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Street View From Google: A Time-Saving Tool

By
Real Estate Agent with Ad Astra Realty BR00222587

Olathe Kansas Rental Property

Ever get a call from a listing prospect and you want to have an idea of what the house looks like before you get there?  Or wonder if the home has good curb appeal? 

Well, now there is Google Street View.  Simply type in an address on the Google search box and a map will appear.  If your home's street is highlighted in blue then there should be a photo box that you can click on.  Click on that photo and you'll get Street View.

It's pretty handy.  And pretty cool.  But a couple warnings;

  • Not every street is available.
  • Not every view is accurate.

For instance, the photo up top is of one of my rental properties in Olathe, Kansas.  When I typed in the address it actually had me almost 1/4 of a mile off to the west.  So I just moved the photo on down the street until I got there.  But it would be harder if I didn't know that the house pictured wasn't my house.  But like I said, this is an income property of mine, so I figured it out pretty quickly.

Play with it and have fun.  It's pretty easy to use. 

Comments (7)

Bob Jakowinicz
National Realty Centers Livonia--Bob Jakowinicz - Livonia, MI
Michigan Real Estate Agent-- MI Real Adventures
Wow, I can't wait to check this out.....
Feb 14, 2008 07:38 AM
Kent Simpson
Realty One Group Mountain Desert - Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Is About People
I've noticed the same inaccuracy with Google Maps on addresses--they'll get you in the neighborhood, but not always to the right spot.  I like their functionality on a lot of things:  they'll get it worked out sooner rather than later.
Feb 14, 2008 12:34 PM
Sandra Carlisle (Ayers)
Berkshire Hathaway California Properties - Newport Beach, CA
Real Estate Marketing & Sales
This technology freaks me out a little.  Big Brother anyone?  It is kinda cool though...
Feb 14, 2008 12:37 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital
Chris, I wonder how a house gets on there?  Couldn't find mine or one that sold recently on my block.
Feb 14, 2008 12:46 PM
Chris Frantz
EDU Real Estate Group - Indianapolis, IN

Immersive media is driving every street in the country taking photos.  

Check it out. http://immersivemedia.com/

They should partner with the post office and put cameras on all the postal vehicles.  Then you could have fresh pictures daily.

 

 

Feb 14, 2008 02:24 PM
Chris Frantz
EDU Real Estate Group - Indianapolis, IN

Here is a link to where they have been.

http://demos.immersivemedia.com/onlinecities/

Feb 14, 2008 02:44 PM
Chris Lengquist
Ad Astra Realty - Olathe, KS
Kansas City Real Estate Investing

Bob - have fun but be aware of the inaccuracies at this time.

Kent - agreed.  They have to start somewhere.

Sandra - We're way past 1984.  :)

Pat - Here in my town most is covered but even my house is not.

Chris - Thanks for your input. 

Feb 15, 2008 01:04 AM