For a more interactive service, a couple of agent & broker sites I’ve worked and I think have done it well are http://www.mcmoniglegroup.com and http://www.winkrealty.com. Both have automatically detectable mobile internet sites that allow users to see their featured listings on-the-go and search additional listings in the area. The sites are optimized for different handsets giving users a “customized experience” based on their phone (e.g. iPhone is more graphics intensive).

In my opinion, this is very useful when a user is driving by a listing and sees the name of the realtor but doesn’t have time to write down the text ID & shortcode. All the user has to do is load up the realtors URL on their phone (or do a google search on their name) and instantly they have access to all the listings. They can search by home address, street name, or city.

It’s a fun time in the mobile market right now!

You’re right that people want these things while on site and interested. People are also more passive these days, for better or for worse, and would like to get as much information as possible without having to get pitched by the REALTOR®. We’ve put all this together. The customer gets a text (standard info)with a link to a mobile-optimized site, complete with pictures and information that can’t fit into the constraints of SMS. They can also call the agent if interested, but the agent is notified of their inquiry and can follow up with the prospect should they choose to.

@Brian

Thanks for this. It’s only getting better, folks.

@Richard … you raise an important point: Real estate is indeed an emotion laden, not always rational process. But if you are in front of the house with your phone looking at interior photos and specs, you’ve got enough visual to connect with. But – and this relates to @Kori’s comment as well – this is not the only use case. If you’re a relo case, you may indeed need a richer experience.

The industry is moving away from 500-page, brokerage sites, filled with unnecessary agent bios, busy graphics, and messy navigation. Eventually, the brokerage will need only a “landing page” with simple mapping, easy navigation to blogs/social networks and the access to mobile applications.

The consumer wants hand-held property search and neighborhood info. And what the consumer wants……..