Inman News' Innovator of the Year Now First To Distribute Listings to Dash Express GPS Device
May 23, 2008 // Franchising.com // PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the 2007 Inman News' Innovator of the Year winner in the brokerage/franchise category, today announced that it is the first national full-service real estate company to distribute its listings to a GPS device. The Coldwell Banker organization worked with Dash Navigation, Inc., the developer of the first Internet-connected GPS device, to bring dynamic Coldwell Banker real estate listings directly into the automobile via Dash Express™.
Just as the Coldwell Banker network now feeds its property listings to such Web sites as Google, Yahoo, Trulia and others, brand listings from around the U.S. will now be sent to cars. The Coldwell Banker feed, now exclusive to Dash Navigation, allows consumers to call up Coldwell Banker listings, map them, get directions and view other Coldwell Banker listings in close proximity. Dash owners can easily add the Coldwell Banker listings button to their Dash Express via the MyDash Web site. Listings then automatically load to their Dash Express navigation device.
"Mobile devices continue to be an evolving medium with great application to the home buying and selling process," said Michael Fischer, senior vice president of marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Consumers also want real-time real estate information when they're on the road, and the in-car experience is a natural progression to deliver content with the broad adoption of GPS usage."
"Dash drivers have been asking for real estate listings on Dash Express since our beta trial period, so to enter the space with a leader like Coldwell Banker is a great fit for Dash," said Chris Butler, content development evangelist for Dash. "Because Dash is the first customizable navigation device with an open API development platform, drivers can now select and easily add applications to the device that help them get from point A to point B in the smartest way possible, while accessing great Web-based content relevant to their personal driving experience."
The Consumer Electronics Association® reports Americans spend an average of 17 hours a week in their car, fueling sales of in-car GPS systems, which are expected to be owned by 13 percent of households by the end of 2008.
"The Web has redefined the home buying and selling process, and consumers are now dreaming and initiating the process online before they contact a sales associate," continued Fischer. "Our desire is to engage consumers at every turn so that when the time comes to enter the market they are apt to work with a Coldwell Banker sales associate. We will continue to explore every avenue on the Web, in addition to unique avenues like the Dash GPS, to maintain our leadership status, attract consumers and deliver leads to our affiliated companies."
Dash Navigation connects people to the information that empowers them in their cars. The company's first product, the Dash Express™, is the first personal navigation system with two-way, Internet connectivity. It's the smartest way to get from A to B—and get information about everything in between. Dash is located in Sunnyvale, Calif. and is funded by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sequoia Capital, Skymoon Ventures, Crescendo Ventures, Artis Capital and ZenShin Capital Partners. For more information, visit Dash Navigation at www.dash.net.
About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2007, Franchise Times magazine's prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the eighth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,800 residential real estate offices and nearly 120,000 sales associates in 46 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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