Are you a paying BiggerPockets PRO member? If not, what would convince you?

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Will BarnardPro Member
Moderator
Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
15y

I am a paying Pro Account Member and have been for a long time. The main benefit I get/use is the ability to PM anybody rather than having to become colleagues with them first through a request.
I don't use this often, but on occassion.
Mostly, I am a Pro Member right now because it is one of many ways for me to give back to BP Nation.

I love the idea that BP is free but I disagree with the other poster that the Pro Account should be free too. BP needs some type of income stream to support all the free stuff it gives and as such, members should understand this and support BP Nation by going Pro or giving donations, or buying products/services from BP. With more of that, BP will be able to provide more to the mebership in the way of services and abilities on the site.

I do think that the Pro account needs some new benefits though and some of the suggestions have been great.

Better search function should be BP nation wide, but special profile pages for Pro account mebers is a great idea. One of the other things pro account members should get is the ability to customize your colleague list. I find the current application difficult to navigate and orginize, particularly for me who has a ton of colleagues.

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  • Darryl Dahlen
    Commercial Loan Officer · Southern Maine, ME · Member since 2009 · 782 posts · 415 votes
    15y

    I'd pay for a PRO membership if it came with a better search fuction and perhaps a better profile page. One of the primary reasons I like LinkedIn is the profile page reads like a good online resume.

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Darryl -
    Thanks for the feedback. What would you like to see on the profile if you were paying?

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  • Darryl Dahlen
    Commercial Loan Officer · Southern Maine, ME · Member since 2009 · 782 posts · 415 votes
    15y

    Something that may fit nicely with your other idea of vetting who we are.

    I wouldn't mind seeing a section where we can discuss our background, or for that matter, what we're working on. While I understand that information would have to be taken at face value, being able to read about a member's past and read details on what they are currently doing can help to create a sense of trust.

    Perhaps there can be a section where other BP members can write a testimonial or recommendation? I think that would be great to have and would help to further establish the legitimacy of the member.

    2Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Hey Darryl - I'm not sure that you knew, but members can currently request references from their fellow members. I think we definitely need to improve how that system works (along with many other things we're working on), but it is currently in place for all to use.

    Any other ideas? Please keep them coming!

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  • Bill Gulley
    Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y

    When I was a kid and I had an idea, kool-aid stand, window washing business, cutting deals for mowing yards, she would alwys ask me what were others doing and what were the bad points of my idea. Knowing what others do keeps me competitive in any market. Know what were the bad points of my ideas made me look to anticipating objections and ways to overcome them.

    It's just my first thoughts on anything.

    I'm not really sure about all the benefits of the Pro membership, but I did look it up. Knowing who visited my site for example, I see how some could use that to generate who to target for a relationship, they were interested enought to see who you were....

    Seems to me most people are starting off or have less than say three years. This category of starters, IMO, would be trying to do business in their town. I have only been notified of two people in my immediate area.

    Landlords are a category of investors who I don't see profiting much with someone out of state. So, why would they be targeting anyone out of their area?

    To shorten this line of reasoning, I only see those more advanced investors who actually do business in other states as going down this road, it's rather limited, IMO.

    Lenders on the other hand who can do deals anywhere have a huge incentive to meet everyone and members in learning what lenders they could work with. I think this is an area that could be exploited more on both sides and have some connection through BP to real lenders and borrowers.

    Otherwise, real estate is local. Besides someone buying tapes (which you got rid of) or buying in bulk anywhere in the country, I don't see the majority of memebrs crossing state lines.

    A Realtor relocation aspect might have some merit, but a Realtor in LA really won't be involved in a deal in Little Rock.

    So all the noise about getting leads might be great for some, but unless they are traded to people in the immediate area of the lead, I can't see much use for them. Maybe I'm too old fashion and don't get something, but if I have a property for sale in Springfield, Mo. I can's see spending real time with someone in Tampa, Fa. buying it, unless they are moving here!

    Maybe I missed the boat, but what are the benefits if I was wanting to flip options, rehabs, wholesaling or the more popular strategies of the majority of site members?

