All Neighbors in Madison County, AL
Top Neighbors: The magic behind the mirrors
You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Recently a customer asked about a home that sounded too good to be true...at least to her. When she gave me the address I finished her sentence with the name of the subdivision...and yes I was familiar with that home even though it's not in my area, but it is in Alabama. The customer was drawn to the home because in the public remarks the home was claimed to have appraised four years ago in 2008 for $800,000 and yet now it was listed well below $200,000...if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
I already knew the home she was inquiring about required approximately $250,000 in structural repair and an additional $150,000 of cosmetic work due to vandalism from loclal teenagers breaking into the home and partying. The home is only four years old and never occupied. So in the matter of a few minutes I was able to explain what she was in for if this home was pursued. Happily she is not pursuing that home, but is allowing me, Broker of 
