National Real Estate Franchisors and Brokerages Move In at Yahoo!
New Program Allows Franchisors and Brokerages to Post Free Home Listings On Yahoo! Real Estate
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--Yahoo! Real Estate today launched its new online property listings program, allowing franchisors and brokers nationwide to post their complete set of home listings on the site for free on the Internet's #1 real estate website. Prudential Real Estate Affiliates and Realogy Corporation, two of the industry's largest franchisors, are among the first to participate in the service, enabling their teams of real estate professionals to market their full catalog of property listings on Yahoo! Real Estate. Realogy's franchise brand networks include CENTURY 21, Coldwell Banker, ERA and Sotheby's International Realty.
Several other leading real estate franchisors and brokerages have also elected to participate in the Yahoo! property listings program, making Yahoo! Real Estate one of the most comprehensive sites offering listings of existing homes for sale. These brokerages include: Assist 2 Sell, First Team Real Estate, GMAC Real Estate, Help-U-Sell, Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate, Illustrated Properties Real Estate, Intero Real Estate Services, Keller Williams Realty, Keyes Company, Long & Foster Companies, RealEstate.com REALTORS, Real Living, Realty Executives International, Weichert Realtors, and ZipRealty.
The new franchisor and brokerage partnerships complement Yahoo! Real Estate's long-standing listings relationships with publishers and aggregators such as Harmon Homes, a division of Homes.com, Homes and Land, ListHub, The Real Estate Book, and Point2 Technologies, ensuring consumers are offered the widest range of real estate information possible online.
"We have benefited tremendously over the past five years from the marketing power Yahoo! Real Estate brings to the table," said Laurie Keenan, President of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates. "As more and more prospective buyers and sellers turn to the Internet for their real estate needs, extending our partnership with Yahoo! allows Prudential to take advantage of leading interactive marketing services offered and to better service our affiliates, our agents, and our customers."
As an extension of this online property listings program, Yahoo! Real Estate will offer franchisors and brokerages a variety of additional interactive marketing services, including featured home listings and display advertising. For example, Prudential Real Estate has pledged all of their affiliates' listings to be featured properties as part of their commitment to continue their "Online Advantage" program.
"The real estate industry is fast-embracing a marketing mantra of wider distribution of property listings online," said Michael Yang, vice president and general manager of Yahoo! Real Estate. "We know that 89 percent of consumers researching real estate online use a Yahoo! product or service in any given month, which presents an amazing opportunity for franchisors and brokerages to put their listings in front of homebuyers."
Yahoo! Real Estate has experienced an 80 percent year-over-year growth rate in audience base and in November surpassed Realtor.com as the most visited online real estate site (comScore MediaMetrix, November 2007). Most recently, Yahoo! Real Estate introduced the following products to offer consumers one of the most comprehensive destinations for online real estate research and listings options:
--Guides & Advice (Newly launched at http://realestate.yahoo.com/info) provides detailed information for home buyers, sellers and owners to make the most educated real estate decisions. Features include expert opinions, how-to guides, timely real estate news in partnership with Inman News, as well as capabilities to rate, comment and share favorite articles.
--Schools Search (http://realestate.yahoo.com/schools), allows users to easily search, browse, and evaluate local schools via a map interface. Schools Search allows users to refine and sort their search by school district, distance, grade level, or school type (e.g. public, private, charter).
--Foreclosures Center (http://realestate.yahoo.com/foreclosures), offers the ability to search for properties in foreclosure, analyze trends in the foreclosure market, and education about buying properties in foreclosure.
--Home Values Center (http://realestate.yahoo.com/homevalues), provides home valuations from multiple sources, a library of articles and how-to guides on home value topics, and contacts for local appraisers.
--Neighborhoods Search (http://realestate.yahoo.com/neighborhoods), offers various information about a city of interest, including a quick glimpse of the city's demographics, housing and education statistics, and general maps showing nearby schools, restaurants and shops.
--Home Loans Center (http://realestate.yahoo.com/loans), provides education on researching loans, financial calculators, expert how-to guides, national and state trends on mortgage and home equity, as well as top rated local mortgage brokers and comprehensive local rate searches.
--For more information about how to distribute or market property listings on Yahoo! Real Estate, visit http://realestate.yahoo.com/partner or email aroraa@yahoo-inc.com.
About Yahoo! Real Estate
Yahoo! Real Estate is one of the largest and fastest-growing real estate Web sites in the market, having grown over 80 percent in the last year, according to ComScore Media Metrix November 2007 rankings. Yahoo! Real Estate provides users with one of the most comprehensive sets of real estate information and listings, including new and for-sale home listings, apartments for rent, home values, local schools, detailed neighborhood overviews, and home mortgage rates. Consumers can visit Yahoo! Real Estate at realestate.yahoo.com.