    2Reply
  • Kobus De Villiers
    Real Estate Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2011 · 44 posts · 12 votes
    15y

    Most of the services offered by a PRO account seemed to be associated with marketing yourself and some tracking information. This don't really seemed very valuable to me. Maybe I'm missing something and PRO members can step in and explain the benefit it provided that they would not be able to get without the cost.

    To me the benefit of a paid service would be in the potential to do deals locally and have discount for service providers. Something tangible would be 10% discount on services advertised by BP. Any service like list provider or tenant screening etc that have contracted with BP.

    The other benefit would be to get access to local events and/or deals. I have not seen many events local to IL and most properties are over a year old, but if it was used more frequently then that could be a benefit that I'll be willing to pay for.

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Thanks for the feedback, Kobus & Bill. Improving local opportunities is definitely something we're focusing on as we revamp the site.

    Any other suggestions/ideas/thoughts on the benefits/perks that would incentivize you to sign up?

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  • Ryan ODonnell
    Flipper/Rehabber · Westchester, IL · Member since 2009 · 126 posts · 55 votes
    15y

    I agree about the localized thing. It would be good to have access to something that gives PRO members the ability to network more or do deals that others don't have.
    I think it's more a matter of access to other PRO members and what that means. Like with Match (just an example) you can see profiles but not all of the info and you can wink or something, but you can't actually get in touch with them via email or phone unless you pay. Real Estate Investing is always going to be a smaller community and range from tire kickers to full time. With all the people that give such good information in the forums, separating the access to them would give incentive to become a PRO. Especially if you can search PRO's in your area.
    Then you could give an incentive to people who bring on PRO accounts in say, Chicago. =)
    I think the point I'm making is to encourage more action and true relationship building than perusing. Then if they want to get in touch with someone, at least BP is benefiting for giving them that ability. Which leads to more money for BP which leads to even better website functions and options.

    IMO

    Thanks for being the type to pose the question. That in itself is awesome.

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Thanks for the feedback, Ryan. I want to offer a service that best meets your needs.

    Outside of the local angle, what else would attract people to PRO?

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  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2010 · 122 posts · 17 votes
    15y

    I would say make it free. The more people you can entice to the site the better and I think that having a membership actually turns people away. Look at facebook. Do you have to pay for anything on that website? Nope. And look at it today. I would also say that I enjoyed the previous version of the website regarding the style of the different forums.

    2Reply
  • Bill Gulley
    Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y

    Jason, I don't want to turn you into a guru, but I just visited the forms selection offered.

    Would you consider updating the forms and contracts, having options, sandwich leases, note purchase agreements, etc. and making them available for the Pro Membership and perhaps with a reasonable price for those who don't go there? I also saw your disclaimer.

    Some more material on structuring these deals? Just an idea....

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Andrew - BiggerPockets is free.

    Our PRO accounts offer value adds to benefit our members and to make sure this site can keep running. It takes a lot of time and money to keep this place up and to constantly improve the offerings to help our membership.

    If you feel that the site should be free, I respect that, and agree that much of it should, but I do hope that you and others who also feel that way can help support us by visiting our advertisers and sponsors.

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  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Who is Jason?

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  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2010 · 122 posts · 17 votes
    15y

    Josh,

    I know the website is free. I am saying making the Pro membership free. I understand right now you have a bottom line to protect just like with any venture. And yes I do visit your sponsors. I love this site. Just offering feedback as you instructed.

    0Reply
  • Nick J.
    Residential Real Estate Broker · Payson, AZ · Member since 2009 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    Bob meant you, don't worry, he's just old lol.....

    oooopss, I meant Bill :)

    2Reply
  • Bill Gulley
    Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin:
    Who is Jason?

    Okay Josh, Jason probably wouldn't be interested, how about you, what do you think about the forms? LOL

    Sorry boss, I address Jason more than I do you.

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Bob -
    We've got a feature that will be coming in the next weeks that deals with forms . . . can't discuss now, but I'll keep you posted.

    :mrgreen:

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  • Bill Gulley
    Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin:
    Bob -
    We've got a feature that will be coming in the next weeks that deals with forms . . . can't discuss now, but I'll keep you posted.

