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Redfin's recent site update, which exclusively adopts Google Maps, was primarily motivated by a 385% performance increase in worst-case scenarios, directly enhancing the home buying and selling experience for its users. This technical shift, while requiring significant developer resources, underscores the company's commitment to a faster, more efficient real estate search platform. The change also improves short sale detection in key Southern California markets like Orange County and parts of Los Angeles.
Why Did Redfin Decide to Switch from Microsoft Virtual Earth?
The decision was triggered by the conclusion of a two-year contract with Microsoft. This provided a natural opportunity for Redfin's engineering team to re-evaluate the mapping landscape. A key factor was the development of a proprietary method to render a large number of pushpins—the icons marking property listings on a map—much more quickly on Google Maps than was previously possible. When the company initially chose Virtual Earth in 2006, Google Maps struggled with performance, especially on older browsers like Internet Explorer 6, when displaying hundreds of listings. The recent evaluation revealed that this technological gap had closed, with Google Maps now offering superior speed.
What Are the Key Benefits of Using Google Maps for Real Estate Search?
For Redfin users, the switch translates to tangible improvements in the property search process. The primary advantages identified by Redfin's assessment include:
This focus on speed aligns with a core user experience principle, often emphasized by Google itself, that every millisecond counts in retaining user engagement.
What Were the Trade-offs in This Platform Change?
The transition was not without its compromises. Redfin will no longer be able to offer the distinctive "Bird's Eye View" imagery that was a feature of Virtual Earth. Furthermore, the project required a substantial allocation of developer time, with three engineers dedicating four weeks to the switch instead of working on new features. The company also noted the end of a positive, long-standing professional relationship with the Microsoft Virtual Earth team.
Conclusion: How This Change Affects Your Property Search
For individuals actively searching for homes, the technical update means a more responsive and efficient online experience. Faster map loading and rendering can significantly streamline the process of comparing multiple listings in a desired area. While the underlying technology is complex, the user benefit is straightforward: reduced friction in one of the most critical steps of the real estate journey.
