Inman News has released its list of the “Top 25 Most Influential Real Estate Bloggers” for 2008. Curiously, the report is only available for download by Inman Premium members (FAIL) or for purchase (DOUBLE FAIL). I’ve had a lot of people ask me to post the report, but as it is clearly marked as copyrighted material and not to be distributed, I can’t do that. But since people were wanting to see it, I asked for — and received — permission to post the names.
My thoughts on this list? As with any “Top Whatever” list, there will be those who are elated to be on it, those that are sad they are not, and those that think it is stupid beyond belief to even have such a list. Having the word “influential” in the title seems to get some folks riled up. I’ll freely admit that I’m not sure exactly what “influential” in this case means. But to get all twisted out of shape about a list — any list — seems pretty silly. It’s just a list for Pete’s sake.
Inman’s own words say this about the list. It’s their list, so it bears repeating:
This annual list of most influential real estate bloggers recognizes those bloggers who are well-known, well-read and have a knack for stirring up discussion and debate on important, timely and relevant topics for the industry.
Are there other “influential” real estate blogs not included on this list? Of course. Are there “better” blogs that should be on a “Top 25” list. Certainly — it really boils down to your definition of “influential” and “better”. Is such a list necessary? Well, the planet isn’t going to tilt off-axis and fly off into the ether without it. So no, it is not necessary — what list of anything on the internet is necessary? Is it interesting? Depends on how you define interesting. Personally, I am honored to share the space with most of these folks because I know and respect many of them. Many have influenced me, by my own definition of influence (which is nebulous and undefinable. I just know it when I feel it).
Bottom line, it’s a list of the subjective opinions of one or more people on the Inman News Staff. That’s about it. Personally, I read almost all of these blogs on a regular basis and find them well written, educational, informative and/or entertaining. That’s why I read blogs, and why I think some might find this list of value. Your mileage may vary.
Broker and Agent Blogs:
Kris Berg – The San Diego Home Blog
Teresa Boardman – St. Paul Real Estate Blog
Noah Rosenblatt – Urbandigs
Daniel Rothamel – Real Estate Zebra
Jay Thompson – Phoenix Real Estate Guy
Community, Multi-author Blogs:
Lani Anglin-Rosales – Agent Genius
Greg Swann – Bloodhound Blog
Mortgage:
Todd Carpenter: Lenderama
Dan Green: The Mortgage Reports
Housing Economics:
Barry Ritholtz – The Big Picture
Calculated Risk
Industry Commentary:
Michael Wurzer – FBS Blog
Joseph Ferrara – Sellsius Real Estate Blog
Joel Burslem – Future of Real Estate Marketing
Marketing and How-to:
Dustin Luther – 4Realz.net
Nicole Nicolay – MyTechOpinion
Jim Cronin – The Real Estate Tomato
Local Blogs:
Lockhart Steele – Curbed
Jonathan Butler – Brownstoner
Company Bloggers:
Rudy Bachraty – Trulia
Drew Meyers – Zillow Blog, Geek Estate Blog
Glenn Kelman – Redfin Blog
Journalist Blogs:
Peter Viles – L.A. Land
John Cook – Where are John and Todd?
Housing Bubble Blogger:
Patrick Killelea – Patrick.net
The Phoenix Real Estate Guy was started by Jay Thompson, and I have a little blogging problem... he liked to say...
Hmm, it's $79.00 to read it on Inman, yet they give you permission to publish it on your blog… that seems rather bizarre.
I agree, it's only a list, it's only is according to Inman, and anyone who has a problem with it is kind of missing the whole point of blogging and free speech!
**Dan Connolly – Atlanta Real Estate Guide´s last blog post..How to low-ball foreclosures</abbr></abbr>
Dan – There's more to the report than just the names. Little "bios" with more links, additional lists for "Notables", "Global Top 10", "Economic Top 10", photos, etc. What you see above is extracted from an 11 page document.
I don't agree with charging for a list like this as to me it violates the "spirit" of blogging. But they've got a business to run, and it's their list so…
Congrats on making the list, JT! Recognition earned & well deserved.
