By Michael M on

I am pleased to announce the release of the home module. The home module allows users to create home listings, search for homes, upload pictures, and more.

Download and view a demo: http://pointhomes.com

⋅ Categories: Drupal 5.x

Comments

aaron’s picture

aaron commented

Looking through the module, seems to be the sort of thing a lot of people might want. However, I'm worried it might be trying to do too much, considering there are several other contributed modules that do some of this functionality.

So some questions:

1) Do you plan to put the module into the repository and open a project page? This would make it more accessible to people, and allow other developers to chip in.

2) I wonder if this might be better as an Installation profile, so you can tie in other modules more effectively.

For instance:

3) Location.module already has zip codes, and an API that could be tied into your module. Simply make the module dependent on the location module, call the relevant functions, and you have all the powerful features already present there (such as radius search, etc).

4) Google Maps module does some stuff you're duplicating. It doesn't have an API per se, but I've successfully called the module's functions manually in some cases. If you use a profile, then you could add your own markers in that way.

5) Again, using a profile, you could simply pre-create some content types with the fields you need, allowing admins to change them as needed without having to create support request for every little 'what about central ac or three-car-garage' request.

6) There are other modules doing some of what you do even better, and I'd worry about conflicts. For instance, someone may wish to implement their own gallery, or have other node types that might interfere with the menu structure you're providing.

I hope I'm not stepping on your toes, and as a disclaimer, I've only skimmed your source code at this point. I'm sure a lot of people will appreciate your efforts.

Thanks,
Aaron Winborn

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

As with any project, the best support is input. Everything that you mentioned I already considered/tried.

Let's state a few problems...

1) Maybe later.... I like the forum plus the demo to be on the same site. Easier to manage.

2) If this would be a feasible option, it would've been done. It's not that easy because it won't look seamless. The real estate sites will look patched. But, everyone that didn't care already implemented a similar solution. So, my solution is useless for them.

3) I am actually thinking of removing the zip code database in favor of on-the-fly geocoding using google geocoder. This will also solve country related problems/issues with attaining the zip code database. (some discussion here: http://pointhomes.com/node/4)

4) Technically, I don't even use Google Maps in the traditional manner. I use "TLabels" in order to allow hundreds of markers on the map at a time. This avoids some of the memory related issues that appear with too many markers. (I haven't tried marker manager, but, regardless of the method used, I expect memory issues on a real estate site. Thus, a custom solution is inevitable).

5) I actually thought about that before developing the module. It seemed like having a "custom fields" feature would be ideal. But, this module won't be everything for everyone. We only need key information about a home. People that want detailed information about homes should read the description. Example: There are tons of sites offering car listings. Almost all sites offer exactly the same search/listing fields. Why? Because over time all of the sites were refined to the point where only the required information is used.

6) Well, the gallery functionality disappears when there are no images. This shouldn't be a problem. But, realistically, the provided solution is the best. It's clean and efficient. Any improvements are welcome.

As always, all suggestions or improvements are welcome. I know it will take a little bit of time to iron out the bugs and complete the module (I still need to finish some minor search features).

Thanks,
Michael

----
http://eUploads.com

greypanda’s picture

greypanda commented

I'm glad to see someone tackle this beast. It seems that there are more abandoned projects for real estate than most other topics. I, too, am trying to get Drupal to handle real estate with some polish, but it is a major undertaking. Here are my criticisms of most of the "products" available:

1) Lack of flexibility. Every office is different and each broker wants to tailor the site to their needs.
2) Installation is far too complex. We need an installation that can run half of the sites right out-of-the-box.
3) "Cuteness" outweighs "function". I'm running a business, not a community. I need the ability to gather critical info about clients.

