RE/MAX on TV

Who has seen the latest TV commercial for RE/MAX? They are pitching that you can see millions of listings throughout the United States on their web site. I first started looking for listings in Florida and then in New York. I was surprised what I found. Each area of the country has a different RE/MAX based web site. In the Florida site there is a lot of feature functionality but in the New York site there is a more traditional interface.

In the Florida site they provide several ways to find properties including the use of standard maps and GIS based mapping. If there is one negative about the interface is that they did not consolidate the listings from multiple MLS system for a given area. When I choose to search listings for Broward County, I was asked to choose a data source. In Broward County there are 4 data sources, one for each MLS association. This means I have to conduct the same search 4 times to see all the listings.

I loved all the different ways you could search for a home. They had a traditional page based interface. For technical users they had a GIS map interface or simply you could choose a City, MLS number, Address, or Zip Code. Each interface was easy to use and straightforward.

Other minor issues I had were that several times when using the map feature I received server errors and had to refresh the browser. Not having a list of the properties on the page to choose from after the search was very fustrating. The only way to navigate through the listings was to hover over the little house icons on the GIS based map. When I was ready to change states there was no way to navigate off the Florida site. I needed to retype the main domain again in the address bar.

In the New York site there is no GIS mapping interface. You have the ability to select from the traditional filters including schools. Not very exciting. In fact I was hard pressed to find a listing that did not belong to RE/MAX.

It is easy to find problems and things you don't like about a site. The Florida RE/MAX site is extensive and provides a lot of functionality. I have real confidence that over time these problems will be corrected. If your searching for listings outside of the Florida counties that Homekeys provides, then RE/MAX Florida is a great site to use.

Don't forget, if you find a home on any web site your interested in seeing, take advantage of Homekeys Buyer Rebate Program. We will give you 50% of our commission at closing. We set up the appointments, help with the negotiation and closing. We will not accompany you to the appointments unless we need to. That is how we can provide you such a substantial rebate. Check it out before you see any house.