I received an email this morning from Realtor.com with login information to my new Featured Blogs blog. It's a WordPress blog. Probably, they're using the WordPress MU (multi-user) version of the software. 

Other than the basic WordPress functions, there is an ability to change header graphics, even upload your own. If you use Realtor.com's Top Producer Web site service, there is automatic content aggregation from that into the blog...listings and such. You can also upload your photo and contact information using a sidebar widget.

On the other hand, the administrative features are kept to a minimum, by design I'm sure. WordPress can be a little overwhelming at first, so this contains only the basics, and not all of what I would consider "basics" to be. For example, there is no ability to time stamp a post or even upload images (or other files such as MP3 or PDF) from your hard-drive. If it can't be accessed via a URL or some embedded code (such as what YouTube provides for its videos), you're out of luck!

The help files say the dashboard will allow you to see a list of "hot blogs," which are the "most popular agent blogs as determined by hits." You can also search for other agent blogs. There is the possibility your posts will be featured on Realtor.com's blog as well. So, there are some perks to the service. 

Now, should you go get you one of these blogs? Depends. If you're a blogging newbie (say, only blogging here at Active Rain) and want to take another step into the blogosphere, it might be a good option. There are some personalization features such as the header...and it is free. (The fact that it's free is as much disadvantageous as it an advantage. I suspect the abandonment rate will be fairly high.) 

Personally, if you're serious about blogging, I'd opt for something that gives you more control over the administrative functions and gives you a more unique look, i.e., custom design.  

The main takeaway for me is this: If NAR has "anointed" blogging, then it must have certainly reached a tipping point so far as the real estate industry is concerned. I think, based on this, we can safely say 2007 is the Year of the Real Estate Blog! 

Your turn. Your thoughts?