authenticity fosters trust, a vital element for long-term business success. Genuine connections last and are more meaningful than superficial ones. Allow your true self to be seen. Remember, your vibe attracts your tribe.
  • Quality over quantity, it’s better to have a few deep, meaningful connections than hundreds of superficial ones. 
  • Join a relevant group or community, industry associations, local chambers, or even hobby groups can offer a new, like-minded connection. I am a part of the Compass Mom Collective and have gained valuable friendships and referrals.

Filed Under: Home for Dinner

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Dee Greene Hill is a licensed REALTOR® serving Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.

She has worked with hundreds of buyers and sellers in different stages of life and is ready to help guide you along your journey.

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Don’t Hibernate, Renovate! Prep Your Home for the Spring Market

Location Unlocked: Stop Searching and Start Answering These 5 Questions

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Compass Main Line · 4 E Montgomery Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003 · Office: (610) 822-3356 · compass.com

 

Copyright © 2025 Compass RE. All Rights Reserved. Dee Greene Hill is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass RE. Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.