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Kris Swierz, Because Everyone Loves Real Estate (Agency One)

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Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

We are all just hanging out at the water cooler, shooting the breeze and getting to know each other. -Kasey

May 24, 2017 09:05 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Kris, 

What you may be unaware of is there exists here a true community. What that means is Active Rain is something bigger than any of us individually. We ALL, and that includes Kris, want to be part of something bigger that the individual, a part of a community.

For most of us, there are few real estate questions we have not lived personally and answered endless times. 

Let me ask, "Is not your question an example of that for which you complain?"

If you ask a real estate question, you WILL get responses.

In the meantime don't let cynicism and paranoia convince you the shadows in the forest are evil. 

No one is trolling for links or points or any other vain purpose.

Just spending time and sharing.

 

May 24, 2017 09:15 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Kasey & John Boles said it perfectly.  There is more to life than real estate.  It is how you get to know people.  A

May 24, 2017 11:16 AM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

It is fun to "get to know" people via this forum. 

May 24, 2017 10:21 AM
Ambassador
2,178,703
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

A little overdramatized but your point is well taken.  There are many good real estate related questions here but there is also a certain amount of "getting to know each other" questions too.  It's kind of a "family" thing.  

May 24, 2017 10:06 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Children at play....

May 24, 2017 09:00 AM
Ambassador
5,049,477
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Interactions, getting to know each other, some learning, and having some fun!

May 24, 2017 11:09 AM
Rainmaker
4,883,260
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

 I wish we knew.  

By the way what is your favorite color, and do you prefer mustard or mayo on you burger?

 

May 24, 2017 10:27 AM
Ambassador
5,230,130
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Some interesting questions - some great answers! It helps us get to know one another better and some of the questions are a nice break away from real estate too!

May 24, 2017 09:31 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Have not seen a color or dinner question in over a year.

But for the most part there is no purpose to this Q&A other than entertainment and water cooler conversation.

If you take it too seriously you are bound to be disappointed.

May 24, 2017 01:18 PM
Rainer
216,904
Sharon Altier
Coldwell Banker Realty - Elmhurst, IL
Luxury Property Specialist, CSC, SFR

Most will note the nature of their questions ("Just for Fun", etc.) so that one may choose to look at those questions or ignore them.  As others mentioned, sometimes it is to get to know others.  Throw something on the wall and see if it sticks!  Then we all give opinions on our views.  Great way to brainstorm and unleash some stress, perhaps?

May 24, 2017 01:14 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Some of them are rather ridiculous, true.
The worst are the ones that are totally redundant and have been asked and answered so many times.

May 24, 2017 10:15 AM
Rainmaker
7,836,431
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is a points driven section. Members receive points for answering 20 questions each day and there is no requirement for quality. 

Yes, this is busyness rather than business.

May 24, 2017 10:14 AM
Rainer
8,119
Kris Swierz
Agency One - Seattle, WA
Because Everyone Loves Real Estate

I'm not complaining I was actually asking a questions I didn't know the answer to.  I enjoy reading the questions and answers, I was just wondering if the deeper purpose was to get backlinks to their personal websites.

May 24, 2017 09:22 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

They are all real estate related so not sure of your question. Sorry you were offended by levity.

I think you need to ask another question regarding real estate. 

May 24, 2017 08:53 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I learned to use scroll thanks to facebook. Not my depatment to worry about what others do or don't do.

May 24, 2017 12:18 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I think for fellow AR'ers who know each other in some way, it's 'light' entertainment on a slow, crazy-busy, or difficult day Kris Swierz!  It's fun to share, and get to know others, who we may or may not have the opportunity to meet.  Relationships are formed, and even though there is alot of business knowledge and expertise shared, it does show our personalities, too!   

May 24, 2017 01:51 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

The Q and A section is for fun just the same as it is a place to ask a question, get help or offer help. I enjoy it just the way it is

May 24, 2017 12:42 PM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

      Bob Stewart came through here with a broom recently, sweeping out the mundane questions.  Maybe it's time to do it again. 

May 24, 2017 12:10 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Kris Swierz I believe the purpose is passing our knowledge to those interested and a little camaraderie among our peers. I'm not aware of any back links to websites.

May 24, 2017 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Kris Swierz - Kasey & John Boles knows well why we are here!

