Friday, January 23, 2009

Redfin: Data Getting Better

Seattle-based Redfin reported Thursday that the firm's newest version has improved on its accuracy of mapping out real estate properties. The firm said that the new version--which has been rolling out last week--provides "more and better data" about the homes for sale in its markets. Among the improvements: better mapping of properties listed, up to 95.4% of properties (up from 94.4%); an increase in for-sale listings with exact mapping from 55.4% to 70.2% now; and the ability for the firm to "hand-map" home listings manually when a homeowner complains about the location. The company also said it is now using two geocoding services--which are used to translate addresses into latitude and longitude on maps--in order to improve the quality of its mapping.