Template Advice – New Website

[ Moderator note: moved to Fixing WordPress. ]

Hello, I creating a new site and would appreciate any advice on templates, resources, future-proofing (as much as possible) with the ability to make changes in the look and feel, etc, etc.

The focus of the site will be a portal for the anything and everything useful – community events, non-profit events, military bases, city info, neighborhood associations, etc. – with a focus on real estate. I’m a Realtor, but don’t want to create a real estate centric site.

The idea is for real estate info to be available throughout, but not intrusive. Real estate information would be subtly available on each page. The site should feel like a timely and useful resource for the geographic area. I would also like to automatically feed as much as possible to the site from information sources, when possible.

Currently I’m experimenting with the “eMag” theme (free version, hosted on GoDaddy). Is there typically a value in purchasing themes (vs. the free version)?

Suggestions on getting up and running quickly would also be appreciated.

I am new to Word Press, although I have had success in the past with other blogs and a real estate website.

Again, any and all suggestions would be very much appreciated! Thanks!