Connecting the Dots (.com, .net, .info, .org.....)

I think so.

Most people understand domain names.

GoDaddy rocks!  Thats where we get all of our domain names.  :-)

In response to your questions:
1. Not really...Just be clear that someone can have the same domain name with a different extension.  If Its available, get them all and then point them all to your main site.
2. Most people understand that the "www" is implied.  With keywords in existance now, you almost cant miss a site anyway.
3. Yes, it is worth it despite the lack of capture technology.  As time goes by, that feature will decrease in price and you can pick it up then.  Until then, look into some sort of contact management database or a referral generation program to keep you going.

In my opinion, if they don't "get it" without the www then the whole concept is going to be lost on them anyway.  Some browsers (IE especially) tend to get hung up if you don't plug in "www" before the domain, but most people understand that.

As to the capture programs - I say do it without them.  I think the best leads are the ones who want to talk to you rather than ones who have their info "captured".  Strategically place an email link everywhere possible on your pages - maybe with a button graphic that says "EMAIL FOR MORE INFO". maybe at the top and bottom of each page.

Have good, specific keywords throughout the text of the sites - on every page, have the pages optimized (do some reading up on Search Engine Optimization, particularly learn about title tags, anchor text, alt text for images, and headings) and optimize your sites to come up when people are surfing the net - think about what search phrases they may be looking for and use them in your sites in a natural way (not a spammy, keyword stuffing way).

There is more than one way to skin a cat....or get a lead. 

This is a great idea.

1. I don't think it matters what extension you use, but I agree with Clint you should probably buy them all.

2.  An underlined link with .com, etc. implies it is a web site. You don't need the www.

3. This is a great marketing strategy. Sellers will also be impressed their home will have a web site. 

I also noticed on the sites there is no "Call to Action" other than the tiny links at the bottom right of the page. Can you add an email link with a large font under the four pictures such as, "Click Here to Schedule an Appointment". It may prompt someone to email you.

Good luck with your listings.

I just bought my first domain name for a listing, not many realtors in our area are doing it yet!  I used listingdomains.com and have been really happy with it.  It only cost $50 and that covers hosting for a year.  The format was done, the links were in place and it only took a few minutes to have it ready to launch.  I am notified with how many hits it gets and anytime it is forwarded I get the email info on the person sending and receiving the link. 

I purhased a 15x3 banner with the info and put it on a privacy fence in front of the home.  It simply reads:  To view this property visit:  www.3602ElizabethtownRd.com   I have gotten 2 new listings and 3 new buyers because of this banner.  I think the website is definitely worth it!  Good luck

I think it's a great idea and I love your blog and website both.  BUT, I'm of the opinion that you NEED to put the www. simply because it makes it "stand out" and tells people THIS IS A WEB ADDRESS.  I've seen several signs in my area without the www and I had to look at it hard to even realize that it was a web address to begin with.  If you Knew it was a web address...sure you don't have to put the www.

I started using the new Activerain Video MLS Listing which is intended Only for "videos" and I named each one the address of the home.  I was surprised that when I did a google search on the home address, my blog video was #1 on the google search.  Activerain must have some powerful SEO's. 

Also I would NEVER use anything other than .com because as one other comment said, people "naturally" think of .com and aren't geared towards thinking of .org or .net.

Tina,

Use the www. and anything other than .org. YES! Continue with this strategy and never stop. I started using them about 18 months ago and it took a while but I get about 20 to 30 leads per month with them. I had a guy call me today because he stumbled across two of my sites and thought that recreational property was my niche and he wanted to work with someone that had an understanding of the properties.

Link each site to as many places as possible including Active Rain (you get linking points too).  Post them in Localism.com.

Print business cards featuring the listing and the property specific web address and give the seller several hundred to hand out.  Some sellers are terrific networkers.  I give my sellers a 1% commission discount if the sale results from the business cards that they pass out.  More incentive for them.

Print postcards with multiple site addresses on them and pass them out everywhere you go.  I take them to teachers lounges, athletic clubs and I post them on public boards everywhere I go.

Make candybar wrappers with property specific information and the web address and pass them out to people that you meet.  I take the candy bars to teachers lounges too.

If you keep doing this you will hit a critical mass and you will have more leads than you can handle.  You will also have enough money to buy a database management system.

Tim