Google Listings Program gains momentum as 3 more firms sign on
Three brokerage companies representing over 1,000 agents have teamed up with HouseCanary to bring their listings to Google mobile search in active markets.
Three more brokerage companies have joined HouseCanary's Google Listings Program, the property intelligence platform announced on Nov. 4.
REMAX Advantage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group and ENRG Realty, whose combined agent count tops 1,000, will now have their listings surfaced on Google in select markets.
How it works: Consumers who search for homes on Google mobile in a live market will see search results populate from listings of participating brokerages in a carousel at the top of the results page.
Listings show basic property details and the affiliated brokerage, and potential buyers can click through a page with more detailed information about the listing, as well as the listing agent's name and an agent contact button. Brokerages can participate in the program by encouraging their local MLS to take part or by joining an MLS that has already signed on.
A move that 'makes sense:' Brokerage leaders at ENRG Realty and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group noted that since so many consumers already prefer Google as a search engine, putting their firms' listings on the platform with HouseCanary was the logical next step.
"Buyers are already searching on Google, so it makes sense for our agents' listings to be there too," said ENRG Realty Founder and CEO Peter Noble.
Chris Rediger, CEO of HouseCanary, added that brokerages that have signed onto the program have made "a commitment to gaining an edge" in the market. "We're glad to welcome these three, and look forward to many more," Rediger said.
Momentum, despite Chapter 11 filing: Although HouseCanary filed for bankruptcy in September, it has continued to grow the Google Listings Program, which has been expanding nationally since June.
Last month, the brokerage platform Side joined the program, and Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) became the seventh MLS to sign up.
Previously, California Regional MLS, My State MLS, San Diego MLS, Bright MLS, Permian Basin MLS and REcolorado partnered with HouseCanary, along with the brokerage The Keyes Company.
With its Chapter 11 filing, HouseCanary will be undergoing reorganization, but it said it will continue to operate normally since the court approved its requested relief in a Sept. 24 hearing.
Rediger emphasized at the time that the Chapter 11 reorganization will ultimately reposition the company with "a stronger balance sheet and greater financial flexibility for our next phase of growth."