Google Maps Begins to Include Indoor Imagery

Using Google Maps, users can now see indoors. Here is an example of a Google Business Tour: View Larger Map From what we can tell, business owners cannot upload their own tours, but rather, must engage a Trusted Photographer. This is a shame because it would be cool if users could upload their own 360° Panos to Google Maps. Maybe Google could provide a way to filter out user-submitted content, if the viewer prefers less “professional” tours be excluded?…. While the user-submitted 360° pano to…

Real estate could use more technology “disrupters”

Catylist Mobile: An alternative mobile listing search app

While most readers are probably familiar with Loopnet, Costar and Xceligent and their mobile apps, some may not be familiar with Catylist and their mobile app. Rather than building a native app, they have elected to use jQuery Mobile’s framework on which to build their app. One thing which is awesome about jQuery mobile, is that you can actually use it – and it is fully functional – in a normal web browser, not just your mobile device’s browser. For instance, here is what an office space search …

Profile of a real estate social media leader: Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (#4 in the series)

Panoramics and commercial real estate

Even with iPhone 5’s panoramic capabilities, I think TourWrist may still have a leg up on this niche for the commercial real estate industry. Let’s look at an example: If you’re an owner of an office building with a vacant suite or two, it might be time to download TourWrist. As we’ve heard from View the Space, the impact of this type of virtual tour will definitely set your space apart from your competition….

The CRE Map Wars have begun!

With the recent entry of several new commercial space listing services like 42Floors, OfficeSpace.com and TheSquareFoot searching for office space has never been easier. While Loopnet and Costar were fighting with the FTC to close their merger, 42Floors was going through Y Combinator, TheSquareFoot was at Demo Day and OfficeSpace was rolling out their new platform in Portland, Oregan. Each of these new services has killer map-based search abilities. Let’s take a look: Meanwhile, Loopnet pinne…

Panoramic photos now standard on iPhone 5

With Apple’s launch of iPhone 5 came several improvements to iPhone’s camera. One of the most useful for commercial real estate could be iPhone 5’s “iSight” panoramic photo abilities. I am not sure that, in its current state, the feature is a complete replacement for an app like TourWrist, but it is an alternative for sure. What’s even better, is that this capability will soon be a part of iOS 6, which means this feature will also trickle down to iPhone 4S. Now get out there and use it!…

“Know before you show” with View the Space

View the Space is a website dedicated to streamlining the leasing process in order to help brokers, owners and tenants get deals done faster. From their website: Brokers Streamline the leasing process and get deals done faster. Know before you show. When you receive an inquiry, simply click the share button and qualify the lead when you are on the phone — no more wasted tours Monitor which brokers are most actively viewing and sharing your spaces – in real time. Focus on the most interested pa…

Profile of a real estate social media leader: Bob Knakal (#3 in the series)

Kykloud’s Property Inspection Survey iPad App

Users of kykloud’s iPad Survey App see 40%-60% time savings and efficiency gains according to the company’s website. Their iPad survey app enables surveyors to survey 2 built assets per day when it typically takes 1-3 days per building using traditional data collection methods. How do they do it? Linking directly into your asset model, kykloud has developed a mobile app for iPad which allows surveyors and survey managers to effectively manage complex survey programs across multiple sites and po…