December 8, 2008
RealEstate.com Acquires Assets of New Homes Realty, Inc.
Acquisition Boosts Company's Expansion of RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Into Six New Markets, Increasing Agent Team by 18%
CHARLOTTE, N.C., December 8, 2008 – Today RealEstate.com announces the acquisition of certain assets of Tampa-based New Homes Realty, Inc. New Homes Realty is an online real estate company operating in 11 metro areas across the country and utilizing a network of approximately 200 licensed real estate agents and brokers. In addition, the company developed a family of Web sites, including its flagship NewHomes.com, to provide interested home shoppers a data base of thorough real estate information for new and existing homes.
The purchase will expand RealEstate.com, REALTORS® in its existing 14 markets, as well as enable the company to grow into six new areas including Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas, and the Washington, DC/Capital region. In addition, the New Homes Realty's family of Web sites will now be run by RealEstate.com. The acquisition also allows RealEstate.com to add another lead generation component to its growing real estate portfolio, which already includes iNest (www.inest.com), a leading real estate broker specializing in newly-constructed homes.
"The acquisition of New Homes Realty assets is a perfect fit with our growing RealEstate.com, REALTORS® division," says Bret Violette, president, RealEstate.com. "The company had a long-standing reputation as being one of the best brokers in the new homes segment and will allow us to quickly add a group of talented and extremely skilled agents to our team who are already in the field working with customers. We are also excited to incorporate the New Homes Realty lead generation assets into our company allowing us to better compete for and service those looking to purchase a new home."
"Our team of experienced real estate agents and brokers is excited to join RealEstate.com, REALTORS® and begin working with high quality consumers ready to transact on a new or existing home," says Kurt Gleeson, formerly of New Homes Realty, and now the vice president of sales for RealEstate.com, REALTORS®. "RealEstate.com drives some of the most qualified and interested home shoppers in the industry so we look forward to working together and gaining the steady flow of customers ready to buy or sell their next home."
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is a local, on-the-ground brokerage operation that operates in 14 markets across the country with more than 1,100 sales agents. This acquisition grows the operation to 20 markets and 1,300 agents.
Financial terms of this acquisition were not disclosed and are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operation of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE).
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell homes through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice. The site provides access to nearly 2 million homes for sale, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities reaching every metropolitan area in the U.S.
The company also operates five distinct business lines consisting of RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, an Internet-enabled real estate brokerage that operates in 14 markets with more than 1,100 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider of innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com portal.
RealEstate.com is a division of LendingTree, LLC, a Tree.com, Inc. company(NASDAQ: TREE).
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.
November 3, 2008
RealEstate.com Mobile Suite Grows Adding iPhone and Google Android Compatible Web Sites
RealEstate.com Mobile Suite Grows Adding iPhone and Google Android Compatible Web Sites
CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 3, 2008 – Today RealEstate.com announces the addition of iPhone and Google Android compatible Web sites to its growing mobile phone suite called RealEstate.com Mobile. The new mobile Web sites are free for iPhone and Google Android phone users and provide access to more than two million home listings nationwide. Visitors can search homes for sale nationally, and also have the ability to view home estimates from RealEstate.com's Home Price Check® tool, which includes more than 97 million values from across the country.
"In light of today's tough housing market, RealEstate.com is doing everything it can to help consumers get their hands on current and useful data so they can make smart decisions when looking for and purchasing homes," says Greg Hanson, vice president of product excellence, RealEstate.com. "Our goal is to empower consumers with information about their home search when they want it and how they want it. Today's enhancements to our mobile suite enables an additional 11 million users to view property information on the fly, combined with the more than 50 million who already have access to our mobile data services through AT&T and Sprint."
Users can browse the RealEstate.com Web site directly from their iPhone or Google Android phone by visiting www.realestate.com/iphone or www.realestate.com/android, or for short, http://i.re.com or http://a.re.com. For easy access, users can also add a RealEstate.com icon to their phone desktop by book-marking the applicable page. Searching for homes is as easy as entering a zip code, city and state, or MLS number. For more detailed searches, users can also filter by price range, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms.
When the search results appear on the users' iPhone or Google Android phone displays, they can then dive into the details of the exterior and interior of each home, view the properties on a map, or email homes for sale to friends and family or themselves to view later. Search results include single family homes, multi-family homes, land, townhouses, or condos. A key feature of RealEsate.com's application empowers users to access a national network of real estate professionals who are local specialists and available to help. When they are ready to visit homes for sale, learn about a neighborhood, or negotiate a deal, users can call an agent with one touch.
