Real estate site sees surge in traffic

HomeGain recently reported gains in Web traffic in January as more consumers are flocking online to begin their home buying or selling process. The company, now owned by Classified Ventures, reported 6.87 million total online visits with 5.2 million unique visitors in January, up 112 percent from the same month a year earlier. HomeGain matches home buyers and sellers with real estate professionals. According to the company's estimates, it is the second most visited real estate site after Realtor.com, which is the most visited. HomeGain was acquired by Classified Ventures in 2005. Classified Ventures is a joint venture among six major media companies, including Belo Corp., Gannett Co. Inc., Knight Ridder, The McClatchy Co., Tribune Co., and The Washington Post Co. In addition to HomeGain, Classified Ventures owns Cars.com, Homescape.com and Apartments.com. *** Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to jessica@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 133....