The Real Deal on Real Estate Blogs
The Real Deal published an article yesterday about the real estate blog phenomenon which we were interviewed and, with obligatory mask, photographed for. One of the questions we were asked was how brokers should be leveraging the blogging trend for their own benefit. Our answer, which was abbreviated in print, was that we thought the…
The Real Deal published an article yesterday about the real estate blog phenomenon which we were interviewed and, with obligatory mask, photographed for. One of the questions we were asked was how brokers should be leveraging the blogging trend for their own benefit. Our answer, which was abbreviated in print, was that we thought the comments sections were great places for brokers to build up credibility and, over the long term, possibly attract clients who were impressed with knowledge and tone of the posting broker. The truth is we’ve been surprised at how infrequently brokers identify themselves–but we guess a certain amount of wariness is understandable given the propensity of some comment threads to turn nasty. As a result, we don’t have a very good idea of the extent to which the brokerage community is reading–and commenting on–Brownstoner. We’d also be interested to hear from brokers, anonymously if you wish, if there are things we could be doing to encourage your input and sharing of knowledge.
Real Estate Blogs: All About Location [Real Deal]
OK thanks
We showed up in sunglasses and a hat but quickly took them off–it felt unnatural given the intimacy of the setting. We just asked that if anyone posted photos on the web to black out our eyes/face.
bstoner, for the DWR event were you masked? How did you maintain anonymity?
To be honest, I am concerned for you – that’s all.
Truepro,
We remain anonymous because we’d most likely be fired if anyone at work found out this. The issue of how to handle comments is very difficult. Perhaps we’re at the point now where some modest level of registration would work but we’ve always been wary of putting up barriers to comments as a critical mass of input is so important. And while your sanctimonious tone is a little tough to swallow (come on, it’s not like you’re digging trenches in Africa or something) the content of your feedback is very helpful to hear, so thanks for taking the time to chime in.
justiNYC, stay down for yours – at least you take things head on. With all due respect however, a rental broker in Williamsburg has little to fear.
Brownstoner, is it not fairly obvious that brokers, especially successful honest brokers, would need to maintain anonymity for at minimum, some of the same reasons you attempt it?
“We’d also be interested to hear from brokers, anonymously if you wish, if there are things we could be doing to encourage your input and sharing of knowledge.”
Well, for one, you’ll need to be genuine, call a spade a spade while being able to recognize the difference between expertise and pure speculation.
For example, your weekly new development guest reporter respectfully leaves a whole lot to be desired. This type of reach challenges your apparent desire for authenticity.
With your day job on the street I know you’re familiar with the trade reporters recapping markets. Imagine if that overall forum were as indigent as this becomes at times.
I would enjoy contributing, and would do so with expertise and transparency, however the clear need for the uninitiated to hijack threads hiding behind the protected veil of anon is a gauntlet no self respecting professional would attribute valuable time toward.
Should you ever take a step toward a fair balance of professionalism and hold posters to a higher standard, perhaps simply a validated email address, you would certainly garner some legitimate professionals to join you in standing up for the common good and sharing of information.
For now I’ll continue to commit myself and my valuable time to those who happily commit to me and appreciate my expertise and what it does to always keep them a step ahead of the rants.
My nature to help will surely keep me checking into your nicely evolving blog and commenting with cogency.
I do want to compliment you on your much appreciated evolution away from pure bashing and speculation. My Clark Kent has taken a few unexpected shots from the anon trolls and I’ll be the first to admit, it stings. Especially when you spend your professional life doing nothing but trying to help people.
A final thought, a lot of the rants would have legal repercussions based on state laws and a broker can have a complaint filed against them for any or no good reason which could result in loss of license and loss of livelihood.
Why exactly do you remain anonymous?
I am a broker and I mostly read the comments, I generally do not comment on the Open House Picks, when one of my homes are listed. But when I read the comments on my homes. I don’t always know if this is a benefit or not.
2nd, I often wonder who are these people who are commenting especially since most of the folks have not even seen these homes.
How can you fully judge a home by a couple of pictures.
I am a real estate junkie, Hi XXXX, who lives for this blog. I live in PS and work as a salesperson/agent in manhattan and as an appraiser in all 5 boroughs. And like Babs i prefer my anonymity. I do post sometimes to help keep folks on topic or lend my humble opinion. And while i know i don’t know everything i am sometimes amazed how thin skinned or self rightious people can be. As for shameless self promotion that is just not my style, i prefer to work with reasionable people who are open and willing to be flexible. Life is to short.
did you give your presentation while masked?
We gave a slideshow and talk about our renovation