How do I buy an expired domain name???

Ok, I want to create a fan site for an actress and the .com domain expired on March 6, 2008. I did a "who is" search and found the owner lives in japan (and he never even created a site, just bought the domain name). He's had the name since 2000. But it shows it wasn't renewed. It's actually NEVER been a website.

Ok, so what are my options right now? It's almost been 30 days since the domain name expired. There is absolutely no website up now, it's just an ad and it does say

"This Domain May Be For Sale" with an email address to write to:

buyyourdomainnamenow@gmail.com

I don't think this is an email address for the owner, but I have no idea who this email address goes to. I'm afraid if I send an email, the owner may see someone is interested and renew it.

How can I buy an expired domain? I don't want to make an offer to the owner if they haven't even renewed the domain.

Just go to namecheap.com or godaddy.com. If it is expired, it will show up as available. It will cost about $10 to register for the year. Just follow the directions on the respective site. Also, some places like godaddy, allow you to put in an order for a name that is about to expire and they will try to snatch it up for you if it isn't renewed.

I would go to a hosting site (I use hostexcellence.com, but bluehost.com is good), and buy the domain name!

you asked this already....so here is my answer again...

"usually takes around 45-60 days for it to become publically available.

The previous owner will have a few chances to renew it before that of course.

If you really want the domain then you might want to look into putting a backorder on the domain, costs about $19 and includes the first year registration. Its not a guarantee but gives yo the best chance to get it.

Also keep checking it, the previous owner might be holding out to renew it until the end of his grace period, checking to see if there is any interest by anyone to buy it from him."

Go to a domain registration site (GoDaddy.com is one) and just register it yourself. It is now fair game if it is expired.

I know this for a fact due to our local Heidi Search organization had this happen. They missed the renewal date and a porn site got it. Happy ending, they got the owner to release it back to them.

So go for it.