Google Maps adds more real estate data

[EastCoast]

Does this concern anyone? I wonder how far they are going to go with this...

http://www.informationweek.com/news/...leID=221400159

[Portland Real Estate]

Yes, Googles real estate plans are certainly of concern... but what are you going to do?

[NancyDennisAssociates]

I thought this was a good news thread when I read the title, but hmmmmmm.....

[abcharlton]

That is kind of cool that they have the store names on the buildings when you zoom in now. That makes it a little bit easier to research a neighborhood.

[Arizona Real Estate]

I guess it really depends where the source will be directed to inquire further. It does make us wonder. Since the banking industry always wanted to get into real estate, I have to laugh that they are now getting their wish. I don't think they will want any part of it once the short sales and foreclosures are a thing of the past.

[nyccountryhomes]

Oh Man...when google enters into something you better be prepared! At least I don't think its heavily advertised yet.

[nyccountryhomes]

Yes, Googles real estate plans are certainly of concern... but what are you going to do?

There is little you can do, Big G is an UNSTOPPABLE BEAST! lol

[EastCoast]

There is little you can do, Big G is an UNSTOPPABLE BEAST! lol

They are...and that's what worries me. I don't need Google in my business, or competing with me (the future, perhaps?). I guess a good idea would be to beef up information on your local area information, since Google may have a hard time doing that.

[pwsolutions]

They are...and that's what worries me. I don't need Google in my business, or competing with me (the future, perhaps?). I guess a good idea would be to beef up information on your local area information, since Google may have a hard time doing that.

I agree with you..

[Gary Halbert]

I guess there are some trade-offs, though. For example, the street view, which only Google can provide, must surely be considered a positive for agents in that it can, if used properly, eliminate time-wasting enquiries from potential out-of-town buyers about a property which, they think they are interested in until they see either the street scene, surrounding homes, the neighbourhood, etc. The street view does enable buyers to draw up a portfolio of properties they would like to be shown with more accuracy. The client can make a simple call to the agent - or email - providing a list of the properties wished to be viewed and from that the agent can tee-up the viewings well in advance and show the client a dozen in a morning, one after the other, subject to availability of owners. I think in that way it simplifies the process and saves time.

Maybe agents could think along the lines of asking clients to use Google street view, rather than they, the agents, selecting properties for viewing which they, the agent, think match the client's criteria - often properties selected by agents simply don't meet the client's parameters.

If you build your site deliberately to cater for Google street maps info', including paying close attention to the wording which appears as introductory info' on each property in the left hand column and corresponds with the markers on the Google satelite image, I think you can use it to your advantage. By establishing a high profile in property listings in any particular area or suburb, so that you have a greater percentage listed in the left hand margin than any other agent in the same suburb, the client is more likely to call your office than that of an agent with a much lower presence - for the reason they want to see as many properties in the area as possible.

It is possibly all about not only educating agents to take advantage of this, but also educating the client likewise.