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Charge to blog..Pioneer or Squatter?

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., NHRE# 02863

Let me go on the record as saying I agree with Brad Andersohn's fee structure..decision.

I have been living in an area that a handful of people (and companies) have contributed by in large to the growth and success of the community/town. It has been painful to see new businesses open and succeed having not paid the dues of the forefathers. Their predecessors cleared the timber, and leveled the fields for their proprietary. Only to have a new generation question why we didn't plan for an airport instead of a school. The new businesses that say why join the chamber of commerce that is an old fashion medium and lacks relevance. Well I'm here to tell you the Chamber of commerce put this place on the map, and the company that turned a bankrupt paper mill into a shopping mall lost a lot of money in the first few years, because the plan was long term and the new tenants will benefit from the prior sweat and long hours of planning that went into it.

The pioneers were able to establish a homestead interest in the land they staked out the hard part was to get there and make the property tillable, find a crop that would grow and survive meager beginnings.

When it was easier to see the west by train, there was no stopping the population shift, but by then if you wanted land you had to buy it. You were no longer a pioneer you were riding mass transit with established routes and know destinations.

I attend a lot of planning board meetings in my town, and listen while applicants try to convince the board that they shouldn't have to adhere the the new set backs because the neighbor is closer to the boundary line. The answer is largely the same the rules have changed and the abutter was there first, he had complied with all the current requirements and has done his part for commerce and community before you arrived. Some may say what I hear in these meetings ..you have yours and are trying to keep us from getting ours, no that's not true you can pay to have the same set up we have..or you are welcome to go somewhere that still has no costs.

It's your choice you can settle where the roads are paved or go where there is no traffic and no rules.

 

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                                                                                                                                                                              Your-White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

                    steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

                        MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

                         My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

                    Lincoln NH &  Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

    Grafton County NH MLS search

William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Hi Steve...good comparable.  For the most part I agree...I was just surprised at the amount of the fee.  For many it will not be an issue, for others, well...

Feb 16, 2009 01:39 AM
South Austin Real Estate Blog
Sky Realty South Austin - Austin, TX

I see the comparisons to the new announcement to Active Rain blogs and postings.  I also know that new members keep it fresh and growing and keep a community not just surviving but thriving.  Lets cherish each, the founding fathers and mothers and the newbies alike.  We all make a community better for our efforts.

Feb 16, 2009 01:41 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Bill..We can question the judgment and debate the merits, but all good things come with a cost. I used to get one TV station with rabbit ears, but I am happy to pay for 80 channels, is this progress? We'll only know when some time passes.

Feb 16, 2009 01:56 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Gail, A members only post will still be free, if a real estate professional wants to reach the public ..well it comes with a cost, if that's part of the budget..look at print ads, and other things we do and evaluate what works best.

Feb 16, 2009 01:58 AM
Mark MacKenzie
Phoenix, AZ

Steve,

This is a really interesting perspective.

I do see where you are coming from and ultimately I can't complain because I have been a member for several months.

Feb 16, 2009 02:07 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Mark, I was trying to offer just one opinion, I see the Merit in what Brad is suggesting, But I have also read a few posts that say we need the Newbies ..for the new blood. We will have to see, I too am glad I am a veteran and at the same time didn't have to make the decision to add the fee. But this is a business and revenue is needed to staff the A/R family.

Feb 16, 2009 02:25 AM
Randi Brammer
Randi Brammer, Acctg. - Hinckley, MN
Accountant & Tax Preparer

Hi Steve...Bill has been trying to get me re-started on this site, so I am giving it a good try.  He suggested I subscribe to your blog.  So Here aI am.  Sounds like I may be re-starting just in time!

Feb 16, 2009 02:27 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Randi, Sounds like you did get in under the wire, make the best of it and post anything you are passionate about, worse case scenario post a listing with a photo and more than 50 words in the text..to get a blog out there.

Feb 16, 2009 02:40 AM
Monika McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH
Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

I think the fee structure will keep out the crap posts...at least I hope so. AR has been diluted to a certain degree.  I joined in 2006 and sure have seen many changes over time.

Feb 16, 2009 08:45 AM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

See what happens, I'm out of te Rain for a few days, and now there's all kinds of new stuff going on.  I read some of the blogs, and I've not yet formed an opinion...more reading this evening!

Feb 16, 2009 10:00 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Monika..There are plenty of free sites and some very good pay for traffic sites, this is a matter of where you see the value. I say let the chips fall where they may.

Feb 16, 2009 10:44 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Laura..I paid for a localism account because I saw the value in registering my home town, and I'm happy with the results.

Feb 16, 2009 10:49 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Steve - this is a well put together post, I like your analogy.  Even more than your post, I love your comment, "Bill..We can question the judgment and debate the merits, but all good things come with a cost. I used to get one TV station with rabbit ears, but I am happy to pay for 80 channels, is this progress?" 

Guess I better upgrade to cable here pretty soon. 

Thanks for taking the time to share your Pioneer or Squatter post.  There are three types of people in every industry; the Pioneers, the Followers, and those that come kicking and screaming all the way. 

The Pioneers take the arrows, but usually benefit from aquiring the best land.  :-)

Feb 17, 2009 01:58 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Thanks Brad, I have a unique perspective on real estate (and this subject), we have been the pioneers in many of the projects we decided to develop, we built in places people didn't think were worth the expense, and the first buyers got the best deals. As these project matured, the early settlers looked like geniuses, and the followers had to pay a premium to get in the established neighborhood. After all the guys that broke ground took all the risk,they worked out the bugs, and fought hard for the necessary permits to build. We were part of a group that took a closed paper mill and turned it into the towns center piece. There are some old timers that wish the mill was still open, but most are very happy there is a theater & grocery store in town where there was none 20 years ago. This is progress!!

Feb 17, 2009 02:38 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

 

Steve...

This post has been featured in the group "Square Pegs!"

Thank you for your contribution!

Feb 17, 2009 12:27 PM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Thanks Richard..I dropped a once a month print ad that was costing me $300/ month I believe it was lining bird cages across the north east. This Blog platform has given my company so much return, I know it's second only to my local MLS..in terms of inquiries.   Steve

Feb 17, 2009 12:57 PM
R.E. Renée Hoover, Salesperson
Century 21 Geba Realty, Milford, PA; Licensed in PA & NYS - Milford, PA
Poconos, Pike, Wayne, Monroe Counties, PA; PA/NYS

Richard, it is true that newcomers to any type of structure, be it a community, or network, or association, whatever, gain an immediate benefit of the accomplishments of those who came before and laid the foundation.  Perhaps one manner in resolving these types of potential conflicts is in the manner in which the community is initially structured with the anticipation of future growth.  When not, a fair middle ground should be sought after.  Good post.

Feb 18, 2009 02:52 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Renee..  I appreciate the thoughts, and I'm sure if you stick with the blog & comment plan here you will gain readership and additional knowledge of our real estate industry. I have learned much since joining ActiveRain and I have been a Realtor for 25 years.  Steve

Feb 18, 2009 03:18 AM