Press Releases for 2007
December 5, 2007
RealEstate.com Teams with Distinctive Homes and Land to launch Northwest Tucson Powerhouse Brokerage
RealEstate.com Teams with Distinctive Homes and Land to launch Northwest Tucson Powerhouse Brokerage
Tucson, AZ (12/5/07) – Today, RealEstate.com REALTORS announced the purchase of Distinctive Homes and Land, the #1 producing Northwest Tucson real estate agency.
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is a full service residential real estate brokerage. It is a local, on-the-ground brokerage operation that complements the national RealEstate.com Web portal. RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
The synergy between Distinctive Homes and Land and RealEstate.com REALTORS positions the company as an even more dominant force in booming Northwest Tucson. Currently, Distinctive Homes and Land has more than $217 million in active, pending and sold volume to date in 2007 at an average price of $646,046.
"We are elated about our partnership with Distinctive Homes and Land," said Bruce Walker, director of marketing for RealEstate.com REALTORS. "Our goal is to deliver the best possible connection between the home buyers and sellers and our REALTORS. RealEstate.com REALTORS agents deliver premium results to clients through unmatched internet exposure. Whether helping a buyer or a seller, our REALTORS and Internet service are giving our clients the ability to reach their real estate goals quickly, easily and more efficiently."
Since 2005, Nikki Mehalic-Halle has owned and operated Distinctive Homes and Land. In just two short years, she has positioned the company as the #1 real estate agency in Northwest Tucson. In 2007, Mehalic-Halle's office sold one of the most expensive homes in Tucson's MLS history, a home in Marana's Saguaro Ranch, for $4.95 million, the two most expensive lots in Tucson's Pima Canyon for $1.5 million and $1.3 million and sold Stone Canyon's most expensive home for $3.85 million.
Mehalic-Halle will remain an integral part of RealEstate.com REALTORS, acting as the leader of her already established team and helping to make the transition smooth. "No one can create a greater breadth of exposure for your home, from the local market to the international level than RealEstate.com REALTORS," said Mehalic-Halle. "This is great for our buyers, sellers and agents. I am really excited!"
"Nikki has spent more than two years developing business in Northwest Tucson," said Walker. "She has truly become the go-to source for luxury home buying in the Northwest's hottest-selling luxury communities. Nikki has such strong connections in the area that having her on board as a key member of the RealEstate.com REALTORS team in Tucson, will only continue to drive sales."
RealEstate.com REALTORS has already made its presence known in the Tucson area through their office in the Williams Centre on Broadway Avenue. John Dwyer, Branch Manager, is RealEstate.com REALTOR's market leader in Tucson. He noted he is extremely excited to begin working with Mehalic-Halle's team and to drive further sales in the hot area of Northwest Tucson and increase the share of market for RealEstate.com REALTORS.
About RealEstate.com, REALTORS®
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is a full service residential real estate brokerage. It is a local, on-the-ground brokerage operation that complements the national RealEstate.com Web portal. RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
August 8, 2007
RealEstate.com Shares Bright Ideas to Make Your Home Smart
RealEstate.com Shares Bright Ideas to Make Your Home Smart
CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 8, 2007 – Imagine walking into a room and having the temperature and lighting automatically adjust to your preferred setting. Or settling down to watch a movie and hitting one button that signals the microwave to pop your popcorn, the lighting to dim, and the movie to begin. Sound like something you'd only see at an electronics trade show? Not so. By installing so-called "smart technology" in your home, you can integrate systems and automate nearly everything in your home.
While the possibilities for home automation are only limited by your imagination, the choices facing the average homeowner may seem daunting. The good news is that you do not need to become an instant expert in order to enhance your home's capabilities. A home technology integrator can design, implement, and tie together your home's various electronic systems. These include:
Energy
You can save energy – and money – by automating thermostats, lights and other environmental systems such as irrigation systems. Integrating all of these into one environmental system can help ensure a minimum waste of energy in your home. For example, motion and occupancy sensors can activate heat and lighting controls as you enter and exit rooms. Or, when you leave for work in the morning, your house could "check" for and turn off unnecessary energy consumers such as radios, TVs, stoves and irons (a nice safety feature).
Security
Smart home automation can help keep your home safe by simulating normal in-home activity, such as turning lights on and off at various times during the day and night when you're away. To protect against break-ins, web cams can be positioned at home entrances and an alarm system that uses heat and motion sensors can be installed to alert you and the security company in the event of an intruder.
Entertainment
The sky is the limit when it comes to home entertainment. Whether it's a sophisticated home theater or a program that turns on music every time you enter a specific room, your creativity is the only limit. Let your imagination run wild and with the help of a home technology integrator, the vision for your in-home system can indeed become a reality.
For more ideas on how you can equip your home with smart technology, visit the RealEstate.com Tips and Tools section.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
July 26, 2007
Discover Home Resale Value before You Buy; RealEstate.com Will Show You How
Discover Home Resale Value before You Buy; RealEstate.com Will Show You How
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 26, 2007 – Most buyers fall in love with a new home and envision their families spending years making memories together. The last thing they're thinking of is what will happen when they sell months, years or decades down the road. No need to live in fear but it is important to consider resale value when looking to purchase a new home.