RealEstate.com Mobile for iPhone and Google Android powered phones feature:
- Easy RealEstate.com access directly from the iPhone and Google Android phones, including a one-click-to-open icon option
- More than two million for sale listings from across the country
- Over 97 million home values nationwide
- One step click-to-call option to schedule an appointment with a real estate professional
- Property details including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, lot size, rooms on each level, interior features, exterior features, and more
- All for sale listing photographs, when available
- Maps with the exact location of a home with zoom in or out functionality
The RealEstate.com Mobile application is currently available to 50 million AT&T and Sprint subscribers and now can be used by iPhone and Google Android users. In the coming months, RealEstate.com Mobile will also be customized for use with BlackBerry devices. To view the RealEstate.com Mobile options, please visit http://www.realestate.com/mobile. iPhone users can visit www.realestate.com/iphone, while Google Android users can visit www.realestate.com/android.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell homes through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice. The site provides access to nearly 2 million homes for sale, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities reaching every metropolitan area in the U.S.
RealEstate.com is a division of LendingTree, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE).
October 8, 2008
RealEstate.com Launches RealEstate.com Mobile
RealEstate.com Launches RealEstate.com Mobile
New Mobile Application Available for Download from Leading Real Estate Web Site
CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 8, 2008 – Today RealEstate.com announces its mobile application, RealEstate.com Mobile, is now available to more than 50 million AT&T and Sprint mobile phone subscribers by visiting http://www.realestate.com/mobile. By visiting the Web site, consumers and real estate agents can easily download RealEstate.com Mobile to their phones and begin searching homes for sale, from anywhere in the United States.
In September, RealEstate.com announced a partnership with Smarter Agent® to power a channel of its mobile application called Homes for Sale. Today's news expands on RealEstate.com's mobile presence providing direct access to RealEstate.com Mobile from the RealEstate.com Web site. From a users' phone, RealEstate.com Mobile provides access to more than two million real estate listings from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), RealtyTrac® and iNest®, along with photos, maps, and comprehensive details of each for sale property.
"Whether a serious house hunter or a casual shopper, RealEstate.com Mobile provides users with quick and easy access to the same amount of great information that they can find on the RealEstate.com Web site," says Greg Hanson, vice president of product excellence with RealEstate.com. "This new application not only provides users with real estate information they want, when they want it, but it also saves them time and money because they no longer need to drive around looking for homes for sale. With a few quick clicks on their mobile phone, a user can launch a home search from their living room, while sitting in traffic, or during their next house hunt."
To get started with RealEstate.com Mobile, users enter a zip code or city and state and then launch their search. They can also start their search with more detailed information such as price range, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms. When the for sale listings appear, the user can then dive into the details of the exterior and interior of each home, view the properties on a map, or save their search to "favorites" to check out later. Search results include single family homes, multi-family homes, land, townhouses, or condos. In addition, RealEstate.com Mobile provides users direct access to real estate professionals ready to help. When they are ready to see homes for sale, learn about a neighborhood, or negotiate a deal, users can call an agent with one click.
RealEstate.com Mobile features include:
- Easy application download
- More than two million for sale listings from across the country
- One step click-to-call option to schedule an appointment with a real estate professional
- Property details including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, price, lot size, rooms on each level, interior features, exterior features and more
- All for sale listing photographs, when available
- Maps with the exact location of a home with zoom in or out functionality
- Save homes to your "favorites" for easy viewing later
- Bonus feature for GPS enabled phones – view a list of homes for sale on an interactive map near wherever you are at that moment.
RealEstate.com Mobile is currently available to AT&T and Sprint mobile phone subscribers. In the coming months, RealEstate.com Mobile will also be available for BlackBerry and iPhone users. To download the application, please visit http://www.realestate.com/mobile.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell homes through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice. The site provides access to nearly 2 million homes for sale, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities reaching every metropolitan area in the U.S.
RealEstate.com is a division of LendingTree, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE).
October 1, 2008
Two Tree.com Executives Named Among 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders by Inman News
Two Tree.com Executives Named Among 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders by Inman News
CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 1, 2008 - Inman News this week named Doug Lebda, Tree.com (NASDAQ: TREE) chairman and CEO, and Bret Violette, president of RealEstate.com, to the '100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders' list. The entire 2008 list is available here.
Inman News compiles the industry leading list annually and includes the 100 most influential people in real estate. This list reflects the industry's best and brightest and also includes those individuals from outside of the real estate industry whose actions influence the business of buying and selling homes. The people on this list embody leadership, innovation, ingenuity, power and persistence.
The list is broken into seven categories, including a "notables" section. Mr. Lebda was showcased in the 'Technology and Online Real Estate' section, while Mr. Violette was included in this year's 'Brokerage' section. Other areas included 'Trade Association and Government Agencies', 'Media Heavyweights', 'Economists, Academics and Advocates', and 'Mortgage and Ancillary Services'.
