Finally, a map-based Phoenix home search I can sink my teeth into. And more importantly, one that plays well with our MLS system.

For a long (long) time, the number of choices a Phoenix real estate agent had for implementing a map-based home search was woefully limited. Fortunately, the leadership at ARMLS (Arizona Multiple Listing Service) recently joined this century and new MLS/IDX search options are becoming available.

And we’re just tickled to be the first (of many, I’m sure) Phoenix area real estate web site to implement the search technology supplied by Diverse Solutions.

Map Search SS

I’m still exploring, but this property search is wicked cool, and powerful.

From the user perspective, you can search to your hearts content, with no fear of being hounded by an agent. No calendars, no sports schedules, and no unwanted email will clog your mail box, fridge or in-box.

But, should you be so inclined, you can register and save searches, get notified of new listings on the market (daily or weekly — your choice) and more.

Want an RSS feed of listings? No problem.

Need specific info on the neighborhood, schools, or demographics? Check.

See a home you can’t live without? Make a PDF file of the listing, book mark the link, email it to yourself and your friends.

Need more info? Contact us directly from the listing page, initiate a chat, or schedule a showing. All just a click or two away.

Fully integrated Google Maps, including Google Street View (where Big G has filmed) allow you to search for and map right there with the home listings things like shopping, pizza joints, Starbucks, churches, schools and more.

It takes a little getting used to compared to our old home search solution. Chiefly because our old solution was lame. Some (OK, me) even said, “This sucks!”

Not any more. I’ve watched some folks go into the new search for the first time and swiftly search and locate homes that fit their criteria. The more you play with it, the more you find it can do, and the easier it gets. And hey, if it’s good enough for Kris and Steve Berg, it’s good enough for me.

Feel free to give it a whirl right here on the blog, or on our “traditional” site.

For the agents out there, the back end of this thing is slick. You can set up unlimited “filters” (WAY better than KillerIDX filters) and there are some cool tools you can use, like this:

Or this:

Power Ranch Home Search

There’s more to come. Much more.

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