>> MARKETPLACE SUGGESTIONS <<

[Karen Margrave]

A few days ago Joshua posted in the forum about using Marketplace. I think it's one of the most underutilized areas on BP, and have some suggestions - as I'm sure many of you do too. Such as:

1. Breaking down into searchable Folders or Categories (IDEAS: Property For Sale, Property Wanted, Financing Needed, Mortgage Brokers/Private Lenders, Property Trades, Misc For Sale, Misc. Needed, etc. ?? ) Maybe have each ad start with the two letters of the state where it's being advertised (CA - Property for Sale, etc.) maybe with subcategories where needed (CA- Multi Unit, CA- Land, CA- Office, etc.)

2. Have set amount of time ads can run (1 month ? ), and allow poster to edit/delete. After the time limit it has to be re-submitted, to keep it timely.

3. Maybe set it up to allow unpaid members to search classifieds, but not post. The first level paid member a set number of posts, and the highest level unlimited or ? Also, maybe a seperate category for "Private Lenders" with property types they lend on, amount of loans they do, and pertinent information. Those ads would be paid advertising that runs for 6 months or ? (Again, listed by region) You could do the same with Real Estate Brokers/Agents wanting to advertise for Buyers/Sellers.

As a member of BP, I appreciate all the free information that we are able to access, but also understand that it takes a huge amount of time to administer the site, and it needs to be profitable, and hence the suggestions in #3.

I realize there are probably much better ideas out there... and that Joshua has a vision for BP that may be somewhat different than where my suggestions fit.

I know Joshua and Brandon can't do everything all at once... and I know we sometimes overwhelm them (ie- Summit) These are just meant as suggestions..in response to Joshuas post.... NOT COMPLAINTS :)

[Joshua Dorkin]

Karen M. - We've got some plans for the Marketplace; the suggestions you made are very similar to ideas that we've already got planned. Give us a little time to get everything moving, but we fully expect the Marketplace to be a lot more user friendly in the months to come. Meanwhile, it is one of the top pages on BiggerPockets . . . so those people who aren't posting their haves and wants are definitely missing out on a lot of visibility.