Mr. Lebda and Mr. Violette have joined the ranks of Inman's most influential people list in the past. Mr. Lebda, an online innovator and entrepreneur, founded LendingTree in 1996 and led the start-up company through a successful IPO, five acquisitions, and expansion into the consumer real estate category, while growing the business to more than $300 million in revenue. From 2005 - 2007, Mr. Lebda served as the president and chief operating officer of IAC overseeing more than 60 brands and 20,000 employees, before returning home to the company he founded. Once back at LendingTree, Mr. Lebda led the company through a spin-off from IAC forming Tree.com, Inc.
Mr. Violette is the president of Tree.com's real estate business including RealEstate.com, iNest, Domania and RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, the company's Internet-enabled real estate brokerage. Mr. Violette joined the company in 2005 when he quickly developed the brokerage strategy forming RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, which is now in 14 markets nationwide and has more than 1,000 agents. Before joining LendingTree, Mr. Violette served as president of Weichert Lead Network, Inc. and Weichert Rental Network, Inc. from 2002 to June 2005. Prior to that time, Mr. Violette served as chief financial officer and vice president of business development of YHD Foxtons, vice president of business development at CMP Media Inc. and as a group business director of Ziff-Davis.
About Tree.com, Inc.
Tree.com, Inc. is the parent of several well-known brands and businesses in the financial services and real estate industries including LendingTree.com, LendingTree Loans sm, GetSmart.com, HomeLoanCenter.com, RealEstate.com, iNest.com, RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, and Domania.com. Together, they serve as an ally for consumers who are looking to comparison shop loans, real estate and other financial products from multiple businesses and professionals who compete for their business.
LendingTree was founded in 1996 and launched nationwide in 1998. In 2003, the company was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp and later spun-off in 2008 to form Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE). Tree.com, Inc. is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, please visit www.tree.com.
September 22, 2008
LeadMailbox Integrates RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® Program
LeadMailbox Integrates RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® Program
Program provides loan officers access to nationwide network of real estate professionals
REDONDO BEACH, CA AND CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 22, 2008 – LeadMailbox, a premier provider of lead management software for mortgage lenders, today launches the RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® functionality within the LeadMailbox product. This enhancement allows loan officers from around the country to connect their customers with a nationwide database of real estate professionals.
The RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® tool provides access to a national real estate broker network that has grown over the past 12 years. With the Find a REALTOR® program integration, loan officers using LeadMailbox can quickly connect customers with real estate professionals to ensure that each not only finds the right loan, but also finds the right home.
Customers who buy or sell a new home through the Find a REALTOR® program will receive a cash back incentive up to $2,000 or more, as indicated in the offer terms. The program allows for seamless real estate transactions for consumers, as well as an opportunity for loan officers to connect with real estate professionals from all over the country.
Offering the RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® feature to loan officers through LeadMailbox provides:
- an easy, one-stop-shop for a national database of real estate professionals.
- the opportunity to partner with real estate professionals early in the customer's home search.
- ongoing real estate professional and loan officer collaboration to assist customers.
LeadMailbox is a preferred provider of lead management solutions to lenders in the LendingTree exchange, which includes more than 200 banks and lenders from across the country. LendingTree and RealEstate.com are divisions of Tree.com, Inc., the parent company of several well-known brands and businesses in the financial services and real estate industries.
For loan officers using the LeadMailbox system, the RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® program is currently installed on your system. Loan officer training is available along with best practices for success. For more information on LeadMailbox and the RealEstate.com Find a REALTOR® tool, contact Rick Doyle 888.317.1130 or visit www.leadmailbox.com.
About LeadMailbox
LeadMailbox, based in southern California, was founded in 1999 by Rick Doyle and Dan English. The founders have been in the mortgage lead industry since 1995, and have since expanded to other industries across the US. LeadMailbox offers the best combination of user-friendly features and cost-effective pricing model. The company has streamlined the lead delivery and management process, offering a turnkey, secure, 100% web-based solution. For more information, call 888.317.1130 or visit www.leadmailbox.com.
About RealEstate.com Broker Network
RealEstate.com Broker Network and its Find a REALTOR® tool provide real estate brokers and agents a strategic lead generation program. By leveraging the RealEstate.com brand strength, consumer marketing expertise and unmatched technological capabilities, the Broker Network provides its customers incremental, targeted, quality leads that are specifically customized to fit their business needs.
RealEstate.com Broker Network is a service of RealEstate.com, which is a division of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE).
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.
September 8, 2008
RealEstate.com Partners with Smarter Agent® to Provide 50 Million Mobile Phone Users Access to National Database of Real Estate Listings
RealEstate.com Partners with Smarter Agent® to Provide 50 Million Mobile Phone Users Access to National Database of Real Estate Listings
CHARLOTTE, N.C. AND Philadelphia, PA, September 8, 2008 – RealEstate.com today announces it will begin providing consumers access to its national database of real estate information through Smarter Agent's mobile application called Homes for Sale. The relationship will allow more than 50 million mobile phone subscribers to browse homes for sale from anywhere in the country.
