I read that certain .com domains will be reserved after they expire at this location:
[res-dom.iana.org...]
The document clearly indicates two character .com domains like the one I am interested in will be reserved. The document states: "These names are reserved from initial registration, but to the extent they are already registered the existing registrant may renew them."
That means when I read it that only the existing registrant (i.e. the current owner of the domain) can renew the domain. Does that mean if I purchase the domain from the current owner than I will not be able to renew the domain later? Or perhaps ownership of the domain can not even transfer hands in the first place?
Would someone please tell me EXACTLY what rules apply here? Am I out of luck? Or is there in fact something I can do? I even looked at the ICANN website and didn't find any answers to my question there.
If you don't know the answer to my question can you point me in the right direction? Thanks.
When you get control of a two character domain it is recommended that you renew it as long as possible to prevent losing it. I believe GoDaddy offers a 10 year registration for $60 or so, other registrars have similar deals.
You should have no problems renewing it once you get it to the registrar of your choice. Just make sure you use the registrar lock because of the new transfer rules coming up which make it easy to steal a domain from someone otherwise.
To ensure you don't lose the domain name you desired, another option
is to give half of your payment to the current owner and have him/her
change the details and give you the log-in. Once you confirm you're
able to log inside the account, change the username & password, then
you can remit the remaining balance.
Finally, to ensure everything is hunky-dory, you may want to consider
putting it in writing.
Hope this helps.