Yesterday, Domain officially launched their free Android real estate application allowing property seekers to search for properties across Australia. Some of the features they highlight the app includes are:
- Select your property criteria and search thousands of listings and galleries from properties Australia-wide
- Sync your Domain.com.au account with your Android handset so you can save your short listed properties and Inspection Planner
- Plan your day of open for inspections with the Inspection Planner tool
- View recently SOLD properties
- View property listings on Google Maps
- Check open for inspection times as well as auction dates and times
- Shortlist your favourite properties to view at your convenience online or offline
- Email or call the agent/advertiser directly from your Phone
Unfortunately I do not have an Android enabled phone so I’m unable to test the device but hopefully some of our readers have had a chance to download and use the app. Looking at the reviews in the Android store, Domain appear to have done a good job.
5 Comments
Sal Espro
1. Does anyone download these individual portal search things? i.e. Don’t you need one for REA, one for Domain, one for for each of your favourite agency sites etc (Does anyone have an app for their own agency website? What do they cost?)
Now if there was something that worked across platforms (like Dwellicious for bookmarking favourites) ….
2. [Can I also ask whether agents are using ‘Buyer match’ from their CRM’s to get listings? (I reckon it’s as useful/powerful than ‘Firstalerts’)].
Ryan O'Grady
I use the Domain iPhone app if I need to search for property through my phone. However, I believe an agency or franchises application is a waste of money (huh and that’s from a web developer). You’re not going to download these apps and use them to search for only 10% of the properties available.
My advice for agencies and franchise groups is to have a mobile version of your website. This will allow anyone (regardless of the type of device) to look at your content.
iPhone and Android apps cost anywhere from $7k to $50k. A great mobile phone website will cost $350.
Bill Burdin
Ryan’s correct, a web based version of the website CSS’d for the smart devices would serve users better. Web based apps cost a fraction of device apps and are operational across all platforms.
An example of a web based app (maybe a plug) is http://www.getrealty.com.au/geo
If you care to test it, visit the link above on your device and just bookmark the page to your home screen.
When you visit the page using your device it will detect your location and fetch properties closest to your current position. So if you are stood or parked in front of the property, that property will be first on the list.
I should mention this is provided by a local portal servicing the ACT so if you test it and live in Perth the nearest property is going to be 5000 k away.
On some devices you may need to set your current location first on some it will already be set.
But the point is this application cost peanuts to develop compared to device apps and it works on any GPS enabled device. Probably best experienced on iPad.
Should mention Agentpoint point did the CSS and design, thanks Ryan.
Also I downloaded the Domain Android App, installed easily and operated smoothly. Probably the only time I’ll use it though and never on my iPad which goes everywhere with me. I would much prefer to browse a website on the iPad.
Glenn Rogers
I just use email alerts for the areas and classes, commercial or residential real estate I’m interested in.
I wouldn’t bother with an app for a phone, cant think of a reason to.
Best Android Apps
I am actually really impressed with the Domain Android app and I am thinking of including it on my best of listing.