RealEstate.com homes for sale listings data will be fed through an application programming interface (API) allowing consumers to view results on the RealEstate.com Web site using the Smarter Agent mobile phone application, Homes for Sale. More than 50 million mobile phone subscribers from AT&T and Sprint will have access to nearly two million real estate listings from anywhere in the country via a GPS-enabled phone or through their phone's keypad.
"Our partnership with Smarter Agent marks our entry into the mobile arena, which is very exciting for the company," says Bret Violette, president of RealEstate.com. "Smarter Agent created a vehicle that allows us to provide millions of mobile phone subscribers with Internet access our powerful database of home listings. From house hunters to real estate professionals, the venture between the Smarter Agent mobile application and RealEstate.com's data allows us to feed America's real estate obsession while on the run."
"We selected RealEstate.com to power a portion of our mobile application with real estate data because of their significant national reach, as well as their great depth of listings information," says Brad Blumberg, CEO of Smarter Agent. "With their help, our mobile phone application provides a better user experience and allows subscribers to access nearly two million real estate listings available nationwide."
Smarter Agent combines mobile location technology, such as GPS, with information about real estate. By delivering location-relevant content to mobile devices and the Internet, consumers and professionals can learn, interact and transact with the world around them as never before possible. Smarter Agent is the inventor of mobile location-triggered real estate search and has been granted 4 patents.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell homes through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities reaching every metropolitan area in the U.S.
RealEstate.com is a business of Tree.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: TREE).
About Smarter Agent (www.smarteragent.com)
Smarter Agent® combines mobile location technology, such as GPS, with information about real estate and neighborhoods around you. Smarter Agent is the inventor of the mobile location-triggered real estate search -- and has been granted four patents. By delivering location-relevant content to mobile devices, consumers can learn, interact and transact with the world around them as never before possible. Smarter Agent was named BEST GPS Application by the CTIA (Cellular Telecom Industry Association), BEST COMMERCE Application at Navteq Global GPS Challenges in the US and Europe, and has been featured as a leader in mobile innovation at Dow Jones and DEMO conferences.
August 6, 2008
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Hits Major Milestone, Eclipsing 1,000 Agent Mark
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Hits Major Milestone, Eclipsing 1,000 Agent Mark
National Online and On-the-Ground Real Estate Brokerage in 14 Markets and Growing; Now one of the U.S.'s Top 50 out of 80,000+ Brokerages in Agent Count
CHARLOTTE, N.C. August 6, 2008 - Despite the downturn in the housing industry, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® continues to grow. The division of RealEstate.com is a full-service, company-owned brokerage that put out its first shingle in 2006 opening in Portland, Oregon. Now open for business in 14 markets, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® has more than 1,000 real estate professionals on staff. This current level places RealEstate.com, REALTORS® among the Top 50 Brokerages in the U.S. in terms of agent count*.
"Business growth in a down market is not impossible and RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is proving it," says Bret Violette, president of RealEstate.com. "Our online and on-the-ground strategy connects consumers with a world of useful neighborhood information, real estate professionals who are area experts, and best of all, the home of their dreams. Delighting our customers is our top priority and we look forward to expanding our strategy into even more markets with even more top-notch real estate agents."
Violette added, "Hitting the 1,000 agent mark is a real milestone for our business, especially since we're very selective and only hire experienced agents who represent a strong fit for our model. Our recruiting efforts focus on quality versus quantity, and we're also proud of our very low attrition rates. In the unfortunate circumstance that we actually lose an agent, it is rare that they leave us to join another real estate company. We think this is a strong sign of the value proposition RealEstate.com, REALTORS® provides our agents, including a high volume of warm-transferred customers, great training and marketing systems, as well as a lucrative commission plan."
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® currently operates full-service company owned brokerages in 14 markets including Charlotte, Denver, New England, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, Sierra Vista and Tucson. For more information, please visit www.realestate.com.
*Source: RISMedia 2008 Power Broker Report
About RealEstate.com
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 4, 2008
RealEstate.com Wins National Award for Top-Notch Web Site
RealEstate.com Wins National Award for Top-Notch Web Site
CHARLOTTE, N.C. August 4, 2008 - RealEstate.com was awarded the Apex Award of Excellence by Writing that Works and Communications Concepts for the "Most Improved Web and Intranet Sites." RealEstate.com is the nation's leading online destination dedicated to helping data hungry house hunters find comprehensive national real estate information in their neighborhood and across the U.S.
