New York-based System Multiple Images for Internationally Listed Estates Inc is developing what it claims is the first international network of residential estate agents using a shared colour image database. Listing on the Registry will, eventually, enable home sellers to market their property to buyers worldwide. The International Property Registry network uses multimedia and colour imaging on Apple Computer Inc’s Macintosh IIvx personal computer; Eastman Kodak Co’s Photo CD technology; and proprietary ‘SMILE’ System software, developed by System Multiple Images. This enables agents to compile property listings by combining textual information with photographs stored on the photo CD. The listings are added to the database which is distributed on CD-ROM disks to subscribing agents. Registration costs $75 per month; the service is free to buyers. Searches can be based on a variety of criteria such as size, price and geographical location. Numerous colour views of selections, including floor plans or even drawings of properties after suggested renovations can then be supplied. Properties for rent or lease in exotic, distant locations willl also be included on the system. Virtually no professional computing knowledge is required to use the Registry. It employs a touch screen with interactive directions and, the company says, is as easy to use as the Automatic Teller Machines commonly used for personal banking. SMILE sites have been established so far in 11 major US locations including Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington DC and Houston. The company plans to increase this number to 30 by the end of the year. Additional sites are being targeted in Western Europe, Japan and Australia. There are also plans to extend the service with video presentations of particular areas with tips on schools, locations of churches and other local services, and to compile an Agent Registry of estate agents on disk.
