Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

Purchase and Billing

Web Retool Site & Email Account Setup

Technical Support and Marketing

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Site Promotion

Website Management & Customization Features

Upgrades & Advanced Customizations

Website Hosting & Security



General

Why do I need a website? My real estate business is doing fine.
More and more users are using the Internet to gather information and search for homes on the Internet because of the convenience. 82% of first-time buyers and 78% of repeat buyers use the Internet to search for a home and to choose their real estate professional according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Why should I choose Web Retool?
Web Retool provides personalized support for all of our web sites and web related marketing services. Our system combines the convenience and affordability of a template site with the professional look and flexibility of a custom built website.

  • People like us and we like people. Our open approach is apparent from the moment we sit down with a prospective client. We have your interest in mind and your project at heart. After all, your success is our success! We'll make recommendations maximize the return on your site, and generate an accurate estimate that shows you all of your costs and benefits up-front.
  • Big-Business Capabilities with Small-Business Service. At Web Retool, we believe that capabilities are only as good as the service that supports them. We have big experience, but small-business accessibility. Yet no matter how big or small the job, at Web Retool, each and every client works directly with our owners who are always available.

Return to Index of Questions

Purchase and Billing

When and how do I pay for a Web Retool site?
You can pay online using a credit card or you may mail a check. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Payment is annual or monthly after a one-time setup fee.

Is there a contract and what is the length of the contract?
No, there is no long term contracts, however you are on a 30 day contract which is renewed every 30 days (month-to-month).

Can the total be divided into monthly charges?
Sometimes we can work with you with the setup costs, such as a payment plan. Call (310) 488-7280 for available options.

Can I change my billing from a monthly to annual plan?
Yes. You can switch from the monthly billing plan to the annual at any time.

Do you have a referral program?
Yes. We offer $50 for each referral.

Return to Index of Questions

Web Retool Site & Email Account Setup

How long will it take to set up my Web Retool site?
Most sites take 2-4 weeks to set up, design, and edit.

1. Analysis. Our owners work closely with you to organize the tools that Web Retool will need to begin development, which range from an in-depth understanding of your needs and goals to more tangible items such as any content that exists, a current logo or product photos. Depending on the project and your availability, this step in the process generally takes 1 to 3 weeks.

2. Development. Web Retool creates your site design, submitting it to you for approval and builds a working test site for you to review and edit. This second part of the process usually takes approximately 2-4 weeks from beginning to end.


Can I use my own domain name and a custom email address?
Yes, you can register a new domain name or transfer an existing one. If you register a new domain name, there is a domain registration fee. You also get a custom email address e.g. yourname@yourdomain.com.

How much do you charge to register a domain name?
If you don't already have a domain name, we register a domain name for you free of charge. We continue to pay for your domain name registration as long as you are hosting your site with Web Retool.

Who owns my domain name?
You own your domain name. Should you choose to discontinue using our services, your domain name is yours to take and you will be responsible for paying the annual renewal fees.

Can I have multiple domain names?
Absolutely. We encourage our clients to use multiple domains to market their services to different groups of people or in different geographical areas. We do not charge you extra for hosting additional domain names.

Can I transfer my current domain name to my new Web Retool site?
Yes. It is quite simple to redirect your existing domain name to your new Web Retool site. Your Web Retool representative will walk you through the process.

Can I forward my email to my current email address?
Yes.

How many e-mails accounts can I create?
You can create 10 free email accounts. Each additional email account will cost $2 per month.

Do I need any special hardware or software?
All you need to maintain your website is an Internet connection and a web browser. Both of these you should already have if you're able to read this.

How do I check my email?
You can check your email from any desktop email software such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Top Producer or Eudora.

Return to Index of Questions

Technical Support and Marketing

Will someone show me how to use my Web Retool site?
Absolutely. We will walk you through the initial steps of setting up your website and help you customize it to your needs. We'll also advise you on the steps you need to take to market and drive traffic to your site. If you need help at any time, you can also contact our support team.

Does tech support or training cost extra?
No. Tech support is included with your monthly subscription fees.

