Right on time: The Corcoran iPad app
“Introducing the new Corcoran app for iPad! Simply put, when you browse for real estate in New York, The Hamptons or South Florida, we want you to dream big. So we built an app for you that allows you to do just that, every day.” - Description from iTunes
Dream big. Clearly, the team at Corcoran was doing just that. A near perfect mobile experience, delivered right on time. For those of you not familiar with Corcoran, they are the largest real estate firm in New York City. Of note, there is no MLS in Manhattan – which is both a problem and an opportunity. Consumers and brokers must navigate multiple information sources for properties in the Big Apple. If only there were a beautiful way to research New York’s neighborhoods, apartments, homes, eateries, shopping, and nightlife all in one place. Enter – The Corcoran iPad app.
The launch screen is a stunning way to introduce users into the Corcoran iPad app experience. Even better, once loaded – the app takes you to a full screen, high-res image from The Corcoran 10am Special, a tumblr blog used by Corcoran to display “One spectacular Corcoran home. Currently available. Delivered daily.” Will users come back regularly to see this feature? I sure will and I live in Texas. Oh… and you’d like to see previous 10am Specials? No problem, just hit the “archives” button.
After gawking at the 10am Special I moved into the property search interface. It feels very familiar, much like the Zillow iPad app. This is a good thing. It’s easy, fluid, and intuitive. I immediately knew how to use it.
What’s that you say? You’re more of a visual person. Just switch views in the nav.
They nailed the property search experience with this app. But why stop there? They dream big at Corcoran. Revisit the 10am Special and click the tab “nearby”. Corcoran will show you restaurants, nightlife, shopping, fashion, and hotels near the property.
At this point, as a user, I really like Corcoran – but I’ve been looking at properties and nightlife spots for hours. I want to know more about them and perhaps find a way to connect with them on other mediums. Just tap the “i” in the upper right hand corner to find this menu:
A wonderful iPad experience, incredibly executed. No question about that. I think people in New York City (and don’t forget Corcoran operates in The Hamptons and South Florida too) will absolutely love this app. As an owner of a penthouse suite on 5th Ave (heh) – I have to admit…I would want my property on here when it’s time to sell. I have a feeling property owners will take note as adoption of the app spreads. I’ll be curious to hear if Corcoran attracts more sellers as a direct result of their app.
A few ways I think the Corcoran Group absolutely killed it here:
•Search experience – clean, simple, and organized. Easy to connect with agent
•Visually – the 10am Special photos are very slick and pleasing to browse
•Content - re-purposed multiple sources of content into one medium
•Social – easily connected to their other spaces on the web
•Lifestyle – connecting the dots locally
Congratulations to Matthew Shadbolt and everyone else at Corcoran for delivering this app – right on time.