This is more of a 'play area' for me for the most part. However, I am happy to share serious answers to serious questions and will say that I love learning from some of the bright minds that are here.

I would love doing away with the repeat and 'school' questions though.

As for using this as THE place to rely on REAL real estate advice - not just no but, hell no!!

IDK Bob. I think that there is a wealth of experience here. I learn new things every day I'm in here.
Do we rely solely on the opinions and experiences of people who do not practice in our state? No. But am I glad those people enlighten us?
Yeah! For sure.
Interestingly . . . at a meeting this morning, I was asked if AZ recognized common-law marriage. I knew the answer because a question posed in here sparked me to contact attorney and find out that AZ does not recognize common law marriage among its residents, BUT residents of other states who do recognize it and who come here as common law husband and wife, Arizona will accept it.
My point is that you never know where you're going to get educated. This is as good a place as any!

I have other sources for real advice.  This is mostly entertainment especially by the many whiners who visit only occasionally and then author questions anonymously.  

Well said. It's a fun amazing WTH were they thinking kind of forum and I do enjoy stirring the pot with a provacative question that gets people engaged     ( and sometimes, enraged!)

I get a lot of my real estate from my coaching of course at Buffini&Co, but I also take advice from here and mentors in my life outside of real estate ...
and I do understand the frustration of somebody that doesn’t get serious answers but if you ask a stupid questions or repetitive questions, you’re going to get a lot of sarcasm here too.

  For "real" answers, I pay an attorney.

   For general education, updates, enlightenment, and camaraderie, I come to ActiveRain.

Absolutely not the platform for what this agent was looking for.  General ideas and thoughts maybe, but not advise to be relied upon to make a decision and risk licensing, legal or financial ramifications that might impact them or someone they are representing...or worse. 

Hi Bob Crane I come here for the laughs, the general market knowledge, some perspectives that I wouldn't get elsewhere.  

The specific details of a transaction that applies in my state would not be applicable in the one next door, let alone across the country or the border.  Serious and specific questions need to go the the managing broker.  

I have learned a lot here and value the opinions presented. I also have trusted people in my area I can turn to for right on advice.

This section is fun and informative. Party poopers with no sense of humor don't have to come to play here.

I have gotten some really great information and tips here.  However for a local deal I don't go to a national platform to get information.  But I have learned MANY things here from smart people who help me.

Rely?  Not at all...enjoy the questions and answers of all types, absolutely!

If it's something serious, there are other places I can go to for advice... and probably it would be gnerated via a phone call (even to someone who hangs around this water cooler). The information I pick up here is more to perhaps give me a bit of a different perspective on various issues (that might or might not apply to my business or way of doing things).

Real Estate is many layers ... I have come to AR and searched for certain topics and was able to get good answers. For example We get very few short sales and less foreclosures. I have come to AR and searched those topics and was able to get good information to help someone. One time it was for my sister in law and because of AR and the answers I got from a couple of agents she was able to get to the right person ask the right questions and sell her home.

I try to learn something every day and AR is a great go to spot to learn all kinds of things in real estate. Its amazing the things you people know and share!!!

Different days, different Qs. 

Can take lots of sorting, a glass of red, and some patience:) 

There are some really sharp people and it's been a great place to learn all sorts of things. I have other sources as well when needed.

Yes, I have definitely received answers to real questions here. There were times, especially earlier on, when I had a real question that I wasn't getting satisfactory answers to in person. I would pop over here, search for the same topic, and usually found some very useful "real" info. If not, I'd do a Q in this section and soon get real answers. 

I also find the geographical differences in various parts of the country have been helpful in understanding the big picture.

By the way, I'm not talking about getting answers about a specific transaction - I'm talking about getting answers to real estate business type of questions.

It's good to hear the opinion of experienced peers 

I do look for opinions here

Great camaraderie and occasional quality info. Always good to read opinions.

I charge attorney hourly fee to give them the right answer. Here it is free.

this platform provides some inspiration for new ideas... I'll take an idea shared and make some changes to it to fit my style and then test it out.... sometimes it works and sometimes not so much!!! I always return and share the results....

We utilize AR in the way it was designed - to help us grow our business.  The advice we get from leading professionals while here in the Rain helps also. The relationships and water cooler chat has been a nice side effect. 

I have learned a thing or two here in AR and will continue to participate. 

Your comment is kind of smug. I have actually learned a lot accidently by reading different scenarios here. Multi-bidding, listing tips, staging for sure.

