It’s Monday here in Denver and I’ve been catching up on real estate news and cleaning out my inbox after being away for a week. While reading my Google Reader to catch up on the latest news around Denver and in the real estate industry, I came across an announcement I didn’t expect but have been greatly anticipating.
Trulia has released a GPS-based home search iPhone application!
I tend to be in the techie side of real estate trends and many home buyers may not immediately realize what all this means and what a huge evolution this is starting in the real estate industry. Let’s use a scenario to look at the history of real estate information. I want to buy a home or real estate in the Highland. Back in the old days (at least for me), consumers could only get information on homes for sale by looking in the paper, driving around, or working with an agent who would do their best to present what they thought their clients wanted. Then, information became available on the Internet allowing people to search for homes by zip code or city, freeing them to look for homes on their time and schedule. This was an improvement but a zip code can still encompass a large area. So if I’m looking to be in walking distance of a mixed use urban node, I’m still going to get a lot of listings away from my desired location. Our company has been proud to offer map-based searching for the past several months, allowing people a more visual experience, that let’s them focus around an area, showing them clickable icons to get more information on homes nearby. This is still a great tool but you’re still tied to your computer.
Now, you can be mobile, independent and find what’s on the market in any area you’re located in. There are a couple technologies that bring this new platform together. The iPhone has a GPS embedded in it. Also, when Realtors enter homes in the MLS, many times these listings are sent out to various sites to maximize exposure, Trulia being a very well known one. Trulia displays listings on Google Maps which makes for an easy presentation of available homes in an area. The iPhone and Trulia application combine these features and users can now have the Trulia application show them homes on their iPhone based on where they’re currently located using the GPS technology, and even according to a search criteria, like 2 bedrooms under $400,000. Consumers now have access to property information in the palm of their hand and know where to find homes in an area they want to be in!
The Trulia tool currently displays the listing agent contact information for any listing but remember to keep us in mind as your Denver Real Estate Market Connection! Enjoy this video from Trulia:
If you use this tool and have any stories to share, please leave a comment and I hope you enjoy!
Download Trulia_iPhone_Real_Estate_App.mp3
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Derec!
Thank you for great review of our new Trulia iPhone app. The iPhone’s GPS functionality really adds tremendous opportunity for both agents and consumers to search for available real estate within their immediate area – walking or driving distance if you will. Although it’s our first version, the feedback has been great and we have over 6,400 downloads thus far. More great features to be added in future versions….
Stay well and see you on Twitter
Rudy
Social Media Guru at Trulia
Rudy, congrats on the success of your iPhone app. I’ve been showing it off to other agents and have sent a lot of traffic your way. Can’t wait to see what’s in store! Derec
Thanks for showing the app off to our fellow agents……I can’t wait for the new release either
Just mentioned you in my new blog post:
Over 70,000 downloads thus far:
http://www.truliablog.com/2008/09/18/trulia-iphone-app-downloaded-over-70000-times/
Best,
Rudy
Social Media Guru at Trulia
Rudy,
Thanks for the mention! It’s a great tool and we have other ideas for the future of this app…..