Local Real Estate Site Development Ideas

[pixelbugnyc]

Hello NPers:

I'm looking for some advice on how to develop a few local real estate domains i currently own. Domains like "anytownRealEstate.com , anytownCondos.com , anytownHouses.com etc." I have a few suffixes for a couple of localized areas. Suffixes like condos, apartments, houses, housesForRent, etc. What I plan on doing is having all the domains grouped by location and pointing to a single domain.

What can i do with the destination site? I'd like to develop them so that you can get local info on that particular community, restaurants, news etc. but more importantly, access to real estate info. Where do i get these listings from? Do i need to call a local realtor and ask them for a listing? is there a streamlined way that has been done that i can tip in to?

Any advice would help, thanks.

 

[Mike]

Most Realtors work with a service called "MLS - Multiple Listing Service". Sometimes, if you have a WELL, VERY WELL developed solution you may get the data feed for free. Under normal circumstances you won't get their data feed. If you're lucky, they LET YOU pay for it.
Each local association of Realtors has a board with an appointed president, and so forth. Your way "in" would be a strong connection with an even stronger Realtor in the area of choice.
The other way would be to go for "FSBO" (Fisbo) For Sale By Owner listings. Unfortunately, not many if any site providers have yet managed to combine FSBO listings with official Realtor listings. Realtors are extremely territorial, oftentimes the associations are difficult to work with and the giant "Realtor.com" is going to be a difficult thing to overcome.
My suggestion: Look at your local newspaper and see whether they have a Realtor solution online. Newspapers are mostly hated by Realtors, yet they're their strongest ally in promoting their listings and open houses. See whether you can work together with your newspaper and see where it takes you from there. The other option would be to go for FSBO listings.
Also, last but not least, take a VERY close look at www.zillow.com - :imho: one of the best, if not THE best real estate website available.

Best of luck, it's a mine field, that's not completely impossible to walk through, but difficult.

IB

 

[pixelbugnyc]

Thank you IB.

I will look into this. If anyone else has some advice or if there would be a better forum to place this topic in, please let me know.

PB

 

[Jeff]

IB's post here is EXCELLENT ... and very informative! :tu: :imho:

Question for the OP: Are you - or are you planning on becoming - a licensed Real Estate agent / Realtor™ in your state? :gl:
-Jeff

 

[pixelbugnyc]

Jeff:
No i do not plan on getting a license. I just want to develop localized real estate domains the best way possible. Quick ideas include selling ad space to local real estate offices, or whatever method is more successful. Any ideas?

PB

 

[Jeff]

Any ideas?

My idea is this ... those visiting your Real Estate website(s) care, primarily, about ONE THING - seeing listings (and getting addresses & info for those listings)! :yell: :imho:

In order to get these listings on your Real Estate website(s), you'll need an IDX feed from your local MLS system & Realtor™ Board, as IB discussed above. You'll hence need to be licensed! If you do not have viewable MASS LOCAL LISTINGS (and access to all addresses and all addtional information for those listings), it'll be a tough sell - on the local level, at least - of monetizing the Real Estate website(s) with ad space(s)! :blink:

You could go the "information" route ... and offer INFORMATION website(s) about the locale etc., but that's not the same thing or as uiquely targeted as Real Estate (listings!), naturally.
You have some very good thoughts, hopefully we can assist to best fine tune!
-Jeff

 

[pixelbugnyc]

Are there any licensed realtors on NP?

 

[Jeff]

Are there any licensed realtors on NP?

It is state specific ... if you're going to be developing a few local real estate domains, I believe you'll need to speak with a Broker in the State of New York to get the listings / feeds on your new websites, IMHO. That Broker, depending on the rules of that state, may require you also be licensed as an Agent as well (and paying dues to the local Realtor™ Board)! :gl:
-Jeff

 

[Broker]

Great advice above. I have been wanting to develop my homeauctionlist.com for awhile now (especially now) but without design skills and a partner its just not gonna happen

good luck with your domains.