I haven't yet installed and tested your project, but I have downloaded it and will give you as much feedback as possible.

john@pandavista.com

niklp’s picture

niklp commented

This isn't exactly "released", is it... :p

You need to join the Real Estate group on g.d.o and put this into a proper module in CVS. Then people will know it exists. Then you can get some feedback. I suggest starting with the group's reaction before making a proper module out of this, it might turn out to be unworthy of an official release, based on what the guy above is saying.

dtabach’s picture

dtabach commented

Just adding myself to the topic to be able to follow updates.
I've just delivered a small Real Estate company's site using vanilla CCK, Views and Taxonomy, and some custom template.php.
Here's the URL, if anyone is interested in having a look or make comments (sorry, it's in Brazilian Portuguese): http://prolimoveis.com.br

Durval Tabach

Durval Tabach

rickvug’s picture

rickvug commented

I think that a big part of getting a Real Estate website up and running is the automatic importation of active listings. This is a system that has yet to be made for Drupal (or at least has yet to be released openly).

Does anyone have experience with this?

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Vugteveen |rickvug.com @rickvug on Twitter

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

That's something that I'd like to develop. The problem is that I don't know where to get the MLS data from.

Where can I get the MLS data from?
Can the data be imported without having to download a file and reupload it to your website?
What format is the file in?
Etc....

----
http://eUploads.com

gward789’s picture

gward789 commented

As a real estate broker I have access to MLS data. As I see it, the real problem with displaying listings is that MLS data is different from one MLS to another. Each County has it's own MLS Association and can select from different MLS display programs. The California Association of Realtors is in the process of combining all MLS data into one data base. It's scheduled to be released in June but if past performance of the CAR is any indication it will be much longer.

Our real estate company is in the process of franchising in all fifty states. I am responsible for developing our web sites and Listings display. I'll be looking for a Drupal programmer to help me learn Drupal and build the web sites and themes. I've completed the Business Requirements Documents and specified 90+% of what needs to be done. Anyone interested in applying for the job? If yes, contact me to schedule a phone interview.

Gene Ward
Technology Supervisor
Area Pro Realty

joshuaturner111’s picture

joshuaturner111 commented

I'm a broker -- You can acquire an XML file from Point2Agent.com that syndicates all the listings from all of their member MLS services around the country. You just have to register as a publisher/agent and then download the files every few days. You can also cut it down to just a certain area, etc. But at least that would be a using a more universal system than trying to go to every single MLS across the US and get their custom-formatted XML file and then have to come up with a system to try to patch those all together.

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

will help us get a home without paying for ads hopefully :)
gr8 attempt.

can this be used as a part of another website..like a section on homes..or mix up with regular posts??

or will it have to be a full separate site installation?

coupet’s picture

coupet commented

Add Agent/Broker information, Agent usually market their skills thru their listings

----
Darly

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

Hi..
i tried this..but faced some issues..the featured homes..option..doesnt work...no settings for this..

also the listed homes block shows nothing..

pls help..i uploaded this on www.indiapoised.org
so u can c..

My internet voluntary services include

1. Helping answer queries on www.krishna.com
2. Learning & Helping in the Vedic section of www.spiritualnectar.com
3. Helped in some aspects to make www.indiapoised.org
4. Learning & ( Helping newbies) on www.drupal.org

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

Please read my other posts to your problems. Plus, you can also try the new version released today.

----
http://eUploads.com

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

The blocks are not showing..and no setting for featured homes yet :(

pls advise..what cld i be doing wrong..

My internet voluntary services include

1. Helping answer queries on www.krishna.com
2. Learning & Helping in the Vedic section of www.spiritualnectar.com
3. Helped in some aspects to make www.indiapoised.org
4. Learning & ( Helping newbies) on www.drupal.org

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

To make a home "Featured" you need to check the "Sticky at top of lists" options in the "Publishing Options" group on the edit page (node/x/edit).

----
http://eUploads.com

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

i tried this..but still nothing happens..
u can see that there are 3 problems

1. The search function does not give any results for homes
2. The Featured homes block does not display anything
3. The Latest homes block also doesnt display anything

You can see this on www.indiapoised.org where I am trying this out for a friend.

One good thing is this..the place I entered was Bangalore..since thats the popular name..however the city name was changed to Bengaluru..i guess the google map functionality changed it..dont remember how that happnd :)

Oh Yes..a major problem is there...the nodes for the Homes..dont show any pictures..

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

I noticed some very interesting things :)

1. SUppose I give the Address..and its popular and google map recognises it...then the Country INdia...becomes IN..and then in the Browse option..it shows as INdia and IN ..two different places.

