First, can you change my name from "realestateabc" to HomeSurfer without me losing credit for all the old posts? All I do at realestateabc.com now is write the articles.

Second, we're getting real close to releasing a "beta" version of HomeSurfer.com. It won't look "pretty" yet, but it will work (mostly). All that is up right now is just stuff to take up space.

HomeSurfer.com is an ambitious project.

If someone considers this "spam," I'll track you down and shoot you (humor).

WHAT HomeSurfer.com WILL HAVE TO START:

WIKI - A "wiki" nature to most everything. Agents can edit, admin, and add a lot to the site directly (encyclopedia, crime, schools, market updates, local info, etc.) - and your "live" links will be included, though they will expire after a time. We use a database system to create dynamic pages, then "auto-publish" most dynamic pages to "flat" .html pages to enhance search engine performance. The .html pages will be the main ones viewed by consumers and where navigation will be focused.

Your "OWN" pages - all members will have dynamic pages that they can link to directly from their own web sites as part of their OWN content. These pages will have the agent's photo and main "landing page" links. Your "personal" pages will include pages for crime reports, school district financial health, and local real estate market updates. You pay BIG BUCKS for this now and with us, it will "just" be part of the service.

Lead Generation - Initially, we'll have an "Ask Your Question" form that consumers can fill out, asking any real estate question. When a consumer from YOUR area or zip code asks a question, we'll email YOU and other agents listed in your area and let you know. Then you come online and answer their question, complete with your name, link, and contact information. We send an email to the consumer letting them know an answer has been posted. They come on and view it. If you have been informative, maybe they'll contact you or visit your web site. It is a competition because other agents from your area will be posting answers, too. Later we will expand this to other types of queries. Basically, it works like an online dating service, though I didn't realize that when I created it. The consumer's identity is protected unless he voluntarily contacts you directly, just like the "girl" from an online dating service.

Photo Editor - we'll have an online photo editor that will be really easy and simple to crop, resize, lighten, darken, or add contrast to photos.

LATER ADDITIONS:

Blogging - all of your entries for crime, schools, local market info, and other articles will be combined into an online BLOG, just like your other dynamic online pages. Plus, you will be allowed to Blog about whatever you want to. We aren't doing this right away because putting TOO MUCH stuff up right away will be too confusing with a new site. This is built and ready, but won't be added yet.

Directory - We aren't putting a "find an agent" directory up right away because it is a NEW site and we want to encourage people to do the reports, market updates, and get links from genuine content pages. Besides, the "local update" pages will almost serve as a directory. Later, all members will be consolidated into directories that will have additional subcategories for your specialties (like ranch properties, luxury homes, lofts, condos, and so on) We will also separate and highlight agents, and we are considering whether to allow folks to list themselves as "teams" and such. This feature is also already built, but will not be added to the site immediately.

HOPEFULLY:

Property - I think property on a site is necessary but have never done it because agents have objected, in spite of my obvious support for the industry. But if I do this well, then you can assume I will do a better job with property than Realtor.com, too. My "delusion of grandeur" is to compete at that level in the not-too-distant future. But I need grass roots support to make it happen.

More stuff, too -- but that is the gist of it.

There is currently NO real estate site anything like what we are putting up. This is something "new."

__________________
Terry Light - Professional Contrarian
Office Phone - (949) 305-7995
RealEstateBytes.com
Real Estate Encyclopedia
Author for RealEstate ABC (Creator, too)