CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Move (Nasdaq:
MOVE), the leader in online real estate, today launched a
redesigned rentals search portal on Move.com sporting an updated
look and feel supported by proprietary technology and new features
designed to match today's renters with their ideal apartment in
just three clicks.
Redesigned to help renters make better and faster decisions,
visitors can now search for their next apartment on a map or by
list view simultaneously, select five desired community amenities
from a list of 22 'Local Likes' and instantly find apartments
located close to those amenities, locate a pet friendly rental with
a view, review city cost of living comparisons, instantly check
availability of a unit with a desired floor plan, and download a
leasing agreement before setting off to tour the apartment.
'Local Likes,' offered only by Move.com as part of the new
rental search experience, are 22 preset desired community amenities
that can influence which apartment or neighborhood a renter
considers as they search. Included on the new Properties Tab
to assist renters find the right apartment in the right
neighborhood, Local Likes range from desired airports, bakeries,
bookstores, bars and clubs, to fitness centers, golf courses,
grocery stories, schools, shopping, parks, and more.
"Apartment rents rose across much of the country for a third
straight quarter this year(1), and we expect this is primarily due
to increased demand resulting from the current economic
environment," said Eric Gramberg,
vice president at Move.com. "As more consumers enter the
rental market, it becomes increasingly important to provide them
with the information and tools they need to make smart decisions
quickly. The redesign of Move's rental search portal provides
today's renters with easy access to the search tools and accurate
information they need to find the right apartment in the right
neighborhood across the country."
Once a Move.com visitor has identified an interesting apartment,
one click leads them to a newly designed Listing Detail Page where
they'll find up to 25 property photos, in-depth property and unit
details, neighborhood and school information, driving directions,
links to share the listing on Twitter, Facebook, Digg, and MySpace,
and up-to-the minute move-in specials. New View Availability
buttons help renters immediately check the status of an apartment
before downloading the rental applications and leasing terms
featured next to the property management contact details.
Prospective renters are now better prepared to submit an
application on the spot after they tour a rental apartment found on
Move.com.
According to a national study conducted for the Associated Press
by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services, the gap
between monthly rents and mortgage payments is at its lowest level
in almost 20 years(2). For consumers debating between renting
versus buying or interested in community details and the rental
experience in general, a Search Properties tab and a Learning
Center tab have been integrated into the search experience.
The new Search Properties tab is home to helpful features
including Local Likes, Apartment Communities, and detailed analysis
of different apartment properties in each city. Each Search
Properties page includes information such as population, community
information, cost of living, and rental costs relevant to the city
a visitor wants to explore. The new Learning Center offers a
wide array of relevant topics including apartment search tips,
renter's rights, moving tips, finance and insurance details, and
budgeting tips for a first time apartment renter. Editorial
content ranging from living with roommates and renting with pets,
to lease negotiations and links to blogs with rental-related
articles have also been added to the Move.com rentals Learning
Center.
To help Move.com visitors find their ideal apartment in just
three clicks, new search technology now delivers predictive
'as-you-type' search features and dynamic search faceting that
reduces potential frustration caused by 'zero results' prompts
resulting from misspelled words or keystroke errors. In addition,
Move's advanced proprietary search technology was leveraged to
surface search results faster and with greater details so renters
can zero in on their next apartment with less effort.
As a leader in property search technology, Move redesigned its
rental portal to facilitate rapid and accurate results based on
each user's individual preferences so they find the right apartment
faster. In addition, Move's rental site offers local and national
exposure to apartment advertisers, with the added benefit of
real-time connection and communication points with renters who can
now download a rental application. By integrating the ability
to share apartment listings through new social media features,
advertisers organically expand their potential brand and traffic
footprint to other consumers.
Renters interested in finding their next apartment on Move.com
can quickly access Move's rentals portal from the homepage of
Move.com by clicking the 'Rentals' tab on the 'Find a Place' search
box, and entering the desired city, state or zip code.
Once on the Search Results Page, visitors select price range,
number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and pet details and can view their
results in a list and map view. To further refine a search,
visitors can select the 'More Options' button to filter searches to
account for features including disability access, gated entrance
and fitness centers, to playgrounds, covered parking, furnishings,
fireplaces and more.
ABOUT MOVE, INC.
Move, Inc. (NASDAQ:MOVE) is the leader in online real estate
with 12.29 million(3) monthly visitors to its online network of
websites. Move, Inc. operates: Move.com, a leading destination for
information on new homes and rental listings, moving, home and
garden and home finance; REALTOR.com®, the official website of the
National Association of REALTORS®; Moving.com; SeniorHousingNet;
and TOP PRODUCER Systems. Move, Inc. is based in Campbell, California.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements,
including information about management's view of Move's future
expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor
provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of
Move, its subsidiaries, divisions and concepts to be materially
different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These
risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents
Move files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other
unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse
effects on Move's future results. The forward-looking statements
included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof.
Move cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity,
performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Move
expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances.
(1) RealFacts, Q2 and Q3 2010 Rental Rates
(2)
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/real-estate/buying/whats-cheaper-buying-or-renting-home
(3) comScore Media Metrix, October
2010
SOURCE Move