Need recommendations on where and how to build a website?

[balakain]

This is probably the incorrect sub-forum to be posting this in, but obviously I'm new here and was not exactly sure where to go. My Real Estate team is looking for an affordable, quality company to build a website with that has great SEO available and is not too complicated to use.

We are with Keller Williams and are currently using a terrible eEdge website. We tried out Homes Media Solutions and were displeased. We want something different and eye-catching with IDX.

Any suggestions or advice?

Thank you so much!

[OCTeam]

What does "affordable" mean to you? Low cost entry and inexpensive monthly fee, or getting a good return on your investment by having a site that generates leads even though it may seem expensive at first? Do you plan on doing anything with the site yourself, or do you just want some generic looking template site? You really should decide why you want a site and what you expect from it first. Most sites do not generate leads as many realtors only look at the initial cost and not the potential for ROI. Just having a site to have one and having one that generates leads may not be one in the same. The best quality sites are the ones offered by REW.

[sffisher]

If you are going cheap and basic, get a Wordpress site. I highly recommend the AgentPress theme from StudioPress which you can integrate with Diverse Solutions IDX. This is a good cheap alternative which you can make look nice. I just put one up (without search capabilities) on a domain I was looking to build authority for here: http://www.deervalleyhomesforsale.com

I agree with OCteam. If you are looking to dominate your online market, go with REW and start doing SEO.

[balakain]

What does "affordable" mean to you? Low cost entry and inexpensive monthly fee, or getting a good return on your investment by having a site that generates leads even though it may seem expensive at first? Do you plan on doing anything with the site yourself, or do you just want some generic looking template site? You really should decide why you want a site and what you expect from it first. Most sites do not generate leads as many realtors only look at the initial cost and not the potential for ROI. Just having a site to have one and having one that generates leads may not be one in the same. The best quality sites are the ones offered by REW.

I am not searching for a cheap generic website. I do know we are willing to make an investment on something that will have proven quality results. However over $3,000 is not something that would be in the budget right now. We want a website that we may embed or incorporate a blog (preferably our ActiveRain blog), one that can generate leads and has IDX and our listings automatically update when changes are made in the MLS, etc. I am not a web designer, therefore I can't do everything myself but I am not in search of a cookie cutter template.

[balakain]

If you are going cheap and basic, get a Wordpress site. I highly recommend the AgentPress theme from StudioPress which you can integrate with Diverse Solutions IDX. This is a good cheap alternative which you can make look nice. I just put one up (without search capabilities) on a domain I was looking to build authority for here: http://www.deervalleyhomesforsale.com

I agree with OCteam. If you are looking to dominate your online market, go with REW and start doing SEO.

That is the goal, to dominate! We want to be in the top results when our local market is Google'd. I am awaiting a quote from REW on pricing.

[sffisher]

Take advantage of the promo pricing going on right now at REW and get yourself a template site with IDX.

[balakain]

Take advantage of the promo pricing going on right now at REW and get yourself a template site with IDX.

Might just have to do this! Hopefully they will get back to me soon with a quote. I inquired about 48 hours ago.

[balakain]

Deciding between the REW template site and the LEC option. I need to talk to my manager before we make the final decision. The template sites do include IDX, right?

[sffisher]

LEC is a lot more than your 3k, but they are great. You have to add on the IDX to the template. Sales will let you know all of this I am sure.

[balakain]

LEC is a lot more than your 3k, but they are great. You have to add on the IDX to the template. Sales will let you know all of this I am sure.

Well thank you so much for all of your help! I will patiently await their response. Hopefully it can work out and we go with REW. Then I will post the website for you all to review!