One of the very first websites we created at Kingsport Times-News was back in 1997 as we introduced one of the first websites of its kind in the region with TriCityHomes.com. At that time, we were publishing a magazine with a hundred or so homes for sale in the Tri-Cities region. It wasn’t long before area Realtors convinced us that this offering just wasn’t enough. There wer way more homes for sales in the region and our offering was not showing all the region has to offer.
Yesterday, GoTriCities launched the 3.0 version of TriCityHomes.com that features thousands of listings from participating Realtors in the Tri-Cities region. Working with the Kingsport Times-News and Johnson City Press, our staff has developed an intuitive website in the same genre as TriCityWheels.com.
Visitors have access to a no-nonsense search form directly on the home page and can deliver properties within a couple of clicks. We have also programmed a personal search to collect homes in a basket as you browse the site. There’s also an automated Email Agent which permits you to create up to 25 searches and receive free email each week that matches what you are looking for. Finding a home has truly never been easier.
Daily udpates from the regional Realtor data and daily classifieds, make this one of the most comprehensive Real Estate Internet destinations in the region. We are already seeing a tremendous surge in traffic on the first day and several advertisers and sponsors are already onboard this new project developed for The Kingsport Times-News and Johnson City Press. Both newspapers also provide a monthly print magazine in conjunction with this new Internet destination.
Newspaper advertisements ran in the paper today to launch the new service and online banners, television, radio and other marketing programs are planned for Phase II in the next few months.
There are still a few loose bolts and clunky hinges here and there and everyone is working toward delivering a better search tool. This direct connection to local Realtors is certain to welcome newcomers to the area and we look forward to the watching this new product grow. Some of our best components are still in development too with enhancements to the Google Maps on every listening and immediate contact forms for all participating Realtors.