    :mrgreen:

    Okay Jason, I'd like to be in that loop in a way. Thanks!
    Bob

    0Reply
  • Bill Gulley
    Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    15y
    Originally posted by motiv8td:
    Bob meant you, don't worry, he's just old lol.....

    oooopss, I meant Bill :)

    Okay, Mike, won't be long for you til the brain pharts begin for you too!

    Thanks for the reminder,

    Take care, Bob

    0Reply
  • Joshua D.Pro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    15y

    Keep the ideas flowing, guys!

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  • Account Closed
    Full-Time Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    maybe you can persuade a few members to give out some of their printed info for free to BP for a good cause...i know rich was giving away or selling his book a while back...that may be worth a few months of a pro account or something....

    not to mention, lately i've seen a few new posters plugging their printed materials and books..why don't they offer up the info to biggerpockets to circulate their name, and also giving another incentive for people to sign up as a pro??

    1Reply
  • Steve Babiak
    Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    15y

    Bryan,

    Don't so hastily assume that materials being offered will have any real value, as many times that is not the case.

    2Reply
  • Joel OwensBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    15y

    I think a lot of this will have to do with the type of BP member.

    For me being a commercial real estate broker I have massive technology I am already using for SEO.

    A friend of mine has his own technology company and is a broker in another state.He has sold billions of real estate.I have contact manager,posting to 50 social networking sites at once,videos,blogs,article content submissions,texting platform,unlimited websites and lead capture pages and on and on.

    The benefit to me with BP is to hook up with quality individuals. People that when my connections with special asset managers and sellers wanting to do a deal can get it done.

    If I waste a sellers time or the banks time I lose credibility.Many on BP are starting out and only have 10k to 15k to play with and that's fine but I find people try to put themselves into larger deals they do not have the funds or experience for yet.

    Since I work in commercial I would be interested to know how many investors do mainly residential deals and how many do commercial and what size.

    That way with BP Pro you could submit a property to them with a reverse prospect list that matches their criteria.I don't know if BP does this already or not.

    I wouldn't mind paying 10 a month or something like that for PRO.

    Have you taken a poll of ALL your 60,000 members to see what they would pay to go PRO??

    If the majority say 15 a month you have your answer.

    If 1,000 pay right now 25 a month that's 25,000.

    If a majority by poll say they will pay 15 then if you had 3,000 you would have 45,000 a month.

    It doesn't matter how much you add there will be a price per month that most can't simply afford to pay or will want to pay compared to what they already pay out using other systems.

    My friend that owns the technology company has sold off other businesses before for millions of dollars. House values and Home Gain have offered to buy his new system for millions but he won't sell.

    I know this labor of love for you isn't free and has to provide you money.

    Frankly I don't even know what BP pro does to be honest versus the basic.

    Hope it helps.

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  • Will BarnardPro Member
    Moderator
    Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    15y

    I am a paying Pro Account Member and have been for a long time. The main benefit I get/use is the ability to PM anybody rather than having to become colleagues with them first through a request.
    I don't use this often, but on occassion.
    Mostly, I am a Pro Member right now because it is one of many ways for me to give back to BP Nation.

    I love the idea that BP is free but I disagree with the other poster that the Pro Account should be free too. BP needs some type of income stream to support all the free stuff it gives and as such, members should understand this and support BP Nation by going Pro or giving donations, or buying products/services from BP. With more of that, BP will be able to provide more to the mebership in the way of services and abilities on the site.

    I do think that the Pro account needs some new benefits though and some of the suggestions have been great.

    Better search function should be BP nation wide, but special profile pages for Pro account mebers is a great idea. One of the other things pro account members should get is the ability to customize your colleague list. I find the current application difficult to navigate and orginize, particularly for me who has a ton of colleagues.

    Podcast Guest on Show #130
    3Reply
  • Rob Gillespie
    Specialist · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 852 votes
    15y

    I am a pro member, and I LOVE the site. I think it would be cool if as a pro member, we could post a link once in a while. It is obvious that we are just here to ad content, but it would would be nice to not get removed and flagged when we post a link that looks the slight bit like we are selling. Just my opinion.

    0Reply
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