I have a Realtor client who would like to do a website similar to the one I’ve listed below. The basic stuff is no problem at all, but it looks like the MLS Search feature may be difficult to implement, unless there’s an MLS plug-in I could use, perhaps in an iFrame.
I will have to admit that competing with industry specific website development companies that have developers and programmers on staff and their own framework is a bit of a challenge. My advantage tends to be lower costs and personal attention, but some of these specialty companies are very impressive.
Any help in determining the best direction is most appreciated.
It comes down to how they want to do the data entry. If they are already entering data into MLS, then they may not want to add it again into your database. If the properties are listed on Zillow, you can use their API to get them: http://www.zillow.com/homes/Louisville-KY_rb/ (and here, I’m guessing you meant Kentucky).
If they only want to list the houses that they have listed, then I don’t see any way around having to create a new interface for data entry.
Building a database is not a difficult thing, in the grand scheme of things. And it is not hard to make a filter that will use those columns to sort or search the data once entered. It’s just mind-numbingly boring to enter and update the data.
Walter
On Oct 25, 2013, at 11:14 AM, RavenManiac wrote:
I have a Realtor client who would like to do a website similar to the one I’ve listed below. The basic stuff is no problem at all, but it looks like the MLS Search feature may be difficult to implement, unless there’s an MLS plug-in I could use, perhaps in an iFrame.
I will have to admit that competing with industry specific website development companies that have developers and programmers on staff and their own framework is a bit of a challenge. My advantage tends to be lower costs and personal attention, but some of these specialty companies are very impressive.
Any help in determining the best direction is most appreciated.
It comes down to how they want to do the data entry. If they are already entering data into MLS, then they may not want to add it again into your database. If the properties are listed on Zillow, you can use their API to get them: http://www.zillow.com/homes/Louisville-KY_rb/ (and here, I’m guessing you meant Kentucky).
If they only want to list the houses that they have listed, then I don’t see any way around having to create a new interface for data entry.
Building a database is not a difficult thing, in the grand scheme of things. And it is not hard to make a filter that will use those columns to sort or search the data once entered. It’s just mind-numbingly boring to enter and update the data.
Walter
My guess is they won’t want to reenter data. I’m guessing we could use a solution like Zillow for the MLS and then do a direct link for their properties, which sounds like it may not be too difficult to implement, just limiting in terms of appearance.
Great suggestion Todd. There are quite a few. How would one integrate one of the scripts into a FWP website? Is it just a matter of using the Crowbar action?
It depends a lot on how the solution is written. Most “canned” scripts assume you are going to use their script to generate the entire page, not a fragment that you will insert into a fully-composed outer shell. You may have a lot of digging to do to get one of these to make just the parts you need. Either that, or you will have a bunch of surgery to change their layout to look like your Freeway page.
Walter
On Oct 25, 2013, at 11:42 AM, RavenManiac wrote:
On 25 Oct 2013, 3:25 pm, Todd wrote:
You may want to check HotScripts etc. for a canned solution if cost is an issue.
Great suggestion Todd. There are quite a few. How would one integrate one of the scripts into a FWP website? Is it just a matter of using the Crowbar action?
Hmm. I hadn’t considered that. I’m not necessarily opposed to a “canned” site as long as it’s attractive, but my preference would be to have as much creative control over the the look and feel as possible and within financial reason.
Walter isn’t saying the entire would be canned, just (potentially) the parts the script controls.
It will probably mean a fair amount of code-level tinkering. Roll up your sleeves.
Todd
Hmm. I hadn’t considered that. I’m not necessarily opposed to a “canned” site as long as it’s attractive, but my preference would be to have as much creative control over the the look and feel as possible and within financial reason.
As much as I want to help all of my clients with any need that may arise, I often wonder if I invest too much time in trying to figure something like this out and if I would be better served and more profitable by either outsourcing that end of it or simply focusing on projects I’m more proficient at.
That’s the trick. Knowing when something is outside your comfort zone but is still doable by you alone and what would should be outsourced (or passed on).
Todd
As much as I want to help all of my clients with any need that may arise, I often wonder if I invest too much time in trying to figure something like this out and if I would be better served and more profitable by either outsourcing that end of it or simply focusing on projects I’m more proficient at.
It is also doable with Perch if you create a template that can be reused for each listing. Just figure out what will be needed for each. The typical stuff like number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of home etc. and create your template around that - some html knowledge will be required.
