Real Estate Forums

frobn · 05-20-2006, 03:26 PM

In another thread Jared and I had discussed the possibility of making free and low cost real estate templates available to agents. There wasn't much feedback so I am wondering if any agents would be interested in developing such a project?

SEOWolf · 05-21-2006, 10:26 AM

Hi frobn,

I think many Agents associate “template” sites with those that are html heavy with canned (duplicate) content and framed pages.

In other words,.. not very well thought of.

I am working currently on a template system that addresses many of the problems I referenced above with a decent CMS and custom IDX interface but I am admittedly a long way from having such a system on line.

Perhaps if you better explained what you and Jarred had in mind more Agents would be interested.

Lord knows there is room for improvement in the systems that are currently available.

~VegasMack

frobn · 05-21-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VegasMack

Perhaps if you better explained what you and Jarred had in mind more Agents would be interested.

Lord knows there is room for improvement in the systems that are currently available.~VegasMack

What we had in mind is a basic system that grows with the agent.

The template are tableless and SEO friendly standards compliant css/xhtml templates.

There is a better explanations of the templates here:

cssdesignmagic (dot) com/template-modules (dot) htm

We were thinking about adding some stock forms and calculators but basically agents are responsible for their own content.

1. xhtml markup for design technology
2. cascading style sheet css for a consistent presentation separate from content
3. a menu file with the menu in an unordered list, providing semantic meaning, to the navigation

Jared and I are are working on an ajax-enabled CMS and I am working on an IDX listing management system that can be integrated into existing blogs and CMSs such as Wordpress and Joombla. I had planned to release RAPIDx as open source but the lack of interest has caused me to hesitate doing so.

rapidx.org

SEOWolf · 05-21-2006, 12:10 PM

Sounds like you have covered all the bases frobn.

With your programming expertise and Jared’s design capabilities I’m sure you will develop a formidable system.

Your biggest obstacle is overcoming the negative connotations associated with real estate template sites IMHO however, forums such as this is a good start.

We can further promote your system by implementing the “Work For Hire” categories you proposed and was discussed here.

I hope other REALTORS® will participate in this thread with some useful feedback.

~VegasMack

Jade456 · 05-22-2006, 01:05 AM

The less informed would assume from your use of the word TEMPLATE that it would imply low quality and commonality. I would definitely be interested. If I can help, just let me know. I'm a decent logo designer (people are kind) if you want to incorporate some additional graphics into them.

frobn · 05-22-2006, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jade456

The less informed would assume from your use of the word TEMPLATE that it would imply low quality and commonality. I would definitely be interested. If I can help, just let me know. I'm a decent logo designer (people are kind) if you want to incorporate some additional graphics into them.

Thanks for your offer, we definitely need logos and graphics.

Perhaps a better description would be "Design Structure" instead of "template."

A project like this needs to be both educational and get-out-the-word processes.

Here is a draft of cssdesignmagic(dot) com/template-resources (dot) htm template resources. It is only a start and needs a lot of work.

frobn · 05-23-2006, 11:37 AM

I received an Amazon email that describes a book - Bulletproof Web Design : Improving flexibility and protecting against worst-case scenarios with XHTML and CSS, by Dan Cederholm.

Quote:

No matter how visually appealing or packed with content your Web site is, it isn't succeeding if it’s not reaching the widest possible audience. ...standards-based designs that provide flexibility, readability, and user control—key components of every successful Web site. ...you'll have replaced traditional, bloated, inaccessible page components with lean markup and CSS.

As a long-time advocate of standards I agree fully with the goals as expressed in the Editorial Review.

Many real estate web developers we come upon have a one-size-fits-all mentality. They do not wish to consider individual needs because their over riding need is to sell as much product as they can. Needs vary! A better approach to web site design is one that allows the REALTOR and the web site to grow and prosper together.

Using web standards where content and graphic layout are separate and independent of each other give you the flexibility to change either without disturbing the other. Out growing your design and contracting for a makeover should not have a codependent cost for reformatting your content, and vise versa.

Our intention for the web development templates is that they be standards based and in addition we would like hear from REALTORs what their needs may be as first from a new REALTOR to a highly seasoned.

frobn · 06-01-2006, 12:19 PM

I am working on a template that is high quality yet can be easily modified. Here is what I have so far.

www.realtyvisions (dot) com
The structure is css/xhtml and uses only 2 background images and a header image.

Suggestions for improvements are welcome.

frobn · 06-13-2006, 10:55 AM

I haven't had a chance to post a follow-up sooner, we been working several aspects of web design and development. I have been play with ajax and have gone from a skeptic to a belief that ajax is likely to play a big role in future web design because it gives users a better web experience. I digress, check out some of the things we are doing. The goal now is to begin releasing several css/xhtml within the next two or 3 weeks. If anyone would like to contribute logos and or designs let me know.

SEOWolf · 06-23-2006, 09:59 AM

Frobn,

I like the design example I see on the site.

Please keep us posted.

~VegasMack