Google Earth ROCKS!

Google Earth brings scouting out potential neighborhoods to a whole new level!

My wife and I used Google Earth so often during our own home search last Summer that I don’t know what we would have done without it. Sure, other companies offer satellite imagery, but none are as cool looking, easy to use, and FREE like Google’s version

Static mapping points, especially those found in our local MLS, are often inaccurate in terms of the location on a street. Before using Google I actually discounted some listings thinking that the houses were right on busy streets, only to find out that the house was at the end of the cul-de-sac. Google Earth allows you to zoom in on the satellite image to see what the neighborhood looks like. You can see the nearby playgrounds, schools, businesses, concentration of houses, yards sizes, and more. The only limitation I’ve found is that you can’t tell which side of the street the house is on. That can come in handy when trying to determine if railroad tracks are beyond the back yard. You can also type in multiple addresses to see how far apart they are.

Just for fun click on the Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon, or New York City links and watch as you “fly” from your neighborhood to each sightseeing place you like. Many cities are being drawn in 3D format which looks amazing.

Here’s the link to download Google earth for free: http://earth.google.com/