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Increasing Number of Consumers Turning to the Internet for Real Estate Information As HomeGain Reports Record Website Visits in March 2006

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 April 2006, 06:00 CDT

Increasing numbers of consumers are turning to the Internet to begin their home buying or selling process, as evidenced by HomeGain's record traffic in March 2006. HomeGain, a Classified Ventures company, reported 7.7 million total visits and 5.5 million unique visitors to its site in March, according to internal statistics. This represents a 21% increase in traffic over March 2005.

According to the National Association of REALTORS(R), home sales this year should generally level out and remain at historically high levels. As the market maintains its above-average activity, especially for buyers, real estate agents are faced with younger, Internet-savvy consumers who know how to find quality information online.

"Most consumers today understand that their best resource for starting a search, especially to buy or sell a home, is online," stated Tim Fagan, President of Classified Ventures Real Estate. "They quickly realize that even with the information they find online, they'll still need a real estate agent, which is where HomeGain steps in and is able to connect consumers with a local agent or broker."

As reports of the market transitioning to a 'buyers market' spread over the Internet, many real estate professionals are turning to HomeGain's BuyerLink program. With over 300 online partners, including Yahoo!, Google, AOL, MSN and USATODAY.com, HomeGain's BuyerLink solution enables real estate professionals to receive qualified traffic directly to their website, increase their visibility and provide consumers access to a local agent.

Melody Champney, Prudential Palms, Florida, and a HomeGain member since 2004, declared: "BuyerLink not only has increased the number of visits to my website, but now I receive actual buyers who are ready to transact anywhere from right away to within six months or a year. This product is key for growing my pipeline, as leads generated from my website account for 90% of my business. Also, I network with agents for their referrals nationwide, and I've seen an increase in referrals from other agents through the site since signing up with HomeGain."

HomeGain.com is the second most visited real estate site, trailing only REALTOR(R).com. Apartments.com, another Classified Ventures company, ranked third for the month of March, according to comScore(R) Media Metrix in the online real estate sector, followed by Zillow.com with 2.2 million visitors, HomeStore(HOMS) with 2.1 million visitors, and HouseValues sites (SOLD) with 1.8 million visitors.

About HomeGain

HomeGain(TM) is the leading, online resource for connecting real estate professionals with homebuyers and sellers. HomeGain's tools give consumers access to agents and brokers nationwide. Real estate agents and brokers have a choice of three advanced solutions to fit their individual needs. Acquired by Classified Ventures in 2005, HomeGain has over 5.5 million website visitors per month and 300+ partnerships, including Yahoo!, Google, MSN, AOL and USATODAY.com. Agents and brokers trust HomeGain to connect to local homebuyers and sellers, build relationships, and grow their business. Visit www.homegain.com for more information.

About Classified Ventures

Classified Ventures is a strategic joint venture among six media companies, including Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Knight Ridder Inc. (NYSE: KRI), The McClatchy Co. (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Co. (NYSE: TRB) and The Washington Post Co. (NYSE: WPO), whose objectives are to collectively capitalize on the revenue growth in the online advertising categories of automotive, real estate, and rentals. To execute on its objectives, Classified Ventures has four leading businesses -- Cars.com, Homescape.com, HomeGain.com and Apartments.com.

 Contact: Jessica Gopalakrishnan 510-594-4154 office Contact via http://www.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=D3E1224904D57E4C  

SOURCE: HomeGain

Source: MARKET WIRE

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