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For Immediate Release

ActiveRain Launches Nationwide Referral Exchange

Largest Social Networking Site For Real Estate Professionals

Creates Clearing House For National and Local Referrals

SEATTLE, July 24, 2007 - ActiveRain, the world's largest social networking site for real estate professionals, today unveiled the ActiveRain Referral Exchange, a national referral hub for ActiveRain members seeking to connect buyers and sellers to other real estate professionals outside their area.

The ActiveRain Referral Exchange, a part of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, is a central online exchange designed to become the standard repository for referral exchanges for the real estate industry.  The platform enables referring agents to communicate with other agents and review previous ActiveRain blogs to determine whether there is a good match.  Any referral fees or compensation is arranged directly and confidentially between parties and is not reported to ActiveRain.

The ActiveRain Referral Exchange was designed as a stand-alone platform to enable registered ActiveRain members to connect and create profitable new business relationships.  ActiveRain members include more than 35,000 real estate agents, mortgage lenders, appraisers, title company officers and other real estate professionals.

"The ActiveRain Referral Exchange is another great reason to start blogging at ActiveRain today and participate in a dynamic community helping real estate professionals generate more business, improve their business knowledge and get closer to clients," said ActiveRain CEO Matt Heaton.  "With the launch of the ActiveRain Referral Exchange, frequent and articulate ActiveRain bloggers are further rewarded because referring agents can review that agent's style and local market expertise to find a referral partner."

At launch, participation in the AR Referral Exchange is free of charge.  ActiveRain plans on charging a $20 monthly fee to participate in the Referral Exchange as adoption reached critical mass in certain metropolitan markets.  For the remainder of 2007, that fee is being waived. 

To visit the ActiveRain Referral Exchange, visit http://www.activerain.com

"The ActiveRain Referral Exchange is the next logical step in the evolution of ActiveRain and is an extension of the trust that exists among members of this community," Heaton said.  "The ActiveRain Referral Exchange demonstrates the true power of Web 2.0 by making available a powerful platform that allows individuals to pursue their mutual interest on their own terms."

About ActiveRain

ActiveRain is the nation's largest social networking site for real estate professionals.  More than 35,000 real estate agents, mortgage lenders, appraisers, title company officers and others in the real estate industry participate in the network to exchange ideas and generate leads.  For more information, visit http://www.activerain.com/.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Greg Berardi, 415.239.7826, greg@bluemarlinpartners.com

 
Posted by ActiveRain Real Estate Network on 07/24/2007 08:16 AM   Comments (83)   press releases  

83 Comments on Press Release: ActiveRain Launches Nationwide Referral Exchange

Hot dog.  I'm ready.  I've been waiting for this.  Excellent. 

Thanks ActiveRain.

 

07/24/2007 08:23 AM by Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate

A great addition to the community!  Thanks and keep up the great work you do with the development of this great online resource!

07/24/2007 08:26 AM by Jon Angevine Calgary & Airdrie Real Estate (Royal LePage Foothills)

FYI: Just about to put up a post with more information for ActiveRain members.

07/24/2007 08:26 AM by Matt Heaton (ActiveRain Corp.)

I'm all in. This is exciting. Thanks AR.

07/24/2007 08:28 AM by Jeannette Neerpat, e-Pro Coral Springs/Parkland Real Estate (London Realty Corp)

This is great!  I'll be anxious to watch the posting activity at the exchange and hear reports of how it's working.

07/24/2007 08:33 AM by Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Willinger Real Estate)

Alright AR, if you've got anyone headed to or out of Idaho, including Boise, Meridian, Eagle Start, Middleton, Nampa or Caldwell get hold of me.

07/24/2007 08:34 AM by Brian Brumpton, Boise Idaho Real Estate Professional. (Keller Williams Realty of Boise)

good job... I already caught in on the home page - great idea

07/24/2007 08:34 AM by Desiree Daniels New Jersey Real Estate (609) 448-2222 (RE/MAX Tri County)

Thanks for the continued improvements.

Jeff

07/24/2007 08:38 AM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Associates)

I hadn't seen or heard of this until now, nice addition!

07/24/2007 08:40 AM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)

It looks very interesting. Looks like a great resource center.

07/24/2007 08:40 AM by Downtown Portland Real Estate Broker~Herb Hamilton (RE/MAX Preferred Inc. Realtors)

It just keeps getting better and better!

07/24/2007 08:44 AM by Joeann Fossland, Master Certified Coach (Advantage Solutions Group)

Hoooooo Weeeeeeeee. Can't wait to hear the rest of the details. 