WOW. Some great bloggers on this list. Thank you for sharing and congrats.
**Mana Tulberg´s last blog post..Why Every Home Owner Needs Title Insurance</abbr></abbr>
Jay, thanks for providing the actual people and your opinion about this list and lists in general. We all know that anyone can create a list of any sort about any thing at any time. But still being new to the RE.net world, I look to a list like this for guidance in making sure I'm following and reading people than can influence my thinking and writing. I am very happy with the fact that I read most of the blogs mentioned on this post and have had the opportunity to meet many of these people in person including you.
Jay, for what its worth Congratulations on making the cut and persuading inman to let you publish the list for FREE. I was curious about who made the list but not enough to pay $79 for it. These economic times must be tough for INMAN.
**Jill Wente´s last blog post..Is your home inviting?</abbr></abbr>
Congrats to all who were mentioned in the report!
Your input regarding the fact that the report was made available for free only to Inman Premium Members is much appreciated. I always appreciate good feedback. I also hear loud and clear the objection to the price of the report as a stand-alone. I can assure you that we will look at the way in which the special reports are distributed in the future. I can't promise any changes, but there will be discussion.
One thing that is important about the report is that its intended audience is not, in fact, the RE.net. The intended audience for a report like this is the folks who are either completely unaware of the folks on the list, or maybe only vaguely familiar, i.e., the majority of Inman's membership and readership.
Think of it like this– the report serves the purpose of giving examples of bloggers who Inman feels are worth your time and attention. This is especially true if you are someone who is new to blogging and social media, or just wants to learn more about it.
Just out of curiosity, and since I am hearing a lot of feedback on the use of the descriptor "influential," is there a another term that people think would be more appropriate for this report, or future reports?
THANKS JAY!!!!! Great to be here with such GREAT company!!
Noah
**Noah´s last blog post..Happy Halloween!!</abbr></abbr>
"Best Looking"? 🙂 Obviously I jest…
Thanks for stopping by Daniel! Your explanation helps. Though I still think it should be distributed freely. There are a lot of people that read Inman (you guys are influential you know) that aren't premium members, or would have a hard time plunking down $79 bucks for a report that they really have no idea if they would benefit from it.
As for the word "Influential" it's a tricky one because I think that word means so many different things to different people. Leave it out, and it's just "Top 25 RE Bloggers" Top based on what? Traffic, subscriptions, commissions generated, blah blah.
There is no single word/phrase that will satisfy everyone (that I can think of). Influential isn't necessarily a poor choice. Maybe I struggle because I sit here, on the list, and think, "Surely I'm not influencing anyone through my blog". Then again, for the vast majority on that list I can honestly say they have influenced my blogging efforts. And I could go so far with a select few to say they've even influenced the way I conduct business and my life in general.
So, how's that for a non-answer?
It's nice to be included with such great company.
**Joseph Ferrara.sellsius´s last blog post..Find My Dream House and I’ll Pay You $10,000: Crowdsourcing Real Estate Search</abbr></abbr>
Congratulations Jay. Quite an honor!
As far as the term "influential". I think the term works. I agree with your assessment. All who read your blog or any other blog are "influenced" to an extent. The "influence" can be, on many levels, good, bad, or indifferent. Nontheless one is influenced because the moment they arrive at your blog or any other blog a thought process will be evoked whether it's regarding the color of your website, the layout, the ads, the title, the content, etc., etc., etc.
My blog is influenced by your blog and all other blogs as I try to, in my own voice, take the best of all blogs to create, through our content, value for our readers in our respective blogging fields.
Emulation is one of the highest forms of flattery. I'd be a fool not to emulate the best of what your blog has to offer as you do what you do well. How can our blog become a good blog if I don't study those who have already acheived what I'm working towards?
Out of respect, curiosity, and appreciation for those who do what they do well, I'm "influenced".
