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. Unlike the vast majority of "community" sites that rely on dry automatic algorithms, Localism employs a team of crack editors who approve the best content. Having your posts and photos consistently approved will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
"Legacy" content is also considered when ranking top neighbors. We don't want to leave the early adopters of Localism in the cold, and we're working hard to process that backlog.
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.
I am seeing article after article, and blog after blog where people are worried about the long-term effects of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac government bailout. Not that I blame them, as human beings we do need to research and decipher things. However, stress and anxiety lead to only one thing, more stress and anxiety. And that will NOT repair the real estate market.
So when and how will a market correction take place?
When you, when we, when the world stops living in fear and negativity. It all starts within people, not just companies, bailouts, and new laws alone.
Personally, because of the last two years, I am back to the basics in life. And that means I live by the saying "Keep it simple stupid". I refuse to live my life in anxiety and worry in regards to the presidency, the U.S. Housing Bill, the Fannie and Freddie Bailout, whether or not my favorite sports team is going to win, etc. I have friends and family to enjoy, a park to walk, a dog to throw the ball to - and most importantly, I have the exciting Las Vegas luxury real estate market to sell.
If you choose to live your life in fear and anxiety, that is your choice. I've been there and don't like the feeling. Instead, I wake up everyday with a thankful attitude and excitement to live.
It's your life, you make the call...
Could waking up tomorrow and saying something positive about your local real estate market have a positive long-term effect on the economy? Better than if you were to wake up worrying about Fannie and Freddie don't you think?
Give it a shot - And then spread the word.
Aaron Auxier, REALTOR®, ABR can be reached at 702-205-1818
"Hollywood's Connection to Vegas"®
Shapiro & Sher Group
Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS®
Copyright © 2008 Aaron Auxier. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: All information in this post is subject to change without notice. Subject matter: is an opinion, is not guaranteed, may be time sensitive, and may be based on information collected from several sources which may or may not be reliable at the time of sourcing.


