Does anyone use custom webaddress.

[NealRM]

Does anyone use custom webaddress for a specific listing. Here is an example of what I am talking about (Not a real address)

123ExampleStreet.Jackson-MO.com

Do the seller like the address? Will it helpto sell the listing?

[avonreal]

i think what helps is if the site looks trustworthy, add in usability and an address they can remember!

[EFS Webmaster]

Its very common in our area for folks to utilize vanity / custom web addresses.

Truth be told, most of these sites (which can be had for about $25-$50/each) are more sizzle than steak. More than anything, I think they please the owners because their home has a dedicated 'place on the web' which owners associate with valuable exposure. Our local MLS board does not permit vanity web addresses to be included in descriptions so the only folks that actually know the URL are the owner, drive-bys and also possibly folks that read the open house section of the paper (assuming the URL is included in the print ad). That being said, the sites are very low cost and have a high perceived value with many owners so why not make the minimal investment.

If however you have a really hot / high-end listing, I do believe that both the owner and the agent can benefit significantly from a high-end vanity site that utilizes professional photography (don't skimp!). We've utilized a number of these high-end sites for 'architectural homes' and the investment has been well worth it. You can see an example of what I am talking about here and here.

Finally, don't forget to including your listings as "featured listings" or "Featured Properties" on the homepage of your site. Good luck.

[jasoncrouch]

I haven't tried this myself, but there are a couple of agents here in Austin who use this technique on each listings. I guess it's one of those "extras" that might be a cool selling point on a listing appointment. However, a tech savvy seller would realize that this custom website is pretty limited in its exposure.

I do agree with EFS that this would be more effective for a high-end or really unique place. Interesting thoughts -

[JimOlenbush]

Well, I guess you get to use a fancy sign rider with the address/URL. That may get a phone call from the neighbor down the street who wants to sell. It can't hurt.

To make it easy you could just post a page on your site, and then buy the URL and redirect it to that page.

[JeepOnRock]

Or, as the original example, use a third level domain.

123MainStreet.BubbaSnarks. com. If Bubba owns the BubbaSnarks domain, most hosts will let him tag the 123Mainstreet on the front for free (ok, mine will, I assume others also.)
The only expense is design.

[Markz]

Do these kind of techniques actually work? This is all new to me.

[jasoncrouch]

Mark - I think it would work as a tool with the seller, and as Jim mentioned it might also help with exposure to people who see a cool sign rider (neighbors, people driving by, etc.), but it probably won't really affect the marketability of the property at all.

[Malok]

I look at it sort of like a pet rock.

Doesn't really do much. But some people think its nifty.

[jasoncrouch]

I haven't thought of pet rocks in awhile. I remember when I got mine as a kid - pretty disappointing overall. Of course, most of the toys I had were probably exciting for a very short time.