How real estate data can change perceptions
Came across a real estate blog the other day that had a simple message but was really a lesson in the “hot” new trend of providing “big data” for real estate websites.
Massive amounts of data that is now offered by companies such as Home Junction Inc. that the average broker or agent can now easily display on their real estate website.
Agent Jon Zolsky decided to address the belief he knew existed in the back of many people’s minds about how hot the temperature was in Daytona Beach in the summer.
Sounds reasonable. Sure, many people are going to have a misconception of Florida in the summer, thinking it is the same as say, Death Valley or the Sahara desert.
Yes, Zolsky points out, it does warm up in Daytona during June, July and August.
But, because Daytona is on the beach, there is generally a nice breeze blowing cool air inland.
That can mean the difference of 3-4 degrees and there is a big difference between 91 degrees and 88 degrees.
Zolsky points out that it does get warm up north as well. He cites statistics that show New York City had a record high 104-degree temperature in 2011.
Minnesota, you know, the land of ice and snow, had a record high one year of 114 degrees.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Daytona, ready for this, was 98 degrees in 1998.
Which means, sometimes it’s smart to come to Florida in the SUMMER to escape the heat. Especially if you can be near a beach.
Great use of data Jon.
Now imagine if you had access to a widget holding a gigantic amount of hyper-local data?
Say for example, there is a perceived notion about schools in a certain area.
With current data about local schools, perhaps an agent or broker can point out that the test scores in School B are just as high as School A which has a reputation for being known as the “smart kids’ school.”
Or maybe there is a misconception about the schools being too crowded.
Or perhaps, not enough teachers per student.
That mindset can all be cleared up with the facts.
Take housing prices.
People might think a certain neighborhood is dropping in value because of whatever.
But recent home sale data or home value data can show the real facts, and perhaps that certain neighborhood is actually increasing in value.
Just like Zolsky used weather data to clear up a misconception and put his marketplace in a better light, an agent or broker can do the same with a whole menu of real estate related content on their own site.
Gee, someone might think after reading Jon’s blog, maybe Daytona is not a bad place to buy a home and live year round.
And if they aren’t thinking that now, perhaps they will remember his argument when the temperatures do cross the 100-degree mark in August in New York, or Illinois or Pennsylvania. And their shoes are sticking to the pavement.
Zolsky used simple data to make a huge point.
Use an array of “big data” on various subjects to make a bunch of huge points.
To read how Zolsky just refuted a major perception in people’s mind about Daytona in the summer, click here.