07/24/2007 08:47 AM by Palmetto Bay | Redland Real Estate | Maggie Dokic (EWM Realtors)

I love referrals.

07/24/2007 08:47 AM by WHere do I sign up

Fix the missing .com

"To visit the ActiveRain Referral Exchange, visit http://www.activerain/."

 

07/24/2007 08:47 AM by Mike Mueller (Mike Mueller, Inc.)

May I point out that in fact it will be an International Referral Exchange.
Canada, eh!
"The true north, strong and free"

07/24/2007 08:51 AM by Larry Estabrooks, Licensed Independent Agent (LarryEstabrooks.com)

I seldom make 1 word comments but here goes:  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

07/24/2007 08:52 AM by Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton (Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC)

Interesting idea, just how it will work will be interesting to see.  I usually know where I am going to refer people when I need to do that.  If you spend hours on Active Rain every day it may hurt you with referrals.

07/24/2007 08:52 AM by New Jersey Real Estate James Boyer Morris, Essex & Union County NJ Realtor (RE/MAX Properties Unlimited, Real Estate)

"Lets get ready to rumble!"

07/24/2007 09:02 AM by Boise Idaho Real Estate - George Tallabas (RE/MAX Advantage)

Referrals drive my business 80% of the time.  Let's go...

07/24/2007 09:07 AM by Ken Nimmo (Coldwell Banker Brothers Realty)

Active Rain has done it again - great job!  Three quick suggestions:

  1. Enable the search settings to be saved as a default so that we don't have to select State and County each time
  2. Enable a feature that allows us to specify what State, County and Cities we service so that the system can match a posted referral with members who service that location
  3. Have the system send an automatic notification for any matches a matching referral is posted that there is a referral up for grabs

 

07/24/2007 09:12 AM by Tony Marriott, Associate Broker, CRP, CLHMS, CRB, CRS ~~ Phoenix Arizona (Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners)

hmmm interesting.  I have never paid to get referrals.

07/24/2007 09:20 AM by Teresa Boardman (Keller Williams)

Matt,Caleb et,al,

With localism.com, this goes hand and hand.Where are the forms to view?

07/24/2007 09:25 AM by Scott Daniels Florida Real Estate 2.0. Agents Earn 100% Commission. (Florida List For Less Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner. )

Tony,

1. Will have that done tomorrow.

2. Will put on the list of things to do.

3. Being worked on right now.

07/24/2007 09:40 AM by Matt Heaton (ActiveRain Corp.)

I tried to log on but got error on page --keep us posted.  Want to sign up.

07/24/2007 09:40 AM by Cynthia Tilghman

Looks like you guys are formalizing what has been going on for a while now.  Makes all the sense in the world.

 

Bob Mitchell

ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc. 

07/24/2007 09:43 AM by ValueList Real Estate Services, Inc.

Interesting - how many members' already belong to a network?  How will this fit in with Leading RE, Cendant and the national networks of other franchises?  It would be a pretty rude awakening to find you have paid $20 a month more to put less in your pocket for going out of network.  

07/24/2007 09:44 AM by Beth Butler - EWM Realtors

This is great how exciting.

07/24/2007 09:50 AM by Ava Lugg "Selling Real Estate in Snellville, Grayson and Loganville" (Bridgewell Realty Inc.)

Very nice guys.....I'm happy to hear this is moving along!

07/24/2007 09:53 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)

Interesting... waiting for more info.  Great idea to let agents try it out for a couple of months for free prior to making a decision to commit.

07/24/2007 10:00 AM by Pasadena CA Real Estate - Irina Netchaev (Keller Williams International Realty)

Hi Matt - Very interesting.  It's fun watching from the sidelines to see what you and Jonathan are up to next.

07/24/2007 10:06 AM by Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos| Laguna Real Estate|Marlene Bridges (Sherman Smith & Associates)

I'm all in too!! I can't wait to get started!!

07/24/2007 10:20 AM by Dianne Barody - Pensacola Florida Real Estate (Century 21 AmeriSouth Realty)

It looks like some people are posting their listings, offering to pay a referral fee if you send a buyer.  Is this what the referral exchange section is intended to be???  Perhaps I am misunderstanding their post. 

07/24/2007 10:24 AM by Carol Williams Wenatchee Real Estate (Willinger Real Estate)

 

 

 

Refer Away....YAhoooooooooooooo!