RealEstate.com suggests the following ways that affect the resale value of a home:
• Look for a home with curb appeal that makes a good first impression. That means a well-kept lot with large, healthy mature trees. Not only do REALTORS® say that curb appeal can increase a home's value by up to 10 percent but, it's also key to selling a house. After all, it's what gets buyers past your front door.
• Contemporary kitchens and updated bathrooms -- especially master bath suites -- will usually have the greatest positive effect on resale value. New appliances are also a big draw.
• The bigger the closets and storage areas, the better. Buyers today expect spacious walk-in closets rather than cramped ones that are hard to access.
• Unless you're willing to renovate and move walls (which can be both pricey and messy), choose a home with a natural-flowing floor plan. Even the best decorating in the world won't improve a bad floor plan. While layout preferences vary from region to region, most buyers like a large separation between the master bedroom and secondary bedrooms; a central area where living, family dining and kitchen areas flow together; and a main or second-floor family room.
• Most REALTORS® agree that three-bedroom homes are the best sellers because they appeal to the widest market segment. Floor plans with four or more bedrooms have obvious appeal to larger families but don't necessarily help you sell a home sell faster.
• Most buyers don't want a fixer-upper or a home with a leaky basement or roof. Even if the price is low, keep your distance from needy properties unless you are very handy or estimate the cost of the repairs to be so low that you are able to make your money back when you sell down the road.
• Be wary of wiring and plumbing systems that don't work properly or meet current standards. (A home inspection will tell you of these conditions.) Not only do malfunctioning systems risk your own safety, but they are particularly expensive to repair and thus might scare potential buyers away.
• Stay away from homes with swimming pools or elaborate landscaping. While you might love a dip in the pool or tending garden, keep in mind that the next owner must love those things as well in order to buy your home. That already limits your home's sale to a smaller universe of people, as most buyers will be intimidated by the maintenance on a large garden or pool.
For more information on how you can improve a home's resale value, visit the RealEstate.com Tips and Tools section located at www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
July 16, 2007
Looking to Boost Your Home's Resale Value? RealEstate.com Suggests a Kitchen Remodel
Looking to Boost Your Home's Resale Value? RealEstate.com Suggests a Kitchen Remodel
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 16, 2007 – Are you looking to increase the value of your home? There is no home improvement more dramatic and noticeable than a kitchen renovation. It not only improves the look of a high traffic room in your home but it can also increase the resale value. Here are the main categories to consider:
Cabinetry & Storage
While cabinetry is probably the biggest investment you'll make in your kitchen remodel, it is the one that pays the most dividends as well.
Cabinetry not only sets the tone for the mood of your kitchen, it determines how well organized your workspace will be as well. The best kitchens include closed storage (meaning no glass doors or open shelving) that provide a clean, uncluttered look, paired with streamlined chrome or brushed-nickel fixtures.
Countertops
Granite has emerged as the most prestigious countertop material because of its strength, attractive look, and individuality (no two slabs are alike because it's natural stone.) Marble is another popular natural stone, although slightly less hardy than granite.
***
"Today's kitchens aren't the isolated workspaces they used to be," said Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of the RealEstate.com Tips and Tools. "They're social centers where families spend time together, and where guests sit and socialize. In fact, if you think about it, it's the one room each day that family members are guaranteed to spend at least some time in."
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Appliances
Whether you're redesigning from scratch or simply replacing outdated or mismatched appliances, a new fridge, stove and dishwasher will quickly update your kitchen.
Today's trend is towards professional-style, high-end, stainless-steel appliances, inspired by the popularity of television cooking shows. Today's energy-efficient appliances make it a better time than ever to upgrade from older models; your investment will likely be recouped by your energy savings and added home value.
While stainless steel finishes are hot and can be suited to both modern and traditional interiors, white remains the most popular finish. It costs less and can be just as versatile as stainless. Both finishes reflect light and contribute an expansive feel to a room.
Flooring
Tired of worn-out vinyl? Consider splurging on eco-friendly bamboo, or hardwood or faux-hardwood laminate. After years of lighter-tone wood, deep mahogany finishes are coming back, and look especially elegant when paired with white cabinetry.
For high-traffic areas, consider floor tiles in oversize ceramic, slate and limestone. Vinyl flooring is a lower-priced alternative that comes in a wide range of styles and colors. Sheet vinyl is preferable to peel-and-stick tiles as the latter can become raised over time.
Lighting
A well-lit kitchen includes three types of lighting: ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient lighting casts a general illumination around the room, task lighting illuminates chores such as cooking, and accent lighting creates an attractive focal point.
