Google, Zillow, Trulia and the battle for real estate eyeballs |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
- Apple seen unveiling iPad 3 in first week of March
- Paul Allen's Vulcan wants taller South Lake Union buildings
- Bezos loses $300M on Forbes' billionaire list
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- Apps for daily living: Executives name their favorites
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
- Microsoft, Apple speak out on patents amid mobile-technology wars
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- TechNet study: Washington third in 'app economy' jobs
- Pioneer Square: a little fiber to go with all that brick
- 'Fast Pitch Forum' to debut May 27 with some familiar names
- Pioneer Square: a little fiber to go with all that brick
- Startup seeks a new start: What's next for EquaShip?
- UW opens New Ventures Facility for startups
- Keiretsu Forum NW invested $24 million in 36 startups in 2011
- What's the most you'll pay for an app? Execs have their limits
Mass High Tech
Google, Zillow, Trulia and the battle for real estate eyeballs
Watch out Zillow, Trulia, Estately, Redfin and every other company that's trying to make a buck on online real estate. Google appears to be getting more serious about the real estate search game -- at least in Australia and quite possibly in the backyard of many of Seattle's real estate upstarts.
In a blog post today, the company's Australia unit announced a tighter integration between Google Maps and online real estate listings, allowing those shopping for a home to see properties for sale. The new offering also allows users to limit the search by neighborhoods, bedrooms, price and other factors -- a function found on many other online real estate sites.
But this is Google -- the 800 pound gorilla in the Internet search game. And, according to Search Engine Land, some of those same features have begun to appear on Google Maps in the U.S. too.
For example, a search for "Seattle real estate" in Google Maps allows people to see thousands of for sale listings. It is unclear whether this is a new feature, but Search Engine Land's Matt McGee writes that it is a "more comprehensive version" of the real estate search than Google has ever shown before.
Zillow.com spokeswoman Amy Bohutinsky said that Google appears to be enhancing its real estate listings, something she said the search titan has been doing for more than a year.
And while that could pose a threat to the Seattle startup, Bohutinsky said that Zillow is different because it focuses on every home in the U.S., not just those for sale.
A number of Web sites already offer for sale listings, with Bohutinsky adding that for sale listing sites are a "dime a dozen." She said Zillow wants to serve as a resource through every part of the home ownership process, whether buying, selling, refinancing or remodeling.
As to Google's more serious entree into the category, Bohutinsky said that it shows that "people are going online and searching for real estate."
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
