Definition of a Widget (from Wikipedia): A web widget is a portable chunk of code that can be installed and executed within any separate HTML-based web page by an end user without requiring additional compilation. They are akin to plugins or extensions in desktop applications. Other terms used to describe a web widget include gadget, badge, module, capsule, snippet, mini and flake. Web widgets often but not always use Adobe Flash or JavaScript programming languages.
Widgets seem to be the new craze for real estate bloggers looking to provide a one-stop resource for their blog readers. Here’s an overview of some of the more commonly used widgets:
- MyBlogLog widget – displays the most recent visitors to view your blog right on your sidebar
- Real Time Market Data – Displays embeddable charts of the Median Price in a number of local markets.
- Trulia Map – Display to your customers where all of your listings are located on a TruliaMap, with a brief description and pictures. When a user clicks on your listing on TruliaMap, they will link directly to the posting on your site
- Meebo – Chat with your blog readers in real time (assuming you are on instant messenger).
- Plugoo – Another instant chat module similar to Meebo.
- Mortgage Payment Calculator – Embeddable loan payment widget produced by vFlyer. The more your readers can educate themselves while on your blog, the better.
- Zillow Zestimate Look-up Sidebar Addition – Enable your users to lookup a Zestimate right from your blog.
- Wordpress Plugins Developed by Realivent – Realivent has built a number of useful plugins for the Wordpress platform, including a home search integration, property watch, and an agent details page.
- Event Calendar (for Wordpress blogs) – Educate your readers by publishing a community calendar of events that is displayed in your sidebar.
- iBegin Weather module – If you are building a neighborhood or city resource, displaying weather in your area gives your readers even one more reason to visit your blog on a daily basis.
- Criteo Auto Roll – Give your readers some other recommended blogs to read — without the effort of manually adding all other sites to your blogroll.
- vFlyer -
- Zillow Mortgage Rate Widget