For more ideas on how to renovate your kitchen to improve its resale value, visit www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
July 2, 2007
RealEstate.com Offers Tips when Choosing a Real Estate Agent
RealEstate.com Offers Tips when Choosing a Real Estate Agent
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 2, 2007 – As the old adage goes, "you don't know what you don't know." Sure, putting a for sale sign in your yard may seem easy, as does going to a house you'd like to buy and walking through it, but unless you've been involved in real estate transactions before, you can easily get in over your head due to all the complexities involved.
Just as you'd ask for help from a medical doctor with a health issue, you should ask for help from a real estate agent when buying or selling a home. A real estate transaction can be complex, and requires expertise from a professional who is well-versed on the ins and outs of your local real estate market.
So how do you choose a real estate agent that's right for you?
Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of RealEstate.com Tips and Tools suggests selecting an agent based on the following three criteria:
• Reputation. Is the agent well-known in the local market? Does he or she come highly recommended by previous clients? Is the agent well-known by other agents? (If so, this "network" could help sell your house.)
• Knowledge. How many homes has the agent sold, particularly in your neighborhood? Have they gone for list price, or even more? Be sure to look for a real estate agent that is a good negotiator: an agent's skills in this area can make or break a transaction.
• Rapport. Don't discount your level of comfort and rapport with the agent. After all, you're entering a complex transaction so it's important that you communicate well with each other and feel comfortable working together.
Don't be afraid to "audition" an agent before signing an agreement to let him or her represent you. As a professional in the field, it's up to the agent to demonstrate the knowledge you're looking for them to provide.
For more tips on choosing the right real estate agent, visit www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
June 12, 2007
RealEstate.com Suggests Four Strategies to Make House Hunting Easier
RealEstate.com Suggests Four Strategies to Make House Hunting Easier
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 12, 2007 – While house shopping can be fun, it can also be intimidating for those who are new to the experience. There are many factors to consider when looking to purchase a home – from what neighborhood to which floor plan and much more.
Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of RealEstate.com Tips and Tools, suggests focusing on four key factors when looking to buy a house.
1. Location, location, location. A house needs to be near what's important to you and your lifestyle. How important is it to you that your home is close to your office? Is it more important to you that you're close to a good medical center or a convenient grocery store? Everyone has their priorities, and you have to consider your family's when thinking about location.
2. The house. Does the floor plan meet your needs? Does it have enough room for your family to grow if future growth is in your plans? Think of buying for the long term and consider whether the house meets your needs, not just now, but any future needs you can anticipate. And don't discount your gut feeling. If this home doesn't feel like home to you, then move on.
3. Affordability. Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage before you begin visiting homes is the best way to know what you can afford. Often people fall into the trap of looking first, and falling in love with a home that's well out of their price range. Only look in whatever price range you can pre-qualify for.
4. Resale. As much as you like the idea of seeing you and your family growing old and gray in your new home, chances are you won't. Most people do not live in their house even for the full term of their mortgage. When home shopping, keep in mind that at some point you will probably want to put your home on the market, so don't compromise. If you decide a house has some aspect that you can overlook, you need to be aware that someone else may not feel the same way. When home shopping, choose a house that is not only appealing to you, but is also likely going to appeal to others down the road.
For more advice on how to shop for a new home, visit www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
June 5, 2007
Industry Expert Denise Lones to Guest Host Upcoming RealEstate.com Pathways to SUCCESS Call
Industry Expert Denise Lones to Guest Host Upcoming RealEstate.com Pathways to SUCCESS Call
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 5, 2007 –Accomplished real estate coach and industry motivational speaker Denise Lones will be this month's RealEstate.com June Pathways to SUCCESS special guest host. This free, instructional call will be held Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT.
Ms. Lones will help real estate agents find innovative ways to increase their business; inspire them to dig deep for personal motivation; and help them to maximize their street smarts to close more deals. Her credentials speak for themselves -- Ms. Lones brings with her experience in all areas of the industry such as management, sales, coaching and training. Her philosophy on being a successful real estate agent is derived from her own personal and professional experience that has taught her that the path to success is driven by one's passion for the business.
"We're knee-deep in home buying season so there couldn't be a better time for real estate agents to get some great advice and spirited motivation to make sure they are at the top of their game," said Matt Mayse, director of Agent SUCCESS, RealEstate.com Agent Network. "Ms. Lones is a seasoned industry expert who is ready to share her secrets to success at closing more deals. Her savvy real estate know-how helps agents dominate their markets while bringing their businesses to all-new levels. Take my word for it; this is definitely a call that should not be missed!"
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com offers strategic lead generation programs to real estate brokers and agents. By leveraging its brand strength, consumer marketing expertise and unmatched technological capabilities, RealEstate.com provides both its Broker Network and Agent Network customers with incremental, targeted, quality leads that are specifically customized to fit their business needs, while at the same time offering competitive marketing and acquisition costs.
RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
May 30, 2007
RealEstate.com Says Curb Appeal is Key to Selling Your House
RealEstate.com Says Curb Appeal is Key to Selling Your House
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 30, 2007 – As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. This adage certainly holds true when it comes to the curb appeal of the home you're selling. Buyers these days make decisions quickly and might not even take the time to go inside your home if at first glance, they don't like what they see on the outside.
