Real estate search Web site HomeFinder has launched an Android mobile application for tablets following the acquisition of Open Home Pro as a way to further connect agents with prospective leads and increase traffic. 

Through the new app, users can collect and organize potential leads by compiling a list for each. Agents can see how interested potential buyers are, if they have an agent representing them and if they?re preapproved for a mortgage. Real estate agents can also make notes while giving a tour on the property.

?Our focus has been to ensure current and future Open Home Pro customers received an excellent customer experience, to integrate the app with HomeFinder.com products, and to launch the Android version,? said Doug Breaker, president & CEO at HomeFinder.com, Chicago.

An anticipated action
HomeFinder is attempting to continue the mobilization of its brand.

In 2013, Open Home Pro, a business that allows realtors to run their open houses via the iPad and collect leads, has been sold to larger real estate search site HomeFinder.com. 

The HomeFinder?s app becomes the first to target realtors, as opposed to consumers like its previously launched iOS app (see story).

?Since we acquired Open Home Pro, we have received hundreds of requests for an Android version,? Mr. Breaker said. ?We listened to this feedback to launch a new product so the thousands of Android-using real estate agents can experience the same benefits as iPad users.?

New additions to the technology team added to this decision. 

?Former Open Home Pro CEO, Robert Malko, also joined HomeFinder.com when we acquired Open Home Pro to help lead our product and technical vision for real estate professionals,? Mr. Breaker said. ?Rob?s innate knowledge of the OHP customer and the technical aspects of the app, combined with HomeFinder.com?s established real estate agent client base, top-rated customer support, and extensive technology team, made it possible for us to launch the Android app.?

Open Home Pro?s technology comes into play for follow-ups by sending emails containing the agent?s contact information and if any changes are made to the listing. The system also recognizes the most potential leads that deserve immediate attention to encourage a sale.

Agents can promote their listings with one click via the social sharing option.

Visitor feedback exists to educate sellers on the best selling tactics and listing price recommendations.

Android users can utilize the following features that will be available to iOS7 users soon, such as adding photos to the app without a Wi-Fi connection, improved device syncing between desktop and app and the note-taking feature when visitors sign in at an open house.

HomeFinder.com now uses more than 375 local newspaper real estate search sites to promote its listings.

Moving on up
The real estate app has come a long way over the past few years. 

In 2009, HomeFinder.com launched Open Houses, an iOS app to help homebuyers find geographically targeted open-house listings.

Open Houses aggregated its content from desktop, which at the time had content from more than 130 newspapers across the country. HomeFinder.com, owned jointly by Gannet Co. Inc., The McClatchy Co. and Tribune Co., featured content from dozens of newspapers such as The Miami Herald, Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times. The Web site and mobile properties have more than 3.5 million real estate listings (see story).

This move shows a continued support for HomeFinder users and an aim to provide an extensive experience.

?Since we acquired Open Home Pro, we have been eager to release an Android version while maintaining the same customer experience Open Home Pro users know and love,? Mr. Breaker said. 

Final Take
Caitlyn Bohannon, editorial assistant for Mobile Marketer, New York