I just did a comment a few days ago & I really thought the answers were good but I still went with my gut on it. I've never seen my Q that is why I put it on here.

I come here for some fun, and because of the individuals here that I like.

Depends on the question.

While I learn something new on a daily basis about this business, it is not my sole source of learning.  

What I find most fascinating about AR and the Q&A is learning how differently things are done in different states and different markets and how laws differ as well. I've only been licensed in Idaho and have only ever bought and sold properties myself in Idaho, so I have learned a ton from others here on why our clients may react a certain way or think things are supposed to be done a certain way. It's been the most enlightening part of being in this group here on AR. As far as REAL Real Estate advice: because things are done so differently from state to state and market to market I rely on my group of independent real estate broker/owner friends that I meet with about once a month to discuss industry issues, state law changes, etc., along with our real estate commission and legal hotline along with our own attorney for that. -Kasey

This is a bit of a comic relief, blood pressure viagra, ah-ha moment type of place for me. I get it all from serious feedback to thank good I’m not alone in this, when I visit the Q&A area.

I've come across some good advice on here from time to time, Bob. I do enjoy the light-hearted nature of this section. Life is pretty serious most of the time, and a little levity goes a long way. 

It's fun to visit the water cooler now and again, Bob!

I consider this a place for receiving insights and a wide array of opinions but definitely not ADVICE.  

When I ask a serious question, I expect serious answers.  Now, I've been around here long enough to know that some of us answer just for the points (and I'm guilty of that too), so I know a percentage of the answers will have little substance.  This isn't the only source I have though.

Bob Crane  I do, there is a wealth of experienced knowledgeable advices given on this place, with humors, disagreements, different of opinions offer the best answers.

Bob Crane this is a very timely question for me. I've always said that whenever I need an answer to a Q I have about RE I always go straight to AR for input.

In almost 10 years I have yet to be disappointed. Of course you have to take the good with the not so good and wade through a few snarky, cynical or sarcastic commets. Or just a bunch of yes's and no's for those who are just showing up to garner points.

But almost 90% of the time there is some very knowledgable and informiative expert advice from AR members that I've known for a long time and who's opinions I really have a lot of confidence and appreciation for.

This place has been more fun for us thank learning about real estate.  Sure, there are a lot of things we've picked up and ideas that have opened our minds.  

Rely on, no, respect yes.

Totally depends on who is giving the advice - if it's someone that I have history with and would trust in real life, then certainly I would take their counsel under advisement. If it's someone that I can't verify their bona fides, then it's a big fat nope. 

Some people will find things to complain about. Others will complain about anything and everything.  

Some folks will find the good in all things. Others will find the silver lining. 

We have the choice in how we respond to life.  Or not respond at all. 

I hope you are well Bob and recovered from your hospital birthday vacation. 

I love the responses I get and I do value all the information. But I'll always call my broker if there's ever any doubt in my mind that I'm not taking the correct approach to solving an issue!

Bob,

There are nuggets and there are funsters also.  A

KAREN FUNK nailed this one!

The trust the blogging together over the years makes AR a place to bounce off ideas, to get feed back on a problem that you need more wisdom shared on. This is a good place to tap the knowledge! Many heads come up with better solutions! 

to me, the key word in your question is "rely". I have seen some "solid" advice proferred but to rely without vetting would be a big fat NO.

Thanks, Bob, for sharing your thoughts on this topic.

Bob Crane - you got it right!

This is a water cooler place and one needs to understand that!

In fact, I have found real good answers to my serious questions here.

I wouldn't say I rely on it, but I do read some advice that I like here.  (And, some I just pass by.)

The living of life doesnt come from a "can" or recipe. One must learn as they go & the lessons presented all serve a purpose. Find that purpose & move-0n

Techie advice is excellent here in the Rain. As for legal advice I have other sources. There is a wealth of knowledge here! 

I am surprised you aren't taking a break. Now that's dedication!

Is there any Kool Aid in that water cooler?

No regular participant on AR asks a question they do not already know the answer. They are simply seeking 'social approval' for what they are determined to do.

Newbies, are frustrated because they are not knowledgeable of the nuances of real estate, (how A word makes a big difference) and if their questions are not well structured, can not result in actionable responses.

Then of course there is the inherent immaturity where one believes the world is present to meet their unspoken needs. I'm sure that will work our just fine. 

I do not.

Great question and great answers. 

Thank you. 

We do learn a lot here in the Rain, and not always in the Q & A section.