Localism Group Blogging...A Case Study: The Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group

For the past 9 months, I've had the joy of moderating a great Localism Group...the Greater Grand Rapids Mi Real Estate Group. The group has 70members who have posted hundreds of articles just about the Greater Grand Rapids Michigan Area.

What I appreciate most about being a part of this group is how much I've learned. For instance, I may have missed the advance news regarding the Antiques Show filming in Grand Rapids if it had not been for Bonnie Westbrooks' early alert. And then, I've learned a lot about what's happening in the east side neighborhoods from Terry Westbrook.

Michelle Gordon has contributed several quality posts about the the F.L.O.W Project (A project supported by the Womens' Council of Realtors to landscape yards for low income home owners and East Grand Rapids. Gary White has shared a number of stories about Grand Rapids and interesting experiences he has has as a real estate agent. The group has also benefited from articles for our lenders about Financing options available; Tom Vanderwalls' reports a great example of the wealth of knowledge in this regard. Heidi Herbruck has taught us about Staging from a local vantage point & Robert Brown has shared local real estate information, listings and inspiration.

These are just a few highlights from the members. The point is that a great Local Group can serve a number of purposes. The Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group is a place for folks to share their success stories, post a listing or an Open House, talk about the local area or highlight a local event. It's a gathering spot, not just for the real estate world but for the greater community. Today, the group is #2 for the Mid Michigan area on Active Rain.

Here's a Sampling of What's on the Local Board of the Greater Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Group Right now...

Color Your Home Beautiful...4 Simple Tips to Enhance the Home Sale Process 09/05/2008 08:08 PM - (6 comments)

Open House in Bailey's Grove Sunday 9/7/08 2pm Check it Out! 09/05/2008 07:31 PM - (0 comments)

Grand Rapids, MI ~ Forest Hills Brick Ranch ~ New on the Market 09/04/2008 04:37 PM - (0 comments)

I like being a Realtor for a variety of reasons but variety is #1 09/04/2008 11:00 AM - (73 comments)

Landmark Lofts- A very cool 1500+ Square Foot RIVERFRONT condo in Downtown Grand Rapids. OPEN SUNDAY, September 7 2-4 pm. 09/03/2008 01:59 PM - (4 comments)

Open House Sunday September 14- 2-4 at 192 Glen Eagle Dr NE, Rockford MI 09/03/2008 01:51 PM - (0 comments)

John Ball Park Zoo ~ Escaped from Real Estate! 09/03/2008 05:44 AM - (5 comments)

How To Sell A Home in 31 Days During a Tough Market...Lessons from a Rookie! 09/02/2008 03:09 AM - (80 comments)

HGTV: 25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes 09/01/2008 10:19 PM - (8 comments)

Customer Service - Client service 08/29/2008 07:57 AM - (16 comments)

New Listing 3 Bedroom Ranch, Rockford, Michigan 49341 08/28/2008 12:46 PM - (4 comments)

Beautiful Newer Home on 1 Acre and Priced to Sell! 08/27/2008 10:26 AM - (0 comments)

Just Listed!! Northeast GR Charmer, Knapp & Fuller 08/22/2008 02:14 PM - (0 comments)

New Development coming to Cascade Township, MI ~ Turnburry of Cascade 08/08/2008 02:36 PM - (4 comments)

This group is open to all members of the Active Rain Community, but articles which are posted must reflect information about the local area. It's a great place to network and learn about other professionals across a wide variety of disciplines.

I think that this is what Local Groups are supposed to do. Highlight local flavor and the individuals who serve their communities. If you're not involved in a group that serves your local community, I would highly recommend you join one.

In addition to the Greater Grand Rapids MI Group, the following groups also serve the Grand Rapids community. If you're in the Grand Rapids or West Michigan area...check them out. Better yet, wherever you are, check out what's happening in your neighborhood and resolve to contribute and make a difference!

Kent County MI Real Estate ) Founded: 01/08/2008 This group is for all Kent County MI related real estate listings, real estate information and local information posts for the following communities: Ada, Alaska, Belmont, Byron Center, Caledonia, Cannonsburg, Cascade, Casnovia, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Cutlerville, Dutton, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kent City, Kentwood, Lowell, North Park, Rockford, Sand Lake, Sparta, Walker, & Wyoming Subscribers: 26 Blog Posts: 210

Grand Rapids MI Real Estate Founded: 08/17/2007 Grand Rapids Real Estate, West Michigan Homes and Land, Discussion on Grand Rapids Economy, House Values, Real Estate Sales and conversation about economic and environmental issues which impact property values in West Michigan. Subscribers: 23 Blog Posts: 117

West Michigan Real Estate Founded: 03/16/2008 West Michigan Real Estate Group is for all posts relating to our wonderful West Michigan Area, including listings, local events and attractions for the entire region. If you have an informative article for the West Michigan Area, this is the group to post it in. Subscribers: 21 Blog Posts: 214

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