Registering on this site

First I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this.

When registering on this site you will not be taken directly to the registration form, instead, you will encounter our ‘Bot’ screening form. However, don’t worry, it is very simple; just answer the one ‘Are you a bot?’ question, select the requested icon, and select SUBMIT – That’s it.

Why the form and not have a image/puzzle CAPTCHA on the registration form?

Unfortunately, it’s a necessary step to prevent spam bots flooding the site with garbage. I try to keep the screening as simple as possible as I also don’t like complicated CAPTCHAs myself. The form also has other hidden features to trip-up bots and reduces load on the website (not starting/loading the registration process).

You will notice that below the submit button on the ‘Bot’ screening form, that there is a blurb about user types; Subscriber, Realtor, Property Owner, Property Management, and Agency. It is recommended to choose the correct user type, so that you can take advantage of any tools/features for that type of user. At this time if you need to change the user type, you will have to contact us to make the change.

The registration form for each user type are the same with the exception of the Subscriber form does not have a field for company name. Again, I try to keep things as simple and easy as possible with only asking for the basic information to create an account. Once you hit the CREATE ACCOUNT button, you will have to check your email inbox/junk folder for the confirmation link. This is one last step in thwarting bots and spammers as they rarely if ever give out a real email address or check them.

I verified my email, now what?

After you verify your email and logged in as anything other than a subscriber, it is recommended to go directly to the ‘Account’ tab in the main navigation. Once there, add some information about you or the company in the Bio field and update account. Do not put contact information in the Bio field (more on this later). Don’t forget to dress up your profile with a banner and avatar, this will make your profile in the members (users) directory look more professional. Once ready, go to your privacy settings and turn off ‘Hide profile from the users listing page’ in the Privacy settings. If you logged in as a subscriber, there’s no need to update your profile bio and banner as it will not be displayed in the members (users) directory. However it is recommended to add an avatar image as that will be displayed in any messages you send to other users. BTW: Navigation to the members directory is only visible to logged in users, another feature to stop data harvesting.

Why no contact information in the Bio field?

Even though DwellingFind.com does not sell or give out your contact information, unfortunately, the internet is full of Bots, Scrapers, Email Harvesters/Data Miners, Scammers and Spammers that won’t think twice about collecting this information if published. You know that once it’s out there, it is nearly impossible to take it back. If you want to publish a commercial phone number, you are welcome to. However, I strongly recommend NOT publishing your personal or cellphone number.

So how does someone reach someone with a listing?

This website has messaging capabilities. If you are logged in, you will see ‘Messages’ in the main navigation. There you can enter the contact name in the search box or visit the contact’s profile page to contact them. Also, if you visit your profile page, you can see if there’s any messages waiting for you. If you stay on the ‘Messages’ page, received messages will appear there automatically (just like any other messaging app).

If you registered as a Subscriber, check out the listings and explore your account tools and features.

If you registered as a member (realtor, property owner, property management, or agency), check out the ‘Money, Money, Money‘ post (if you have not already) for information on how to post your listings for free.