Thumbs Up for New Technology
Coldwell Banker has launched the beta version of its new real estate search tool, which attempts to integrate modern rating technology into the real estate world.
The site has a new search technology call Bluescape, which “…allows consumers to give a ‘thumbs up’ or a ‘thumbs down’ to various images that are displayed – similar to how popular music sites learn users’ preferences based on how they rate different songs. After rating various photos, consumers can then submit a query and the BlueScape technology will identify homes that might be a fit. Developed to help consumers actively looking to purchase a home as well as those still in the dreaming phase, this visually driven approach to search is new to the real estate category.”
As a home buyer, you’re presented a series of lifestyle and real estate related photos, such as photos of mountains, pools, different styles of homes, etc. You rate each photo with a thumbs up or thumbs down and after you’ve rated enough photos, you can ask Bluescape to return your results.
The rating process is fun, but most of the photos were of beautiful landscapes, so I found myself very generous with the thumbs up button. Initially, I was confused as my search brought me photos of multi-million dollar homes in wine country. Not exactly my price range or current geography.
When I realized I could narrow by location and price range, I was given a collection of homes that are…nothing special. Interestingly, however, many were located in the neighborhood I already live in.
It’s nice to see something new in the home buyer search experience. The goal for any broker or builder is to differentiate your real estate search from the millions of identical push pins on the web. While Bluescape needs some work before exiting the beta stage, it is memorable and new, which can speak volumes to a buyer.