"The homeowners themselves aren't always in the best position to judge their own curb appeal given that they see the property everyday," said Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of RealEstate.com Tips and Tools. "This is why I always recommend that homeowners invite a real estate agent or a friend over to give an honest assessment of a home's curb appeal before putting it on the market."
If prospective buyers pull up to what might be their new home, only to be turned off by chipped paint and a shaggy lawn, chances are they'll move on quickly to the next listing.
So what can you do to increase your home's curb appeal? Here are some easy projects to include on you to-do list:
• Maintain the lawn. Seed the bare patches in your lawn and keep the rest mowed and nicely edged. If you don't have time to do this, hire a service as the lawn is the first thing prospective buyers will notice.
• Consider whether your house could use a good power washing. This doesn't cost much and will quickly take away the years of dust and grime that has collected on your home.
• Make sure the doorbell works and that the front door opens and shuts smoothly without creaking. Creaking can indicate aging or disrepair – things no prospective buyer wants to be greeted with.
• Keep clutter to a minimum, meaning no bikes or toys on the lawn and no garbage containers in sight of the street.
• Repaint any areas where paint may be flaking.
Your home's curb appeal is the "face" that everyone sees. Prospective buyers will be certain to stop and take a peak if your home is clean and welcoming so make sure if you are in the market to sell, do what you can to make you home shine through great curb appeal.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
May 15, 2007
RealEstate.com Offers Tips on Buying a Home in the "Right" Neighborhood
RealEstate.com Offers Tips on Buying a Home in the "Right" Neighborhood
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 15, 2007– When looking for a new home, finding the "right" neighborhood can be just as important as finding the perfect house.
Who wants a neighborhood of empty-nesters if you have young kids? And what singleton wants to live in a family-oriented neighborhood full of kids? So what characteristics should you look for in a good neighborhood? Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of RealEstate.com Tips and Tools, suggests looking for the following characteristics:
Good public schools
A good neighborhood feeds into a well-regarded school system. This is key whether you have children or not. For anyone who has children or is thinking about having them, good schools are essential for obvious reasons. But even if you don't have children and don't plan to, good public schools can play a big role in your home's resale value.
The best way to get information about school performance is to talk with local parents or access information such as test scores and other pertinent school information online. Interested parents can also visit schools in person to get a better feel for what they are like.
Access to an economic center
More than anything else, people want convenience. That means an easy commute to their job as well as living close to shopping and restaurants. Although a good neighborhood does not have to be right next to any of these things, it should at least have easy access to them. Nearby public facilities such as libraries, parks or walking trails, also adds appeal to neighborhoods.
Solid reputation
What do others say and think about the neighborhood? A good neighborhood should be well-regarded by a variety of people of different incomes and lifestyles. Does the neighborhood have a strong homeowners' association that protects the interest of property owners? Are the lawns well-manicured and the homes well-maintained? Is crime an issue? When buying a home, it's wise to keep in mind what other people will think of the neighborhood, as perception is often reality.
For more tips on how to choose the right neighborhood, visit RealEstate.com Tips and Tools in the 'Learn It' section at www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
May 1, 2007
RealEstate.com Shares the Facts about Open Houses
RealEstate.com Shares the Facts about Open Houses
CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 1, 2007 – Home buyers all too often leave an open house simply because they didn't like the house. But what they really should be doing is taking advantage of a prime opportunity to pick up useful information that might aid in their search for a new home.
"From learning about the area to finding a good real estate agent, an open house can provide a wealth of knowledge whether you like the home itself or not," said Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of RealEstate.com Tips and Tools.
So, outside of learning about the home, what other kinds of information might you learn by attending an open house? RealEstate.com shares some helpful facts:
Shop for an agent
If you don't already have a real estate agent, attending an open house is a great way to find one. Agents use an open house not only to showcase the home they're working to sell, but also to prospect for new business. That means agents are often willing to talk about other properties they have listed on the market, not just the one they're working that day. After leaving an open house, collect the agent's business card and note on the back whether he or she was helpful and knowledgeable.
Network
An open house is a great networking opportunity. Chances are you'll have similar taste to those other home buyers on the market. Use that opportunity to chat with them and find out what they're looking for and in what neighborhoods. Networking with other buyers is a great way to hear about homes or neighborhoods you or your agent might not be aware of.
Listen and learn
An open house can often be crowded, whether with serious buyers, curious neighbors, or friends of the sellers. If you overhear other visitors making specific comments about the house, be sure to investigate further. But if what you hear is simply someone's opinion, it's best to ignore it given that others will always have opinions that differ from yours.
