Google Maps Real Estate Listings- Are the agents and MLS boards Nervous?

Excellent post Chuck! I worte a similar article on the fate of the beloved buggy whip. To quote:

"Darwin wrote that in the long run, only those who can adapt and remain "fit" in a changing landscape survive. I think it's about time that we stop trying to improve upon an inferior system, and start adapting. If not, I fear we might find ourselves doomed to the fate of our beloved buggy whip."

Agents are an extremely valuable part of the homebuying/homeselling process... but we must keep up with the times!

Very well clarified, Chuck. I think people get worried or afraid they will become useless. That's why, every day, we need to ask ourselves: 'how can I make myself more useful?' My mother used to say  'make yourself useful'... I can't imagine the world will ever run out of things that need doing - by DO-ers.We can at least have useful thoughts and a useful attitude before we leave home. Thanks for the post!

LOL, I bet there aren't too many moms that didn't say make yourself useful.   Thanks for yet another informative piece of information.  We need to start calling you the 'Info Guru'. 

Thanks for the information. I will check out my listings in google.

Chuck - must be wonderful-mom-wisdom :-)

Thanks for the post on google mapping - I agree it doesn;t replace us -- it just helps us

You are definitely right about Google wanting to be the "destination for all-things web".  They could probably use that phrase as par of a marketing campaign.  I do believe it is important that all business professionals continue to try to stay ahead when it comes to technology in this information age.  Thanks for the helpful information.

It is just amazing.  Buyers want need us at all pretty soon.  They may not know it yet but the time is coming.

Hi Chuck,

When your right, your right! I see so many people (and not just in the RE industry) afraid of the technology for a variety of reasons. It is nothing more than a rapidly changing set of tools to use, for those who will learn to use them. And you wisely pointed out that ultimately clients still need us to write up a contract and proceed with all the rest. That is, until Google has written a virtual agent hologram prgram.  

I think its awesome!  Thanks for keeping us updated on the tech stuff:)

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Great article, Chuck. The more exposure we have on the Internet the better. I love seeing my listings out there, and I know lots of buyers who search by maps, especially those from out of the area. Thanks for the tips.

Jeff

I am using a Google Map widget on one of my listings' website.  it is great.  It lets a prospective buyer see the neighborhood and the location in the world... not only a map, but a satellite photo.  Tools are great. 

Chuck, I liked the post as well - I need to look into it further though, while my listings are current on google base, they are not here on this particualr search, yet.  Off to figure this out...

As a website developer we have been extremely frustrated with the MLS's (6 to be exact) we deal with.  With Google getting into the market this will force MLS's to play catch up and or let outside vendors do more for their clients. 

James Cox
Seven Design Studios
Internet Marketing & Website Design

I feel this is a great resource / tool for Real Estate Agent, like you said Google does not writte up the contracts!