Greg Sterling over at Local Mobile Search notes Kraft’s launch of an iPhone app that helps users find local grocery stores, build shopping lists and more. It also includes ads and coupons for Kraft products.
Smart people at Kraft apparently think people will pay to be pitched a deal on Philly Cream Cheese on the go: The app costs 99 cents.
So, this works for a major consumer brand? We’ll see. Others have seen success in this vein. But it got me thinking about the mobile opportunity in real estate, which seems to appear and recede in fits and starts. Trulia’s put a nice stake in the ground here, but as always, I can’t get too excited about something that only shows me some of the active listings. Puluwai released an iPhone search app, but it leaves a lot to be desired as far as user experience.
The New York Times and Terabitz [disclosure: Terabitz is a 1000watt Consulting client] have done really nice web-based apps optimized for mobile viewing, but have yet to make a move on a native handset app.
So, who’s going to bust out with the killer mobile app that gives me all the listings in an elegant package? Who’s going to jump on the DOJ ruling to deliver the first mobile VOW – a real estate “office” that fits in the palm of one’s hand?
Anyone see something I’m missing?
– Brian Boero
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Hi, Brian. Great question! HomeFinder.com (recently re-branded from Homescape.com) is optimized for mobile devices. We help mobile users find listings whether from MLS, brokers, listings aggregators, builders, FSBO, and RealtyTrac (foreclosures). Our mobile site also has features useful to mobile users like search by street address, open house search, display of photos, and phone numbers to contact the agent. Type http://www.homefinder.com in your mobile browser. (Note: We are still working on re-branding the mobile site from Homescape.com)
Shirlee, thanks for pointing this out. It's looking good!
Brian
In partnership with another company we will be launching an application that works on all java enabled phones at the iPhone sometime around February 15th. (putting the final touches on the IDX right now) I'll make sure to email it you and Marc when we get it complete.
Killer App portion – You stand outside a listing, it uses GPS to know that's the closest listing to you, you get interior pictures full listing information, and can hit one button to either call the office to get an agent to show it or send an email requesting more information.
Nice, Eric — look forward to seeing it.
Here's the version from my IDX provider. This is only for my small local area (Leavenworth WA) but I think it gets the job done. Is there more you think a mobile tool needs to do? http://tinyurl.com/11worth
[...] form factor. That’s powerful. But until now it always seemed a bit out of reach. I’ve written about the mobile opportunity in real estate a lot over the past couple years. It’s always [...]
Hi, Brian. Great question! HomeFinder.com (recently re-branded from Homescape.com) is optimized for mobile devices. We help mobile users find listings whether from MLS, brokers, listings aggregators, builders, FSBO, and RealtyTrac (foreclosures). Our mobile site also has features useful to mobile users like search by street address, open house search, display of photos, and phone numbers to contact the agent. Type http://www.homefinder.com in your mobile browser. (Note: We are still working on re-branding the mobile site from Homescape.com)