All JPAR Connect by BoldTrail accounts are set up using a subdomain. Example: FirstNAMElastNAME.jpar.com
Have a domain that you've purchased from a company like GoDaddy that you'd rather market instead?
Excellent! Well, you have a couple of options:
1. Forwarding the Domain
The first option you have it to "forward" that domain to your JPAR Connect by BoldTrail website. This isn't a perfect solution but is great for someone who wants control over their own domain and want to be able to market a more user-friendly website address.
When you "forward" a domain, you are essentially setting up a rule that tells the internet browser that whenever someone visits your domain you want the page to immediately reload and have that user taken to you JPAR Connect by BoldTrail website. For example: If I purchase JohnSellsAZ.com and forward that to johndoe.jpar.com, anytime someone visits johnsellsaz.com they will be immediately sent to my JPAR Connect by BoldTrail website.
It is important to note that with a "forward" the website content doesn't actually live on that domain. The domain is simply being forwarded. So any page that is clicked, the website URL will still be your subdomain.
WARNING: When setting up your "forward" do not select any options that allow for "masking". "Masking" goes against rules and regulations put in place by a majority of the MLSs out there. If you MLS finds your site is being "masked" there is a good chance your site might get taken down, be given a warning, or you could even be fined.
Here are some instructions on forwarding a domain with a common domain registrar: How To Forward Your Domain If You Have GoDaddy
2. Pay To Have Your JPAR Connect by BoldTrail Site Use Your Custom Domain
If you've purchased a custom domain and want to use it for your JPAR Connect by BoldTrail platform, the second option it to pay to have the site hosted on that domain. There is a cost of $11/month but your homepage would be at your custom domain and every JPAR Connect by BoldTrail page (including squeeze pages and landing pages) would utilize that domain as well.
Why the cost?
This option does have a cost of $11/month. The reason BoldTrail/Inside Real Estate charges this is that they have to set up your domain, get IDX approval from your MLS (compliance paperwork, follow-up, MLS processes, etc) and have to make sure your site stays in compliance with said MLS. This process, depending on your MLS, can take several days to several weeks.
If you want to use this option, log in to your JPAR Connect by BoldTrail account and click the Marketplace at the top right and look for "Vanity Domain" then click Learn More from there.
If you have any further questions, please let us know or contact BoldTrail support live chat through your dashboard and they can help you walk through the steps.