RealEstate.com's Web and Intranet sites were among more than 4,500 Apex 2008 Awards competitors in 11 major categories 110 subcategories. The event was administered and judged by industry professionals from Writing that Works who look for companies whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. Apex 2008 Awards winners can be seen here: http://www.apexawards.com/apexawards.htm.
"We're extremely proud that the RealEstate.com Web site was recognized at the 2008 Apex Awards competition," says Bret Violette, president of RealEstate.com. "We've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making Realestate.com the top online real estate destination for millions of Americans and this honor certainly proves that all of our hard work is paying off."
The RealEstate.com Web site is the gateway for national real estate shoppers looking for a rich database of homes for sale, comprehensive property values or a connection with a top-notch real estate professional anywhere in the U.S. The Web site has recently undergone a series of enhancements such as detailed neighborhood information for more than 22,000 cities nationwide, the addition of Google Maps Street ViewTM imagery, as well as home values for more than 97 million properties around the country. Additional innovations will be integrated throughout the year ensuring RealEstate.com remains the most helpful location on the Web for those interested in buying, selling or researching real estate.
For more information about RealEstate.com and to test drive some of its latest innovations, visit www.realestate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice as they progress through their home buying or selling process. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities across the US (100% US city coverage).
In addition to the RealEstate.com portal, the company operates five distinct business lines including RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, a company-owned real estate brokerage that operates in 14 markets with more than 1000 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider or innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com 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.
Google, Google Maps and Google Maps Street View are trademarks of Google Inc.
May 13, 2008
RealEstate.com Wins National Award
RealEstate.com Wins National Award
CHARLOTTE, N.C. May 13, 2008 - RealEstate.com was named a Gold Winner by 2008 Hermes Creative Awards for its overall Web site, www.realestate.com. RealEstate.com is the nation's leading online destination dedicated to helping data hungry house hunters find comprehensive national real estate information in their neighborhood and across the U.S.
RealEstate.com's Web site was one of more than 4,000 entries in 136 categories in the 2008 Hermes Creative Awards competition. The event is administered and judged by industry professionals from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals who look for companies whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry. 2008 Hermes Creative Awards winners can be seen here: www.hermesawards.com.
"We're extremely excited for our Web site to be a Gold Winner at this year's Hermes Creative Awards competition," says Bret Violette, president of RealEstate.com. "We've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making Realestate.com the top online real estate destination for millions of Americans and this honor certainly proves that all of our hard work is paying off."
The RealEstate.com Web site is the gateway for national real estate shoppers looking for a rich database of homes for sale, comprehensive property values or a connection with a top-notch real estate professional anywhere in the U.S. The Web site has recently undergone a series of enhancements including adding detailed neighborhood information for more than 22,000 cities nationwide, the addition of Google Maps Street ViewTM imagery, as well as home values for more than 97 million properties around the country. Additional innovations will be integrated throughout the year ensuring RealEstate.com remains the most helpful location on the Web for those interested in buying, selling or researching real estate.
For more information about RealEstate.com and to test drive some of its latest innovations, visit www.realestate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice as they progress through their home buying or selling process. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities across the US (100% US city coverage).
In addition to the RealEstate.com portal, the company operates five distinct business lines including RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, a company-owned real estate brokerage that operates in 14 markets with more than 900 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider or innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com 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.
Google, Google Maps and Google Maps Street View are trademarks of Google Inc.
May 12, 2008
Are You a Nosey Neighbor? Then You'll Love RealEstate.com's Access to More Than 97 Million Home Values
Are You a Nosey Neighbor? Then You'll Love RealEstate.com's Access to More Than 97 Million Home Values
CHARLOTTE, N.C. May 12, 2008 - RealEstate.com today announces major upgrades to its home valuation tool that provides users price estimates and detailed property information on more than 97 million homes across the country. RealEstate.com provides users instant access to comprehensive home value estimation data for nearly 100 million homes including those for sale and existing residences.
The RealEstate.com home valuation tool, found at www.realestate.com/homepricecheck or www.homepricecheck.com, provides users a unique one-stop-information-shop for all of their real estate curiosities. After simply entering an address and zip code, users will have their hands on tons of real estate data, including property information, values and locations for their own homes, their neighbors' homes or even their bosses' home. RealEstate.com's home valuation tool recently underwent a major upgrade and now offers visitors the following features:
- What's My House Worth? – The home valuation tool gives each property searched a unique Value Estimate Range that shows the high and low end of a home's value. This data is derived from proprietary technology that looks at geographical factors, comparable homes in the area and current market conditions and provides price estimates unlike any other Web site valuation device.
- Give Me the Scoop – Each home searched through the RealEstate.com valuation tool displays many property details including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square feet and the year the home was built.
