If you've ever searched for available web site names, there's a good chance that you've had the exact same thought as I: "Why did someone register the name I wanted, when they aren't even using it?" Checking a little deeper, you find out that the "owner" of this name is willing to sell it to you, or better, gouge you for it: "They expect me to pay them HOW MUCH for that name? It only cost $70!" You end up with two thoughts: "@#$%&!" and "Are there any good web site names left?"

A "domain squatter" is someone who registers a domain name without any intention of using it on a real web site. They've seen the incredible sums paid for names like RealEstate.com, and are hoping for their piece of the pie in the sky, too. That pie was made out of "irrational exuberance", and has since fallen from the sky, but a lot of these people haven't noticed.

What makes them think that RockiesForSale.com is worth $99,000, but RockiesRealEstate.com is "only" worth $50,000? Someone is hoping to get $75,000 for ProHouses.com! $35,000 for HomeSoldHere.com? UBuyAHome.com is $20,000, but you can get RealEstateForUs.com for half of that. What a deal.

PropertiesUSA.org has an asking price of $95,000. If you are willing to pay that much for a web site name that originally cost $70, I guess they figure you'll end up as a non-profit, which is what .ORG is usually reserved for. Someone wants $30 million for America.com. I find myself wondering if I'm from the same planet as these folks. Maybe not. MoonLandForSale.com is available for only $5000!

Some of these names make me laugh out loud. GimmeMortgage.com? Morgij.com? Come on. WereRealtors.com is only $60. Great. You get a lame web site name, and a cease and desist letter from the NAR Trademark office, for one low price. E-altor.com is $3800. Pay thousands for a name you can't pronounce! How about PropertyZapping.com? Then there's HutHomes.com. The dictionary says that a hut is, "A crude or makeshift dwelling or shelter; a shack." Beautiful.

But, the internet bubble is losing air. I've noticed that prices charged by squatters seem to be dropping. There are actually some bargains out there, if you look. As I write this, HomeWalk.com is available for the reasonable sum of $250. HomeSecret.com is $225. TheHomeFactory.com can be had for $100. RealCountryHomes.com is $50. IncredibleProperty.com is $40. InstantHomeSale.com is $25. Check it out!

You don't have to buy from a squatter, though! I think there are lots of great domain names left for Realtors, if you get creative. While squatters have snapped up plenty of names, they tend to be opportunistic more than creative, so a lot of the names that have been taken are variations on generic and noncreative themes. And you don't want most generic names anyhow, as I said in an earlier Realty Times article. A little creativity, mixed in with your marketing strategy, can go a long way in finding a domain name that works for you.

What do I mean by creative? You can string any series of words together. Everything doesn't have to be Cleveland-Homes.com, HomesCleveland.com, ClevelandHomes.net, HomesInCleveland.com...

How about YourTucsonHome.com, HowToSellYourTucsonHome.com and HowToBuyYourTucsonHome.com. Get all three. Plug in your city's name. Make your web site actually fulfill the promise the name makes. Use the first name as your primary name on all your marketing materials. Use the other two for special promotions targeted just for buyers or sellers.

DropDeadGorgeousHomes.com. Great for an agent in an exclusive, trendy area. Memorable. Gorgeous might cause some people to consult their dictionaries, but it is a pretty common word. A strong domain name like this might be worth shaping your marketing strategy around.

You can see where I am going with this. Try plugging your name and/or your selling area into the following examples. Use them as catalysts for your own creativity. In no particular order:

GuaranteedSOLDInDallas.com

SteveDoesItRight.com

SallyJonesWantsYourHome.com

ChicagoHomesJungleGuide.com

LetsTalkLittleRock.com

SeattleSOLD.com

BakersfieldHomeEngine.com

DallasHomeGuide.com

CharlestownRealEstateAdvisor.com

LouisvilleHomeTours.com

YourHoustonHome.com

PictureYourHoustonHome.com

JulieWorksForYou.com

TimeForANewHome.com

YesMadison.com

GrandRapidsInStyle.com

LovingMilwaukee.com

MainStreetPhoenix.com

BoiseIsThePlace.com

JanetKnowsReno.com (Okay, bad joke. How about SteveKnowsPortland.com.)

GetPhoenix.com

HeresJimmy.com (Great for agents who successfully make themselves the focus of their marketing, which is a proven stratgey.)

GoSallyJones.com (Ditto.)

MainStreetPeoria.com

BestOfRichmondHomes.com

MickeyMovesAmarillo.com (Combining your name and your selling area can work well.)

BatonRougeDreamHomes.com (Obvious, I know, but your city might still be available.)

InSanAntonio.com

FindItInSanJose.com

WhereIsJudy.com? (This is a great example of how to merge your marketing strategy and domain name. Anyone who reads this will instantly want this question answered. It's up to you to tell them the answer. Hint: "She's hard at work selling your home!")

MinneapolisHomeCenter.com

EvansvilleCentral.com

I can go on, but you get the picture. Be creative. Tie in your marketing strategy. Avoid dashes and confusing words. Forget endless variations of tired, old generic web site names. And don't violate any trademarks.

There's actually a lot of names to be had out there.