Lifestyle Search About to Launch

Lifestyle searches are expected to soon become one of the hottest trends in real estate.

At least four search companies are about to debut lifestyle search capabilities, according to a report from consulting firm WAV Group. The leading innovator is Onboard Informatics, which is working with EXIT Realty Corp., as well as Sunnyvale, Calif.-based MLSListings Inc. and the New York Daily News. Onboard users will be able to tap into a database that provides information about 75,000 neighborhoods and includes school ratings, population demographics, ratings, and reviews.

Competitors in the space include Home Junction Inc., which is launching what it calls Spatial Match, allowing home shoppers to overlay their own interests with area information. eNeighborhoods allows real estate practitioners and multiple listing services to display demographic information via map overlays. NabeWise invites real estate practitioners to provide content that helps consumers find neighborhoods that reflect their special interests.