Hi all.. I am in the process of becoming licensed. I already have a committment from a broker to work with, I'm just waiting to finish up my class and take the state test.. But I was getting a head start on some things. I want an awesome website. I think that web presense is VERY important.. but I don't want just a mediocre website, I want one that is "impressive". I know when I go to a site that doesn't look that great I usually keep looking, so I don't want that to happen to me.
My question to you all is who did you use to build your site. I have no knowledge of how web design works. I have been looking at some sites and it looks like http://www.agentimage.com is a great one, but they are expensive. I want that quality of a website or maybe a little less of quality for less money. Thanks to anybody who can help me.

Amanda
Maryland "future" agent

those prices in that link are way too high. Are you reasonably computer proficient? if so, go check out www.godaddy.com. You can register your domain, have them host the website, and they have a site builder program that is easy to use (cut and paste) and can look very good if done right. Can do a nice 5 page website for next to nothing.

If your MLS uses Iframes for the IDX, then Godaddy won't work. I checked with them and you can't use Iframes. My MLS IDX interface needs Iframes to work in my site. I ended up with a Yahoo! Small Business site for about $10/mo and can use Iframes for IDX.

If you want a site that looks impressive, you might want to make your way over to a place like www.templatemonster.com. They have very nice looking websites that you can either buy and customize yourself, or have them customize them for you.

One thing to keep in mind though; although these sites look impressive, they do have their drawbacks. I actually wrote about this a little while back on my blog. You can read it at http://www.codenamerealestate.com/?p=13.

There is a company called Ubertor (www.ubertor.com) that provides templated web sites for a reasonable fee. If you do not have any listings you can start out at $ 10.00 per month and upgrade to the next level at $ 37.00 per month which provides for up to 5 listings.

Anyone can get their own web site up and running or use the services of a number of companies including mine.

The web sites are "Search Engine Optimized" (SEO) and there is no contract to sign.

I have already declared my bias as a reseller of Ubertor web sites, but that aside you should look into them. Send me a PM if you would like more infomation.

Amanda, let me know if you're still looking. We have launched a service with every feature you're looking for, and for a very low price:

http://www.innovign.com

I help customize every site design and custom code to your requirements. Unlimited and syndicated listings as well.

PM me if you're interested, or you can contact me through the site.