- Are you a Nosey Neighbor? – If you're interested in knowing what your neighbors' homes are worth, you can now see values for more than 97 million homes across the country when using the RealEstate.com home valuation tool. The home valuation tool taps into local real estate data and shows users comparable homes in the area and includes detailed information such as address, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square feet, sold date and sold price.
- The Homing Device® – The home valuation tool also features a one-of-a-kind homing device that plots specific addresses on a value grid based on square footage and total price compared to other homes in the area. The homing device uses the Google MapsTM API, which allows users to toggle around the neighborhood viewing other home values that are in close proximity to homes searched.
- Superior Mapping Technology – The home valuation tool is accompanied by Google MapsTM and offers users information about where homes are plotted on a neighborhood street map, as well as their proximity to other comparable properties in the area. The mapping technology also allows users to cyber-cruise around the neighborhood and see detailed property information about other homes for sale and other existing home values.
- What Else is on the Market? – Now users can view similar homes for sale in the area when utilizing the RealEstate.com home valuation tool. Each home listing includes detailed property information such as address, number of bedroom and bathrooms, type of home and listing price and with a few quick clicks of their mouse, users can also be connected with a real estate professional in a matter of moments if they are interested. This feature is also linked to Google MapsTM and shows users where each home is located in the area.
The new home valuation enhancements on RealEstate.com are the latest innovations in a series of tools and services created, tested and offered by the company. Founded in 2003, RealEstate.com has grown to become one of the largest national data providers in the online real estate arena, providing visitors a constant stream of current real estate listings updated 24-hours a day, home valuations for more than 97 million homes, and helpful tips and tools all presented in one easy-to-use Web site.
For more information about RealEstate.com and to test drive some of its latest innovations, visit www.realestate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice as they progress through their home buying or selling process. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities across the US (100% US city coverage).
In addition to the RealEstate.com portal, the company operates five distinct business lines including RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, a company-owned real estate brokerage that operates in 14 markets with more than 900 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider or innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com 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.
Google, Google Maps and Google Maps Street View are trademarks of Google Inc.
May 5, 2008
RealEstate.com Announces New Features for Data Hungry House Hunters
RealEstate.com Announces New Features for Data Hungry House Hunters
CHARLOTTE, N.C. May 5, 2008 - On the heels of integrating Google Maps Street ViewTM in 680 cities nationwide, RealEstate.com today announces several new search features created specifically to empower and educate home shoppers browsing the site's nearly two million listings.
Now a house hunter visiting RealEstate.com can get their fingers on neighborhood data for more than 22,000 cities nationwide while searching homes for sale online. When a home listing is displayed, a RealEstate.com visitor can browse local neighborhood information such as housing statistics and recent price trends, crime statistics, weather, demographic statistics such as average income levels and cost of living data, as well as average commute times specific to the area someone is searching.
For additional locality information, a visitor can also narrow their home search and choose to view a neighborhood's topography through all-new terrain maps. This aerial view, as well as new traffic pattern maps provided by Google MapsTM, gives visitors a birds-eye view of a neighborhood's landscape as well as typical traffic a new homeowner could expect to experience if they moved in.
RealEstate.com Vice President of Product Excellence Greg Hanson says, "House hunters in today's market are savvier than ever, and demand detailed and current real estate information at their finger tips in seconds. Each of the new features we've added to RealEstate.com are very helpful individually but together, truly create an online real estate experience unlike any other Web site out there."
The following enhancements, all designed to deliver a superior online home search experience, are now available for the nearly two million listings nationwide through RealEstate.com:
- Local Neighborhood Information - RealEstate.com provides several different and very important data points for house shoppers to consider when searching for a new home in more than 22,000 U.S. locations. Accessible community and neighborhood information like crime statistics and average price trends is data that will help house hunters make critical decisions when determining which new home is right for them. All available neighborhood data are easy-to-find and posted right below a home listing.
- Terrain and Traffic Mapping - Now on RealEstate.com, a visitor may look at topography and traffic maps for all available home listings. These new layers of mapping capabilities are easy-to-use and available in each map shown to the right of listings. A visitor can toggle over the icons included in the map and select either the terrain view or the traffic view for each for sale home listing.
- Narrow that Search - Unlike before, RealEstate.com visitors can dynamically narrow their search through several different filters. After search results are displayed, a visitor can then continue to narrow - or even expand again - their view without having to start the house shopping process all over again.
- Powerful Real Estate Listings Engine - RealEstate.com is powered by a dynamic real estate listings engine that contains current for sale homes throughout the nation. A constant stream of real estate listings data is updated to the RealEstate.com engine throughout the day ensuring visitors have a real-time view of what is on the market in the specific area they are searching.
