Terabitz Creates MLS iPhone Site
For the last few months we’ve seen a flurry of activity in the real estate space, as Real Estate 2.0 companies line up to take advantage of the iPhone.
The latest company to dive in (after Realtor.com and Trulia, see Trulia Launches iPhone Version) is Terabitz. Today they’ve launched a tool where they build a portable MLS search tool for brokers (presumably tapping into their IDX feeds) who want to build a iPhone ready version of their web site.
In some ways, it’s Roost’s business model brought to the handset.
And frankly I’m a little surprised they got scooped like that. It only seems natural that mobile search will be the next evolution of real estate search - being tied to desktop seems at odds with the mobile nature of a real world hunt for a home (see House Hunting On The Go).
Ultimately, the killer app here will be one that bridges both worlds. One where I can start my search on line, send it to my phone, plot a route to take me round the neighborhoods, rate the properties while on the road (good/bad) and have it sync back to my desktop on my return for follow up.
We’re not there yet, but I suspect it won’t be long. I think once we see native apps on the iPhone (see Apple Announces iPhone 2.0 Software Beta), we’ll start seeing this as a very real possibility.
Now admittedly, the iPhone is still largely reserved for bleeding edge users (the price tag alone precludes a lot of people from buying one - though my wife definitely has her eyes on mine, as soon as the 3G version is released, she’s claimed it). But Apple’s innovation will surely trickle down.
Just like the iPhone’s radical touch interface changed the way we interact with our phones; I’m guessing the platform will soon radically change the way we search for real estate.
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5 Comment(s)
2 Trackback(s)
- From Real Estate Roundup - Week 16 | eCommission Blog | Apr 18, 2008
- From Iphones and Terabitz… quickly finding you a Home! | Silicon Valley Intero Blog | May 2, 2008
Erik | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
Interesting. I couldn’t find anything in Orlando, FL.
I’m surprised they haven’t put a real Terabitz icon into play for when I want to save it to my iPhone too.
Were you surprised that Roost was scooped, or that Trulia was? Or, was Trulia not scooped, even though their iPhone version isn’t really an iPhone version?
C Richey | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
Apple has always been an innovator and there will be a rush to develop products specifically for their products. Not sure how many people will be searching for homes on their phone…at least, not in the near future.
Landflip | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like a great program for the on the go real estate agent. As we all know, most agents work out of their car and all hours of the day! Check out landflip’s mobile web version. http://www.landflip.mobi
Gretchen - LifeStyle Denver | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
I think another great feature would be returning calls and emails for feedback. After showing properties, you could make your notes and comments in the field at each house, and then forward that feedback immediately to the listing agent. I’m still a Blackberry addict, though. But, when I hear from a friend that he uses his iPhone for calls and internet, but keeps his BB around for email, I’m hesitant to switch…I email at every stoplight!
Drew | Apr 22, 2008 | Reply
Drew from Roost here. Congrats to Terabitz. Looks cool. You can bet we’re looking hard at the mobile space. Right now we’re highly focused on building a platform that delivers tons of qualified customers to our broker partners, and also bringing the Roost platform in many new markets. Stay tuned though!