Question 1

How do I buy a domain safely?

Accepted Answer

Use named escrow (Escrow.com, Sedo, or marketplace rails) so funds release when your registrar shows control, not when you follow an email wire instruction. Confirm seller identity and domain history before funding. For account-level buys, use the Buy accounts hygiene checklist.

Question 2

How do I know what a domain is worth?

Accepted Answer

Build a range from comparable sales, traffic, revenue, and legal risk, then stress-test against your use case. Add a paid appraisal or broker opinion if stakeholders need a formal line; keep your assumptions explicit. See Know what a domain is worth and Valuation and pricing on this wiki.

Question 3

What is the difference between a domain appraisal and comp-based pricing?

Accepted Answer

An appraisal is a structured estimate; comps anchor your number to real sales. Use both for material decisions; neither replaces legal or tax advice.

Question 4

When should I hire a domain broker?

Accepted Answer

When you need seller outreach, stealth, or negotiation you do not have in-house, and you still close through escrow with a named provider. Compare options in the marketplace, broker, and escrow guide on this wiki.

Question 5

How do I buy a domain that is already taken?

Accepted Answer

Trace ownership via WHOIS and landing pages, verify you are talking to the real owner, agree on price in writing, and use escrow. See the wiki guides on finding owners and the Buyers Journey section.

Question 6

How do I build a domain portfolio?

Accepted Answer

Start with a thesis (liquidity vs. speculative brandables, geographic focus, TLD mix), run consistent diligence on every buy, and track renewals and exits in one place. See Domain portfolio and Portfolio strategy.

Question 7

What is the safest way to transfer a domain?

Accepted Answer

Use escrow that releases funds only after the domain is in your control at your registrar, then enable registrar lock and two-factor authentication immediately. See Escrow, transfers and security for step-by-step guidance.

Domain Buying and Investing Wiki