- Google Maps Street ViewTM - As was recently announced, RealEstate.com now features Google Maps Street ViewTM for all available home listings. This feature provides visitors a drive-by snap shot of homes and a 360 degree tour of the streets and the neighborhoods where they are house shopping. Street View is currently offered in 40 metro areas. RealEstate.com offers its visitors Street View access to home listings in approximately 680 cities within those metros. Where Street View imagery is available, a visitor will also see a "Street View" link located below the listing information.
The new enhancements on RealEstate.com are the latest innovations in a series of tools and services created, tested and offered by the company. Founded in 2003, RealEstate.com has grown to become one of the largest national data providers in the online real estate arena, providing visitors a constant stream of current real estate listings updated 24-hours a day, home valuations, and helpful tips and tools all presented in one easy-to-use Web site.
For more information about RealEstate.com and to test drive some of its latest innovations, visit www.realestate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice as they progress through their home buying or selling process. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities across the US (100% US city coverage).
In addition to the RealEstate.com portal, the company operates five distinct business lines including RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, a company-owned real estate brokerage that operates in 14 markets with more than 900 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider or innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com 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.
Google, Google Maps and Google Maps Street View are trademarks of Google Inc.
April 21, 2008
RealEstate.com Visitors Explore Neighborhoods with a Whole New View
RealEstate.com Visitors Explore Neighborhoods with a Whole New View
Google Maps Street View Addition Provides Users Drive-By Real Estate Experience from the Comfort of their Own Homes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. April 21, 2008 - Beginning today, RealEstate.com will provide the Google Maps Street ViewTM feature across its entire portal of nearly two million real estate listings. The addition of Street View, which was made possible by implementing the Google MapsTM API (application program interface), brings online real estate search one step closer to real life.
RealEstate.com's addition of Street View is an innovative feature for real estate Web sites and gives visitors a true, first-hand experience from the comfort of their own home computers. Street View, which has imagery from over 40 metropolitan regions nationwide, was recently added to the Google Maps API, which provides developers and companies the ability to easily integrate Google Maps into their Web sites.
"We're really excited about adding the Street View feature from Google Maps to RealEstate.com because it provides our visitors a new and interesting viewpoint for their online real estate searches," says Greg Hanson, vice president of product excellence for RealEstate.com. "Working with Google has allowed us to achieve speed to market with this feature, and we look forward to hearing from our customers to see what they think."
Street View will be featured in all available home sale listings found on RealEstate.com. Previously, visitors to RealEstate.com viewed an album of photographs including several inside and outside pictures of available properties. Now, where Street View imagery is available, a visitor will also see a "Street View" link located below the listing information where they can click and get a drive-by snap shot of the house and a 360 degree tour of the street and the neighborhood.
The adoption of Street View by RealEstate.com is the latest innovation in a series of tools and services created, tested and offered by the company. Founded in 2003, RealEstate.com has grown to become one of the largest national data providers in the online real estate arena, providing visitors a constant stream of current real estate listings updated 24-hours a day, home valuations, and helpful tips and tools all presented in one easy-to-use Web site.
For more information about RealEstate.com and to learn about our latest innovations first hand, including our use of Google Maps Street View, please visit www.realestate.com.
About RealEstate.com
RealEstate.com gives consumers a better way to buy or sell a home through a comprehensive suite of real estate services, tools and helpful advice as they progress through their home buying or selling process. The site provides access to nearly 2 million home listings, 97 million home values and a unique deep-dive view into more than 22,000 cities across the US (100% US city coverage).
In addition to the RealEstate.com portal, the company operates five distinct business lines including RealEstate.com, REALTORS®, a company-owned real estate brokerage that operates in 15 markets with more than 800 sales agents; a Broker Network, a strategic lead generation program for real estate brokers that provides them with incremental, targeted, and high-quality leads; iNest, a lead generator that specializes in newly-constructed homes and offers consumers an exclusive cash bonus program; Domania, a provider or innovative customer acquisition and retention products for banks, mortgage lenders and REALTORS®; and also, a network of geo-targeted advertising opportunities throughout the RealEstate.com 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.
Google, Google Maps and Google Maps Street View are trademarks of Google Inc.
March 4, 2008
iNest Realty Reaches 17,000th Home Sold Milestone
iNest Realty Reaches 17,000th Home Sold Milestone
Bloomingdale, Ill., March 4, 2008 – iNest Realty, a subsidiary of RealEstate.com and the leading U.S. real estate brokerage specializing in newly-constructed homes, today announced the company has sold its 17,000th home since opening its doors in 1997.
iNest General Manager Vince Halama said "With our '17,000th home sold' milestone under our belt, we couldn't be more convinced that the connection we make between new home builders and buyers is a great formula. To date, iNest has saved consumers more than $36 million in rebates, with an average rebate per transaction of about $2,159."
