Google unveils new competitive threat to online real estate listings

Posted Nov 2nd 2009 4:45PM by Brian White
Filed under: Launches, Competitive Strategy, Google (GOOG)

Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) recently has had a knack for releasing software products that challenge -- and even threaten -- entire industries. Take, for example, last week's enhancement to Google Maps, which caused the stock prices of GPS companies TomTom and Garmin to plummet after Google announced its own GPS service that, in many ways, was a superior product. Yes, it's free with a Google-powered phone.

What's next? How about real estate listings?

Real estate listing and valuation site Zillow.com may be the next competitor up to bat, as Google Maps unveiled yet another "enhancement" that will show real estate listings inside Google Maps. It seems Google's venerable mapping website (and smartphone applications for multiple platforms) just keep piling on the freebies as industries shudder. Already there is traffic, GPS navigation, real estate listings, travel directions, street views, webcams, videos and more available for Google Maps.

But the press is overblowing this a bit, as usual. Google may have some excellent products, but just like retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), it can't possibly be everything to everyone. Zillow.com lists more than just real estate listings, and standalone GPS product manufacturers make products that work anywhere -- not just within wireless coverage. Is Google trying to compete heavily in online industries that already have a bevy of competitors? Perhaps -- but from where I sit it's simply trying to bring information to its users -- and learn a little bit about their online habits as it continues building the world's largest marketing database.

Tags: featured, GOOG, Google, Google Maps, Google realty, GoogleMaps, GoogleRealty, inthenews, realtor.com, zillow.com

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-02-2009 @ 5:04PM

blazineric said...

This has been a feature of Google Maps for Months, if not longer. I have been using it almost exclusively to search for a new home. Which I have actually found as recently as 3 weeks ago.

Not sure why this requires a new article...

11-02-2009 @ 5:08PM

blazineric said...

It seems this is just an updated feature set from Google.

"Since we announced the ability to see lots of real estate listings directly on Google Maps back in July, we've been working hard to make it even easier to use. As we've added new features and updated Google Maps,"

Directly from Googles website.

http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/10/more-more-more-real-estate-in-google.html

This isnt competition for real-estate listings. its just SEARCHING them.

11-02-2009 @ 8:50PM

Josh said...

I think its totally for the benefit of the world's population for Google to be expanding its already huge list of services.

Google providing concise, thorough, and free information to internet users will help the world advance in many ways.

As a realtor, I'm extremely happy that Google is going to include more detailed real estate listings on Google Maps, I'm really looking forward to seeing whats coming up in the next 10 years for Google.

Now if only another company could compete with Google and bring even more innovations, improvements, and lots of free solutions.

Probably not gonna happen anytime soon, but it would be nice if it did while I'm still alive.

-josh m
Miami, FL
http://www.brightshore.net