Attending an open house can be fun but be sure to bring your thinking cap. You're bound to walk away with some great tips to improve your own home buying process.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC. RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
April 23, 2007
RealEstate.com Launches Major Site Upgrade
RealEstate.com Launches Major Site Upgrade
Innovative Home Listings Search Now Available in 46 Markets Across the Country
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 23, 2007 – RealEstate.com today announced an important site upgrade that makes it easier for people to find exactly what they're looking for when searching for homes online. The upgrade brings a suite of innovative home search capabilities to 46 markets across the country. Thirty five additional markets are expected to launch by year's end.
"The response to our initial launch in Dallas/Fort Worth has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're extremely encouraged by the feedback we've received from our users and partners alike. More than two million home listings are currently accessible through RealEstate.com, and our goal is to make all of them faster and easier to search," said Kimberly Gorsuch-Bradbury, senior vice president and general manager of RealEstate.com. "Today's news is a major milestone in our national rollout plan for the RealEstate.com Web site, and it's also a critical component of our strategy to reach and serve consumers both online and on the ground."
The following search enhancements, all designed to deliver a superior home search experience, are now accessible in 46 markets through RealEstate.com:
• Speedy, Easy Search Interface — With no distinction between basic and advanced search, every search gets you to the listings you want faster and easier.
• Refined Searching — Eliminates the clunky "pogo jump" between the search page and results pages by allowing users to tweak and whittle their search criteria (by property type, price range, number of beds or baths, and square footage), without having to leave the listings results.
• Listings Counter — As users enter their specific home search criteria, the counter instantly tallies the number of existing home and new construction listings that match. By broadening or fine tuning their home criteria, users can see as many, or as few, listings as they like.
• Interactive Mapping with Aerial Views – Zoom in for a street or an aerial view of the home's location with maps powered by Ask.com. By hovering over any listing picture in the results column, the corresponding location on the map will highlight to help users get a birds-eye view of the home's location in relation to other homes for sale.
• Robust Listings Details – Unlike some sites that offer only skeleton information, RealEstate.com provides addresses, photos, and pricing information on a cleaner listings detail page that describes the home's internal and external features.
Upgraded search is now available in the following markets on RealEstate.com:
1) Akron/Canton/Youngstown, Ohio
2) Albany, New York
3) Atlanta, Georgia
4) Austin, Texas
5) Baltimore, Maryland
6) Boston, Massachusetts
7) Burlington, Vermont
8) Charleston, South Carolina
9) Charlotte, North Carolina
10) Chicago, Illinois
11) Dallas/Fort Worth,Texas
12) Detroit, Michigan
13) Fairhope, Alabama
14) Fresno, California
15) Grand Rapids, Michigan
16) Greensboro, North Carolina
17) Greenville, South Carolina
18) Harrisburg/Lancaster, Pennsylvania
19) Honolulu, Hawaii
20) Houston, Texas
21) Huntsville, Alabama
22) Indianapolis, Indiana
23) Jacksonville, Florida
24) Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, Michigan
25) Lexington, Kentucky
26) Little Rock/Pine Bluff, Arkansas
27) Long Island, New York
28) Los Angeles, California
29) Louisville, Kentucky
30) Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
31) Mobile, Alabama
32) Monmouth, New Jersey
33) Nashville, Tennessee
34) Orlando, Florida
35) Pasadena, California
36) Raleigh, North Carolina
37) Reno, Nevada
38) Rochester, New York
39) Sacramento, California
40) San Antonio, Texas
41) Santa Rosa, California
42) Santa Barbara, California
43) Savannah, Georgia
44) St. Louis, Missouri
45) Tampa, Florida
46) Washington, D.C
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, RealEstate.com is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI). RealEstate.com also owns or operates iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®.
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
April 18, 2007
Can a Home Stager Help You Sell Your Home? RealEstate.com Will Fill You In
Can a Home Stager Help You Sell Your Home? RealEstate.com Will Fill You In
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 18, 2007 – Everyone who sells a home thinks to tidy it before potential buyers visit. But do sellers understand how to play up their home's assets and mask its flaws in order to sell it quickly and for top dollar? This is exactly what a home stager does. A home stager is a designer or stylist who suggests ways to make the home more appealing to potential buyers.
"When selling your house, you're emotionally invested in the home you've created," said Holly Slaughter, editor-in-chief of the RealEstate.com Tips and Tools. "Hiring a professional home stager, who is impartial, can help highlight your home's selling points and make it more appealing to a wide range of buyers."
So what do you need to know when making the decision whether or not to hire a home stager?
Select your level
Home staging offers many levels of service. For $100 or less, a home stager will walk through your house and offer advice on what is the best way to present your home for your upcoming showings. You may be told to clean up the clutter, hang pictures or mirrors in new locations, repaint the walls or scrub those hard to reach areas of the floors. For a higher fee, a stager can perform a more hands-on role such as repositioning furniture, arranging flowers and suggesting great tips for highlighting your home's curb appeal. And then for an even higher fee, home stagers can redecorate your home from a warehouse full of furniture and decor items, bring in shrubs and annuals or clean out that one room collecting clutter over the years.
