Blogging makes Real Estate Brokerage a Whole New Ball Game

Blogging makes Real Estate Brokerage a Whole New Ball Game

“Blogs are telling it like it is at the street level,” said Brad Inman of Inman News, a big real-estate news group. Inman said real-estate blogging began in the Bay vicinity, took hold in New York and has now dispersed across the country.

For instance, blog posters might expose flaws at new developments or buildings like roof leaks or heat inadequacies or tawdry craftsmanship or upkeep. They might warn buyers away from dishonest or incompetent agents or overpriced modern housing. They can permit buyers know that a neighborhood can not be secure, that an vicinity floods every spring, or that jets aviate directly overhead when the west wind blows.

It is not all negative. “Comments on our posts often talk about how great a neighborhood is or praise brokers or landlords,” said Jake Dobkin, publisher of Gothamist.com which has sites covering 15 cities.

Blogs also support even the playing field for consumers. Usually, just professionals could get full access to like price levels and property circumstances. “Blogs add information — they level the playing field...