"edgeio" the online listings marketplace has shuttered its doors. 

We all are very familiar with "edgeio" listing services. So often I found my listings with them high ranked on Google... I was quite surprised the performances they displayed online advertisement. Google seems to favor them. But it was short lived success.

The company, which aggregated and syndicated classifieds listings (including real estate), burned through a $5 million investment and never was fully able to capitalize on its ideas.

An other example of how tough the competition on the Real Estate Listing Marketplace has become. With all the competition -Trulia, Realtor.com,Zillow...etc- out there the classified market was a tough nut to crack.

Quote: "It is extremely hard to get traction in the classified marketplace. But this is only one reason why they failed. The biggest reason why they failed was that they spent too much time creating features. There is no point in spending time/money creating features and slick UI if you do not have traction (lots of users). You need to let the users determine what features are needed - not the other way around. They other way around will kill you every time."

I wrote on this subject a while ago on this post: Is Zillow.com going to hurt the Realtors?  "Zillow.com may have an impact on the real estate industry - but it will be a mixed bag for consumers. If anything, it may have the effect of dampening home prices somewhat by arming the buyer with more negotiating power to dicker for lower prices." from related article Zillow and Changes to the Real Estate Industry by Anita Chambel. read more>>>                     It is a brilliant expose of the future of Real Estate and Zillow possible impact on the Industry.   

I was Challenged by David Gibbons from Zillow quite aggressively, way beyond the commenting back an forth on AR blog. I got to the point were I decided to just drop the subject,take down my last post and wait and see. Here below I am only quoting David Gibbons, from Zillow, comment on my blog:

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" From the range of reactions you've received to both posts it's clear that some professionals are still struggling to understand the role of online media companies in real estate - and encouraging that some "get it." A discussion about Zillow or Zestimates is a great way to illustrate your expertise but merely dismissing the site won't impress anyone. I'm glad to help and will try to address all the issues raised here.

Where do I start? You have Zillow very confused - it seems you've mistaken Zillow for a discount brokerage. That's incorrect.

Please note that:

• Zillow doesn't broker real estate transactions.
• Zillow does not offer buyer rebates.
• Zillow does not earn real estate commissions.
• Realtors are partners, not competitors. We are a media company (like your local newspaper.) We earn our revenue from advertising (like your local newspaper.) "

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That was then and here now!  I came along a blog Questions Renewed About Zillow's End Game. After I read the post it I had an "AHA" moment... in less then 4 month (09/02/2007 12:51) from the clarification rendered by Zillow we finally get the real answer hiden behind the words. 

Absolutely worth reading in their 2005 patent application where they describe their vision of an online auction tool for real estate listings. Despite many recent and repeated denials that they are just a media company - the patent application reminds us Zillow clearly at one time had eyes on "playing a central role in the real estate transaction". 

My suspicion was confirmed! How about yours? 

- Alexandra H - (webmaster & writing contributor)

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There are many projects in the construction, proposed, planning, or in-progress phases on or around the Las Vegas Strip. There are many more projects in the pipeline that will continue to change the Las Vegas landscape.

Among other cancelled project is "The Residences" at Red Rock Resort.... It goes to show you how careful you must be when selecting a high rise condo hotel as a real estate purchase. The Condo Hotel concept in Las Vegas is a completely new concept and it's wise to due your due diligence before committing to any project.

 Below is a regularly updated list of the High Rise Projects currently available:

Active Projects	Cancelled Projects
Allure Pinnacle Las Vegas Streamline Towers One Las Vegas One Queensridge Place Project City Center Stanhi Building	Curve, The *Sales Suspended 3-16-06 Club Renaissance (stale) Hard Rock Residences*On Hold 2-22-06 Icon Las Vegas *Cancelled 1-6-06 Kallisto Las Vegas *Cancelled 11-12-05 Liberty Towers *Cancelled 12-15-05 Vegas888 *Cancelled 8-2-06 Red Rock Residences *Cancelled 9-7-06 Sandhurst Las Vegas Spanish View Towers
Proposed Projects
Cielo Vista	Wall Street Towers Las Vegas Central
Resales
Turnberry Place Regency Tower Turnberry Place Panorama Towers	Park Towers Metropolis Sky Las Vegas Turnberry Towers
Reno, NV
Belvedere Towers

Why have timeshares gotten such a bad reputation? Well, here are a few of the pitfalls to watch for:

Low resale value: These properties are a lifelong investment, because resale will result in a financial loss of up to 3/4 of the property's initial value.

Unpredictable future: The vacation industry has a changing nature. If your company sells the resort you bought into, it could result in higher maintenance fees or a change in the level of customer service, etc.

Disreputable companies: You want to deal with a reputable company with plenty of properties worldwide.

Sales tactics:

• First of all, timeshares are not an investment. They are good for people who like to vacation a lot, but they are not going to reap a profit down the road. 
• Secondly, timeshares can be purchased for pennies on the dollar from people who are desperate to escape their contract.
• Never fail to research the company, no matter the purchase method. And research timeshares in general to make your buying and ownership experience pleasant.