With open-source property listings software, you can drive more traffic to your website and give your current readers another reason to stay, even if you aren't a real estate agent. If you are a real estate agent, this means more home seekers using your website to find the place they want. Best of all, open source often means free.
Why Open Source
Open-source real estate software allows you privileges other real estate software doesn't, namely the ability to modify the software and redistribute it, even for sale. The main catch is that you must include a notice of the original open-source license when you redistribute the software. This is usually a simple notice explaining that anyone using the software has the same privileges as you do to modify and redistribute it. There are numerous open-source licenses, so find out which one applies to the real estate software you choose.
Popular Software
Though open-source software is fairly common, free, open-source real estate software is relatively scarce. Popular applications include LandShop, ReOs, SugarCRM and, perhaps the most popular, Open-Realty. The applications allow agents or sellers to list properties for sale on your website and for visitors to your website to contact the agent or seller. Each company makes its application available in a compress file (often a ZIP file) on its website, where you can download it for free. Use the demonstration on each company's website to determine which offers the features and appearance your real estate listings website needs. Remember that you can customize the software later if necessary.
Terms of Use
Though each company provides free, open-source real estate listings software, the terms to use each application vary. For example, Open-Realty requires you to keep a logo which reads "Powered by Open-Realty" visible on your website unless you pay to use a version of the software without the logo. SugarCRM free version of its software lacks features that are available in paid versions, such as sales forecasting and mobile phone support. ReOs and LandShop are both fully functional at no cost.
Alternatives
LandShop, ReOs, SugarCRM and Open-Realty specifically manage real estate listings, but more varied classifieds listings may be more appropriate for your website. Free, open-source applications exist that allow you and your site's visitors to list items for sale, from vehicles to household items and real estate. OSClass, e-Classifieds and Open Classifieds are among the most popular.
