Published by RIS Media in their National Relocation & REAL ESTATE Magazine, October 2004 issue

By Shig Nishio

Custom Web sites are expensive and time-consuming to implement. So, when template-based Web sites were introduced, Realtors were thrilled to have affordable and quick-implementation Web sites. Then reality set in. While inexpensive, there were shortcomings.

Web developers liked templates because most Web sites were similar in functionality and could be quickly copied into production. But they looked like other Web sites and could not be customized. As a result, Realtors became disenchanted and avoided template designs.

Many template-based Web sites were “dynamically generated.” When a visitor viewed a Web site, it was created “on the fly.” Search engines never found those Web sites because they didn’t exist in a form that search engines could find. This penalized Realtors since being found by search engines is vital for Web sites.

Template Web sites never worked for Realtors until intelligent templates were introduced. Web designers use intelligent templates to quickly create low-cost Web sites. They are rich in functionality and grow as businesses expand. Their design and content can be customized. They are self-managed. Template Web sites have finally become what they started out to be.

A typical shortcoming for template-based Web sites is that their design cannot be easily changed. The starting template must be carefully chosen and forever impacts the Web site. The template’s initial design is modified for implementation. As content is added or changed, the impact on the design must always be considered. Web site owners cannot tolerate this because content and design will change over time. Intelligent templates separate the design from the content. Changing a Web site’s design is as simple as changing a word in some content. It is imperative that Web site owners have the ability to change design and content in just minutes rather than be delayed by a Webmaster.

Through Web designers like WebCubic, Inc., Realtors can have working Web sites in 15 minutes. Visitors will never see it “under construction.” The sooner a Web site is in production, the sooner it can deliver results (time is money). WebCubic understands that no matter when designers deliver a Web site—in 15 minutes or 15 days—there will always be changes. The key is how quickly the Web site will be in production and how quickly changes can be implemented. Template-based Web sites do this job well.

There are several opportunities for Web sites to generate leads. When someone wants to find out how much their house is worth, they can fill out a form and “send” it to the Realtor. When someone has a specific question, they can ask it of a real estate expert. Many will respond to an offer for a newsletter. Each of these generates a lead—a business opportunity.

People visit real estate Web sites primarily to view property listings. Realtors must provide listings from the MLS, their own listings, virtual tours, and property photos—all from their Web site.

Custom Web designers do create quality Web sites—at a high price. Template Web sites can also create quality Web sites—affordably. Today’s template Web sites have clearly overcome former limitations and generate success for their owners. When ready for a Web site, Realtors should consider template Web designers like WebCubic. They’ll like what they find.

Shig Nishio is the sales executive for WebCubic, Inc, an Internet solutions provider, delivering Web sites and IDX solutions to the real estate industry. Visit www.webcubic.com to see how WebCubic delivers successful Web sites using intelligent templates.