All over the map: The diversity of map-based data services
Several sites use maps in novel ways. Neighborhood X, for instance, bases its underlying concept on how Redfin, Zillow and Trulia—and even Google’s mapping technology – define neighborhood boundaries. This raises the possibility that a house could show up in one neighborhood according to one portal—and another neighborhood in a competing service. Different boundaries equate to properties viewed through different data sets. This matters because it potentially affects property value and forces consumers to visit multiple sites to capture a clearer view of the neighborhood.
Other notable data access sites include:
Neighborhoods.com. This Chicago-based platform presents itself as a place for people to learn about local businesses, entertainment options, schools and other amenities that might motivate them to explore an unfamiliar neighborhood. The information comes from MLS listings, county records and data aggregators, as well as agents and site users. To perform a search, users simply enter an address, ZIP code, and the neighborhood’s city, county or state, depending on how much they want to refine the results.
Redfin’s brokerage and database services enable users to measure local housing market demand, inventory, sales and pricing trends. The company also surveys agents and site users for other market insights. Walkability scores cover the ease of travel on foot, bike or public transit, while opportunity scores are based on available jobs that can be reached without a car. Smith says the IHS sometimes uses Redfin’s data to cross-check information because of its MRED-based reliability.
CartoFront offers a big data mapping tool designed to filter data points for agents and brokers. The maps reflect statistics more personal in nature—divorce, bankruptcy, school grades and foreclosures—and also provide subscribers with owner names, contact information and mortgage details. The Chicago Association of Realtors offers its members discounted monthly platform access as a perk.
NeighborhoodScout.com offers an all-in-one analytics platform that digs deep into neighborhood-specific data that covers crime rates, schools and home appreciation.
ATTOM Data Solutions covers more than 150 million properties. Much of the information comes from public records of foreclosures, mortgages, deeds and taxes. The platform also offers in-depth descriptions of individual parcels, along with data on neighborhood factors such as schools, environmental risks and weather-related phenomena from sinkholes to floods. The company just acquired RealtyTrac, which rose to prominence during the market crash by providing current information about foreclosures.