How do I get help if I have questions about my website?
You can reach tech support by email at info@webretool.com or phone at (310) 482-2052.

Return to Index of Questions

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Site Promotion

Why do I need Search Engine Optimization & Site Promotion?
99% of Internet Users Utilize Search. By promoting your web site and related real estate services through internet marketing you will close more transactions and be more profitable. Our program of internet marketing includes Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click Advertising, and Link Exchange. Sponsored Search (PPC) Reachs 80% of Yahoo Users

Will you help generate traffic to my website?
We submit your site to the major search engines and free web directories. We also help you improve your site's search engine rankings and advise you on other forms of free and paid advertising.

How much traffic can I expect?
This will depend on how aggressively you market your website and how competitive your markets are. We will guide you through the different ways you can market and drive traffic to your website and help you with your search engine optimization.

Do I get to see how many people visit my site?
Yes. We provide detailed traffic analysis which provides far more information than a simple counter. You'll see where your visitors are coming from, what search terms they used to find you, how long your average visitors stay, and much more.

How do I measure the return on my investment?
The web is one of the few marketing platforms that allows you to track the return on your investment. The most obvious of these is your number of conversions, or how many orders/requests/reservations have occurred. By tracking your revenue from your web site, you can measure your return dollar-for-dollar.

A better gauge of your return is the tracking of traffic and web-influenced purchases and/or activity on your site. To help make this process easier for you and your company, Web Retool uses industry leading statistics software for reporting and analysis.


How will my web site be found by search engines?
In recent years, it's become more difficult to rank well in search engines. There are several important things you need to do in order to rank well on search engines, and we guide you through them. For more information on generating traffic through search engines, you can visit our internet marketing section.

Return to Index of Questions

Website Management & Customization Features

How do maintain and update my website?
Web sites may be updated through email or simply call us with the update/addition info

Do I need to understand HTML to maintain my Web Retool site?
Not at all. Maintaining your website is just a matter of let our professional web designers what you want.

How many listings can I add to my web site?
You can add an unlimited number of listings to your site.

Can I add virtual tours?
Yes, you can link to your virtual tours directly from your listings pages.

Return to Index of Questions

Upgrades & Advanced Customizations

How may I customize my site?
At Web Retool, our designers are collaborators, not dictators. We use an interactive design process, which allows you to view a number of layout choices that combine our design expertise with your input. When we estimate your project-both in terms of cost and time-we assume you will have extensive feedback every step of the way. The result will be an image that speaks to you and your business.

I want a custom web site. How much will this cost?
A fully custom web site generally costs $1000 to $3000 for a personal business real estate website.

Will I be able to add a feature that Web Retool currently doesn’t offer?
Yes. We charge an additional fee based on the third party features you want added. Please contact info@webretool.com to receive a quote for what you need.

What is IDX or Broker Reciprocity?
IDX or Internet Data Exchange, is a program where brokers grant each other permission to display their listings on each others' web sites. Brokers who participate in the program can display all active listings of all participating members of the program. If a broker chooses not to participate, no other broker will be permitted to display that brokers listings. A broker can include their listings in the IDX / Broker Reciprocity database without having a web site of their own.

What options are available for IDX integration to my web site?
This depends on your local MLS. Most offer solutions at no extra cost. For more info please email info@webretool.com

Return to Index of Questions

Website Hosting & Security

Where will my client information be kept? Will it be secure?
Web Retool hosts all our clients in the Atlanta NAP located in Atlanta, Georgia. This top tier facility features network connectivity over local fiber loop to one of the two main Telco Hotel vaults in Atlanta, Georgia with access to all major fiber and IP backbones. For more info, please visit our hosting page at http://www.webretool.com/real-estate-web-hosting.php

Who else will have access to my client information?
Your clients' information will never be shared with anyone other than trusted Web Retool staff.

What happens to my client information if I switch to another system?
We will give you time to download and save your data if you choose to switch to another system.

What happens if the website goes down?
Simply notify us of the times your website was down, and we will issue you a pro-rated refund for the duration of the time it was not functional.

Return to Index of Questions