DEVELOPMENT OF SOFTWARE FOR REAL ESTATE MARKETING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the present situation of existing online real estate marketing platforms in Nigeria with a view to showcase a distinctive model for real property search by incorporating neighborhood-level geospatial data into it. This project developed software for real estate marketing in an interactive user friendly Web based application in Nigeria. Respondents were randomly selected from registered estate Surveyors and Valuers in the country and a total of 281 out of 321 questionnaires were completed and used for analysis. The study employed Descriptive Statistics in analyzing the data while JAVA and PostGIS were used respectively as the Programming Language and Database Management System for the software. The study revealed major factors limiting the use of the existing real estate online marketing platforms in Nigeria to be; Problems of site information and payment, Use of old Technologies, Absence of detailed information on property. Also study further revealed feature that are highly unsatisfactory on all the platforms in general; which include: Quality of Information on the website, Data integrity, data protection, protection policy of users’ and websites from intruders, confidentiality policy, Representation of Information published on websites and Web structure and control. The overriding advantage of this software is the ability to conduct reality search online with focus on the neighbourhood feature of the property other than mere structure of the said property. The application created was able to supply information necessary to anyone wanting to rent or buy a house without him having to meet with a Realtor one on one but via internet. The application provides the geographical information, visualization capabilities, and all necessary features to traditional property management software systems. The use of Pin Maps application for property location was adopted. A comprehensive data management system is essential for an efficient online consulting of real estate services. Quite a number of data were gotten from individual property owners as well as registered estate surveying firms. Developing and maintaining an integrated geographical information database involves the establishment of a data server system conveniently accessible to all users, the selection of appropriate software for both attribute data and geographic data, the development of a general data format and database structure; and the implementation of data query and retrieval utilities for end users to market property. Real estate business survival is becoming intimately linked to their ability to adapt to technological changes and the use technology to fascinate and win the interest on online clients,. Hence, “e-shelter” software App should be adopted.