Google Earth helps agents gain competitive advantage while giving their clients new, innovative way to view homes on Agent XSites

August 18, 2005
For Immediate Release

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK   -- a la mode, a leading developer of desktop, mobile and Web tools for real estate professionals, today announced that in less than one month, 61 percent of its real estate agent customers have already begun using the recently introduced aerial-mapping technology, making it one of the top features found on a la mode’s agents’ sites.

In July, a la mode introduced the new “Google Earth” home-mapping technology to users of the company’s Agent XSites.

Agent XSites are customizable Web sites created by a la mode that are currently used by more than 6,000 real estate agents throughout the United States. a la mode, known for its two decades of experience introducing innovative technology solutions to real estate professionals, was one of the first companies to make Google Earth technology available, at no cost, to its entire customer base.

“Google Earth is an excellent tool for real estate agents to differentiate themselves from their competitors, gain an edge in listing presentations and give their clients a tool that makes the home-buying process more efficient," said Rusty Lindquist, a la mode's Vice President of Agent Products.  "Short of driving to the listing, there's no better way to see a property in its true context.  Agents can tout that value to win a listing and justify a higher commission, and the quick adoption rate by our customers shows that they're finding it a powerful addition to the services they offer."

The Google Earth technology is embedded in all a la mode Agent XSites and provides consumers with a simple way to view aerial photographs from an area. Home buyers can view the block the house is on, its proximity to parks, freeways, and other distinguishable landmarks, simply by zooming in or out.

“Google Earth already has proven to be a powerful tool,” said Todd Ernst/Keller Williams Realty, Grand Rapids, Michigan. “The feedback that I’ve received from my clients is fantastic. Best of all, though, in my opinion, is the advantage it gives me in listing presentations. It’s nice to be able to tell a potential client that their home will be featured on my Web site with aerial mapping technology from Google. Clients understand the benefits: it will help better market their homes and let potential buyers see its proximity to schools, parks and other key amenities and services.”

About a la mode
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, a la mode develops desktop, mobile, and Web tools for the real estate and mortgage industries.  a la mode products are used by hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals to complete real transactions.  a la mode's industry-critical infrastructure, better known as the XSites Network, moves well over a million and a half paperless mortgage transactions each and every month.  XSites are web-creation software applications which enable real estate and mortgage professionals to deploy a transaction-centric and professional Web presence quickly, easily, and inexpensively.  Currently just under 250 employees work in a la mode's state-of-the-art offices located in Salt Lake City, Orlando, Oklahoma City, and Washington, DC.  a la mode is growing rapidly and changing how the real estate and mortgage industries use technology.  More details are on the web at http://www.alamode.com.

Media contacts:
Matt Barr
a la mode
Communications Director
mattb@alamode.com
(330) 296-8894