It may be worth every penny
Stagers say the cost is worth it. Some studies show that a house that has been staged is on the market for fewer days and sells for a higher price than comparable homes. Depending on the home and the neighborhood, a home stager may be just what you need to sell your home more quickly and get the top dollar you're looking for.
Your time is valuable
Consider your time. For busy people, hiring a home stager is money well spent. If you need to sell quickly, or if your house has been on the market for some time with little interest from prospective buyers, home staging might be the answer.
Partner with a REALTOR®
Ask your REALTOR® about the cost versus benefit of a stager for your home. Some REALTORS® will pay all or a portion of a stager's fee as part of their marketing plan for your home.
Where do I find a home stager?
You can find home stagers through associations such as the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, Accredited Staging Professionals or the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
RealEstate.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC, which is part of IAC Financial Services and Real Estate, an operating company of IAC, which also owns or operates LendingTree Loanssm, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, Domania®, and iNest Realty, Inc.
April 11, 2007
IAC Appoints Bret Violette President of RealEstate.com
IAC Appoints Bret Violette President of RealEstate.com
NEW YORK - April 11, 2007 IAC (Nasdaq: IACI) announced today that Bret Violette has been named President of RealEstate.com. In this capacity, he will be responsible for building and leveraging the company's portfolio of businesses including the RealEstate.com consumer portal; the RealEstate.com, REALTORS® local brokerage business; the national Real Estate Broker and Agent networks; as well as iNest and Domania. Violette will report to IAC President and Chief Operating Officer Doug Lebda.
"Bret has done an outstanding job launching and growing our RealEstate.com, REALTORS® business and this promotion reflects the leadership he's demonstrated while building the business from the ground up," said Lebda. "His experience in developing innovative strategies for Internet customer acquisition and conversion make him the ideal leader for the next stage of the company's growth."
Added Violette, "I believe we have an incredible opportunity in the real estate space, and I'm excited to lead this dynamic business. Our ability to serve customers both online through our outstanding national Web portal, and on the ground in local markets through our national network of broker partners and our own company-owned real estate brokerage, is a unique asset and positions us well for the future."
Violette brings a strong mix of real estate, Internet and media expertise having served in executive roles at Weichert Lead Network, Inc., YHD Foxtons, Inc., CMP Media, Inc. and Ziff-Davis Publishing, Inc. He joined RealEstate.com in 2005 to serve as senior vice president and general manager of the company's local market real estate brokerage business, RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. Since that time, he's led the successful launch and expansion of the RealEstate.com, REALTORS® business into nine markets in the western United States with more than 400 agents.
At Weichert, he served as the president of the Weichert Lead Network, Inc. Prior to that, he was the chief financial officer and vice president of business development for YHD Foxtons, where he was responsible for the company's financial operations, management of business development and creation of long-term strategic initiatives. Earlier in his career, Violette held business development roles at CMP Media Inc. and Ziff-Davis.
About IAC
IAC is an interactive conglomerate operating more than 60 diversified brands in sectors being transformed by the internet, online and offline... our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over the world. To learn more about IAC please visit http://iac.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com helps give consumers an advantage during their home buying or selling journey, from the early stages of dreaming through the final stages of moving. The site uses a proprietary, turbo-charged home listings "engine" with access to more than two million listings in order to bring clarity to the chaos. In addition, a robust "Tips and Tools" section provides helpful advice, checklists and guides, all in an effort to help users navigate the process. Together, this comprehensive set of tools, content, listings and services have come together to help consumers "Get the knowledge. Get the edge.TM"
REALTOR® -- A registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
April 6, 2007
Are You Ready to Downsize Your Home? RealEstate.com Offers Food for Thought.
Are You Ready to Downsize Your Home? RealEstate.com Offers Food for Thought.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 6, 2007 – In many markets throughout the country, downsizing is a popular trend. Whether its people who get busy and no longer care for the maintenance involved in owning a full-sized home, or boomers who prefer to spend their weekends with the grandkids, downsizing is the new reality for many homeowners.
"The decision to downsize, while trendy these days, is a tough one that shouldn't be entered into lightly," said Holly Slaughter, RealEstate.com Tips and Tools editor-in-chief. "Do your homework, just as you would with any home purchase, then ask yourself if you're ready to leave a bigger home behind."
So how do you know if you're ready to downsize and leave the family home behind? Slaughter suggests considering the following questions:
Does a downsized home fit my lifestyle?
• There are many lifestyle options to consider when looking into downsizing. Sure, your health is good, but are there amenities like public transportation and stores close by in the event that your health deteriorates?
• If you prefer to not deal with landscaping maintenance or lawn upkeep, you might want to consider a condominium or a unit in a retirement community. When investigating these options, however, do your homework. Are existing residents happy with the way things are run? Does the community allow pets?
