Clients can now “zero in” on their new home with your XSite’s Google Earth feature

Google is now so synonymous with web searches that, instead of saying they're searching for something on the web, many say they're "googling" it. And in the few weeks since its release, Google's latest tool, Google Earth, is also changing the way people search for buildings, landmarks, and, more importantly for real estate agents, their next home.

Released earlier this summer, Google Earth is "a globe that sits inside your PC," allowing you to view satellite and aerial photos of almost any spot on the planet. You simply point and zoom to a specific address and satellite images and local points of interest zoom into view, whether it's across the street or across the globe. Take a look at what our Oklahoma City headquarters looks like in Google Earth here.

We knew instantly that Google Earth's capabilities would be an important tool for REALTORS® so we released a plugin August 1 that integrates your Agent XSite website's property listings with the Google Earth technology. The Google Earth plugin gives your clients a clear picture of the location and surrounding area of prospective homes right from your XSite, giving you a technologically savvy leg up over the competition.

Now you can expertly give clients dramatic fly-through tours of your properties' neighborhoods, showing everything from major roadways to the local grocery stores and coffee shops. Prospects can tour through your market area, identify homes from the MLS, and check criteria like schools and shopping.

"Our goal is to make sure our customers have the latest tools so they make a good impression on clients and help the real estate transaction run smoothly," said Rusty Lindquist, Vice President – Agent Products. "The Google Earth feature shows clients that you utilize cutting-edge technology in real-world ways to serve them better – and that justifies a commission."

To use Google Earth, clients simply click "View listing in Google Earth" link in the Property Tools section of your listings and they will see a prompt that looks like this. Your clients will be prompted to download the free Google Earth software before viewing the listing. You will also need to download the software to use Google Earth, which you can do here. You can also check minimum and recommended configuration requirements here.