I'll Raise my Hand First...

I'll get us started in this category...

I'm looking for some constructive feedback on the following site: www.BostonCondoGuy.com

This site is intended to be dedicated to folks in Boston proper who are looking to buy and/or sell a condominium. The site is relatively new, so content needs to be built out quite a bit around the buying and selling process (providing visitors pertinent information for the various steps in both processes - good content to come). Also, MLS search functionality still needs to be built into the site.

Something that we are offering that is somewhat unique in the Boston real estate market is providing a look at new Boston condo developments in a Google Maps mashup. This is where I would like to spend some more time, really making this interface slick. I think there needs to be some break out by neighborhood, and then on the detail pages, we're looking for ways to make the listings more customized, but keep the system database driven.

Thanks for any constructive input, I'm interested to bat some ideas around with folks.

[kensmith]

I like the clean design. The Google Maps function is nice, but is pretty basic. Think that is would be nice if you had more details when you clicked the markers. maybe a photo and the neighborhood it was in.

As you already said you need more content. Also would sugest that the buttons on the right the font is to small and hard to read. The x's look like the site is incomplete...seems like something else should be there. Actually overall I would make the font one size bigger in the main body and 2 sizes bigger on the right nav.

Originally Posted by kensmith would sugest that the buttons on the right the font is too small and hard to read..

Ok, slowly...the font is now updated, and I agree, it is much easier to read now that it is larger. More changes forthcoming.

[kensmith]

Looks better now with the larger font. Let us know when more changes are made.

[Andrea Messenger]

Hi there-

I like the design of your site -- the colors are very clean, the design is pleasing to the eye, and it's pretty easy to navigate. I especially like your bulleted/numbered lists in the content of your buyer, seller, and developer pages. More content on the site would be great, but I know it's a new site and you are working on that.

I agree with Ken that there needs to be an icon or photo or something other than the X in the right hand nav boxes. I'd suggest adding a page for each condominium complex or neighborhood you want to focus on - display photos, floor plans, details, and a write-up. You may find once your site is popular that developers will call you to be sure their info is on your site.

Let us know when the MLS search function is up and running.

Great start.

-Andrea

[Elise Wright]

Hello,

I just got a chance to look at your site and really go over everything.

Let me first start off by saying that I agree with the majority on the forum: the clean look is inviting and user-friendly. The home page is appealing and immediately intrigued me to look deeper.

I was able to navigate with ease, and I found what I was looking for in the area I would expect it to be.

Like Andrea, I would like to encourage you to amp up the content so you can generate more valuable traffic. We definitely understand the chaos of everyday life sometimes doesn't give us the time we need to develop such a time-consuming site. I applaud your progress thus far. However, content is what will hold your audience and keep them coming back.

We know that content ideas for a site so focused on real estate may sometimes leaves us staring at a blank page. So I would love for you to take a peek at the 106 Content Ideas for the REALTOR Who has Nothing to Write About.

Let me know if it helps at all. Also, feel free to mention any ideas that pop into your mind while looking at our list!

-Elise

Allright, so its been a while since I have been on the forum. I have been able to develop a little bit more content for the site, but I can't say that there is a tremendous amount there yet.

I think one of the main things that I have been focusing on is the creating of a google maps based view of Boston, and balloon markers for the new condo developments that are going up. I just today added some formatting features to the balloon window itself, allowing me to include a thmbnail image, along with property data - the image was something that Ken had mentioned before would be a nice to have, and I do like the clean look of the result.

Check out the changes here: http://www.bostoncondoguy.com/boston...velopments.php

[kensmith]

I like the popups now much better. Nothing that stands out to me for changes needed, it look good.