07/24/2007 10:27 AM by Sally & David Hanson Realtors WI Residential-Commercial-Short Sale (First Weber Group)

Bring it on!!!!

I'm ready for all of your North Dallas refererrals!!!!

07/24/2007 10:55 AM by Kim Daugherty, McKinney Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Four Corners)

I think this is a great idea !  I would happily refer any clients I have to Active Rain members who I see devoting a lot of time and care to their blogs and networks. It shows dedication and conscientiousness as well as drive and ambition.  Right now there does not seem to be a lot of Canadian AR members who are very active on AR, unfortunately and hence I know I will have a hard time referring through here (due to lack of active members), however hopefully that will change in time.

Right now I have a difficult time finding decent REALTORs to refer to in other areas .  Sending another one out today, this time to the Downsview area of Toronto, Ontario.

Jo 

07/24/2007 11:00 AM by Jo-Anne Smith-Belleville, Quinte and Prince Edward Region Real Estate, Ont. (Royal Lepage Proalliance Realty, Brokerage)

I have already received referrals through ActiveRain...I'm sure this will make it even better.  (Too bad there has to be a monthly fee.)

07/24/2007 11:09 AM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)

Yes it was noticed this morning and I was playing with it..thanks for the update and adding it to the features of AR.

07/24/2007 11:17 AM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)

Diana, got to make some money somehow :)  We're basically charging for providing a service to help make the process easier.  Sure, lots of referrals happen behind the scenes already on ActiveRain and that's just fine.

I know a lot of small real estate brokerages that have lots of referrals out of area, but have no way of placing them, hopefully this will help solve the problem. 

07/24/2007 11:24 AM by Matt Heaton (ActiveRain Corp.)

I was thinking about recommending this. You beat me to it. Thanks this could be great!

07/24/2007 11:32 AM by Shawn Gerhardson Minnesota's Home Mortgage Loan Expert (Mortgages Unlimited)

This is wonderful news. It makes AR even more awesome! :) But the fees may deter people from signing up? But I agree you gotta make money somehow to support the expenses. I am a member on tribe and they were toying with ads, then bigger ads, people really backlashed. When I was a realtor, I was using housevalues, NEVER AGAIN! But they had a free referral services. However, the amount of money they charge for, anything should be free!

Cheers

Cindy 

07/24/2007 12:23 PM by Cindy Lin @ Staged4more, ASPM, IAHSP,IRIS, CSP (Staged4more Home Staging & Redesigns)

Ok, so tell me - with all of this great free stuff going on for us real estate people - how does active rain make it's money?

07/24/2007 12:34 PM by Judi Barrett (Integrity Real Estate Services)

If anyone needs agents in the East Phoenix Valley and Gold Canyon Arizona area, please get ahold of us. We would love to be of service.

07/24/2007 12:40 PM by Bob & Carolin Benjamin - E Phoenix Arizona Real Estate (Benjamin Realty LLC)

Cindy, we don't plan to charge for a while until we get some traction with the referral network and members can see a clear value to being involved.  We also plan to keep the monthly fee fairly low to get as many people involved as possible and to keep adding tools to the referral network that will make members want to use it.

07/24/2007 12:46 PM by Matt Heaton (ActiveRain Corp.)

Gosh.  I just had a horrible thought.  How do we make sure that the referral companies/web sites don't start dumping their leads into this system. 

I'm thinking there should be something like the Copyright notice that listers with a referral should verify that they are not a referral service, i.e. housevalues, etc. 

 

07/24/2007 12:58 PM by Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate

Good job Matt. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. It's a very good idea BUT I already see folks just offering a referral to sale their listing. Shouldn't a referral be a buyer or a seller? Heck I already know I can find listings.

07/24/2007 01:04 PM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc

it would be nice to have an international option...it could be as simple as an "international" category.

some of us get contacted almost every day about availability of property in foreign lands.

Tony

07/24/2007 01:08 PM by A. Grey | Vidlisting.com| Real Estate Video Mentor (Vidlisting.com)

Ditto, Lenn - Good point. 

Referrals are alive and well on ActiveRain.  'Got a new one today, in fact, and expecting settlement on another this month!

07/24/2007 01:08 PM by Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate (Long & Foster REALTORS)

On the right track, sure there will be wrinkles to iron out such as Lenns thought....will watch- so far the guys have dont fantastic work!

07/24/2007 02:03 PM by Michele Connors, Broker in Charge (Coldwell Banker First Realty Morehead City)

 This is great, but are we not all kinda doing it now anyway?  paper trail?

