What is a domain name? A domain name, also know as a web address, is the name you type into the address bar of your internet browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox) to visit a site on the internet.

You can register a domain name through the registrar or registrar re-seller of your choice. A registrar is a company that is accredited by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to register Internet domain names. TIP: Always be sure to keep a record of your registrar and the login information. You will need this information to access your domain name in the future.

When you register a domain name, you own the right to use that name for a defined period of time. Many domains are initially registered for a 2-year period, but can be registered for a total of 10 years at a time. After a domain is registered, you will have to pay a renewal fee once your initial registration period expires. If you do not renew in time, you risk losing control of the domain name and causing your website to be offline. However, as long as you continue to renew the registration of your domain it is essentially yours to do what you want with!

What's the status of your domain name? Does it need to be renewed? Not sure? Visit a “whois” search like www.BetterWhois.com and enter your web address to find out. TIP: When you search a whois for your domain, always be sure the contact information associated with your domain name is correct. The “admin email” is typically where your registrar will send domain name renewal notifications.

Owning a domain name also gives you the ability to have a more personalized email address. So, if you own the domain janesmith.com, instead of using janesmith@hotmail.com, you can now have the email address jane@janesmith.com!

If you are a Homes.com member, our Customer Service department can answer any questions you might have regarding your domain name or assist you in setting up personalized email at your domain name as well.

So, on your own – or with the assistance of your website hosting company, stay on top of the renewal of your valuable domain name and setup your personalized email address today!

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