ActiveRain Success Stories

Vivian Gilbert, ASP, RESA (Home Staging by Vivian LLC): Home Stager in Potomac, MD Vivian Gilbert, ASP, RESA (Home Staging by Vivian LLC) said over 11 years ago,
"ActiveRain Blogging helped to promote my Home Staging by Vivian in Potomac and Bethesda MD. Following a few simple blogging rules I learned at RainCamp I came up on the First page of the Google search for Home Stagers in Bethesda."
Kate Kate: Industry Observer in San Diego, CA Kate Kate said over 11 years ago,
"No wonder many people reading my blog assume I'm a lender when in fact I have not originated a mortgage since 2006. Instead, I have a website using my knowledge and experience of more than 20 years in the mortgage and real estate industry. So I depend on Readers finding my sites on the web and the web as we know is a big place. Because ActiveRain has such a far reach, I have been brought in contact with thousands of homeowners and home buyers who have in turn followed onto my site Get Your Best Mortgage Rate by Ask Kate. Thank you ActiveRain for the opportunity to help even more home buyers and homeowners, Kate Ford"
Bill Ladewig, Experience Is Your Advantage (LoanOfficerSchool.com): Mortgage and Lending in Escondido, CA Bill Ladewig, Experience Is Your Advantage (LoanOfficerSchool.com) said over 11 years ago,
"ActiveRain has been a great experience for me. Since starting a little over a year ago the hits on my web site http://www.yourfhaguru.com have increased over 50% from ActiveRain users. Besides the added site traffic ActiveRain has become one of my primary industry information sources. I recommend ActiveRain to everyone in the industry who wishes added exposure, current information and the opportunity to meet a lot of very nice people.
One the largest benfits was becoming an ActiveRain Confirmed Loan Officer. This experience has allowed my information to be found on the first page on many Google Searches"
Scott Larson, Park City, Utah Real Estate News (BHHS/Utah Properties): Real Estate Agent in Park City, UT Scott Larson, Park City, Utah Real Estate News (BHHS/Utah Properties) said over 11 years ago,
"The ability to interact with and share information with so many talented agents has shown me a better way to do business. I have learned so much from so many here that i have applied to my every day business, and hopefully my insights have helped a few people along the way as well. I have started to get a few calls on my blog posts and that is even more encouragement to keep doing what I am doing. Writing good content to keep potential buyers and sellers informed about the Park City real estate market."
Jayne Combs, Mortgage Analyst and Strategist (Arbor Financial): Mortgage and Lending in Pleasant Hill, CA Jayne Combs, Mortgage Analyst and Strategist (Arbor Financial) said over 11 years ago,
"Through activerain I was contacted by a man who had become disabled due to a work injury and while he was getting ready to return back to work, his mortgage company didn't care and was close to evicting him from his home due to foreclosure. While I couldn't help him myself, I advised him on the steps to take. I received an email from him stating he did as I recommended and now he has been able to keep his home. This made my day for sure!"
Steve Glose, TRC, CIPS, 407-616-7286, Orlando Real Estate, Orla (Keller Williams Legacy): Real Estate Agent in Orlando, FL Steve Glose, TRC, CIPS, 407-616-7286, Orlando Real Estate, Orla (Keller Williams Legacy) said over 11 years ago,
"Active Rain has been an additional source or referrals for me. i had my first closing from an active rain lead in January of 2009 and look forward to many more in the comming years."
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities,  Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.  (Charlemagne International Properties): Real Estate Broker/Owner in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities, Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A. (Charlemagne International Properties) said over 11 years ago,
"My Active Rain story began in November 2007 at the suggestion of my son Josh. We've worked together for years and he knows I enjoy writing ad copy, newsletters and newsy updates on the local real estate market. At the time I had no idea what a blog was or how it might benefit my business. Boy did I have a lot to learn!

Writing is easy for me and I have yet to suffer from writer's block. I've incorporated my blog into my marketing program and often refer prospective buyers and sellers to it for an update on their neighborhood. At listing presentations it is an impressive tool to demonstrate my knowledge of the local market and the seller's neighborhood.

Several buyers found my blog before they met me. I am still waiting for a seller to list with me because of my blog. Although, it is no longer uncommon for open house attendees to comment on my blog, or mention something I have written about.

