Domain Options for Seller Lead Sites and Single Property Sites

Summary

When you create a Seller Lead Site or Single Property Site, you choose how its web address is set up: a free Sierra subdomain, a custom domain you already own, or a new domain registered through Sierra. This article compares all three options including setup steps, timelines, and feature differences like unbranded tour support so you can pick the best fit for your business. 

Table of Contents

1. Why Your Domain Choice Matters

2. Compare Your Options at a Glance

3. Before You Begin

4. Domain Options: Setup & What to Expect 

5. Best Practices

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

7. FAQs

Why Your Domain Choice Matters 

Your domain is part of your online brand and your seller presentation. It affects:

1. How professional your marketing looks — a branded URL makes a stronger impression on listing presentations, mailers, and signage.

2. How quickly your site can go live — a Sierra subdomain launches instantly, while custom domains require setup time.
3. Whether your site supports unbranded tours — an MLS compliance requirement in many markets that is only available with a custom domain. 

Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose the option that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort with technical setup.

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Compare Your Options at a Glance

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Before You Begin

• You must be a Primary Manager or Manager level user with permissions to create these sites or attach domains
• You'll make your domain selection during the Seller Lead Site or Single Property Site creation process. To create the site itself, see Creating Single Property Sites for Listing Exposure or Create Effective Seller Lead Sites to Capture Homeowner Leads.
• ⚠️ If your MLS requires unbranded tours for listing syndication, plan for a custom or Sierra-registered domain from the start. Sierra subdomains do not support unbranded tours.
• If you plan to connect a domain you already own, have your registrar login credentials ready as you'll need to update nameservers there.

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Domain Options: Setup & What to Expect

Option 1: Use a Free Sierra Subdomain

When creating your site, choose the option to use a Sierra subdomain.

Example URL: yourchoice.onepageproperties.com

What to expect:

• The subdomain is generated instantly — no waiting.
• No domain purchase is required.
• No DNS or nameserver changes are needed.
• The URL is system-generated and cannot be customized or edited later.
• Unbranded tours are not available with this option.

This is the fastest and simplest way to get a site live.

Option 2: Connect a Custom Domain You Own

If you want a branded URL, you can purchase a domain from any registrar and connect it to Sierra.

• Purchase a domain through a registrar (such as GoDaddy or Namecheap).
• Attach the domain in Sierra during site setup.
• Wait for the Support team to secure the site. You'll receive an email from Support@SierraInteractive.com with nameserver instructions.
• Update your nameservers with your registrar. For registrar-specific steps, see How to Change Nameservers in GoDaddy, How to Change Nameservers in Namecheap, or Connect Your Domain: Updating Nameservers in Squarespace.
• Allow time for DNS propagation.
• Once active, Sierra routes the domain to your site.

⚠️ Sierra requires full nameserver control — updating individual DNS records at your registrar is not sufficient. To understand why, see What Is DNS and Why Does Sierra Interactive Manage My Domain?

What you get:

• Unbranded tours are available.
• Full control over your URL and branding.

Option 3: Register a New Domain Through Sierra

You can also register a brand-new domain directly through Sierra during site setup.

• Check domain availability during the site creation process.
• Select Yes, Register the Domain.

What to expect:

• Cost: $16/year. The domain auto-renews annually unless the site is archived. 
• This is Sierra's recommended method as it reduces setup steps, avoids working inside a third-party registrar, and provides the simplest path to an unbranded tour.

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Best Practices

• Choose a Sierra subdomain when speed matters most — it's ideal for a fast launch with zero technical setup or ongoing maintenance.
• Choose a custom domain when branding matters most — for stronger seller presentations, a polished URL, and unbranded tour support.
• If you frequently market luxury or premium listings, a custom domain tends to make a stronger impression.
• If your MLS requires unbranded tours, decide on a custom or Sierra-registered domain before building the site to avoid switching later.
• If you're uncomfortable managing DNS or registrar settings, registering the domain through Sierra gives you a branded URL and the easiest unbranded tour without third-party technical steps.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• My custom domain is not loading
  This usually means the nameservers were not updated correctly or DNS is still propagating. Double-check the nameserver values provided by Sierra.

• My Sierra subdomain does not support an unbranded tour
  Unbranded tours are only available when using a custom domain. Switch to a purchased domain if you need this for MLS compliance.

• My domain is still pointing to my old website
  Make sure you updated the nameservers, not just individual DNS records. Sierra requires full nameserver control. If you need help, see Submit a DNS Update Request to Sierra Support. 

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FAQs

• Do I have to buy a domain?
  No. Sierra offers a free subdomain so you can launch a Seller Lead Site or Single Property Site without purchasing anything.

• Can I customize a Sierra subdomain?
  No. It is system-generated and cannot be edited.

• Does a custom domain look more professional?
  Yes. It reinforces your brand and often feels more polished during listing presentations.

• Do I need a custom domain for unbranded tours?
  Yes. Unbranded tours only work with custom domains.

• Which option is best for beginners?
  Most beginners choose the Sierra subdomain because it requires no technical setup and works immediately.

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