Dick Beals

07/24/2007 02:08 PM by Wilmington Real Estate 4U

This is the reason I originally joined AR. I've been using the Associates feature as a way of tracking which agents I like, for different parts of the country.

07/24/2007 02:28 PM by Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach Real Estate) (Adams Cameron and Company)

This is a great idea. I have learned a lot from AR and have read about agents who have recd referrals from AR. This will make it easier to ggive and receive referrals.

07/24/2007 02:59 PM by Gita Bantwal

Awesome - thanks!

07/24/2007 03:06 PM by Peggy Edwards, ~REALTOR®~Citrus Park & Westchase, FL (Coldwell Banker)

The abuse has started.

There's a guy in MD advertising insurance.  This jewel of a web site will be worthless if it turns into an advertising rag. 

Date:July 24, 2007
Status:Available
Location:Any residential neighborhood in Maryland
Side:Buyer
Property Type:Single Family
Price Range:$400k to $500k
Time Frame:Immediate
Referral Quality:Qualified Lead
Referral Fee:0%
Extra Details:

I am looking for referrals from my local real estate community for buyers looking to partner up with the largest insurance agency in the area to take care of their homeowners insurance needs. I do not have a specific type of referral in mind, however a great start would be any of your valued real estate clients who need top-industry professionals to guide them through the insurance process. Please contact me so I can treat your clients the way you have been treating them, as family.

07/24/2007 03:06 PM by Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate

Matt...

Lenn is right. The abuse has already started over there.

Is there not a way to nip it in the bud?

Should we report the adverts and "call me about my listing" as spam?

By the way we will never need this feature but we will be more than happy to give you guys the 20 bucks a month :)

TLW...ROAR!

07/24/2007 04:21 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)

Dear Active Rain,

THANK YOU!!!!!

07/24/2007 04:45 PM by Luther Harrity - Saint John, Rothesay, Hampton, New Brunswick Real Esate (Royal LePage Atlantic)

ActiveRain moving onward and upward!!!

Matt Pellerin
PhoenixHomes.com

07/24/2007 05:00 PM by Matthew Pellerin - Phoenix Homes Team (Realty Executives - PhoenixHomes.com)

AR just keeps moving forward.  Great feature and great to see.   Great just one more thing to check when I get online.  Email, blog, blog responses, weather, Squidoo, Active Rain Referral Exchange. 

07/24/2007 06:12 PM by Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties)

Here's a thought:  Maybe add an item under "My Referrals" for "My Referral Partners" or "My Frequent Referrals" where we could add other agents the same way we add "Associates"

That way we could find our favorite people quickly if we want to send them a referral directly before putting it out "to bid".

07/24/2007 06:18 PM by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA

Thanks so much for all you are doing for us in the real estate industry

07/24/2007 07:16 PM by Michael Eisenberg, Bellingham Realtor (BuyerTours Realty)

I know that Active Rain agents are smarter than this.  The idea, as I understand it is to list REFERRALS.  We have agents listing themselves.  Is that appropriate????

The system, once it get's going, will be clogged with agents looking for referrals. 

Referral Information
Date:July 24, 2007
Status:Available
Location:Santa Clara County, CA
Side:Both
Property Type:Single Family
Price Range:$700k to $1.0m
Time Frame:Immediate
Referral Quality:Raw Lead
Referral Fee:25%
Extra Details:

Hi Active Rain Networkers,

I am a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, and I will work with any sellers and buyer's in the Santa Clara County area.

Your referral is truely appreciated, feel free to contact me if you have a client that would like to work with a fluent Cantonese or Japanese agent.

Regards,

Jack

07/24/2007 07:30 PM by Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate

Lenn...

I saw that and would also like to find out what's up with all of this.

Hello? Anyone manning this post? :)

TLW...ROAR!

07/24/2007 07:41 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)

Very cool... it's nice to see innovations like this.

http://hismove.com/blog/activeraincom-launches-referral-exchange/ 

07/24/2007 07:42 PM by Justin Smith - Blogging Coach {Blogging, SEO, SEM, SMO} (Real Estate Tomato)

On the surface this seems like a great idea, and certainly a cash cow for the site.  Members and other visitors have already been using the site as a resource for referrals - without the sales pitches that are popping up.

Beneath the surface, the relocation world can get rocky.  Corporations, financial institutions and third party companies will demand, and get, their referral fee regardless of other agreements that may have been made.  Agents sending the same lead to multiple agents in the same location creates additional issues.

There is an abundance of real estate knowledge on this site.  Tapping into that stream of ideas will hopefully result in some guidelines that benefit most everyone.

