# How to connect your own domain

> On a paid plan, go to Website, then Domain, type your domain (e.g. www.yourname.com) and click Connect, add the CNAME record shown at your registrar, then click Re-check DNS; SSL is set up for you.

- Product: RealtyTerminus (DIY real estate websites)
- Category: Your domain
- Plan: Basic, MLS or Builder plan
- Where in the admin: https://my.realtyterminus.net/domain
- Updated: 2026-10-18
- Web page: https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/how-to-connect-your-own-domain

Every website has a free address like `yourname.realtyterminus.net`. On a paid plan you can use a domain you own instead, bought from any registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace, Cloudflare…). Only your website moves: your email stays with your current provider.

## Steps

1. **Open Domain.** Open **Website** in the menu and click **Domain**.
   ![The Custom domain page showing the free address and the Connect a domain you own form.](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/img/domain-connect.webp)
2. **Enter your domain.** Under **Connect a domain you own** type your domain into **Domain**. We recommend the www version, e.g. `www.janesmithhomes.ca`, or a sub-domain such as `homes.janesmith.ca`. Click **Connect**.
3. **Add the DNS record.** **DNS setup** shows the exact record to add, with **Copy** buttons and step-by-step instructions. Sign in where you manage your domain’s DNS and add it. See [Which DNS records do I add for my domain?](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/dns-records-for-your-domain)
   ![The DNS record table: Type CNAME, Host www, Value sites.realtyterminus.net, TTL 3600 or Auto, with copy buttons.](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/img/domain-dns-setup.webp)
4. **Forward the root domain.** If you connected a www address, also forward the root domain (e.g. `janesmithhomes.ca`) to `https://www.janesmithhomes.ca` at your registrar: look for “Forwarding” or “URL redirect” and choose Permanent (301).
5. **Click Re-check DNS.** Come back and click **Re-check DNS**. When the record is found, your website goes live on your domain and the SSL certificate (https) is issued automatically. We keep checking for you too.

## Questions

### How long does it take?

DNS changes usually take a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours.

### Will my email stop working?

No. Don’t change your MX (email) records; your email stays with your current provider.

### Can I connect a domain on the Free plan?

No. The Free plan runs on your free address only. Choose Basic, MLS or Builder to connect a domain.

### I didn’t finish within 14 days. What now?

Add the record, then click **Connect again** to get another 14 days.

## Related

- [Which DNS records do I add for my domain?](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/dns-records-for-your-domain.md)
- [How to point extra domains to your website](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/how-to-add-extra-domains.md)
- [How to add your website to Google Search Console and Bing](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/how-to-verify-your-website-with-google.md)
- [How to upgrade from the free trial to a paid plan](https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/how-to-upgrade-your-plan.md)

Source: https://www.realtyterminus.com/help/how-to-connect-your-own-domain · RealtyTerminus Help Centre · last updated October 18, 2026