• Are you ready to let go? Downsizing translates to the simple fact that you will have less room for your possessions. (i.e. – You might have to part with larger furniture pieces or things you've accumulated in basement storage for the last 20 years.) Giving up these things is an important part of downsizing and something you need to take seriously.
• How important is it to you to maintain close ties with neighbors in your existing house? If this is important to you, consider moving to a smaller house in your current neighborhood.
Can I afford it?
• Look into how much it would cost to move into and maintain a smaller home. Evaluate all of the costs such as yard upkeep and home maintenance. Make sure it really is cheaper to live there.
• Ask a REALTOR® how much he or she will charge to sell your house. Then determine how much you will likely make from the sale. Under current tax rules, up to $500,000 (if you are married or file jointly) in profits from the sale of your principal residence is not taxable as long as you've lived there for at least two of the previous five years. Up to $250,000 in profits is not taxable if you're single. Consult a tax advisor to discuss your situation.
There are several factors that might lead you to decide to downsize, including needing a smaller home because of financial or other circumstances, saving money on mortgage payments, or moving closer to family and friends. Many homeowners also consider downsizing to a home with a master suite on the lower level so they don't have to climb stairs to access an upstairs bedroom.
On the other side, there are also a few factors that may encourage you to stay in your current home, including considering whether or not you're emotionally ready to leave the house behind. While this might seem sentimental, it should play a big role in whether or not you're ready to downsize. Don't discount your gut feeling. If you hear the word "downsizing" and immediately think "no room for the kids and grandkids when they come to visit," then maybe downsizing isn't for you right now.
For more information on downsizing to a smaller home, visit www.RealEstate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com offers consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and content as they progress through their home buying or selling process. This one-stop-shop offers a personalized roadmap, access to more than one million home listings, exclusive Find-a-REALTOR® and Find-a-Builder matching services, free home valuation tools, dedicated customer care representatives available nearly round-the-clock, and valuable rebate offers. Together, these tools allow RealEstate.com to simplify the often-complex real estate transaction and help consumers save time, money and aggravation.
RealEstate.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC, which is part of IAC Financial Services and Real Estate, an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI), which also owns or operates LendingTree Loans, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart Lending, Domania, and iNest.
March 29, 2007
RealEstate.com Debuts RealEstate.com/Agent Web Site
RealEstate.com Debuts RealEstate.com/Agent Web Site
New content-rich site provides business-building tools and promote "success today and every day" for real estate agents and brokers
CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 29, 2007 – RealEstate.com today launched a new Web site developed specifically to address the needs of its real estate agent and broker customers and prospects. Located at http://www.realestate.com/agent, the all-new RealEstate.com/Agent site helps users learn more about, and maximize, the suite of products and services offered by RealEstate.com, from subscription leads to warm transfer services to online advertising opportunities.
In addition, the site boasts a plethora of all-new features and online demonstrations including an agent-focused blog, case studies of successful agents who participate in the RealEstate.com Agent Network SUCCESS Program, and online calculators that can help interested agents determine whether the program is right for them.
For instance, the "Pipeline Calculator" helps agents answer the question "How many leads do I need to work to hit my financial goals?" The new site also provides potential customers with business-enhancing content via downloadable PDFs, audio clips and streaming video.
"Most Web sites aimed at providing products for real estate agents begin and end at a description of the product and a capture form," said Kim Gorsuch, senior vice president and general manager of RealEstate.com. "We've taken it several steps further by investing in a site that presents agents with the modern tools, education and testimonials they need to take a deep dive into our products, and to see clearly how we can be their greatest success tool. We are excited to hear their feedback."
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com offers strategic lead generation programs to real estate brokers and agents. By leveraging its brand strength, consumer marketing expertise and unmatched technological capabilities, RealEstate.com provides both its Broker Network and Agent Network customers with incremental, targeted, quality leads that are specifically customized to fit their business needs, while at the same time offering competitive marketing and acquisition costs.
RealEstate.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC, which is part of IAC Financial Services and Real Estate, an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), which also owns or operates LendingTree Loans sm, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, Domania®, and iNest Realty, Inc.
March 27, 2007
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Celebrates First Anniversary
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Celebrates First Anniversary
Company expands into nine markets within one year
Charlotte, N.C., March 27, 2007 – Launched one year ago this month, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is celebrating its first anniversary. The company opened its doors in Portland, Ore., in March 2006, and has since added offices in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Tucson, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas and Sierra Vista, Ariz.
All nine of the RealEstate.com, REALTORS® offices are fully operational, each with its own seasoned market leader. In total, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® has already welcomed over 375 agents to the business in its first year of operation.
"What a great year it's been," said Bret Violette, senior vice president and general manager, western division for RealEstate.com REALTORS®. "We have been welcomed whole-heartedly into some terrific markets and are confident that this is just the beginning for RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. We've set the bar high for ourselves and think our 'online and on the ground' hybrid strategy is, and will continue to be, the key to our success for many years to come."
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® uses leading-edge technologies, including