Connects Richest Nationwide Database of Property Listings with the “On the Go” Consumer
Interactive Mediums, a leading provider of next generation customer engagement solutions designed to facilitate high value interactions with the on-the-go consumer, today announced the completion of an iPhone application for HomeFinder.com.
The HomeFinder.com Open Houses application, available for free download from the iPhone App Store now, is a first in that it specifically connects real estate shoppers with geographically-relevant open houses.
HomeFinder.com is one of the most trusted Web sites for consumers to search for a home and connect with a real estate professional.
Distinguished by its inventory of comprehensive property listings and rich content, HomeFinder.com provides more than 3.2 million listings with customized searches and multiple options to view and manage results.
HomeFinder.com also provides simple, cost-effective online advertising solutions for agents, brokers and builders, combining the brand power of more than 130 local newspaper Web sites with exposure on a national scope, in a platform that tracks every phone call, email and click a consumer makes.
The company took a thoughtful approach when deciding to build an iPhone application designed around open houses, providing an efficient means for agents to present properties that likewise make good use of a shopper’s time.
With greater than two million visits per month combined for PC and mobile optimized versions of its Web site, HomeFinder.com didn’t want to increase its universe of available customers as much as offer them a more relevant and targeted experience.
“For several years, we have offered a mobile optimized version of our Web site and traffic reports showed that iPhone users made up a good portion of our visitors,” said Doug Breaker, Vice President of Product Development for HomeFinder.com.
“Our experience suggested an iPhone application was ideal to help our customers identify and locate open houses while ‘out and about,’ thus connecting them with real estate agents seeking to bring as many potential buyers to a property during this critical stage of the sales process.”
In choosing to work with Interactive Mediums on the project, HomeFinder.com sought a partner with not only experience in creating high-impact iPhone applications, but who also understood the real estate shopper.
Having created applications for other similar online services, Interactive Mediums brought a unique perspective to the project.
“We have developed particular expertise in helping online and even mobile web-based services translate their unique value propositions to the iPhone platform, including those in the real estate business,” said Jeff Judge, Interactive Mediums Co-Founder.
“It was exciting to work with HomeFinder.com because they took a targeted approach with the application’s requirements and user experience. The application was not merely a mobile version of its Web site or even property search capabilities – it was designed to facilitate a sales process.”
The HomeFinder.com Open Houses iPhone/iPod Touch application provides location-based searches of open houses, including their times, as well as all available listings in a robust database representing 130+ leading newspaper sites, MLSs, agents/brokers, home builders, as well as ‘for sale by owner’ listing sources.
Features geared around facilitating the sales process include the ability to contact an agent directly from a listing and obtain point to point, map-based directions to a property.
These and future considerations reflect a key ingredient in agent success – a two hour time window during which an agent must return a message from a potential buyer before the opportunity is lost forever.
“Our Open Houses application plays a critical role in helping connect buyers with agents during this important stage of a sale,” said Breaker.
“Agents can more effectively manage their open houses while maintaining timely contact with potential buyers as they investigate properties on the go. It’s a win-win for both parties.”
About Interactive Mediums
Interactive Mediums provides next generation customer engagement solutions designed to facilitate high value interactions with today’s on the go consumer.
Our easy to use software as a service TextMe enables marketers to rapidly develop, execute and analyze a variety of best practice Marketing Actions, establishing a Mobile Consumer Data Asset that informs ongoing, more relevant and higher value interactions.
Used by many leading brands, agencies, professional sports teams, and broadcast media to acquire, retain and develop customer relationships via the mobile channel, Interactive Mediums processes millions of customer interactions every month.
We also offer services spanning the entire mobile experience lifecycle including project consultation, mobile web design and mobile application development.
For more information, contact us at 866-683-9863 or via email to info@interactivemediums.com.
About HomeFinder.com
HomeFinder.com is one of the most trusted Web sites for consumers to search for a home and connect with a real estate professional.
Distinguished by its inventory of comprehensive property listings and rich content, HomeFinder.com provides more than 3.2 million listings with customized searches and multiple options to view and manage results.
HomeFinder.com also provides simple, cost-effective online advertising solutions for agents, brokers and builders, combining the brand power of more than 130 local newspaper Web sites with exposure on a national scope, in a platform that tracks every phone call, email and click a consumer makes.
Owned jointly by three leading media companies, Gannett Co. Inc. ( GCI), The McClatchy Co. ( MNI) and Tribune Co., the HomeFinder.com Network includes The Arizona Republic, Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, Los Angeles Times and The Indianapolis Star.
For more information, visit homefinder.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gib Bassett, 312-268-6039
Interactive Mediums
gib@interactivemediums.com