All Neighbors in Johnson Creek, WI
Top Neighbors: The magic behind the mirrors
You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Unlike the vast majority of "community" sites that rely on dry automatic algorithms, Localism employs a team of crack editors who approve the best content. Having your posts and photos consistently approved will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
"Legacy" content is also considered when ranking top neighbors. We don't want to leave the early adopters of Localism in the cold, and we're working hard to process that backlog.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
The Competitive Market Analysis or CMA is a report that will help you learn more about your marketplace. Many real estate professionals offer this free service or as part of their service package. A CMA offers you a snapshot of the real estate conditions in your area and can be a very useful tool when setting your own asking price.
The stories of foreclosure and loss in today's mortgage crisis are painful. If you are in the market, here are five things you should do.
Begin with some good, old-fashioned preparation. Carefully review your budget. Determine how much you will have to offer as a down payment and how much you can afford to pay monthly. Remember to calculate not just your mortgage payment, but all your costs including taxes, utilities, food, entertainment, insurances, etc. Getting a good handle on your finances is critical to making the right real estate decision.
The majority of post sale disputes involve undisclosed property faults. In an effort to sidestep those lawsuits, most states require sellers to complete some sort of disclosure document as part of the real estate transaction. Sellers are required to reveal any material facts that could affect the price of the home or the buyerâ?Ts decision to purchase.
If you have a child starting college this fall, take time to set some ground rules. This venture has a better chance of success if you start on the same page. For instance, share what you expect your child to do, like attend 
Homeownership isn't always a happily ever after story. There are times when owners can no longer meet their mortgage obligations. In this case, there are several options. 
Price - A home that is priced right will attract buyer attention. A fair and reasonable asking price that is in keeping with market demands will pique consumer interest and ultimately make the property more appealing. 
Whether you're on a job interview or a first date, you always want to make a good first impression. Try these four simple steps. 1. Make good eye contact. 2. Give a firm, but gentle handshake. 3. Smile a genuine grin. 4. Really listen to what the other person is saying and respond accordingly.
