Lost in all of the hoopla around the Realtors Property Resource (RPR) database this past couple of weeks was one of the smartest strategic initiatives that the National Association of Realtors has launched in years: HouseLogic.
And while RPR is and will remain a hot topic for the next few weeks, for the average broker/agent the impact of RPR may not be felt all that deeply. HouseLogic, on the other hand, holds the possibility of being a real game-changer.
What Is HouseLogic?
Since the site is now live, albeit in beta as most Web sites these days appear to be at launch, you can go check it out for yourself at: www.houselogic.com. The first thing you’ll notice is the high quality of design and user interface.
Designed and developed by the world-class team at Huge Inc., a New York City-based Web design shop, HouseLogic is as attractive as a "corporate" Web site can get, and intuitive in navigation.
The color scheme is clean and the typography is clear. The functionality is interesting, and the content seems appropriate for the target audience: active homeowners.
HouseLogic is filled with tips and tricks, advice on various aspects of home maintenance and home improvement, as well as news about real estate and homeownership. Much of the content appears to be syndicated from existing publications via YellowBrix, but there are articles from various freelance writers, newspaper reprints and other content sources.
I have no real criticism; in fact, I think the Web site is handsome, useful and extremely well-designed.
Interestingly enough, there’s a whole section on HouseLogic called "Engage" that offers articles such as "7 Tips for Writing Letters that Change Your Home Town" and "Stop Speeders in Your Neighborhood."
The heart and soul of HomeLogic.com is political advocacy. If NAR is successful here, HouseLogic will permanently change the landscape for Realtors.
‘Wonder Twin powers, activate!’
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Report, in third-quarter 2009 there were some 75.3 million owner-occupied housing units in the United States, with 67.6 percent of all households being homeowners. …CONTINUED
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