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Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent, REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results! (BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE)

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Rainmaker
1,050,315
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Sometimes Anonymous is appropriate, such as when you're asking about a deal in progress you don't want 'out there' but need insights.

Feb 19, 2017 08:08 AM
Ambassador
1,450,719
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

I have zero problem with people asking an anonymous question.  I'm sure they have a valid reason which is none of my business.  If I do not choose to answer, so be it.  Why is this a problem for you?  And, you never know when you may feel the need to protect your own privacy.

Feb 19, 2017 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

Last thursday an agent posted (anonymous) his delema about buying a 2 bed home for his family of six.

The haters came out, attacking him personally. Basically telling him he was not an informed agent...one responder chastised him as not being a proud realtor because he spelled realtor with small letters instead of caps.  Who cares about a spelling?  Or the word realator, realter, or rel-a-tor?

It is OK to debate and contradict if you stick with the topic...with personal attacks and rudeness like that, who wants to put their name out there?

The poster deleted his question within about an hour of having eggs thrown at them.

THAT IS PROBABLY WHY SOME PEOPLE POST ANONYMOUS...

Eve

PS:...and I thought it was great that a home buyer was actually buying below their budget.

Feb 19, 2017 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
637,434
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

If a member really didn't want their clients to see their question, it could be a good reason. Or if a buyer or seller didn't want to be inundated with contacts from the AR membership, that's another good reason. Or if it were a "real" question that is not straight out of a real estate handbook, that's another good reason. But since we have what we have, why not just ignore questions you don't like? It's never ok to lambast someone, I believe, because it makes YOU look bad. IMHO

Feb 19, 2017 08:04 AM
Rainmaker
910,278
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

It's allowed, and even long time members use it now and then. There are legitimate reasons to post anonymously.

Feb 19, 2017 11:04 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

There have been a couple of times that I wanted to ask my question anonymously because of an ongoing and present situation that I didn't want compromised. Though it is rare for me others may not have the confidence to say who they are.

Feb 19, 2017 10:36 AM
Ambassador
3,343,466
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

You are not alone. We have circled that wagon more than once. Some discussions suggested that there may be a reason a person wants to ask anonymously.  As for your suggestion ... I know this may sound shocking ... but we have had some fake profiles too. Members creating other "fake" profiles that come in here and stir the pot or game the system for the almighty points. 

Feb 19, 2017 08:24 AM
Rainmaker
4,566,354
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

There are situations where an anonymous question is valid but many are not.  When in doubt, I channel Susan Emo and keep my eyes on my own paper.   

Feb 19, 2017 12:01 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I agree....but I think AR people who service this site are up to their eyeballs in tasks ...

Feb 19, 2017 10:14 AM
Rainmaker
4,924,982
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I so agree with you on this subject.

 

Feb 19, 2017 08:26 AM
Rainmaker
710,515
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

I don't know why these questions are asked "anonymously." What are they afraid of?

Feb 19, 2017 07:23 AM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I don't normally respond to anonymous....

Feb 19, 2017 07:22 AM
Ambassador
5,224,095
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

As Candice A. Donofrio said - that would be the only reason I could think to be anonymous!

Feb 19, 2017 02:23 PM
Ambassador
3,586,151
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

After reading some of the comments I can see why some would prefer to post anonymous at times.

Feb 19, 2017 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
1,724,986
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

As   Candice A. Donofrio wrote.

Feb 19, 2017 01:17 PM
Rainmaker
439,856
Shirley Coomer
Keller Williams Realty Sonoran Living - Phoenix, AZ
Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, Phoenix Az

I don't respond on anonymous posts, just move on.

Feb 19, 2017 10:15 AM
Ambassador
5,044,753
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

It's been a debated question for some time. Candice A. Donofrio has a good answer. Given some of the questions I do wonder why people choose to be anonymous

Feb 19, 2017 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,470
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

 Gloria,

I think that Candice A. Donofrio made a valid point.  A

Feb 19, 2017 09:08 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

It seems to be overused lately, but I do think there are valid reasons for anonymous.  We have agents in the same markets and even the same brokerages here on AR.  Perhaps someone doesn't necessarily care about being anonymus to everyone, but doesn't want their broker or local peers to see the question and know it was them. -Kasey

Feb 19, 2017 08:28 AM
Rainmaker
2,385,980
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

That exact question has been asked many times Gloria Valvasori, ASA and I think it's a valid question but sometimes when I look at the question I understand why they didn't want their name associated with such a question.

Feb 19, 2017 08:05 AM
Ambassador
2,176,071
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I wouldn't mind if the anonymous were the general public seeking an answer to a question.  And, I don't want the general public having to become a member just to ask questions.  That would defeat the purpose of "Members Only" posts.

