Do real estate agents get a property to closing by themselves?  No depending on whether you are working as a listing agent or buyers agent there is a "team" helping you.  Mortgage, title, photographers, stagers and inspectors to name a few.  Why would you exlude them for a real estate community?

Of course I don't think so (perhaps I'm biased).  And, I would think that very few would want that.  The discussion is much richer w/ the variety.  While my stuff may be more peripheral, think about all the value that mortgage brokers, inspectors, stagers, appraisers, real estate attorneys, title agents, etc. bring.

No, this platform would take on an entirely different look and flavor if it were all real estate agents... I like variety but not necessarily drug dealers, prostitutes and cannabals.... let's guide it along and have anything that is real estate related....that field is a large one....this is a real estate platform...

Although it is mainly agents who post, consumers should have access. I would block all anonymous posts though, no offense, but each post should have face especially in comments to keep it clean. 

ActiveRain has never been only for real estate agents.  It has always been for the real estate community - agents, mortgage brokers, inspectors, stagers and others.  Debbie Gartner is one well known "other" example who has provided a lot of knowledge about her industry to us.

Not sure why you think that this platform is for Real Estate Agents only.

Others have successfully used this platform to promote their business - ask Debbie Gartner , Roger D. Mucci Michael Thornton  Tammy Emineth  Kathy Streib  (sorry can't tag more than 5 names) and many other members....

Would that not be like going to a nice Steak House where all that is served is a slab of meat,?  No plate, no potato, no vegetables, no bread, no tea, and no salad.  How far to a real Steak House?

Not at all.  ActiveRain should be for all businesses associated with the housing market as well as interested individuals.

Short answer no

no

Any business real estate-related is fine with documentation. So my one word answer is NO!

We have been posting on this platform since 2008, and I have read great posts from all related real estate related industry.  We all are enriched, and the answer is no,  and I think Barbara Todaro said it brilliantly.  I am truly surprised that this question is being asked.  A

Definitely not.

Bob- obviously I am biased.  We all can learn here from each other.   Every member can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that there is here.  I've learned not only about real estate from an agent's view but also about flooring, home inspections, lenders, virtual assistants, your field and so many others.  And we always have the option not to read or comment on any given post. 

No not at all. I find it fascinating to learn and hear others opinions and perspectives such as from Home Inspectors, Contractors, Stagers and just variety of other Vendors as a whole, pertaining to the Housing Market.

No I really like there are home inspectors & other vendors.

Only a section for agents is good.

I think there should be SOME connection with real estate.. it IS  a real estate related blog. But as Praful Thakkar said, there are many that are not agents but in similar business. I am a real estate marketer, was once an agent, so I know the clientele, others are appraisers, mortgage advisors, home improvement, inspections, etc.. I don't think a circus performer should join here hoping for something.. ha, but related to some extent, yes, it's fine.

I take it that you mean this Q&A section? Yes, I asked a similar question a few days ago. It seems like 99% are from real estate agents. It used to be more consumer related questions with a healthy portion of spam.

Edit: For the Q&A section, I feel it should be to serve the consumers' concerns answered by the members.

If you mean AR in general, it has always been a mixture of real estate pros and affiliates, and many other trades included. That also includes fake posters who game the system.

I don't agree with your rationale for being nameless. My answers would not differ.

No. If this was fo Agents only I wouldn't be as active as I am. While I enjoy the comraderie, as with all of us, I'm in this to make contacts with potential clients.

Answer: No.  I believe it should be open for any business that is involved in the real estate industry... including direct suppliers such as roofers, contractors, marketers, coaches, and on and on and on. I don't believe it should be open to people selling diet supplements!   I also do not believe a person should be able to post anonymously.  

No..I am learning from House inspectors, lenders, and lots of other vendors that work with our field..

Not at all.  I think we should encourage anyone in the industry to join, since we are all in this together.

No and I'm glad that it's not.  I think there are many components to the real estate market and it's nice to see a community where all of those components are represented.  Sharing knowlege is power.

When I close a deal, there are two agents involved, a home inspector, a title rep, a mortgage banker, an appraiser, and a few others.  I say the more the merrier!  

No, I think we all should have a connection to the real estate industry because we can all learn from each other.  For example, I have a Home Staging Company in Ottawa and agents ask me about staging ideas on a tight budget, best paint colours, staging ideas to target a certain demographic and the #1 question we get (especially in small spaces) is where to place the TV.

Let's allow the public to at least view our profiles. Buyers and sellerrs are getting more savvy, and are researching multiple agents before signing. 

It is nice for us in the business to have one place that is uniquely ours. One that would allow sharing of concepts with each other but also be able to hear from the other professioanls that cross our business path. Inspectors, real estate attorneys, builders, investors etc. can share thoughts that will stretch and benefit us. I am also all for allowing a select group of professional motivational speakers.If the goal is to grow..... let's grow.

Nope. Any related experts are appreciated in my opinion.

I'm okay with restricting to real estate-relate. So home ownership and everything that goes along with it.

No. I've seen stagers, lenders, flooring experts, inspectors, photographers, and marketing specialists on AR that have provided information and points of view that I've found very valuable as a Realtor. If we cut them out, we cut out a big opportunity to learn.

Help me, Bob Crane.  You say you posted anonymously but obviously I see you.  I even saw you when I wasn't logged in. What does anonymous mean, in the context of AR posting?  And what was your poll trying to determine? Just curious.

If I want a community of realtors, I'll hang at the local Board.

There is so much more here.

AND that should also include consumers.  Buyers & Sellers.

I'm surprised that more people haven't figured out how to target this pool of realtors.  For all the spam email & snail mail & phone calls, many marketers haven't figured out we are here.  Don't tell them.

No; others can make meaningful contributions as well.