Real estate is so locale specific. Most of the time people needing guidance from Houzz do not list their location in their profile and Houzz does not require it (country, state, region) which I find a drawback. It reduces the number of pros who will respond because they do not have the time in many instances to ask the basic questions and wait for a response in order to provide valid, go-to advice. In my case I just move on to the next questioner who has taken the time to ask a specific question backed up with comprehensive, coherent information...location, photos, dimensions, style, floor plan, etc. or I choose one with universal appeal.

That seems fair enough to me. Each pro gets to post a portfolio. How would you handle that? There must be some kind of parameters houzz sets. Have you inquired? I believe I once saw a condo showcased here and the write up indicated it was for sale. I never saw it again, so maybe it was pulled.

While a knowledge of real estate values and re-sale or ROI is crucial for many of our posters, I agree with Scott Design. I can give only general information about building codes as they vary throughout the country...and Houzz is international. We don't know if someone is in Florida or Saudi Arabia...

Moving on!

I don't see any harm of adding a Real Estate Professional category, but not sure how effect it will be since Houzz is more geared towards design and construction / renovation rather than the actual sales of homes.

It leads to interesting questions? How would you handle MLS listings? Or for sale by owner? I, personally, would find it interesting, but would there be any advantage over, let's say, Realtor.com?

It would have guidelines that would allow for only describing the individual agent. No listings, no "sales", but an opportunity to describe the agent's abilities, successes, etc.

Responding to the local issue, post the agent's bio in "Find Local Pros". Everyone is local there.

It isn't only about finding a new home, it usually starts with needing to fix your current home up for market and coming to Houzz for inspiration and even advice. The next logical thing to do is look for an agent to sell the current house and possibly another agent in your new location and then it is back to Houzz for new house decorating ideas. It would be natural to look for an agent on Houzz but like Scott said no listing of properties for sale! They can post those on their own site. I would love to share my idea books with my next Realtor so they can see what I like and better help me find that. My current Realtor helping me sell gave us a list of things buyers in this area like to see and I wish I had photos and not just a list. I would love to look at their idea books!

Allowing an agent to be seen in Local Pros, who then describes their areas of specialty, ie. historic properties, renovation properties, new build, etc., will help a buyer or seller in Rosemary's case, find a Local Pro who understands their property.

Rosemary's observation about Ideabooks is right on! They would be an invaluable, easily accessible way for a buyer and agent to understand each other, and the property desired.

Yes. Add Finance while you are adding categories Houzz. I support the money, clients get their ideas to build or remodel right from this Great Website! I am new to the site and I love the multitude of images. This is the new era of business. Social media combined with imagery are going to be huge for a long time. http://www.bigvalleymortgage.com/officers/marvin-harris-jr/

I do believe we all believe in profit to some degree. Home Designers may need to sell the great work they have created. Some realtors would be better suited in certain sales situations. It takes a special type of realtor to sell a designer home. Would this not be a benefit to the Home Designer to know this information?

Listing services and pros can't be over done only the interested click on the list anyway. How does real estate not have anything to do with home decorating and remodeling? This is a service some would like to see. Other services are on here and they don't post adds why would this be any different?
Honestly, Architectural Digest has always had a real estate section in its' magazine and I always find it interesting.
Apart from the local pro list if Houzz decided to offer listings in a separate category or even a sister site, but with the same great style I would be just as addicted as I am to the design site. Why shouldn't they compete in the real estate biz too? I say pull an all out Google style take over of the House Websites and tell Trulia to move over you can do it better! LOL
Before I found Houzz I would pick a new location randomly on Trulia and look at all the million plus properties just to see the beautiful homes and get ideas!

I wonder how many pictures we see that may be shots of staged homes for sale? I love houzz, but these pictures that we drool over…where are they coming from? 1, 222,000 plus pictures? Whether it is your style or not, they are designer. I think I have done a pretty good job decorating my house, but it will never be part of that million plus portfolio.

What about including residential real estate appraisers too? Just a thought....

Great conversation on finding the right real estate agent! Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important to work with someone who understands your needs. If you're looking for personalized guidance and expert support, visit Action Realty Now. We specialize in providing clients with the right tools and advice to make the best real estate decisions. Thanks for sharing these tips