Real estate search site HotPads.com has launched an application for smartphones running Google’s Android operating system that allows map-based searches of the sites’ 3 million for-sale listings and 350,000 rentals.
HotPads’ Android application can execute "location based" searches by detecting a user’s location using their phones Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite capabilities, or users can enter a property address.
Available listings are displayed on an interactive map, with directions to the property available in search results.
Users can click on a listing for property details and photos, or call or e-mail the property manager directly from the application. Searches can be saved to conduct searches over multiple sessions.
HotPads also has an iPhone app in the works, co-founder Douglas Pope said, "but the Android platform is so flexible and open we wanted to attack it first."
HotPads, a 2009 "Webby Award" winner, has nearly 1 million unique visitors per month, Pope said.
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