Inman

Regional MLS adds augmented reality to iPhone, iPad apps

Minnesota-based regional multiple listing service NorthstarMLS has rolled out what it says is the first MLS-branded augmented reality mobile application.

The MLS added HomeSpotter, an augmented reality feature created by mobile real estate application company MobileRealtyApps, to the NorthstarMLS apps for the Apple iPhone and iPad.

The new feature overlays property information over the images seen through a device’s live camera feed as the user scans the surroundings with the camera.

"As an agent points their iPhone down the street, they see a view of the street and info on all the houses for sale pops up. There’s even a radar display that shows the direction and proximity of nearby properties for sale," NorthstarMLS and MobileRealtyApps said in a joint announcement today.

Users can tap on their device’s screen to view more property details such as proximity, price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and photos.

NorthstarMLS has more than 13,000 Realtor subscribers in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. NorthstarMLS apps, free as a member benefit to subscribers,  are available for Android and BlackBerry phones in addition to iPhones and iPads. The apps are integrated with CoreLogic’s Matrix MLS platform and with online showing appointment system BookAShowing.

"Mobile interaction with our services is an increasingly important requirement for real estate professionals," said John Mosey, president of NorthstarMLS, in a statement.