The International Real Estate Directory has announced it is branching out, beginning to do advertising for properties for sale around the world on its new Web site, www.iredshowcase.com.

Although in existence for only a few weeks, the site already has some 20 properties available from a dozen different countries, including two from the United States.

IRED disclaimers clarify that it is not "listing" the properties, nor acting as broker for them. Its sole function is to use its Web clout to expose the properties. Some of the homes are FSBO, others have professional representation.

IRED founder Becky Swann said for years she has received inquiries from abroad on how to market homes.

"We have received requests from individuals overseas looking for a means to promote their villages, villas and vacation homes to a world-wide audience," Swann said. "We looked for an existing service to add to our 30,000 links to directories and sites but none of them fit the needs of these unique properties.

"The IRED Showcase of Exceptional Properties is our effort to accommodate these property owners and agents, exposing them to the international buyers they seek as well as to curiosity seekers who simply enjoy dreaming about owning a castle or exotic island hideaway."

IRED is the grandfather of all real estate Web sites, having been founded by Swann in 1995. It now lists some 30,000 real estate companies in 130 countries. The main IRED site gets some 750,000 page views per month - 60 percent from real estate professionals and about 40 percent from home buyers and sellers.

A spokesman said that while most of the properties fit into the "upscale" category, some are as low priced as $180,000. Price is not a criteria for being shown on the showcase, but that prices tended to range "to the high side."

Putting a home in the IRED showcase costs $500. Sellers or their representatives get a mini Web site to display photos, descriptions and other information.

Many of the properties are described as "retreats" or second homes. One of the U.S. properties, however, is a school building Tennessee.

"Discriminating buyers can make contact directly with property sellers who describe their properties with superlatives such as 'extraordinary,' 'gracious,' 'breathtaking,' 'magnificent,' 'rare,' 'historic' and 'classic.'" Swann said. "The ads are filled with photos and information to help buyers envision the special features of the homes."

Swann also indicated IRED is currently building an online library to provide consumers with information about how to buy or sell a home abroad.