Who Have You Invited Into Your Neighborhood?

We all know the value of location in real estate.  The better of a neighborhood you live in, the more your home is worth.  Better neighborhoods have better reputations, and boost your comfort level when it comes to the safety of your family and belongings.

As more and more of our lives become immersed in social communities online, the importance of your virtual neighborhoods becomes more and more apparent.  Where you “live” while you’re online (and who you spend your time with) can show a lot about your values, personality, and much more when someone is looking into your personal or professional life.  Potential employers, educational institutions, even blind dates are doing their research before allowing you into their neighborhoods.  Will you pass the test?

We’ve all got the inappropriate Facebook friend who posts embarrassing photos, spews political rants, or has horrible spelling and grammar.  Then there’s the not so safe for work Twitter account that you follow for entertainment value.  And that former coworker or boss who you friended out of guilt on LinkedIn?  They can all have an effect on how you’re viewed by peers, strangers, and even current friends.  Fortunately, if these “friends” are few and far between, most potential dates/employers/friends will be willing to overlook them.  However, if you take a hard look at your timeline and notice a lot of posts that you wouldn’t be comfortable sharing with coworkers or a classroom, you may want to consider relocating to a better neighborhood.

As unfair as it may seem, that crazy uncle of yours that you love dearly can have an effect on how others look at you.  Just like you might not want Cousin Eddie’s RV parked in front of your house at Christmas, you also may not want him taking up valuable real estate on your wall.