2. If the Map functionality doesnt happen..then the listing shows in a Block..else it doesnt

3. The pictures dont show to anyone who isnt logged in

4. there is no way for someone to post the same property types for Rent/Lease. Only sale seems to be available now.

5. It would be nice, if there are options for Want Property ...and Offer Property

6. Also options to decide the nature of poster..like Agent or Self or Direct representative

7. An option to specify terms like Commission to be given / not given / gifts welcome if given etc would be nice maybe...

Hope this might help u in troubleshooting..and adding a feature or two :)

thanks for the nice module.

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

I found that the search feature works with Zipcodes for posts which have a map associated with them.
For other fields like State or city name..nothing turns up :(

Another thought..it would be worthwhile to have an option to decide who can give a Featured Content status. A box, saying feature this..wld be nice :)

I found that this module seems to work reasonably well only when the posts are related to the USA...for Indian cities it doesnt seem to support things well..
what could be the reason..does a list of cities etc..have to be put into the database?

thanks for any help.

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

in img assist..there is an option to show all images to people in all roles...if this is enabled..it shows..
sorry for bothering on Point no. 3

other issues persist..hope to have ur feedback..

how does one enter the place in such a way..that the map gets accepted.....in many cases..mapping doesnt happen..

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

blocks seem to show the pictures..but not the text..wonder why :)
now u can see that www.indiapoised.org has a latest homes block..this works..but if i want it to show the links only to the homes without the pics..it doesnt seem to work well..

the search function is not happening for non US zip codes..
i checked with ur pointhomes demo site..even there..the search happens only with zip codes..not places..

pls advise on any alteration to code needed.

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

but you're one big mess.

----
http://eUploads.com

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

sorry for being messy ..just wanted to update u and others about what has been on with the module..

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

I didn't mean to sound mean or anything. But, the thing is that I told you in other posts/emails that your problem is not reproducible on my end.

If I were you, I would install it on a new site and start testing it from there. The fact that you're using it on a production server is not a good idea.

----
http://eUploads.com

gurukripa’s picture

gurukripa commented

one good thing u cld do is this..

1. all other content types like blogs etc..cld also use ur module functionalities like Gallery and Map...
2. Maybe u cld separate these two things out to make them some sort of a CCK type..so people can add them to other Content types....pls think about this..it has lots of potential.

toma’s picture

toma commented

Can use the module with other countries, France for example!
---
Biladi
http://www.biladi.ma

summit’s picture

summit commented

Hi Michael,
Here Martijn, I don't have password here for your website, so I am adding my comments here allready.
I installed the module, I am getting a map now.
What is going wrong is the edit screen.

I am trying to edit a home. And change the address. The map is showing the new address, but the TextFields are shown blank.
See for an example: http://www.isnow.in/martijns-home
The other fields of the home-record stay blank:
- Address
- City
- Zip Code

The Map is showing "de Wittekade" which I typed in as the address. Amsterdam as City and the Zip Code, so it is being used, but not shown.
May be it is an node-update issue or something else (I am not a programmer).
Thanks for this great module allready!

Greetings,
Martijn

jujuji’s picture

jujuji commented

I guess there is no seperate "node location" option with drupal gmap. I intend to create a similar feature in my website. Please tell me how to create one.
regards
apoorva

hobote’s picture

hobote commented

This looks amazing, I have been looking for a decent open source realty solution and this looks perfect, I will be posting any issues I have, but I don't think it will be any problem!

jujuji’s picture

jujuji commented

Hi Michael your module is exellent. The custom search you have created would be very helpful if it can be implemented for a general drupal website. There is no such search for drupal. Could you please explain how it works
Regards
Apoorva

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

Apoorva,

The search page is part of the module. It is created using php code. It was designed to search for homes on a drupal site.

Michael

summit’s picture

summit commented

May be an option to handle it (the search part) as submodule, so it can be integrated in other drupal instances?
greetings,
Martijn

Michael M’s picture

Michael M commented

The search functionality is very specific to the home module and the various sub-modules I created. If you can demonstrate how it can be useful in other situations, let me know.

Michael

WorldFallz’s picture

WorldFallz commented

FYI to anyone still interested, and new module has just been released: http://drupal.org/project/pirets.