War over Google Maps and Real Estate listings

30th July, 2009 - Posted by mike - No Comments

Why war?

Fairfax and REA are not happy about Google entering the real estate listing market which is not a surprise considering the competition Google represents. Google’s advertising income from Fairfax and REA is estimated at around $144 million.

Future Possibilities

It will be interesting to see what will happen in the future. I am hoping that Google will continue providing the listings service in Google Maps. Homehound is already using Google Maps to show their listings. Domain.com.au and realestate.com.au are not putting listings on Google Maps. I believe that they will have to make a deal with Google soon.

There are several possible scenarios:

Nothing will happen and everything stays as it is
Google will stop providing real estate listings in Google Maps
Realestate.com.au and domain.com.au will stop using ads in Google
Realestate.com.au and domain.com.au will start using Google Maps

Both sides have some big weapons in their hands. Google has control over search. Real estate portals are spending millions on advertising. It is hard to say which one has the upper hand.

What Real Estate Agencies can do?

It is quite easy, first, get your listings onto Google Maps. Second, if you are using realestate.com.au or domain.com.au for your listings invest in a great website and become independent.

housebook.com.au

Technology and Real Estate Industry Blog