What's Next for Brokers? Apps

While some real estate brokers around the country have yet to launch a blog or Facebook page, a Seattle real estate agency has become the first regional real estate company to build an Android app. So, no pressure.

In yet another move that highlights the shift in the real estate business from word-of-mouth, fliers, brochures, and people popping by at the local office, to the swift world of online searches, Google Maps and self-promotion using real estate agent reviews, Seattle-based John L. Scott Real Estate has taken the plunge and launched an Android application that makes it easier for users to search and share listings.

According to the Post-Intelligencer, “The free app uses GPS-enabled search in an interactive map showing road, satellite, traffic overlay and street views, photo galleries and driving directions. It also features built-in sharing via Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS.”

Sure, big-name companies like Zillow have an app, but this is (apparently) the first regional company to go to the trouble and expense of building one.

So, say you want to build an iPhone or Android app for your real estate business. Where do you start? With a Web developer — preferably the one who built your site (if you’re happy with it) so it can follow the same look and feel, and watch this helpful guide from Mashable.

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