Curious as to what the concensus is on choosing a real estate domain name.
Should you still try and include relevant keywords in the domain name? (separated by hyphens).
Currently, I'm leaning towards a keyword heavy domain name. Purchasing both hyphenated and non-hyphenated, with the hyphenated located on the server and the non-hyphenated pointed towards it (301 redirect).

Or is branding the new thing?
Thoughts?

http://www.seo-guy.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1121 definitly a recurring topic, it all depends on your marketing. From a search engine perspective hyphenated domains have a VERY small factor of ranking to them (But they do help) But is it worth sacrificing a brandable name? I think not.

When I was asked to build a site for a Member here, the same question came up and instead of going for phoenix-real--estate-agent.com or whatever I told him to stick to our www.jimmessenger.com

However there is another factor, the type in or .com factor, if you can get arearealestate.com it is worth getting, however it is the one you should 301 redirect to your actual domain.

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Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

http://www.carolinarealestate.com/ this guy does it with a javascript redirect (BAD BOY!) lol if he wasnt your competition I would say email him and have it changed to a 301. But its the right concept. Although I dnt think charlestonexpert is all that brandable but whatever

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Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

webmaster, thanks for the info.
Name of my company is 5 Star Realty in Wilmington NC. All iterations of each are gone, so I went with 5starwilmingtonrealestate.com as well as the hyphenated form. As you say, it appears to have a small effect on positioning.
Now I'll concentrate on links and content.
btw, compliments on jimmessenger.com. You do beautiful work.
Is it realistic to think that a small realtor can afford your services?

"Is it realistic to think that a small realtor can afford your services?"

That really depends on the realtor, I have a realtor who I do some work for on the emerald coast, he seems to be able to afford me, but I wont get into the details of his contract as everyone is different.

If you would like to discuss it I'd be happy to, are you looking for a site design, SEO or both?

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Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

Perhaps we could take that discussion to privage message however

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Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

WEBMASTER...

Did you make any special arrangement with Inman News for the great articles, or as they are educational and well attributed, do you feel that is enough?

Did you write and get permissions back from Inman? I wrote three years ago, several times and have not, so far, gotten a reply. I AM patient!

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My Personal Site: www.JodyHudson.com
Take care,
Jody
Delaware Beach Real Estate near Rehoboth Beach on The Atlantic Ocean Beaches.
Our Local Discussion Board is www.DelawareBeachBoard.com

actually go to their page and click FREE WEBSITE CONTENT which takes you here http://www.inman.com/freecontent/index.aspx and then its just a piece of javascript you can place on your site. No permission required.

They have an RSS feed as well for free

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Webmasters who spend their energies upholding the spirit of the basic principles [Of Google] will provide a much better user experience and subsequently enjoy better ranking than those who spend their time looking for loopholes they can exploit. Google.com

carolina_realtor- Email or Pm I might have a Domain name you will like

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Edina is home to the first indoor mall. Search Edina Realty to find your new home.

Thanks Webmaster! I like a lot of what Inman has...

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My Personal Site: www.JodyHudson.com
Take care,
Jody
Delaware Beach Real Estate near Rehoboth Beach on The Atlantic Ocean Beaches.
Our Local Discussion Board is www.DelawareBeachBoard.com