I am working on a site for my mother who is a realtor. She already has a domain but is not happy with her current web company. I am looking to build a content management system that is easy for her to upload new listings.

I am contemplating Typepad (Pro version) vs. Movable Type. I'm not positive what the benefits are to using MT since Typepad already has a host of features. Is there a reason I should consider MT instead?

Your feedback would be much appreciated.

Is there some reason you think the blog format will work best for this site? Will she be writing articles regularly?

No, I don't want a blog format. She won't be adding articles, just photos and new listings plus the usual realtor links. I tried creating a mockup in Typepad but turned off the comment and date features to make it look more like a regular site. The only reason I considered TP is because of ease of use.

If I could I would like to create a site that looks something like this:

http://www.isellfairfax.com/

It has to be super easy for her to add content.

Am I better off using MT?

Thanks for your reply.

I'd say you're definitely better off with your own installation of MT since it will allow you to install custom plugins to better manage your site. If you want editing features comparable to those offered by typepad you might like to check out this tutorial:

http://www.movalog.com/archives/hacks/htmlarea.php

But do carefully think through the wisdom of using MT/Typepad for this. They're great products, but you may end up spending more time stretching them to fit your needs than you would building a custom solution or using another off-the-shelf option.

I agree — go with MT because it gives you more flexibility. I use MT on my site (and like that realtor, I'm in NoVa!) and I'm not really a blog. Typepad is mainly good if you want a blog and don't want to deal with server configuration and installing MT.

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your replies.

Here's another question. Let's say I go with MT and use their hosting service (Media Temple) for her existing domain. Can I design in MT without taking down her old site until I'm ready to go live with the new design? Her current web co. hosts the old site, not sure through whom.

Consider TextPattern also. An excellent CMS, and free.

Shouldn't be a problem. And MT has an excellent support system, either through forums or tickets, that can further assist you.