Overstock.com Adds Real Estate Search

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 by Janet Meiners

Overstock.com Adds Real Estate Search

Real estate is on my mind – I could easily do a linky goodness edition on the theme today.

Overstock.com Inc. is getting into real estate search (realestate.overstock.com) for bargain hunters who are already on their site to get overstock items. So now you can not only find the house, but you can buy the sheets, silverware, and curtains for it. You can also get a car for the driveway!

Overstock has more than 3 million classified, foreclosure, and auction listings. They have some fun with the site and their branding. I think this is a good example to many sites that are overly busy, complicated, or boring (no fun or branding). I’m a fan of sites that keep search simple from their home pages (be it online dating sites, social networks, or other similar sites).

They have an “O-Hot Value” logo next to the best deals. To come up with the information, they rank each home’s value relative to others in its neighborhood. The site will automatically show auction, distressed and foreclosed properties first.

But peel away the idea and the idea is not as compelling (see MSN’s blog post). The site is an aggregate of listings of various real estate sites and the search isn’t top notch. The sole purpose seems to be make money on advertising.

Maybe you’d be better off studying up on this instead.

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13 comments on “Overstock.com Adds Real Estate Search”

Nicole Price Says:

June 11th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Rather mercenary approach isn’t it?
Joe Hall Says:

June 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

“To come up with the information, they rank each home’s value relative to others in its neighborhood.”

Bad idea. To a great extent Zillow has gotten pretty bad reviews for their inaccurate price estimates called “Zestimates”. As a result REALTOR.com is now giving Zillow a run for their money. And In my honest opinion REALTOR.com should be your only trusted source for estimates. They are the only ones with all of the data. I guess we will see how long overstock can pass their data as legit.

Joe Hall’s last blog post..RE/MAX is the most searched for Real Estate company on the internet.
forumistan Says:

June 11th, 2008 at 6:04 pm

Yes it is kind of mercenary approach.
I am usually follow Andy Beal on Twitter.
Andy Beal Says:

June 11th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

Seems like a strange diversion for Overstock.

P.S. Maybe you need a “Linky Picks!”
Tiffany Says:

June 11th, 2008 at 9:57 pm

They’ve made a brilliant business extention. Very good..
Jayson Says:

June 12th, 2008 at 3:35 am

I like the look and if you use the left sidebar narrowing down is easy with a few clicks. It does seem a little out of character but it might end up being very profitable.
Ashley Says:

June 12th, 2008 at 7:37 am

I like it very much. Why not to have some fun when you are in search for the new clothes, car or something else? I think it;s a great idea
Michele Says:

June 12th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Whats profitable – oil or land?
Either way its going to proabaly make money for them.

Michele Alonso
http://www.bocanetowrks.com
tax liens Says:

August 2nd, 2008 at 1:00 am

What is you view on the recent real estate tax lien changes in government? I feel it opens up a huge change for people looking to make a substantial income.
Thanks
PropertyHouse Says:

August 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Clever! Seems like a natural extension to their “products”. Needs some work though for “users”.

Howard aka PropertyHouse.org

PropertyHouse’s last blog post..British Tourism To Lanzarote Increases 15.6%
Brake Says:

August 26th, 2008 at 9:07 am

Seems like a strange diversion for Overstock.
designer jewelry fan Says:

September 27th, 2008 at 7:21 am

I love This website!!Very good..
grays Says:

February 6th, 2009 at 9:21 am

Does anyone know what is involved in these auctions if you when? Are you stuck with paying the back taxes and other fees when you win the auction?

Marketing Pilgrim