Most of my business still comes from past clients and their referrals, but blogging for business is an effective way to reach consumers and let my personality, professionalism, experience and market expertise shine through."
Ralph Gorgoglione, California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407 (Metro Life Homes): Real Estate Broker/Owner in Palm Springs, CA Ralph Gorgoglione, California and Hawaii Real Estate (310) 497-9407 (Metro Life Homes) said over 11 years ago,
"ActiveRain is how I got by outside blog going. I had not had one before, and meant to get around to doing it for the longest time.
With their Rainmaker subscription, it makes creating and maintaining a blog so easy that you virtually need to do nothing but just WRITE!"
Taylor Shults Philley, Broker, Realtor , GRI (Austin Realty Firm): Real Estate Broker/Owner in Austin, TX Taylor Shults Philley, Broker, Realtor , GRI (Austin Realty Firm) said over 11 years ago,
"I have just started ActiveRain and it gets more addicting every week. I love the advice and knowledge there is across the network of professionals. It's such a resource for information! I hope I can come back to this spot on my profile and update it again months from now when I reach 100,000 points. In the mean time, I will blog and read . . . and grow as a Realtor! :)"
Debb Janes, Put My Love of Nature At Work for You  (Nature As Neighbors): Industry Observer in Camas, WA Debb Janes, Put My Love of Nature At Work for You (Nature As Neighbors) said over 11 years ago,
"I've had many over the past year that involve clients finding me because of AR and the great SEO from blogging in this platform. However, on October 31st, 2012, I closed a deal because of a referral from an AR member in Olympia Washington. I earned an extra $3375 commission check thanks to Nancy and Active Rain. I love the Rain."
Chris and Dick Dovorany, Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty (                        Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida): Real Estate Agent in Naples, FL Chris and Dick Dovorany, Broker/Associate at Premiere Plus Realty ( Homes for Sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, Florida) said over 11 years ago,
"I can not tell you how happy we are with all of the wonderful ActiveRain Realtors from all over the country and Canada who have helped us with our blogs and the SEO for our website."
Gary S. Thompson, Broker Associate, Realtor, CRS, SRS, SFR, e-Pro (Masters Utah Real Estate): Real Estate Agent in Cottonwood Heights, UT Gary S. Thompson, Broker Associate, Realtor, CRS, SRS, SFR, e-Pro (Masters Utah Real Estate) said over 11 years ago,
"Yes! It works! I recently closed a transaction with clients who had sold their home and moved from another state. While doing research on the area they came across my postings and were then lead to my website, I corresponded with them for over 7 months and when they finally arrived we found and were successful in negotiating the purchase of their dream home! I love the rain!"
Elva Branson-Lee, Marketing Specialist, Atlanta  Short Sale Pr (Best Atlanta): Services for Real Estate Pros in Atlanta, GA Elva Branson-Lee, Marketing Specialist, Atlanta Short Sale Pr (Best Atlanta) said over 11 years ago,
"My participation on ActiveRain has led to accelerated professional growth, referral business from other agents, many new professional connections and new personal friendships. It also provides a forum for me to connect with my local market through the Localism website. Networking here has already resulted in new business for me, as has posting on Localism."
Sharon Paxson, Newport Beach Real Estate  (Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties): Real Estate Agent in Newport Beach, CA Sharon Paxson, Newport Beach Real Estate (Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties) said over 11 years ago,
"I have had a number of clients Google certain areas, and find me through my ActiveRain articles. I have also been described as the "neighborhood expert" because of my articles.

I recently had someone from Taiwan find my listing and came to view the property. She contacted me through ActiveRain."
lisee520 lisee: Home Inspector in Grimes, CA lisee520 lisee said over 11 years ago,
"fdsa"
Robert Bob Gilbert, Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties): Real Estate Agent in Katy, TX Robert Bob Gilbert, Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties) said over 11 years ago,
"Early this past spring of 2011 I got a call from a potential client. He interviewed me for over 45 minutes. We ended with us agreeing to meet at my office on the next Saturday morning and for us to continue with the question and answer session. He asked me about being on web and blogging and I answered with my web site, AR, AR blog, HAR blog, etc. the next day he called back and told me I was his agent and he wanted to see homes that Saturday and not just meet. It appeared that he visited both AR and my blog on AR and then decided to hire me without any more interview items. Approximately 2 months later he mu client and family closed on really nice home in a great neighborhood and at even better price. Thank you AR and my AR blog for helping me to get this sale!!!"
Aida Pinto, Real Estate Broker (562) 884-6196 (Independent Real Estate Broker): Real Estate Broker/Owner in Los Angeles, CA Aida Pinto, Real Estate Broker (562) 884-6196 (Independent Real Estate Broker) said over 11 years ago,
"One day I get a call from someone who wanted to buy my short sale listing, he said that he found it on “another website” which didn’t give out my contact name. The website just stated: “Listing is courtesy of Pinto Realty.” He really wanted that home, he fell in love with it from the photos I posted on the MLS. So, he googled my company name and my active rain blog came up. He was able to contact me and he made an offer on my listing--so I double ended my listing....I love it when that happens. He and his family are now the proud owners of my short sale listing. I also had another client who lost my contact information. I sold him his home over 20 years ago and when he decided to sell his home, he wanted to contact me but didn't have my current phone number. He remembered my name so he googled it and my active rain profile showed up! and now I have his home listed. Thank you Active Rain."
Gayle Fujita Ramsey Mike Fujita, (S) RA SFR ePro MRP (Green Realty Group (808) 388-1485): Real Estate Agent in Honolulu, HI Gayle Fujita Ramsey Mike Fujita, (S) RA SFR ePro MRP (Green Realty Group (808) 388-1485) said over 11 years ago,
"ActiveRain has given us the ability to be seen by our clients. From excellent placement on all of the search engines to the ability to get vital information out to all real estate buyers and sellers AND other agents, this platform is the best we have ever seen. Active rain drives traffic to our website at http://GreatHawaiianHomes.com and our Real Estate Search Engine at http://www.buyorsellinhawaii.com/search/ . If we may be of any assistance in your search for Real Estate or a Real Estate Agent please call upon us at anytime. (808) 630-1828

