Homeseekers, which according to some analysts is only a few months from profitability, has also seen an anticipated private placement fizzle. But, these are subscription services to be sold to the same subscriber base, so Homestore has not yet addressed the problem of overreliance on a reluctant subscriber base. On Internet discussion groups such as RealTalk and Dealmakers , agents consistently complain that they are not having success with Homegain as a source for leads. Sellers aren't answering bids, they say. Only a very few have reported selling properties because of Homegain referrals.
Transaction management is the new buzz word for the online real estate industry.
There's just one problem. Other players are already diluting the transaction platform business model with free online services to Realtors. ZipRealty , eRealty , eHome , Homebytes and others also dream of going public. As much as these companies dream of cashing out on the IPO pyramid scheme, it is looking unlikely that all or any will be able to do so, at least for the foreseeable future. The Insider's Guide To Buying And Selling Your Home Using The Internet , Dearborn , a consumer homebuying and selling guide.