Mary "B"  -  Austin, Texas

07/24/2007 08:59 PM by Mary "B" Battaglia GRI, CRS - Austin Real Estate (Coldwell Banker United (referrals welcome!))

Anyway to get referrals, is a good way, at least I think so..

Nice touch, can't wait,

Tom Weiss

07/24/2007 08:59 PM by Thomas Weiss (Thomas R. Weiss)

I saw this new feature when I logged on tonight before I read the post. I already go to my associates to send out referrals, before RE/MAX now. Why ? I feel like I know them and you do through their words. But, it sounds good to me, I'm sure there will be abuse, so I guess the moderators just got a new job description.

07/24/2007 09:11 PM by Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor)

I saw the feature on Inman News before even logging in to Active Rain. Now that's publicity! Glad Matt is doing some of the tweaking Tony suggested. Glad especially that you're working on an e-mail notification system. Would be even nicer if we could give you a separate e-mail to send those to that's more actively read.

07/24/2007 09:24 PM by Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS (RE/MAX Metro)

I just checked out some of the "referrals" some people are starting to post.  I don't think that they get the concept yet.  There are several agents saying that they are willing to receive referrals.  I think it's supposed to be a place where you give out a referral and agents apply for the specific job on a case by case basis.

07/24/2007 09:26 PM by Tim Maitski "Secret Agent Guy" (HomeAtlanta.com)

I noticed this today and was so excited... thanks for the improved feature - life is good

07/24/2007 09:27 PM by Central Oregon Real Estate | Thesa Chambers, Broker (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine)

Matt,

Thanks for the post. A formal platform will certainly help to facilitate referrals.

07/24/2007 10:02 PM by William Collins, Broker Associate (ERA Queen City Realty)

Call my cynical but this is a big mistake. It's already "cheapening" this site... It's unfortunate. 

07/24/2007 10:39 PM by Galel Fajardo (Coast Mortgage Group)

This is alot to digest. I am going to park for awhile and let the dust settle to see the correct way of using the referral program.

Thanks for the enhancement.

07/24/2007 11:59 PM by Chuck Dellorto "Talk To Chuck" (McColly Real Estate - Licensed in INDIANA & ILLINOIS)

I agree... I'm confused.... is it already being abused or is it intended for us to post a referral to or from a particular area? 

07/25/2007 12:31 AM by Sue Nelson, Broker/Associate Las Vegas Real Estate ~Team Rhino~ (ERA Sunbelt Realty)

Great! I'll have to check it out later. Right now, I've got a list of associates in various states that I would refer to.

07/25/2007 12:44 AM by Ann Heitland, Associate Broker, CRS, GRI , ABR ~ Flagstaff Real Estate/Community (Team Heitland at RE/MAX Peak Properties)

Woo Hoo, I'm ready for this.  You continue to do a wonderful job and it is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Fran

07/25/2007 12:47 AM by Fran Gatti - Realtor® Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods)

I don't like this concept because I would never post for a referral and then depend on someone to check a message board in hopes that someone would respond.  I'm one that will go out and locate the agent I have a fit with and would fit my referral client... posting a referral and waiting for a response is so passive.  I, personally, don't see it working well if you're looking for a prompt response from another agent who doesn't even know you're waiting to hear from them... we'll see.

07/25/2007 02:00 PM by Donna Harris, ASP (Re/Max HiNet)

I invite you to read my blog about the new program at activerain "marc mcgee" - I think it's a positive innovation.  People who try to abuse systems are everywhere, but it's easy enough to filter them out as we move forward more efficiently.taruma

07/25/2007 05:32 PM by marc mcgee (fairsale bls, llc)

Great addition to an already great site. ActiveRain continues to improve everyday and its great being a part of it. Thanks to everyone at AR for their great work and great ideas to make the site better

07/26/2007 12:20 AM by Adrian ALVARADO VICTORVILLE REAL ESTATE (Citywide Realty Alliance)


Matt, Great Improvement!!, wish all the best for everybody and lets start working !!!!! :)

 

07/26/2007 04:10 AM by Aurora Colorado Real Estate Ray Saenz, Colorado Realtor (United Property Brokers, INC)

Guess I'm going to have to become a Realtor® now. :)  

07/27/2007 05:48 PM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)

I know you'll figure out the bumps in the road.  I wondered where this was all going.  Now I know.

07/30/2007 06:49 PM by Chris Lengquist, RIPS (Keller Williams Realty)