Links from Real Estate Websites Link Page, Do or Don't?

[Thos003]

It seems that real estate sites have at times been under heavier scrutiny from the search engines. But real estate agents get networking, which makes acquiring those links a little bit easier. Plus with localization of search, I think real estate sites may give off a good GEO scent.

Should SEO's go for links from real estate websites?

Does a reciprocal link devalue said links?

[Copstead]

I would go for the link but not the reciprocal link.  On devaluing the link, it all depends on if the site is relevant to yours.

[icecarats]

There's quite a few sectors that have a bad rep SEO wise. Real estate is one of the ones where it's because the competition is very tight. However I think this is primarily the reason, the competition. Other sectors that receive attention (adult dating, poker, pornography, forex, mlm affiliation) are usually because they're competitive and packed to the gills with black hats. So, that said I wouldn't consider Real Estate a 'bad neighborhood' like the aforementioned. At the same time though, I wouldn't bother grooming links with them unless I was specializing in Real Estate SEO.

[KeriMorgret]

I would think that actually a lot of local resources could be relevant for a real estate site to have. The OP is part of a pest control firm. If they did termite inspections, that would be a very relevant link from a real estate agent. Same for a moving company carpet cleaning, housecleaning, etc. Anything that might be used when someone is moving in or moving out. Even if I were a coffee shop, I might team up with an agent to do a welcome gift basket for the people moving into an area (to get them familiar with my brand) and see if there was a way to get a link in a local recommended business section.

Note that this is hypothetical -- my business is model warship combat boats, and I really can't think of a good tie-in with real estate there without stretching things a whole lot.

[Thos003]

Good example. If there is a business case to do it offline then it should be allowed online.