RISMEDIA, September 5, 2007–Homescape®, a leading online provider of local, comprehensive real estate property listings and rich content, has announced the addition of a “Mortgage Center” section to the website. The new content is provided in partnership with Bankrate, Inc. (NASDAQ: RATE), an online aggregator of consumer financial interest rate information.”This content partnership with Bankrate has given us a very strong addition to the information and resources we offer consumers,” said Frank Breithaupt, Vice President and General Manager of Homescape. “Now, in addition to over 2 million listings, we offer our users valuable information regarding mortgage rates and the financial aspects of buying a home.”
Homescape’s Mortgage section will allow consumers to search for a home loan product that will meet their precise needs. Users can find comparable mortgage rates in their local area, as well as, a list of Bankrate’s overnight national average interest rates for a variety of fixed and adjustable rate mortgage and home equity products. The Mortgage Center also includes Bankrate’s articles and features regarding real estate topics, as well as an award-winning mortgage blog. Other sections include a financial glossary, mortgage and home equity basics, expert advice, debt management, and articles dealing with financial literacy.
“This offering will create a one-stop shop for the consumer. Home buyers can search Homescape’s property listings, and combine that with the information Bankrate provides on mortgages and financing options.” said Mike Ricciardelli, SVP of Business Development and Consumer Marketing for Bankrate, Inc.
In addition to the property listings and seven million property photos, Homescape simplifies the home search for buyers by allowing them to find resale, new construction, newspaper classifieds and open house properties from across the country. Homescape offers consumers one simple search with multiple options to view and manage results. The site also provides advertising opportunities with unlimited text and photos for real estate professionals, offering rich content and exposure to serious, local home buyers.
Homescape is a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC, a strategic joint venture owned by Belo Corporation, Gannett Co., Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company.
