Field Guide to Internet Basics For REALTORS®
(Updated February 2004)
More than ever before, REALTORS® and consumers alike are using the Internet to buy, sell, and market real estate. According to NAR's 2003 Member Profile, four out of every five REALTORS® use e-mail frequently in their real estate business. In addition, 87% of real estate firms and 46% of individual REALTORS® have a Web site to market their services. There's a wealth of information available for REALTORS® who are new to the Internet or just looking for ideas & insights on using the Web. This page provides links to websites, articles, and other resources to help you set up an e-mail account, select an Internet service provider, find information online, design a web site, and more. (F. Heller, Manager, Virtual Library & Archives)
Contents:
Choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) | Connecting to the Web: Cable or DSL or...? | Going Wireless | Getting the Most out of E-mail | Finding Information Online | Designing Your Own Website | Useful Websites | Books, eBooks & Other Resources
Internet Advice from REALTOR® Magazine 
Internet Q&A
Wireless/Communications Q&A
Ask Mr. Internet
TechWatch
Choosing An Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Check these three websites for advice on selecting an Internet access service to connect you to the Web, plus reviews and ratings of specific companies:
Internet Access: Reviews and advice on DSL, ISP, broadband, cable Internet, and more, (CNET.com, 2008).
Top ISPs - December 2003: How is your ISP performing?, (NetworkWorldFusion, Dec. 2003).
The List of ISPs: The Definitive ISP Buyer's Guide, (Internet.com, 2004).
Connecting to the Web: SDL or Cable or ... ?
High-speed Internet access options, (Northwestern University). - Compares different features of high-speed Internet access options, with links to other websites offering more information.
Choosing high-speed Internet, (Hewlett-Packard Company, 2004).
Hitting the accelerator on your dial-up service: Enhanced options speed up Web-page downloads; Cheaper than broadband, (The Wall Street Journal, Apr. 1, 2003). Q
The best way to surf at top speed -- Rioval services step up broadband deals; Does cable beat DSL?, (The Wall Street Journal, Apr. 1, 2003). Q
Going Wireless
Weaving a tangled Wi-Fi Web: Setup can be torture and security weak, but the joys of going wireless are many, (Business Week, Nov. 10, 2003). Q
Get on the Web no matter where: Wi-Fi or cellular? For the most complete coverage, be ready to use both, (Business Week, Nov. 10, 2003). Q
Fast and footloose: If you're looking for wireless broadband, here are your options, (The Wall Street Journal, Oct. 13, 2003). Q
Cutting the cord: Wireless options are dramatically changing how and where computing resources will be needed, (Rough Notes, Oct. 2003). Q
Tips on getting up to Wi-Fi speed, (The Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2003). Q
How to find the hotspots: Wi-Fi can be a godsend for travellers -- if you know where to look, (The Wall Street Journal, June 16, 2003). Q
7 tips for effective e-mails, (REALTOR® Magazine Personal Marketing Toolkit, 2004).
Harnessing e-mail: E-Mail etiquette, (LearnTheNet.com, 2004).
E-Mail etiquette, (EmailReplies.com, 2004).
E-Mail: The killer app; Maximize your e-mail system with these tips, (R/E/T Magazine, 2001-2002).
The elements of e-mail style: Do your e-mails get results? If not, follow these rules for writing compelling communications, (Darwin Magazine, Oct. 2001).
Face-to-face or e-mail: The medium makes the difference, (Communication World, Aug./Sept. 2001). Q
12 tips for mastering e-mail, (REALTOR® Association Executive, Spring 2000).
Web Searching Tips, (Search Engine Watch, 2004). - Tons of information on all aspects of searching the web, from how search engines work to how to use specific search engines to using advanced features and Boolean terms.
Maximize your time online: Tips to make the most of your Web surfing sessions, (Real Estate Technology, 2003-2004).
Searching the Web: Recommended Sites & Search Techniques, (University at Albany Libraries, Dec. 2003).
Unusual web searching commands, (Online, Nov./Dec. 2003). Q
Help employees find what they need on the 'Net, (American Agent & Broker, Oct. 2003). Q
Using search engines effectively, (Ohio REALTOR®, Apr. 2002).
Designing Your Own Website
How to Make a Website, (AllAboutYourOwnWebsite.com). - Offers tips, tutorials, and guidelines for designing a website, whether you do it yourself or hire someone else to set it up for you.
Basics of Website Design: An introduction into the world of website design for the design novice, (Pennsylvania State University). - Tutorials on designing a website, including information on do's & don'ts, essential tools, using graphics, and more.
Search-engine savvy: 10 tips on how to get your website noticed, (Canadian Business, Dec. 2003). Q
Websites are more than big spaces to fill up, (Realty Times, Nov. 19, 2003).
Tune up your website: Tweaks and tactics to boost your share of the surging ranks of Internet homebuyers, (Professional Builder, Sept. 2003). Q
Web site usability vs. usefulness, (B to B, Aug. 11, 2003). Q
Create the perfect homepage, (Target Marketing, Aug. 2003). Q
Rating your website: What makes a great website? The short answer is 'one that achieves your goals.' It should also be useful and easy to navigate, (ABA Bank Marketing, June 2003). Q
Get plugged in: Add-on appications enhance Web experience for Netizens, (Real Estate Technology Magazine, Summer 2002).
Lead-losing Web mistakes: You work hard to get people to visit your site -- don't scare them off once they get therel, (Texas REALTOR®, June 2002).
Anatomy of a web site, (Journal of Property Management, Mar./Apr. 2002). Q
Four Web mistakes that drive consumers away, (Realty Times, Dec. 31, 2001).
Untangle your way to the Web: You can create your own Web site if you know your goals and audience … and where to look for a little help, (Texas REALTOR®, June 2001).
What's in a domain name? Picking the right URL can make or break sales and marketing efforts, (Sales & Marketing Management, Jan. 2001). Q
A Basic Guide to the Internet, (University at Albany Libraries, June 2003).
Understanding the World Wide Web, (University at Albany Libraries, Sept. 2003).
Internet for Beginners, (About.com, 2001). - FAQs, tutorials, and more for those new to the Internet. Learn about browsers, e-mail basics, connecting to the Web, etc. Good, basic information, but watch out for all those "sponsored link" advertisements.
How Stuff Works: Internet, (HowStuffWorks.com, 2004).- For those who want to take a look behind the scenes, this website offers explanations of how e-mail, URLs, browsers, and other Internet features do what they do.
Webopedia, (Internet.com, 2001). - What's a "Bayesian filter" or an "MP3 file"? If you're confused by a tech term, no matter how basic or esoteric, Webopedia can help. Just enter the word in the search box to find its definition.
eBooks & Other Resources
Field Guides & More
These Field Guides and other resources in the Virtual Library may also be of interest:
Field Guide to Marketing on the Web
Field Guide to Choosing & Using a PDA
Field Guide to Digital Cameras & Photography
Field Guide to Identity Theft
Field Guide to Reducing Spam E-Mail
Field Guide to Technology for AEs
Field Guide to Direct Mail
>> Have an idea for a new Field Guide? Click here to send us your suggestions!
The inclusion of links on this Field Guide does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked to this Field Guide complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