We are very thankful we found Activerain years ago and it has been a vital part of business as Real Estate Agents on Oahu. Please call me anytime should you have any questions about what Activerain can do for you.

Cheers-
Mike (808) 630-1828
Mike@GreatHawaiianHomes.com"
MARY MITTEN (Keller Williams Premier Partners): Real Estate Agent in Mandeville, LA MARY MITTEN (Keller Williams Premier Partners) said over 11 years ago,
"March 2010 - Active Rain - One Big Reason it Rocks!

I joined AR with "0" expectations and little understanding of what it actually was.

I attended Keller Williams Family Reunion in New Orleans, mainly to visit with sign maker, Jack Pratt Signs. While there, Monte Pratt introduced me to Bob Stewart and the Active Rain guys. Monte just the night before, told me and my husband that AR was the "future." Thus, I joined AR on the simple premise it would help my business by networking me to other high volume agents.

I can say that so far, I am just as impressed with the things I didn't expect. Let's just say that AR exceeded my expectations and will pay off big-time.

Google Searches Are Today, The Future & AR Delivers Both.

1st Page Google Success- This is my 12th blog... Half are marketing tips and half listings. For my listings, I immediately noticed that they came up very quickly on Google searches for many of the search terms I targeted. This included both my commercial and residential listings. It was particularly excellent in top placement for new construction and commercial properties (more specific types). Thus, I find that Google terms that are more unique always seem to come up very high on page 1.. overnight. As a result, buyers in my top 3 market's can already find my first 3 blogs in each city's "top 5" Google space if they simply type New Construction, The City, & State. I find this quite amazing based on my cost and the potential to find buyers. I also like the fact that within the AR blog, many more buyers will also be led to my main website (just a few clicks). Now they can view all my listings (I have over 100 to pick from).

AR blogging allows me to better represent my listings - A builder I represent, visited my office to pitch a new marketing business/strategy he offers at a fee (video emails, etc.). After he covered his new product's features and benefits, my husband and I showed him how we could "top 5 Google" our new construction in each market. The AR blog led me to my website and then to his listing. This was 4 clicks in 15 seconds to his listing. He honestly didn't know what to say. It's like I trumped his sale. On his way out he told me that he felt very good that I was representing him and not someone else. After seeing his reaction, it will now become standard protocol to "brag" a little about my Google search monopoly. Suprisingly, it appears I'm the only one utilizing this strategy in my market. I can't wait to see where this leads me...

April 2010 - First Listings from AR Blogs

After 55 days of Active Rain, I've written 15 blogs so far... some are real estate tips and some are listings. One of my earlier blogs described how pleased I was to find my listing blogs at the top of Google when typing a few common search terms.

A lady contacted me today about listing her home which expired recently with another agent. She is now living out-of-town and wanted to find an internet focused listing agent. Thus, she tested the internet and entered various terms on Google just to see who and what would come up quickly (like an internet interview). She was led to my active rain blogs on several occasions, read my profile and quickly decided I was the best one to represent her. I can't wait to add her listing to my AR Google monopoly and show her just how quickly I advertise my listings!"
Matt Listro, Your Credit Repair Expert (National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro): Mortgage and Lending in Vernon, CT Matt Listro, Your Credit Repair Expert (National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro) said over 11 years ago,
"Active rain helped me increase my google page rank and get first page placement in my local area! It really worked now I have a first page placement on my hometown for google search! I have 1st page on google for over 30 of my blog posts now!! ActiveRain is a great blog site! Go AR GO!"