Using iNest is easy, informative and pays off for homebuyers looking at new construction. A homebuyer simply starts their new home search on www.iNest.com and begins researching hundreds of communities from across the country. The Web site is filled with community data such as different home styles and floor plans, and local school information and builder backgrounds. Then when they buyer is ready to visit the builder's sales office, they easily and quickly download an exclusive iNest coupon worth up to one percent cash back on their new home purchase. The cash back bonus is then delivered after closing and is mailed directly to the new homeowner.
Since the company's inception, iNest has assisted buyers in home searches that have led to sales contracts totaling over $3.7 billion. iNest brings homebuyers and builders together by providing a unique directory of builders and new home communities in 30 top home building states. iNest works with more than 1,500 builders across the country representing more than 12,000 communities.
About iNest Realty, Inc.
iNest Realty, Inc. is a leading real estate broker specializing in newly-constructed homes. Through its proprietary program, iNest provides consumers with a robust database of new home builders and communities with flexible search options, an expansive network of local field agents, and a team of New Home Specialists available seven days a week to assist homebuyers in finding the perfect new home. In addition, iNest offers an exclusive cash bonus program, which allows qualified users to earn up to one percent back on the purchase of a new home. To date, iNest has served more than 17,000 buyers resulting in more than $36 million in rebates.
Founded in 1997 with headquarters outside Chicago, iNest is part of RealEstate.com, which is an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI).
February 19, 2008
RealEstate.com Named as Top 10 Trendsetter for 2007
RealEstate.com Named as Top 10 Trendsetter for 2007
2008 Swanepoel TRENDS Report recognizes RealEstate.com for expanding its online business and successfully opening 12 "brick and mortar" brokerage locations
CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 19, 2008 – RealEstate.com has been named in the 2008 Swanepoel TRENDS Report as one of the Top 10 Trendsetters for 2007. This marks the second time in as many years that Stefan Swanepoel, one of the real estate industry's most respected trend-spotters, has recognized RealEstate.com for a business strategy that "could potentially have far-reaching impact on the real estate industry in the years to come."
The companies considered for the list were named after a four-month study revealed each of the 10 had caused meaningful change and/or introduced dynamic new products during 2007. Referring to its "online and on-the-ground" strategy, RealEstate.com was recognized for integrating an online portal, lead generation system and a traditional real estate office, all under the RealEstate.com brand.
"We're delighted with the recognition and thrilled to be included with such a great list of innovative companies," said RealEstate.com President Bret Violette. "We've seen some exciting growth in the last twelve months, including the expansion of our brokerage business into the Northeast and many exciting new improvements to our Web site and online marketing platforms. Our unique online-and-on-the-ground strategy sets us up well to compete not just today, but over the long term as the real estate industry continues to evolve."
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 that offers 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, 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 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 Loanssm, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, Domania®, and iNest Realty, Inc.
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.
January 23, 2008
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Expands Into Northern New Jersey
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® Expands Into Northern New Jersey
Edison, NJ January 23, 2008 – RealEstate.com, REALTORS® today announced the opening of its sixteenth office, located in Edison, New Jersey.
"We're really excited to be part of this incredible community," said Joy K. Jackson, RealEstate.com, REALTORS® vice president and general manager for New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and southern Connecticut. "While many real estate brokerage firms are struggling, we believe this is a great time to be in real estate, and further, northern New Jersey is a great region for us to serve."
The company officially opens its doors Wednesday, January 23. "We're eager to tell our story and explain why RealEstate.com, REALTORS® is in such a strong growth mode," said Robert DiBiase, the company's regional sales manager. "We are maximizing the power of the Internet to increase exposure for our clients and gain business for our agents."
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® uses leading-edge technologies, including a state-of-the-art call center that helps the brokerage respond immediately to online queries from customers who use the Internet, as well as advanced marketing and training systems, to provide its clients with unparalleled service and results. The brokerage also leverages the Internet marketing expertise of its parent company, LendingTree, LLC, to drive a higher-than-average mix of company-generated business to its agents. RealEstate.com was recently named one of the top ten real estate trendsetters in the prestigious Swanepoel TRENDS Report that examines the residential real estate industry.
RealEstate.com President Bret Violette concurs, "From the immediate response we provide to our customers to the dynamic training and business building we provide to our agents, our model is perfect for today's consumers and agents alike."
RealEstate.com, REALTORS® has offices in Portland, Ore., Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Tucson, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas, Charlotte, New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Sierra Vista, Ariz.
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, REALTORS® 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 the RealEstate.com Web portal, LendingTree Loanssm, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, Domania®, and iNest Realty, Inc.
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.
January 11, 2008
National Real Estate Franchisors and Brokerages Move In at Yahoo!
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.
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.
2007
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.
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"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 h