Unless it becomes a serious problem, there are some things we just need to ignore.




Feb 19, 2017 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,022
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Exactly... anonymous should be banned

Feb 19, 2017 07:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,842,961
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It's been discussed ad nauseum. Most people just skip their questions. I think the last bunch were students.

Feb 19, 2017 07:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,539,715
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Often debated here, I do tend to not take "anonymous" seriously, so I'm not sure the value of it for the answers they receive are commonly tongue in cheek vs. helpful.

Feb 19, 2017 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
5,862,877
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have never figured out WHY they can ask a question anonymously.

Feb 22, 2017 01:37 PM
Rainmaker
4,997,411
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I have no problem with some asking a question Anonymously (many times there could be a valid reason for privacy). Like anything if you don't want to answer the question we have the right to move on and ignore the question.

Feb 19, 2017 04:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Depends on the question. Some have been asked so many times like with  water rights. 

Feb 19, 2017 02:32 PM
Rainmaker
679,204
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Everyone has their reasons for going anonymous ... many of those reasons have already been mentioned.

Feb 19, 2017 02:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,621,596
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It does not bother me, but often I feel it is unnecessary to hide your identity. 

Feb 19, 2017 01:20 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,665
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

I think people should be allowed to post anonymously, as that is appropriate for some q's.  But, when it's a general q, I think it's best to be open about it as you will generally get better answers.

Feb 19, 2017 11:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,390,113
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

The benefit of posting anonymously is when the topic is sensitive or confdential. The vast majority of "anonymous" posts don't fall in that category, and, for that reason, I agree with you.

Feb 19, 2017 11:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

I have never asked the AR management team, shareholder(s), directors or programmers this qustion.  Decisions were made by the appropriate personnel, as they have solely determined, that it was appropriate to allow people to ask questions as "anonymous" .

Feb 19, 2017 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Gloria Valvasori, ASA I see it as mostly the Utah students who don't want to set up a profile. They are required to ask questions here as part of their class work and do the minimum to get their questions on the site. We all have a choice to answer their questions or go on to the next question. I don't see it as a big deal.

Feb 19, 2017 09:02 AM
Rainmaker
2,779,653
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Identifying oneself benefits those that do....

Feb 19, 2017 08:38 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

It does not bother me.

Feb 19, 2017 08:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,501,618
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Per Bob Stewart the Anon feature exists for people who need anonymity due to asking a question about an ongoing transaction or an issue where other parties could be in the rain and it would/could cause issues if they directly knew that they were asking the question.  Such as issues with a Broker or thinking about leaving.

 

Asking a student question is a violation of this feature.  Asking questions like "what is the best flyer program" is also a violation.  You can, and I DO, report them.

Feb 20, 2017 09:46 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Jeff Pearl nailed this one!

Feb 20, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
988,852
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

I actually agree with you Gloria Valvasori, ASA - but then again I don't make the rules ;)

Feb 20, 2017 05:56 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Good question.

Feb 20, 2017 05:54 AM
Rainmaker
7,822,429
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Make your suggestion to the staff.

Feb 20, 2017 05:35 AM
Ambassador
2,430,413
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I don't care if people want to post anonymously. There could be a good reason for a real estate professional to post without using their name (perhaps in the middle of a deal?).  I just skip the anonymous ones I can't help and move on to the next one. 

Feb 20, 2017 03:48 AM
Rainmaker
5,102,824
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

On the whole, I agree, especially it it is clear that the asker is not a member of the public needing some specific information. Everyone seems concerned that someone might see the question and get some "advantage from it." Personally, I've never had anyone call me up and say they saw such and such question from me and it hurt them in some way. And if the question really is all that sensitive, I wouldn't address it in this forum... I'd be getting advice outside this forum. And let's face it, a lot of the questions asked anonymously are not especially sensitive.

Feb 20, 2017 03:38 AM
Rainmaker
599,124
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I guess maybe they post anonymously out of embarassment that they don't know the answer?

Feb 19, 2017 09:54 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Gloria Valvasori, ASA - there may be a reason for them not to disclose their names. As long as the question is reasonable, I think it is okay. Though I prefer to share with everyone who I am and what my question is.

Feb 19, 2017 09:50 PM
Rainmaker
4,272,536
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

It is perturbing!

Feb 19, 2017 08:37 PM
Ambassador
2,682,719
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   .

 Anonymous

Feb 19, 2017 06:50 PM
Ambassador
6,380,446
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

It has always been part of the recipe to encourage questions from people who may want to avoid the embarrassment of asking questions that may make them appear foolish.

Feb 19, 2017 06:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

maybe they do not know how to do it

Feb 19, 2017 05:16 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,252
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

There are times when it is ok, but i think it is muss-used often

Feb 19, 2017 03:20 PM