Welcome Google Base Data API. And say goodbye to listing control.
Google recently released the data API for Google Base. With it, websites can communicate with Google Base obtaining any information available. I think this is very cool and have already started to play. Listing agents will also love the exposure they can give their clients. However, I know a lot of real estate brokers that won’t be too happy.
You see, there’s a lot that you can do with this new service. Most notably, people will be able to stick everyone elses listings on their own website (provided the data is in Google Base). They won’t even need special IDX access to do it. This is where I think we’re going to see some trouble.
I’ve heard in multiple cases of brokers that are very tight fisted with their listings. They won’t share anything and always check the “don’t include in IDX” box. With Google Base, it really doesn’t matter. If an agent entered a listing in Google Base, it is now fair game to anyone and everyone.
Any guesses on how long before the lawsuits start flying? Or at least complaining?
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