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Featured Comment Award of the Week---Pay It Forward

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Charlemagne International Properties BRE# 01147470

I frequently read the best comments left on my posts more than once as they are thought provoking and add value to the post.  I often think to myself, I want to leave comments that enrich the post and inspire others.  I confess I sometimes am in a rush to get the day started or wind down my real estate day and leave less than memorable comments.  It happens.

As a thank you to those who leave fabulous comments on my posts and as a reminder to myself to do the same, I'm going to send out "Featured Comment Award" to a weekly winner.  Comments create Google Juice too, so why not make the juice we create reflect the best we have to offer?

My article What's My Home Worth, and How Do You Know? generated several thoughtful and thread-building comments.  Bryan Robertson's comment built on the importance of market knowledge by giving a current example. 

 His featured comment:

 

"Market knowledge is everything these days.  I had a listing appointment on Thursday for a very high-end home.  I know all the homes that have sold on market (via MLS) and off market so I gave them a fairly accurate estimate of the value of their home right off the top of my head.

They didn't like the number but I offered to show them the 5 homes that work as comps that have sold in the last year.  Being able to tell them exactly which houses sold and for how much got them to agree to be realistic and keep talking.  With a little more time, I'll get them to list for a smart price."

 
Bryan Robertson, Los Altos real estate broker (Sereno Group - Los Altos)

Thanks, Bryan for taking the time to leave a winning comment--it was music to my ears!  Enjoy the photo of two darling little musicians I met in Central Park last summer.  Too bad I can't send along their music too--it was lovely! 

Norma Toering - REMAX Palos VerdesNorma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty
(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800

PalosVerdesLifestyle - Nominated by Relocation.com as one of the top ten Los Angeles area real estate blogs. Chosen by MovingCost.com as one of the best Los Angeles realty blogs. Ranked by Technorati in the top 1% of all blogs. As seen in the Daily Breeze newspaper.

South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro, Long Beach, Torrance, Lomita, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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Comments (18)

Malcolm Johnston
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON
Trenton Real Estate

Norma, thoughful comments really do enhance a blog post, and I'm always happy to get them. I too am guilty of sometimes rushing my comments and having them end up a little too generic.

Apr 24, 2011 04:16 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Norma, This is a great idea … honoring those people who leave fabulous comments that remind you to do the same. There are days I spend several hours reading and commenting on post … because I have the time and/or simply because it feels good to me in the moment. Other times I am reading and not focused … and my comments likely reflect that. For me, the most important element in leaving a comment is to be kind and respectful. Comments tend to leave a trail of similar comments … ever notice that? If one person “attacks” in a comment … it seems it opens the door for more. Have a blessed day!

Apr 24, 2011 04:31 AM
Brian Rugg
Rugg Realty LLC Sun City Texas 512-818-6700 - Georgetown, TX
Sun City TX Real Estate - Georgetown, TX Real Est

Hello Norma:

 

This is a clever idea and it does help reward those who give some thought to the comments rather than the robot answers we sometimes see.  Now, I'm going to have to think of something profound so I can be in the chase.

Apr 24, 2011 04:33 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Norma --- this is the first time I've seen these type of post --- great idea.   Congrats to Bryan.

Apr 24, 2011 04:52 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Norma,

Wonderful idea.  Like you I read every comment and respond.  I really love it when people are engaged in the discussion and add their special insight, it makes the discussion grow and more interesting. A

Apr 24, 2011 05:16 AM
Renée Donohue~Home Photography
Savvy Home Pix - Allegan, MI
Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer

What a great idea!  I recently had a featured post with over 100 comments and only one stood out tall to me!

Apr 24, 2011 06:03 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Malcolm - I'm hoping this inspires me to leave comments of value to the post--not just for points.

Apr 24, 2011 08:22 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Kathleen - Yes, I have noticed a tone will be picked up and carried throughout the comments--sometimes good and other times...

Apr 24, 2011 08:24 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Brian - I often learn as much from the comments as I do from the post.

Apr 24, 2011 08:25 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Michael - Comments create Google Juice too, and although it takes a minute or two longer to write a pertinent comment it not only adds to the conversation thread, it also contributes to the Google Juice.

Apr 24, 2011 08:29 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Alexandra - The added interest and personal insight makes reading the comments a rewarding experience.

Apr 24, 2011 08:30 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Renee - That's why I think outstanding comments should be recognized.

Apr 24, 2011 08:32 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

Wow Norma, thanks!!  I have to say, I'm speechless.  Ironically enough, I'm watching "The King's Speech" tonight :)

You're right about comments and I find myself more and more taking the time to write such comments on well-written articles.  I really enjoy the material you write and look forward to commenting on many more of your articles in the future.

Now I'm off to figure out how I can pay this forward...

Apr 24, 2011 12:08 PM
Ken Barker Realtor® GRI, E-Pro Certified
Dilbeck Real Estate - Burbank, CA

Norma - that is a great idea. It is nice to be recognized but this is an area that I am sure is not by the general AR Platform.

Apr 24, 2011 03:01 PM
Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR
Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV
Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

Good thinking, Norma!  It is quick and easy to comment, but a thoughtful answer means a lot.  I have been a comment and dasher lately, I don't think I have said anything intelligent all week.

Apr 24, 2011 06:17 PM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Bryan - You're most welcome, and thank you!

Apr 25, 2011 03:25 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Ken - The point system encourages us to write ten blog posts per week, but it also bestows points for 70 comments per week.  We can really make an impact with all those comments if we elect to go beyond the generic response.

Apr 25, 2011 03:28 AM
Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities
Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

Virginia - We can't expect every comment to be profound, but every once in awhile one really stands out.

Apr 25, 2011 03:29 AM