The Real Estate Database (RED) is managed in a manner similar to that of an apartment block, with distinct common and private spaces. This analogy provides a clear way for potential subscribers to understand the structure and limitations of the platform.

The RED as an Apartment Block.

The RED portal itself serves as the equivalent of an apartment block, while the related websites and accounts represent individual apartment units, much like those governed under condominium law.

In an apartment building, there are common areas shared by all residents, such as staircases, elevators, the compound, gates, corridors, pillars, swimming pools, and gyms. Similarly, the RED platform has shared spaces, including the WebAdmin, listings pages, and the overall platform infrastructure.

Customization in Private Spaces.

Apartments block also include private spaces within each apartment unit where owners can customize elements like wall colors, furniture, and tiles. In the same way, RED provides its subscribers with personalized websites, which act as their private spaces. These websites allow users to customize layouts, colors, and content to suit their preferences.

However, just as an apartment block has rules regarding structural modifications, the RED platform has limitations on what can and cannot be customized. For example, in an apartment, you can redesign your unit's interior furniture but cannot alter structural components like walls, pillars, or load-bearing elements, as doing so would affect other units.

Likewise, RED subscribers cannot modify critical components such as the database structure, search mechanisms, or property code generation systems. These act as the "pillars" of the platform, ensuring smooth operations for all users.

A Real-Life Example of Misunderstanding.

To illustrate the importance of understanding this concept, consider a situation with a past client who struggled to adapt to the shared nature of the RED platform. For example, when she uploaded a property, it was assigned a property code of, say, 2351. Shortly afterward, she uploaded another property, expecting it to be assigned the next sequential code, 2352. However, the new property was assigned 2359 instead.

What she failed to realize was that other RED members were uploading properties simultaneously. In the time between her two uploads, seven other properties had been uploaded by different users, and the intermediate codes were assigned to those properties. She found this system unacceptable and wanted the property code assignment mechanism changed to suit her specific needs.

However, such a change would violate the principles of shared spaces and disrupt the system that has already been designed to prevent conflicts in property codes across the platform.

The Importance of the Apartment Block Analogy.

This example highlights why it's essential for potential subscribers to understand the RED through the apartment block analogy. Shared spaces cannot be modified to suit individual tastes or needs, and private spaces also come with certain rules to ensure the overall harmony of the platform.

By recognizing that the RED operates like a shared apartment block under condominium principles, subscribers can better appreciate the structure and rules that govern the platform. This understanding helps prevent unrealistic expectations and ensures a smoother experience for everyone using the RED.

In conclusion, the RED's design, much like an apartment block, balances shared and private spaces to create an efficient and harmonious platform for all its users. For those who embrace this concept, the RED becomes an invaluable tool for managing and marketing properties effectively.