We need some help from those who are web savvy!

[jvolimas]

We are Realtors in Minnesota who are not web savvy... at all! We are looking at a couple of website providers that cater to Realtors. They will be hosting the site as well.
Our problem is:
We don't know what questions are important to ask when it comes to this and they know we don't. We don't want to lock into a year long contract with a schister. We know what we want on our site as far as content but there are many things about the working background that are just plain foreign. Our current provider just hasn't been easy to work with.

Any suggestions?

[NogDog]

<moderator-hat>
Just want to note that these forums should not be used for "help wanted" posts. However, I have no problem with a discussion here regarding what things you should be looking for both in host providers, web developers, and/or off-the-shelf solutions. Just please be sure to avoid the, "I'll do it for XXX dollars," or, "Can I hire you as a consultant?"
</moderator-hat>

PS: I've moved this to the "business matters" forum, as it seems more appropriate.

[beaaast337]

Well, I think it's important to shop around. Often hosting services will have an faq with a lot of information and an explanation of the more technical stuff. I'd be happy to help you as much as I can. My email is beaaast337@yahoo.com

You really should consider hiring someone to keep your website updated so you can ask them questions as well.

[benson712]

An important element of any consideration is exactly what you want out of the site. Will this site simply be a static web page with information about your company or will it allow for searching and viewing of your properties. This will make a huge difference in who can host it and also who can develop it.

[felgall]

A static web site is a dead web site. You will want to have at least something on the site that changes at least monthly if not more frequently. Unless you are going to purchase a system that allows you to easily update things on the page yourself you will need to employ someone part time to do it for you. If you are going to employ someone to help you maintain the site then they can probably help you figure out the best hosting deal for your needs as well.

[beaaast337]

A static web site is a dead web site. You will want to have at least something on the site that changes at least monthly if not more frequently. Unless you are going to purchase a system that allows you to easily update things on the page yourself you will need to employ someone part time to do it for you. If you are going to employ someone to help you maintain the site then they can probably help you figure out the best hosting deal for your needs as well.


That is exactly what I was trying to say. I'd be happy to do it for a low price that I cannot discuss through this forum. Contact me Beaaast337@yahoo.com

[chrisranjana]

YOu could take a look at http://www.open-realty.org/ and you might find it's features interesting.

[Alcibiades]

There are plenty of web developer/designer lists out there where you can search by competency location etc. I would check out www.designerlist.com.

[NetNerd85]

That is exactly what I was trying to say. I'd be happy to do it for a low price that I cannot discuss through this forum. Contact me Beaaast337@yahoo.comCompete on quality, not price or speed :)

[Kendi]

A static web site is a dead web site. You will want to have at least something on the site that changes at least monthly if not more frequently. Unless you are going to purchase a system that allows you to easily update things on the page yourself you will need to employ someone part time to do it for you. If you are going to employ someone to help you maintain the site then they can probably help you figure out the best hosting deal for your needs as well.

I was thinking along the same lines. Real estate web sites need frequent updates, usually more than monthly, because property is sold and added to the market almost daily. So you might want to look into hiring someone to effectively handle it and who knows all about the background stuff involved in a web site. As a consumer who happens to have been house hunting on the web, lately there is nothing more frustrating than to see the perfect house listed on a real estate web site, only to find out that the house sold two months ago. AAAAhhhhgggg!

Good Luck!

Kendi

[cosmin]

--
are you asking about hosting issues or the programming for back end work? you can choose an open source product as mentioned here (open-realty.org) it has all of the features laid out and the developer just has to install it, create a template for the front side so it 'looks' they way you want it, and thats it.

if you have any more issues, feel free to contact me.