The  MLS may have a powerful competitor in the form of Google Base, the  up-and-coming free online database.   Google Base allows users to upload virtually any type of content, from  full descriptions of the property, pictures, even video all for free on the  most popular search engine currently on the Internet.

The  Multiple Listing Service has long dominated the real estate search, but with  Google Base, home seekers can narrow down their searches to specific  keywords.  Real estate sellers have the  advantage of reaching Google's audience, the largest audience in the search  engine world.  This free Google service  could be revolutionizing the way that people search for real estate.  Home buyers are already largely using the  Internet to begin their real estate search.   With Google dominating the Internet search engine market so thoroughly,  the majority of real estate seekers are going to be exposed to Googles partner  sites and features, which include Google Base. 

Google  claims that it and its partner sites host over 56% of Internet searches for  "real estate" and real estate related terms.  Most of the people searching for these terms  are looking for home listings or are looking for brokers and real estate  agents.  Google Base is designed to  provide these searchers with quick access to finely tuned results.  Want a 2 bedroom home in San Francisco with a  fireplace and a fenced back yard?  Google  Base can narrow down your query in seconds.   No searching within listings or having to sign up for drip email  campaigns.

Right now  only properties that are uploaded by their sellers or representatives will  appear on Google Base.  If this  formidable search engine starts featuring property information that has been  gleaned from listings on other websites, the reign of MLS may well be  challenged by a fully searchable index that has the added advantage of being  free. 

If home  buyers can gain access to data that MLS has traditionally only allowed agents  and brokers to view, it will change the way real estate is found, bought and  sold.  If people can use a free service  to easily disseminate and obtain information that has been hitherto solely available  for a price, they are going to go with the free service as opposed to one that  costs them hundreds of dollars a year.

The Google  Real Estate Blog (googlerealestateblog.blogspot.com) had this to say: We don't  charge for photos or offer "featured listings." We believe that  buyers just want to see the home that fits them best and that providers  shouldn't have to pay to show it to them. We don't sell houses, deal with  agents' compensation, or charge for leads. Our business is helping people find  the information they're looking forwhen you have it, we send them directly to  you.

Only time  will tell whether Google Base will grow to be a serious competitor with  Realtor.com.  It seems for now that  Realtor.com has the ascendency, but as more and more information becomes free  to post, disseminate and use, people will no doubt gravitate towards the cheapest  and easiest way to get the information they need when buying or selling real  estate.

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