Coldwell Banker iPhone Search Platform Is Launched

COLDWELL BANKER BECOMES FIRST NATIONAL REAL ESTATE BRAND TO DEBUT HOME SEARCH INTERFACE FOR iPHONE

 PARSIPPANY, N.J. - Sept. 29, 2008 - Continuing to blaze a path of innovation in the real estate industry, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC today became the first full-service national real estate brand to launch a customized online platform for iPhoneTM users.  

The Coldwell Banker flagship Web site, coldwellbanker.com, now has a different look and feel, along with navigation specifically tailored for optimal viewing on the iPhone, most notably with the property listings search and home value estimator functions.  When a user accesses the site through his or her handset, the Coldwell Banker Web site automatically recognizes that it is being accessed by an iPhone, and will serve up the special iPhone interface.  iPhone users do not need to download any special software to benefit from this enhancement to the Coldwell Banker mobile technology.

"Providing easy access to real-time real estate information is critical for consumers in the home buying and selling process," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.  "Distribution of listings is crucial in today's environment.  Our mobile society is moving away from the desktop and utilizing cell phones and PDAs for more and more content and entertainment.  With so many connecting to the Web by phone, we have to be where the consumer is in a way that makes sense."

Those looking for a home will be able to search for homes and utilize the brand's home value estimator.  In addition, consumers will be able to enter specific search criteria such as city, state, price as well as optional filters including number of bedrooms and bathrooms.  When a property is selected, iPhone users can view all of the specifications for that home and contact an agent directly.

"Now more than ever consumers want to access information about a home as they see it, pass it or hear about," continued Fischer.  "Being in front of a computer should not be mandatory."

Here in Central PA the popularity of the iPhone will make this web portal a hit, according to Coldwell Banker Select Professionals Vice President Jeff R. Geoghan.  "Many professionals have switched to the iPhone this year, agents included.  The Coldwell Banker site will make it 100% easier to quickly search and get directions mapped right there on the phone".

Earlier this year Coldwell Banker became the first national real estate brand to put its listings on in-car GPS devices through an exclusive feed to Dash Navigation.  Drivers can now call up Coldwell Banker listings, map them, get directions and view other Coldwell Banker listings in close proximity.

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Computers, Inc.