Google has introduced a new feature to its free mapping tools - Street View

Levin has been google maps for some time and there are some great tools available which mix together to provide some very helpful tools when searching for Levin Real Estate eg have a look at www.masonparker.co.nz and it will go straight to a Google Map with Harcourts Listings and Sales (centred on Levin).

But Street-View goes one step further you get to arrive at the footpath and get a "virtual view" of properties and anything you'd see from the road.

This stool has been mashed with google maps so a buyer can not only understand where a property is you can also see a property and neighbouring properties as though you were walking down that street.

For example if I look at http://maps.harcourts.co.nz/Locate.aspx?listingpk=444463 I see a traditional google map of a property. Which is very useful and easily understood

Then go to http://www.realestate.co.nz/919683?show_additional_properties=0 - scroll down to the map and click the street view tab.

Is that something?

Now I don't think anyone will ever buy a property just fromthis tool - but this is one more free tool from google that allows buyers to preview a property before deciding to go through an open home or spend time vieiwng a property.

The downside for buyers and vendors is who controls when a street view is updated and will people anti-select properties if they don't ever see the stunning grounds or private backyards.

Either way this is useful technology and the price is great - well done www.google.co.nz