Associations -Rail Road Properties, Golf Course Properties, Water Front P....

Cubic Zirconia Becomes a Diamond -Enlightened Associations---

If you look at your associations and see I have chosen you to associate with and you have no idea who I am or why I would choose to associate with you-I have a specific reason.  Choosing to associate with you has nothing to do with points, designations, certifications, whether you are Independent vs Franchise, Traditional vs Discount, Experienced vs New Agent, Liberal Vs Conservative, or any other such criteria. I had an epiphany. What we have in common is a specific type of property to market.

I was thinking that -groups- would be the place to create a type of message board, forum, listing exchange. Then when I was messing around in the associations area I realized that we can group our associations. Then I realized that may be the best way to organize exchanging information regarding specialty properties. I would appreciate it if you would give me feedback regarding how to do this. Should more formal groups be created for these categories, or would associated groups be more efficient? Or, both?

I have two categories of associations started that I am adding associates to by keyword: Rail Road, and Golf. The Golf category had so many associates pop up in search that I could not add them all in the time I had.

So, if I missed you and you represent a Golf course home, or homes near a rail road, please add me and we will make contact hopefully, soon. I would also like to be included as an associate with others who serve areas with military bases.

The idea here is not to exclude anyone, but more not to bore folks who do not have a reason to be actively brain storming these types of specialty properties or markets.  I am very interested in developing a super Golf Course property exchange.

The Rail Road property idea occurred to me before I earned my license. Maybe its time has come.  I discovered quite a long time ago in the process of researching train cars for a café concept-that there are many Rail and train fanatics across the USA, actually in the world.  Some people would actually choose to live near a loud, obnoxious train...

Trains definitely influence the MGC.  To live near the beach, you will most likely live within hearing distance of an active train. Pre-Katrina, living near the beach was about as prestigious as you could get.  You may be aware from all the Katrina publicity that "North of the Tracks and South of the Tracks" was the dividing line for destruction. The trains did not run for several months post-Kat. It was eerie. So, QUIET. Some residents had become so used to hearing the trains that they whined about not being wakened at 2:30, 4:00 and 6:00AM. They were homesick! Blaring trains represented "home".

South of the tracks, being nearer to the beach had more prestige. Post Katrina, I wondered if that value would change.  Clearly living north of the tracks had a high degree of protection. Yet any type of waterfront property, irregardless of possible danger seems to swing a higher price.

Beach front residences have not been rebuilt yet. In some areas along hwy 90 full utility services have not yet been restored.  In this first year post Kat most of my buyers were requesting to be north of the tracks and preferably north of I-10.

I hope that diversion made sense. So, off and on I have envisioned a company or marketing campaign for Rail Road properties. Then I could hear the remarks, "Watch out, you'll get railroaded". I haven't listed a rail road property yet, I want to develop a full campaign first.

Okay, what do you think-would these categories best be handled as formal groups, or group associations?

A. Rail Road Neighborhoods/Properties     B. Golf Course Properties

C. Water Front Properties          D. near Airfield Properties

Would there be any specialists who may want to volunteer to moderate, or do we just jump in and do it?