**Property Qwest Blog – Real Estate News and Housing Data´s last blog post..Real Estate Investors – Are the Banks Lending Money?</abbr></abbr>
Congrats to all there really is some amazing talent listed. I would like to see a list of top 25 real estate blogs written only for the real estate consumer. Nothing about NAR policy, nothing about ways/critique Realtors market or prospect, only blogs with buying and/or selling a home posts, community information, that are directed to the consumer. Someone put together a list of blogs that influence the consumer only and I will eagerly read them while doing a snoopy dance.
**Greg Staker´s last blog post..Sanford Halloween Spooky Hollow</abbr></abbr>
@Greg – not exactly what you are looking for, but keep on eye on Dan Melson's Searchlight Crusade. He runs a bi-monthly "Consumer Focused Carnival of Real Estate" which highlights posts (but not necessarily entire blogs) for RE consumers.
http://www.searchlightcrusade.net/administrative/…
Also Greg, Teresa's blog listed above is virtually entirely consumer related. She'll occasionally toss in some "for fun" posts, but doesn't really get into post for agents (she does opine on that sort of thing on Agent Genius).
Jim Duncan at http://www.RealCentralVA.com is probably 95% what you're taking about.
Both are stellar examples of consumer focused blogs.
Thanks Jay, I will take a look.
**Greg Staker´s last blog post..Sanford Halloween Spooky Hollow</abbr></abbr>
Well, I think Inman is right up there in their reporting – worth the money, but I only get the free subscription AM and PM edition. I only read about 10% or all of the ones that hit my inbox. It's alot of information – and then I check out a few of the blogs they mention – and it's alot of information to take in. Some of the bloggers I just don't like, but I respect them for their efforts. Maybe, I work too hard or watch too much TV – but, I just don't know how all of you write so much good stuff. Congratulations Jay for being on the list – I learn alot whenever I stop by here.
Hmmm – I've seen about 10 lists similar to this-this year and you've been on all 10 Jay (somethings fishy 🙂 )
Congrats once again – it's well deserved
Congratulations on the award.
Blogging can be a real slog, especially these days with umpteen blogs started every minute…
There is no secret to success – the only way to succeed is through regular, quality posting
Big congrats for making the list Jay! You put a great deal of effort into your blog and the community so it's nice to see the efforts rewarded by Inman!
I do think it is a bit odd for them to charge though. I mean 1000Watt consulting released their top 10 real estate broker websites after doing a 3 month study and they released the report for free.
**James Bridges´s last blog post..Can you get a lead for the price of lunch?</abbr></abbr>
Congrats on being on the list and Happy Halloween!
It is interesting to me that I have subscribed to 7 of those blogs RSS feeds. I need to check out the rest and see what they're like. Congrats on being on the list, Jay.
This is all great feedback.
It is precisely the reason that you are on the list, Jay. Your influence is obvious.
Greg,
I especially like your idea of "consumer-focused" blogs. Teresa and Jim Duncan are two prime examples of that. I think it is a category worth including in future iterations of the report.
Daniel,
Thank you. I love reading blogs dealing with the inner workings of Realtors which is why I have Jay's blog in my favorite lists, but I would imagine the average consumer would become glassy eyed very quickly if they stumble upon a Realtor blog dealing primarily with Realtor stuff.
The real trick is writing a consumer oriented blog and make it interesting. Kudos to the Realtor who can make location. location location post exciting in print or put the pazazz in explaining purchase agreements and the clauses associated with. 🙂
**Greg Staker´s last blog post..Were you satisifed the last time you bought a house?</abbr></abbr>
Thanks Jay, and congratulations! I'm glad you got permission to share the list here. (I did finally break down and become an Inman premium subscriber a month or two ago, but even so, it's nice to just see the list and not click off your site to view it.) Keep up the good work!
Hey Jay!
Congrats on making the list!
Congrats. It's a well deserved honor. Yours is one the best maintained and entertaining Realty blogs out there.
Congrats on making the list. Big time!
J.T. – awesome list for sure. Maybe in time we will make the "who's who list" in the future. In the meantime, Brad and I and the Dakno Marketing Team will keep plugging away!
**Bobby Carroll – Dakno Real Estate Marketing´s last blog post..When Your Real Estate Blog Gains National Exposure</abbr></abbr>