Giving the user the ability to save a search is nothing new in the internet world. Many property searches, including ours, gives the user the ability to save their search if they wish to do so.
More powerful than a “save this search” function is the ability to autofill specific real estate listings directly into a website. Local search is being pushed by everyone from Google to Yahoo, to even the Yellow Pages. Local is everything… if the user has found your site, you and them already know what they are looking for.
As an example, take Ian Watt, he has a website called www.electricavenue.ca. Now, you can assume that any visitor to this website is interested in Condos or Townhouses available within the Electric Avenue development in downtown Vancouver. So having a generic search is not important. You know what they want and an auto fill category (AFC) can give it to them. On this site, if you click on “Listings (for sale)” you are going to get every condo and townhouse in Electric Avenue that is currently listed for sale. So you are basically, saving the search for the user without making your visitor go through the work of creating the search that they want, and saving it.
Now, this functionality only works with MLS systems that we are integrated with and with Boards that permit it. But for those that can do it, the power of this is huge.
If you Google the term – electric avenue real estate – you will see Ian’s site come up #2
Local, niche specific websites are key to doing well on the internet. Have a look at Ian Watt’s collection of websites, all of which take advantage of an AFC:
Yaletown Park
Vancouver Penthouses
Vancouver Townhouses
Electric Avenue
Whistler Homes (new)
Ian Watt Main Website
If you have any questions about AFC’s or what can be done in your area, please feel free to contact me or your sales representative.