(And once in a while, we get what we need here in ActiveRain.)

May 24, 2017 09:45 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,630
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

It's just plan old making friends and getting to know each other... it could also be writers block.

May 24, 2017 06:48 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Kasey & John Boles has the right answer.

May 24, 2017 05:13 PM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Kris I don't think it's for back links on Q & A. And yes sometimes there are just plain silly questions.

May 24, 2017 04:44 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,833
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Getting to know each other: having fun, unwinding, venting and learning. 

Scoring Points is a factor too.

Read what you want, ignore what you choose. 

May 24, 2017 04:30 PM
Rainmaker
5,217,098
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

A chance to get to know one another is a relaxed forum and get anwers to puzzling questions! 

May 24, 2017 02:03 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

This is the water cooler of AR.  People trying to get their points, but I'd be happy to see this forum disappear from the site completely.

May 24, 2017 11:36 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't think anyone is looking for links back to a website by responding to a question. But we get to know each other better with the give and take from all kinds of questions.

May 25, 2017 03:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

that is a good question, Kris:) Are you new in the Rain? 

May 24, 2017 11:54 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

This section has migrated to much more than real estate questions. It may not be what the staff intended, but it has happened none the less.

May 24, 2017 07:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I thinkit is just a good place to communicate on a more personal level

May 24, 2017 05:50 PM
Rainmaker
444,170
Dianne Goode
Raleigh Cary Realty - Raleigh, NC
Realtor/Broker

I don't think there is any hidden agenda.  Someone throws out a conversation starter and ppl who are moved to answer do so.  I pass by most of the questions till one piques my interest and I stop to comment.  No judgement since there's no obligation either.

May 24, 2017 05:27 PM
Rainmaker
953,717
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I don't think any of my non real estate banter has got me any real estate deals! LOL

 

Found this funny! 

May 24, 2017 03:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

There are occassionally people who do provide backlinks to their own blogs/websites, but that's relatively rare. Far more common to see people answering questions just to get points without adding value, in my humble opinion. 

May 24, 2017 01:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,439
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

I don't know the original purpose of this section because I "found" it when there was a contest/challenge a number of years ago and I visit here for multiple reasons.  I wouldn't have "met" some members if it weren't for the Q&A section.  

It's  typically a quick stop to learn something, gather insight, have fun and oh yeah --- pick up some points.   As far as any annoyances --- I will usually avoid or fine tune my snarkiness depending on the situation or my mood.  

May 26, 2017 05:10 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Points.  Points for asking, points for answering.

May 25, 2017 11:29 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

different strokes ....  some do it for the points....  

May 25, 2017 11:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

This is the Q&A section.  The posts are on member blogs and they can post about whatever is appropriate for their blog.

May 25, 2017 10:14 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Kasey & John Boles has an excellent answer - it's what we do!

May 25, 2017 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Be careful of hackers

May 25, 2017 06:54 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Kasey & John Boles nailed this one!

May 25, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

Kris Swierz prepare for the onslaught!

There are two issues with the Q&A section:

1. Points. We get points for asking/answering. Some of us are trying to earn 500,000 points and get a free account so we maximize our participation to ensure 9,000 points a month or more.

 

2. Design. The Q&A section is not like a traditional message board or forum designed to share information or make it easy to find information. Everything is jumbled together like a big stew and you have to dig through the celery and carrots to find a piece of meat.

I think activerain would serve the members and the public far better if this were run like a normal message board. Send a suggestion to support and maybe enough of us can convince them to upgrade!

May 25, 2017 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Kind of like this question.

May 25, 2017 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,726,096
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

As Kasey & John Boles wrote. Call it a 'respite from the daily battle'

May 25, 2017 04:57 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I like the variation and opinions part of this-even if its not always real estate....its one of the few ways to interact with other similar people.

May 25, 2017 03:44 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I try to keep my post retaled in Q & A to real estate.

 

May 24, 2017 05:25 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

If you're asking about regular blog posts and not Q&A posts, they are probably hyperlocal posts and posts to illustrate that the Realtor is a well-rounded member of the community. Most blog posts are written to target potential clients and not fellow agents in Activerain.

Jun 23, 2017 09:11 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,565
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

The questions were supposed to be real estate related.

May 26, 2017 03:57 PM