PropertyMaps
PropertyMaps – Your Home For Real Estate Information
Update: November 11, 2009
PropertyMaps Inc. has been acquired
Read the official press release
In a nutshell, PropertyMaps is a powerful online real estate search that combines complete Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access with the revolutionary and easy-to-use interface of Google Maps. And just as the tag-line suggests, PropertyMaps is the one-stop-place for all real estate related information.
For those whom are closer to me, I guess you already know that PropertyMaps, Inc. is a company I and a few friends from the US co-founded approx. two and a half years ago.
I’ll spare you all with the details, the ups and downs, etc., about starting a start-up. I think it is more appropriate to let you know, in the simplest way, what PropertyMaps does and offers. First off:
About PropertyMaps
Using popular mapping tools such as Google Maps, Google Earth, and Microsoft Virtual Earth, PropertyMaps.com enables people to quickly search and easily visualize millions of real estate listings by plotting their locations and local market data free of charge. PropertyMaps.com is the first Internet site to provide map-based access to the authentic Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases that are used by Realtors® nationwide.
PropertyMaps also delivers the content wirelessly to Internet-enabled phones, PDAs, GPS-enabled and other mobile devices. Visitors are also able to access foreclosure or pre-foreclosure homes on PropertyMaps.com, through a partnership with RealtyTrac (www.realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties.
Since its launch in October 2006, PropertyMaps has signed strategic alliances with major partners in the United States, India, United Kingdom and Latin America, and will continue to expand its international presence with the launch of a formal partner program in 2008.
Main Features of PropertyMaps
Now, let me go through some of the main features:
The mapper
After you enter a search criteria (town, city, zip code) you will be presented with the mapper. Here you will see a list of the search results on the left. In the middle is a map of the location of your search. Those who are familiar with GoogleMaps will feel right at home: you can zoom in and out on the map, pan, etc. Anyway, on the map, you will see lots of pushpins which plot the location of the properties from your search (reflected from the results on the left). If you click a ‘pushpin’ on the map or click the ‘locate’ link in the list of the result on the left, an overlay speech bubble will appear on the map over the selected pushpin giving you some minor details about the property.
The details page
After you click on the ‘details’ link on the mapper page (on the speech-bubble or list of results in the left), you will be taken to the details page for the property. On this page, you will find all the details regarding the property:
- gallery of photos of the property
- a mini GoogleMap of the location
- the price and descriptions of the property
- a set of links for contacting the agent/broker of the property
- a comparative market which gives you the price range of properties within the area
- community amenities
- interior, exertior and utilities information
The business information tab on the detials page
We have over 2.5 million businesses mapped on our maps. On the page/tab, you can find out how many restaurants, hospitals, libraries, parks, etc., etc. are in the neighbourhood, their exact locations on the map, and their full contact details. You’ll know exactly how close that night club is or how close the school is to your desired property!
To top it off, we at PropertyMaps ‘care about families’ therefore we have also plotted sexual offenders’ details and locations on our map. Bear in mind, this information is readily available on the National Sex Offenders Registry. PropertyMaps just makes it a little easier for home buyers to find the information.
An old Channel 8 News coverage on the topic. That is Keith (a lawyer) interviewed, one of my partners and co-founder. Great guy.
The street view tab on the details page
Also on the details page is a ‘street view’ tab. Here, you can take a virual walk of the area surrounding your desired property. So yeah, this is pretty awesome – you can see if you like the neighbourhood before you jet off to visit the property.
Contact agent links on the details page
The contact link provides you with a handful of tools to contact the agent:
- email the broker/agent
- request callback – the agent will call you for a chat as soon as they receive the request (usually instantly)
- schedule a vist – check if the date you wish to make a visit is available and book it
- get pre-approved for a loan
Discussion forums
Need some tips on decorating your new home? Want to know how to bunny-proof your rooms? Want to know certain things regarding mortgage applications? Here is the place to get answers, ask questions, offer your advices, make new friends, etc., etc.
PropertyMaps E-Store
Once you have found that super-awesome dream home of yours and are ready to move, we have all the gear you’ll ever need to pack your stuff! Our E-Store sells all kinds of moving boxes, covers, tools, sealing products, etc.
My PropertyMaps
To get the most out of PropertyMaps, it is best to register for an account because not only will it allow you to view the address of properties (by law), you will also be able to:
- Full MLS access to give you the most information about a property
- Real Estate Forum access to answer your real estate related questions
- Location information to allow you to make the most informed decisions
- My PropertyMaps tools to help you manage your property search:
- save your search results for viewing later
- save your ideal properties for viewing later
- set notifications/alerts
- etc., etc.
Other delivery channels – MOBILE
We don’t just stop here with this website! To maximise the delivery channel, we have mobile versions for your mobile gear:
Take PropertyMaps with you on your RIM BlackBerry or Window Mobile smartphone!
- Real-time MLS access
Search MLS for-sale information or other real estate classifieds while on the road. - Easily movable maps
The searching technology works just as well as it would at your desktop computer. Zoom in or out, and move in all directions. - Integrated contacts
Contact a licensed agent to answer any questions or to schedule a viewing appointment, all with a click. No need to write down names, phone numbers, or MLS ID numbers.
Get it here: PropertyMaps mobile
Don’t have a smartphone?
No problem, we have a .mobi site for you! Visit PropertyMaps.mobi
What are you waiting for? Visit PropertyMaps Now!
4 comments
Taking a look at the site now.
Wish you lots of success and continued growth.
Wow! I did not know and love the news. Congratulations! Being involved with a start-up myself, I’m amazed you found the time. Very cool. Looking forward to hearing more.
Thanks, Ed
thats nice of you. Fingers crossed…
Mie
You didn’t know? Well, Dav knows (^_-)
Nice site! I’m in the market for a house, and this has to be one of the better-designed real-estate web sites I’ve seen. The competition looks atrocious.