It's not that complicated. Do it Yourself.

I agree that learning HTML will be one of the best investments you'll ever make to be able to compete in this business - and others.

Thanks for sharing. I have alot to learn.

Fantastic idea to take a class.  I never would know how to put that beautiful seaside picture in your background without knowing some SEO. I am tooo much of a beginner there.

If you are a do it yourselfer check out wordpress it rocks!!

I have to put in my two cents worth regarding Wordpress.  I have been using them for several years and recently set up a new wp website.  Overall, it is pretty easy to set up the site and to make changes.  Staying on top of the constantly changing technology and tools is essential for our success in this market. 

Keep up the good discussions.

I think if there was a course on wordpress you would be miles ahead of your competition.

You don't have to be  HTML literate to use it. And it produces world class blogs and websites! Often with

built in SEO features.

Georgina, I think this is a great post, and I completely agree with you (as long as one is willing to take the time to learn and do it right).. Many years ago, I started doing my own website because I was tired of being mistreated by those who did and hosted my site. We now have over 12,000 sites that we host in our business. It is commonly rumored that this is rocket science, but I believe those rumors are used to keep people in bondage to "experts" and keep the "experts" in your pockets.. To your great success!

I find DYI is only good when you are the specialist in that area.  Jack of all trades, master of none.

In real estate, you need to decide what you're an expert at and hire the rest. I find the technology aspects of real estate to be what I can really specialize in, but that may not be the case for the next agent. Maybe they're great at open houses. This business is about leverage, so whether you hire an assistant, a web guy, a marketing expert, a buyer's agent, just do it.

You have motivated me to look again at sources to bring my websites up to date. Thank you, Georgina.

I ended up with DIY and it paid off.  As a Master Property Manager I developed one of the first company web sites for property managers back in 1996, then help about 100 other companies get on line for the first time.    I just bought the software and learned it myself.

I agree and disagree with the DIY approach to website design.  There are some of us that just do not have the knack or desire to create or build their own website. 

My time is best spent on cultivating and building my customer base. 

On the other hand...

When my husband retired, his hobby was building his own website www.sperryr.com and he continued to learn and develop his expertise in web design and most importantly SEO.  We have saved thousands of $$ DIY.  But that is because he can take the time to continue to educate himself in all the latest website design and the technology and trends that we as realtors need to be connected to. I get the "Reader's Digest" version from him.  

I am very fortunate to have a partner who knows marketing, web design, professional photography as well as the latest gadgets and trends in technology. 

Amazingly, I feel that this is under-rated. Not to be a control freak, but nothing beats having final say.

amen!

what kind of a site where you able to develop?  Thinking word press, but please do tell as it is something I've been wanting to do.  If nothing else because I can say I did.

Agree with David, word press is a site that can be built by almost anyone and is very widely supported, I have NO affiliation with word press, give them a shot, we build a number of our web sites with word press and it has worked out well for us. 

Georgie,

 Well said, it's not that complicated and the basics can be learned very easily. Thanks for the post!

I'd like to echo the WordPress comments.  It's easy to use with or without HTML.

In the early days of the web I learned a lot from the View-Source command. I also took some classes through UNLV continuing education and I've been hooked ever since!