Technology News & Trends
As I am laying at the beach, enjoying the sun, surf, and vodka (I am really a vodka girl – I know rum/ tequila is the thing down here but not for me) I was reading the ULI (Urban Land Institute) 2nd Quarter Real estate investors survey. (I am embarrassed for myself – I know!!)
There were many interesting points about the market, in various areas around the US. BUT – one of the sections in the booklet was about technology news and trends. This section basically talked about the GIS and its impact in the real estate world. Most counties have a GIS (Geographic Information System) available – we are luck because Summit Country has a GREAT GIS Site. This led me to thinking about all the real estate sites that make my job easier and more fun. SO – I am going to break down my some of my favorite sites for commercial and residential that are good to know and fun to explore.
Commercial:
1. Summit County GIS Site: This can be tricky the first time you go to it. There will be a category called "Interactive Online Tax Map Application" – Click on it and after 500 yrs (sometimes it loads slowly) the menu will pop up for you to explore!
2. Ohio Secretary of State:
(This is good for looking up who the business principles are at the space you are interested in – its one of the commercial industries dirty little secrets!)
3. Loopnet – a good tool for available properties all over the country
4. Costar: An interesting site – good for comps – just ok for everything else
5. Google Maps & Yahoo Maps (These are my two favorite free sites)
Residential:
1. The MLS Site (Multiple Listing Service)
2. Trulia.com – this site is cool because you can look at houses by area code – their valued prices tend to be on the low side
3. Some of the various real estate houses websites; Smythe Cramer, Stouffer, Coldwell Banker
These are just a couple examples but all are fun to explore!! Check them out – give me your thoughts!!
On a totally different note – I will leave you with a photo from our room. PV has been ridic gorg. I am taken by the view of the ocean and the horizon. I can’t pinpoint what it is I like so much about it but there is something. I have been lucky to travel to a number of hot destinations with lovely beaches but there is something different here. Ok – I am rambling BUT I will think about what it is I love so much and report back! Adios Amigos!!!
