realestate-propertydetail

Introduction

The realestate_propertydetail page is an exploratory discussion on developing a microformat that could be used in conjunction with adr, hListing, geo, and maybe others, to provide a consistent format for real estate property listings.

One of my ultimate goals is to not only be able to provide a consistent industry specific format or collection of existing formats, but to also begin attaching data to properties in a way that has never been done before. So for instance, if a Realtor has a listing for sale and they post the listing and photos of the listing with geo data, then that information can be cataloged forever with the property. Then over time homeowners, home buyers, property assessors, etc. can look at snapshots of the same property over time and visually see upgrades, deterioration, etc.

Patents

This specification is subject to a royalty free patent policy, e.g. per the W3C Patent Policy, and IETF RFC3667 & RFC3668.

Discussion Participants

Editor

• Brian Fidler

Authors

• Brian Fidler
• Bill Barron

Real Estate Examples

First, per the microformats process, we need to identify examples of real world MLS postings on the web, and capture their URLs and existing markup here.

What are examples of existing pages that would benefit from additional markup?

• ...

Real Estate Formats

Next we need to identify the property attributes that are common in existing MLS systems (thus implied formats in those systems) and then see which of these attributes can be satisfied by using an existing microformat. For instance number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, fireplace y/n, if y then how many fireplaces, etc. As we define the common attributes and the microformats that satisfy them we can start building the framework. When we run into situations or data where there is no existing satisfactory microformat, we can discuss creating the best approach to satisfying those specific instances.

Property Related Formats

This section is to identify any compatible microformats (i.e. hListing, adr, geo) and list them out.

• hListing to put the property in a listing format
• adr to identify the address of the property
• geo to identify the geographic coordinates for mapping purposes
• hReview to allow the Realtor to put a description of the property and maybe open it up so that other Realtors/home buyers can also add their reviews or questions about the property
• rel-tag to add property specific searchable information (i.e. fireplace)
• hCalendar for adding specific dates to a property (i.e. open house on November 13, 2007)

Is there a format for...

Here we can brainstorm ideas on how to use different formats to further the end goal. Since we may not be familiar with every existing microformat, list what you think would be useful and then if someone knows of a microformat that satisfies that need we can add it to the above list and delete it from this list.

• photo or photo gallery (a Realtor could upload one or more photos of a property with geo data associated too)
• Room Information - Break real-estate down by room and list features
  • A room would count as a partially or fully enclosed portion of a house not including things like yard, garden, walking path, but could include things like (gazebo, courtyard, carport, covered patio)
  • Room Name - One of many standard enumerated room names (kitchen, dining, master-bed, master-bath, or a custom room name)
    • Kitchen
    • (Formal) Dining Room
    • Master Bedroom
    • Master Bathroom
    • Guest Bedroom
    • Loft
    • Living Room
    • Garage (number of cars)
    • Office
    • Laundry Room
    • Enclosed Patio
    • Covered Porch
    • Storage Shed
    • Sun Room
    • Media Room
    • Barn
    • Boat House
    • Green house
    • Hen House
    • Out house
    • Bath house
    • Bathroom
    • Game Room
  • Room description
    • Short description of the room
  • Room features - List room features and the quantity of each
    • Fireplace
    • Appliances
    • Wet bar
    • Built-ins
    • Sitting area
    • Entertainment center
    • Vaulted ceilings
    • Stairs
    • Bookshelves
    • Water line/Faucet
    • Crown molding
  • Room Size (dimensions and square footage)
  • Room Location
    • Which floor the room is on relative to the main entrance
    • Attached or detached to main house
    • Indoors/outdoors (gazebo, courtyard, carport, covered patio)
      • Main Floor
      • Second Floor
      • Third Floor
      • Basement
      • Attic
  • Room Photo or Room Photo Url
  • Room page or url