Inman

Realtor.com parent company extends AOL contract

Homestore Inc. has signed a new two-year exclusive content distribution agreement with America Online, the company announced today. Effective through Sept. 30, 2007, the agreement replaces an existing agreement that was scheduled to terminate in December 2005.

Under the terms of the deal, visitors to AOL’s Real Estate Channel and related areas of the AOL.com Web site and Netscape, CompuServe and AOL CityGuide services will continue to have access to the online database of existing, new and model homes for sale, and apartments for rent from the Homestore network, which includes Realtor.com, RentNet.com and HomeBuilder.com. In addition to property information, floor plans, photos and virtual tours, Homestore also helps AOL users connect with real estate professionals who can help make the process of buying, selling or renting a home easier.

“We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with America Online and to help them build their real estate offering into an even more valuable resource for their users,” said Prem Luthra, senior vice president of Homestore. “AOL’s members and online visitors represent one of the largest audiences of consumers looking for home and real estate-related information each month, and we believe expanding our relationship with AOL is a unique opportunity for our customers to more effectively promote their listings and themselves.”

Homestore did not disclose the specific terms of the agreement.

Homestore Inc. offers a variety of information and decision support tools for consumers looking for home and real estate-related information on the Internet. The company also supplies media and technology products for real estate professionals, local and national advertisers, and providers of home and real estate-related products and services.

Homestore’s print division includes Welcome Wagon and Homestore Plans and Publications, and the company’s software division includes Top Producer Systems.

***

Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to glenn@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 137.