In an era where technology has permeated every facet of our lives, it seems almost inconceivable that Real Estate Database (RED) would not include a map feature showcasing properties within their various geo locations.
To put things in context, I would like to first explain that RED has three sets of users, one set is that of real estate agents who upload/market their properties on the platform, the other set is that of the property buyers who are actively searching for properties online.
The third set is the intersection between the two sets mentioned above, this set is made up of real estate investors who actively buy and/or sale properties. The first set (which is made up of real estate agents) vehemently dislikes the mapping feature for reasons that I will explain later in this blog. So, keep reading.
The absence of a property mapping tool on the RED leaves one set of users (the buyers) puzzled and raises questions about the reasons behind this omission. I recently has a discussion with David Okwi (from Africa's Talking) regarding this same issue, a screenshot of our discussion has been attached.
In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of why the Real Estate Database (RED) has not incorporated a map feature, exploring potential challenges, considerations, and possible future developments.
Location information is a source of income.
In Uganda, location information stands as the lifeblood of many real estate agency businesses. They often derive income through search fees and inspection charges, primarily for providing clients with specific details about property locations. Incorporating this geo location information onto a map could potentially render many real estate agents obsolete or, at the very least, diminish their supplementary source of revenue. So, real agents vehemently dislike the mapping feature and are not at all interested in using it.
Clandestine nature of real estate transactions.
Many landlords opt to withhold critical information to evade identification, circumvent tax obligations, or avoid disclosing their wealth. This secretive approach further complicates the integration of location details onto a map. so the reason behind the lack of a map feature on the Real Estate Database (RED) is the privacy and security concerns as property owners may be reluctant to have their exact locations displayed publicly, fearing potential security threats or invasions of privacy, and thus the RED chooses to prioritize the safety and confidentiality of property owners over the convenience of a map feature.
User Experience and Accessibility.
Surprisingly, the absence of a map on the Real Estate Database (RED) is a deliberate choice to enhance user experience and accessibility. Not all users may find maps intuitive or user-friendly. For many, a text-based or list-oriented interface is more straightforward and less overwhelming. In the interest of catering to a diverse user base, the RED prioritizes simplicity over the added complexity that a map feature might introduce.
Technical Limitations and Resource Constraints.
Developing and maintaining a robust mapping feature requires substantial technical resources, expertise, and ongoing maintenance. Real Estate Databases (RED) is a low-cost operator and thus currently lacks budgetary strength and the necessary technical infrastructure to seamlessly integrate and sustain a map feature. Prioritizing other critical functionalities such as property listings, search algorithms, and data accuracy have taken precedence over the implementation of a map.
Future Development and Iterative Design.
The absence of a map feature on the Real Estate Database (RED) is also a deliberate choice made during the initial development phase. The RED decided to roll out the platform without a map and plan to introduce it in subsequent updates. Iterative design is common in software development, allowing teams to gather user feedback and refine features over time. The lack of a map now is a temporary state, with plans for its integration into future versions of the RED.
Data Accuracy and Reliability.
Integrating a map feature requires accurate and reliable geographical data. Most RED subscribers are unable to obtain precise geo location information for every property in its database, thus the choice not to display a map to avoid potential inaccuracies. Maintaining up-to-date and accurate mapping data can be a significant challenge, and the RED prioritizes data quality over the inclusion of a map feature that could potentially mislead users.
Competitive Strategy.
The decision to exclude a map feature is a strategic choice based on the platform's unique value proposition. The RED aims to differentiate itself from competitors by focusing on other features, such as advanced search algorithms that use AI, in-depth property information, or innovative data analytics tools. By forgoing a map, the RED is emphasizing specific strengths that set it apart in the highly competitive real estate tech market.
User Feedback and Behavior.
The decision to exclude a map is also based on user feedback and behavior analysis. User testing and feedback indicated that most users do not find value in a map feature or rarely use it, the RED thus opted to allocate resources to areas that better align with user preferences. User behavior studies are crucial in shaping the RED’s development roadmap, and if users are satisfied without a map, the RED chooses to invest resources elsewhere.
Conclusion.
While the absence of a map on the Real Estate Database (RED) might initially seem like an oversight or limitation, various factors could contribute to this decision. Privacy concerns, legal hurdles, user experience considerations, technical limitations, and future development plans are all potential reasons why the RED has chosen not to showcase property locations on a map. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Real Estate Databases adapt and innovate to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of users in the dynamic real estate landscape.