Re: Open Realty vs EZ Realty
EZ Realty is a nice little package that works well for individual agent sites. I found it has some limitations with large, multi-agent sites. I'm nit sure, but I don't think that it has IDX integration. The SEO capabilities of EZ Realty are primarily dependent upon the Joomla SEF package that you choose. Personally, I have with sh404SEF.
EZ Realty does offer some flexibility, but core components are encrypted so you can't do a major overhaul to tailor the operations to your needs. For most agents that should not be a problem. The package comes with many different listing layouts, or you can modify them to create your own. The language file is rather extensive, and you will need to take some time to modify it to suit your needs.
The developer of EZ Realty , Kathy (aka Pixel Bunny) at Raptor / EZ Realty offers great assistance and technical support.
EZ Realty is straightforward and easy for the average person to use. OR is fairly straightforward as well, but it's really what you make of it that makes it harder or easier to use.
I'm a fan of Open Realty mainly because it gives me the opportunity to modify not only the layout, but also the code to suit my needs. We are in the process of finishing up a multi web site project that utilizes a single OR databse. This way we can have local, regional, and national portals.
Open Realty also allowed us the flexibility to utilize that database for both real estate listings and vacation rental listings. Right now there are over 5000 listings and over 200 agents and companies and the OR component runs great. It also runs quick, even with those listings. Once we finish testing a few things, I'll post the URL later this week.
OR does allow for IDX integration. Support with OR can be found through the forums. PBFlash is knowledgeable. However, there may be some things that you want to do that require modifying the core OR files, and discussions of that nature are usually moderated on the OR forum. Also, there is a chance your question won't be answered at all.
You can integrate OR with Joomla or Mambo using CMS Realty. It works, but there can be some quirks, especially in user integration (standard Joomla integration or Community Builder). On page optimization can be tricky with OR and CMS Realty. We're in the middle of doing some testing with OR/CMS Realty and sh404SEF.
OR offers greater search capabilities. For example, you may want to create multi checkbox field for property features (i.e. pool, balcony, hot tub, bookshelves, washer/dryer, etc.) or community features (i.e. clubhouse, golf course, tennis, etc.). You can then create custom search applications that allow people to search for properties that contain these specific items. That allows for a very powerful search tool.
There are also some nice add ons available for OR. You can also create your own or have one written for you. EZ Realty is more of an out of the box solution.
If you want an out of the box, easy to set up and use system then EZ Realty is worth the 100 bucks or so that they charge. If you want more control of the application and IDX integration, then OR is your answer.
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