Google Maps Real Estate Data Adds Pressure to Zillow

Google maps added new features with things like brand new high-resolution Street View imagery or detailed map data. Google made it easier to find real estate listings. Now, you can simply select “Real Estate” from the ‘More’ button on the top right of any Google Map to discover listings. From there, it’s a simple matter to refine your search using the left hand panel – price, bedrooms, bathrooms, and so on.

Find more information about new real estate features on Google’s Blog.

Find more information about new real estate features on Google’s Blog.

Google Street View for Real Estate

Google Street View is a new feature of Google Maps that allows you to quickly and easily view and navigate high-resolution, 360 degree street level images of various cities around the world.

Many questions about properties, neighbors, and neighborhoods cannot be fully answered by information provided in the listing. Street view, by Google Maps, is a convenient tool to help answers many of those questions.

WARNING: Street view is not a real-time application and photos may no longer accurately represent the current property.

What are ways  real estate agents may use Google Maps Street View?

1. Map Showings / Choose Routes
   Get familiar with your showing routes and neighborhood homes.
2. Preview Homes
   Identify external features your clients are looking for. Use the overhead map view to check out the backyard.
3. Service Out-of-Town Clients
   Street View is perfect for out-of-town clients not familiar with the area. Send clients links to various areas; allow them to browse homes and develop a realistic expectation.
4. Check out the Neighbors
   How well are neighbors maintaining their homes? Are there cars in the front yard on blocks?
5. Evaluate Safety
   Get a sense of how safe the front yard is for kids, or even check out the local speed limit.

http://maps.google.com/

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Blue Atlas Technology Ships First Map-Based Real Estate Search App for Apple’s iPhone

Blue Atlas Broker Version 1.0 is the first Real Estate Search Application for the iPhone to display results on an embedded, fully interactive Google Map. Wherever you are just shake your iPhone and nearby property appears on your screen.

Blue Atlas Technology, LLC begins shipping Blue Atlas Broker Real Estate Search for the iPhone. Blue Atlas Broker Version 1.0 is a native iPhone application that allows users to quickly and easily search for Real Estate wherever they are. Blue Atlas Broker uses the iPhone’s built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) and a custom fully interactive Google Map to display results from any location. Blue Atlas Broker is designed to be flexible, fast, and easy to use. Just shake and property appears on your iPhone!

Blue Atlas Broker encompasses all markets, providing easy searches for home sales, condos, apartments, co-ops and land. Search all properties for sale or rent as well as properties under foreclosure. Blue Atlas Broker has flexible filters to narrow down property searches based on price, bedrooms, bathrooms, and distance from current location. Entering keyword phrases will narrow searches even further. In addition Blue Atlas Broker will also search for property anywhere via city, zip-code or street address.

I was out on a recent weekend with a client showing several properties. During the showings they asked to also see foreclosures in the area. With (literally) a quick shake of the iPhone I was able to show them both foreclosures and other listings right in the neighborhood, and they loved it. No printouts or fiddling with the laptop and wireless card needed!

Blue Atlas Broker was designed for Real Estate Professionals, and anyone searching for property. In addition to viewing the property location on a map, results include a detailed property description, multiple color photographs, broker contact information, property web-site links, and more. Save properties as favorites, call or email the broker for more information, and email property listings to anyone. The email even contains a link to a map so the recipient can view the property location via desktop computer.

“I was out on a recent weekend with a client showing several properties. During the showings they asked to also see foreclosures in the area. With (literally) a quick shake of the iPhone I was able to show them both foreclosures and other listings right in the neighborhood, and they loved it. No printouts or fiddling with the laptop and wireless card needed!” Marie LaMora, RE/MAX Innovations.

Blue Atlas Broker uses Google’s extensive Real Estate Database of over 3 million properties. This database includes MLS listings, for sale by owner, rentals, land and more. To view a video demo of the product go to http://www.blueatlasbroker.com.

Blue Atlas Broker Version 1.0 is available free for a limited time via the iTunes App Store.