The Movers.com Blog

Every red dot on the Google Map is a real-estate listing!

They’ve done it again.

Google yesterday announced some improvements to the real estate search capabilities on Google Maps.  Now, you can easily find results by simply typing a query in the general search bar that references real estate searches (such as “homes near North Brunswick, NJ”) instead of searching within just the real estate function.

Additionally, you can now see the results for each real estate opportunity in the area with a single click.  The listings will also show the distribution of listings in particular areas, neighborhoods, or near landmark sites.  This will aid you in narrowing down your search and finding precisely the attributes that you would like to have in a new home.  You can filter your results by particular qualities (including number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, and listing type), or you can click through the available homes in the area.

The listing from the neighborhood around the corner.

I decided to take the application for a spin.  I noticed a “For Sale” sign in front of a house in the new development next to the Movers.com office, and I wanted to learn a bit more about the property.

I started my search for homes around North Brunswick, New Jersey.  The results looked like a teenager with a really bad case of acne–there were red dots covering the entire map!  Who knew there were so many homes for sale!

I then tried using our office address.  At this level, I was easily able to zoom in on the nearby neighborhood to find the listed home.

Instantly, the house on Matthew Street popped up in the panel.  I can see that it has three bedrooms and two and a quarter bathrooms and that it’s been on the market since March 31, 2009.  The realtor’s name and a photo are also available.

I’m very impressed with the application and I think the improvements have only made it immensely easier to use.  It’s great for those who are considering a move, and it’s equally wonderful for people like me who like to house snoop in their free time.  What can I say: one man’s hobby is another man’s boredom!

Have you used Google Maps to find the home of your dream?  Tell us about your experience!