Google Applications that can Enhance a Real Estate Agent's Business

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 6:53 PM Posted by Chris Davis

Go ahead and google: "real estate professionals" and you're going to come across hundreds if not thousands of results, and among them, this very important page: Google Tools for Real Estate Professionals. The name says it all.

Due to the fact that millions of home buyers use Google to search for real estate information all the time, Goggle has decided to offer real estate professionals a variety of tools to help them connect with these potential customers. Some of these free applications are too good to pass up.

Here are 10 great ways you can use these applications to your advantage:

Google Maps. Google offers a free service that lets you make your listings easier for home-buyers and real estate agents to find when they look for properties on Google.com. Over 56% of all Internet searches on "real estate" and related terms are conducted on Google and our partner sites, and the majority of those searchers are actively looking for listings or referrals to brokers and agents.
Submit your Listings to Google. You can make sure that people can find your listings by submitting them to Google. By providing your real estate listings to Google, you will broaden your distribution and receive free traffic and leads through natural search results on Google properties. Real estate search results will be displayed on Google Maps, allowing users to immediately zero in on the neighborhoods most attractive to them. To learn more about how to upload your listings on Google click here.
Google Maps API. You can also place interactive maps on your own website using the Google Maps API. Display your listings on detailed maps and satellite imagery and give your users a visual, intuitive way to find the property that is right for them.
Google Earth. Give your agents and clients the power of 3D satellite imagery with Google Earth Pro. Exceeding 200 million downloads, Google Earth has redefined the way people interact with real estate and property information. Learn more about Google Earth Pro and download a free seven day trial.
List your business via Google Places. Over one-third of people looking for real estate information on Google are searching for agents or brokers. You want your name and address to be displayed when they search. Google Places gives real estate professionals an easy way to submit business listings. Submit multiple locations with a data file and conveniently manage and control listings. Put yourself in front of your customers when they're trying to find you.
Google SketchUp. Market and sell homes with Google SketchUp Pro, a deceptively simple, amazingly powerful tool for creating, presenting, and modifying 3D models. Model your properties in Google SketchUp and give your clients a 3D view. Enhance your website listing by using the animation capability. You can also use Google SketchUp Pro to print to high-resolution devices, place your models in Google Earth, and post them to the 3D Warehouse. Learn more and download a free 8-hour trial.
Gmail and Google Apps. Communicating with colleagues, clients and other agents is essential to every real estate professional. Google offers a package of simple and powerful tools that you can use to communicate and collaborate more effectively, for less. Best of all, there's no special hardware or software required, so you can be up and running with Google Apps with minimal hassles. Learn more and get started today.
Create a Google profile. When you've created a business based on your name, you want to be easily discoverable. Create a Google profile.
Create a YouTube channel to showcase your listings in a dynamic format. Allow your listings to sell themselves and give home buyers the ability to pre-screen potential homes before they contact you by creating a YouTube channel. YouTube actually reaches the specific audiences you are looking to reach: real estate buyers and sellers.
Google AdWords. This application provides effective and efficient local lead generation. Google AdWords is the leader in cost-per-click keyword advertising because we offer a measurable, pay-for-performance solution that is 100% accountable. You determine your costs based on your own objectives.