It was specified that the site must:

1. Allow real estate agents to easily update content on the site.


2. Allow real estate agents to add, edit, and delete new properties.


3. Automatically generate summary listings, details pages, and photo galleries.


4. Display a slideshow of properties on the front page.


5. Allow users to search the MLS database via a search form on the front page.


6. Allow users to contact the real estate agent and schedule appointments.

Solution:

    1. Allow real estate agents to easily update content on the site.

We developed a custom content management solution that allows real estate agents to log into a special administration console and edit the content on their sites in a manner as easy as using a word processor by using a built-in WYSIWYG ("What you see is what you get") editor. This includes the use of a custom image management utility that we designed that makes it easy for them to upload and include photos on their site as well.

    2. Allow real estate agents to add, edit, and delete new properties.

Also in the administrative console, we developed a special input form where the real estate agent can easily input the details for a new property listing. Realizing that not all properties have the same features, in addition to providing checkboxes for the most common ones, we developed a method for easily adding custom features on a per-property basis.

We also developed an image upload feature, so the real estate agent can easily upload images that are associated with a particular property listing. Once uploaded to the server, our solution automatically resizes the images to display perfectly on the site.

    3. Automatically generate summary listings, details pages, and photo galleries.

The presentation of the featured property listings was the most important consideration in designing the site. The goal was to create the best presentation possible while keeping the input of the property data simple, as described above. To do so, we created an extremely powerful solution, using different programming techniques to enable the computer to do the work so the real estate agents wouldn't have to. All a real estate agent has to do is enter the property details and click "Save", and upload images without concern for what size they are.

The program then, automatically:

• Resizes the images to their proper size.


• Generates a summary listing and adds it to the list of featured listings.


• Generates a details page for the property.


• Generates a slideshow on the details page consisting of the images associated with that property.


• Generates a link to an online map.


• Generates a printable flier.


• Generates a photo gallery for the property, linked to full-sized versions of the images.


• Adds one of the images for the property to a slideshow on the front page of the site.

Accomplishing this feat involved a variety of unique approaches, and there are numerous processes going on behind the scenes that make it work so well. Different properties have different types and amounts of data, so the program analyses the data and makes intelligent decisions on the best way to display it.

    4. Display a slideshow of properties on the front page.

Using the data and photographs inputted by the real estate agent already for the property listings, the program automatically creates a slideshow on the front page that shows a selected photo from each of the featured properties, each photo being automatically linked to the details page for that property. The slideshow generation is automatic - as soon as the real estate agent inputs a new property, it will instantly show up in the slideshow.

    5. Allow users to search the MLS database via a search form on the front page.

The MLS database interface was included into the layout on the site in an interior page of the site. We customized the interface to match the look and feel of the site. We also developed a custom search form on the front page of the site, and utilized a unique manner to pass the search data to the remote site and display the results in the interior page.

    6. Allow users to contact the real estate agent and schedule appointments.

We developed a contact form that automatically gets sent to the real estate agent. Additionally, we implemented a "Make an Appointment" link automatically generated for each property details page, providing a user with the ability to request preferred appointment times to see a property.