Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q. Where does your data come from and how often is it updated?

A. OnBoard is the largest data aggregator in real estate, relying on hundreds of carefully researched and selected data sources and our on collection team. In part, we license content from those public, private, and governmental databases which have proven to be the most accurate and timely information sources in the U.S. For example, our crime data is compiled from FBI and local crime agency reporting. Our weather data is compiled from thousands of weather reporting station statistical abstracts and other government and private data feeds. Whenever possible, we use multiple sources for every data point to help identify both opportunities for enhancement and also potential problem areas. Once we bring the raw data in house, we perform extensive standardization, QA, and geographical processes in order to provide well organized, relevant, and integrated content feeds and products to our clientele.

Q. “Can I get a list of all your data sources?”

A. Unfortunately, that list is both extensive and part of our core asset accumulated from all the years we’ve been in business. It’s part of what sets us apart from our competitors and therefore we are guarded about it. Our clients rely on us to manage thousands of collection points for them so they can concentrate on their business objectives.

Q. “If all you are doing is getting data from a few sources, what’s so special about that? Why can’t we just go to that source?”

A. You certainly can. However, you may find that locating the best sources takes some work and securing a license fee from that source may cost you considerably more for one feed of data than all our data combined. Finally, sourced data come across “dirty” - full of ambiguous content and raw code and is essentially unready for plugging into your site. We bring expertise in analysis, processing, and combination to our clients’ teams so that they can build award-winning products on a solid content platform. This is why OnBoard doesn’t sell data. We sell information-content, which is the result of the lengthy and intense process we put every stitch of data through to qualify it, clean it, and make it ready for integration to your website.

Q. What is the difference between you and your competitors?

A. For starters, OnBoard offers a multitude of local information sets across many categories allowing us to be a one-stop shop for our clients’ content needs. We offer many different delivery and integration methods – not just one. Each method is designed to meet our clients’ business objectives and brand requirements. We also serve as an intellectual resource for scores of companies that rely on our knowledge of content, best-use practices, the Internet as a content delivery and relationship building platform, and consumer behavior. You’ll find us acting more as a partner than a vendor. Finally, perhaps OnBoard’s biggest differentiator is our clients. There’s a reason why many of the best and most trafficked sites on the web decide to partner with us.

Q. “Why should I pay for data when I can get it for free for your competition?”

A. There is nothing for free, especially when it comes to web-based content, tools, and programs. Somewhere along the line, the company providing the “free” service is earning revenue from somewhere. The question is: what are you really getting and who is really the client — you or the sponsor of the content funding your free data? Are they helping you service your clients or trying to sell them something else? OnBoard provides a core value to our clients through the deep relationships we build by putting your business first. We deliver through high quality products, solutions that address your core needs, creativity directed toward resolving your issues, and a customer service department that is responsive to every need. Our clients are happy to pay for these things — things that never come for “free.”

Q. “Can we do a trial period?”

A. Unfortunately, no. When we enter into a relationship, we invest too much together to get your content ready and integrated into your site. To do this right and go through the process of developing it into your site together, but not allowing it time to work isn’t prudent for either partner.

Q. “If I license your data and six months later never used it on my site, can I cancel and get my money back?”

A. If you bought a car and didn’t drive it, would the dealer take it back six months later? But don’t worry – our content and solutions are designed to be implemented quickly so you start seeing results right away.

Q. Does OnBoard license anything directly to real estate agents and if not, why?

A. OnBoard understands that the agent in the field is the most important part of the entire real estate experience. We respect their role and believe that all of our products are, in spirit, ultimately built for their use. Agents can acquire our solutions directly from many of the website vendors in the industry or obtain them through their broker as part of the enterprise solutions we offer. Agents can license solutions directly from OnBoard, but due to the level of service and quality of content we provide, we do not offer any special rates for agents.

Q. How do you charge for your solutions?

A. Rates are derived by the following formula:

  • Content category (Schools, Community, Places, etc.)
  • The coverage area (State, Region, Nation)
  • The delivery method (XML, Bulk, Navigator)
Q. Why don’t you post your rates?

A. Honestly, it keeps our competition from knowing everything about us. Also, considering the multitude of content categories, coverage areas, and integration possibilities, a price chart would be more confusing than helpful. Start an open dialogue with OnBoard and let us prove the value of our services to you.

Q. “I own multiple sites. If I purchase OnBoard solutions for one of my sites, can I use it for the others as well?”

A. Yes you can, but that may incur an additional licensing fee. We have programs in place that discount fees for multiple sites. So let your account executive know what you intend to do and they will structure a plan that’s right for you.

Q. “Our company is located on the border of several other states where we have offices and listings. Do I need to purchase three states if our listings are right on the state line?”

A. Unfortunately, yes. This is no different than having to belong to multiple MLS’s to access IDX feeds. However, we are sympathetic and will tailor our arrangement to come to equitable terms.

Q. How accurate is your data? What if it's wrong?

A. We process, standardize, and review our incoming data before turning it into OnBoard information. The level of accuracy in the final product is always significantly higher than the original unprocessed state. Even with the numerous processes we’ve developed over the years, all of the data we collect is, at the source, input by human hands. Considering the hundreds of millions of data fields we work with all year, we know you’ll be impressed with the accuracy of our content. While perfection may not be achievable, recourse lies in the hands of anyone who views the content and questions it. When a specific data element is questioned, our team of client services specialists works in conjunction with our data team to source the content for accuracy. Facts, while they may be hard to believe, don’t often lie. But on the occasion that a fact is incorrect, we will find it, correct it, post it, and send to you, our client, an honest report on our findings.

Q. “Can you take me through the implementation process? What needs to be done on my end?”

A. Every implementation is different because every partner is unique. With that in mind, we’ve developed all of our products for smooth and simple integration. Each content set, every hosted solution, and all of our web services come with our dedicated client services and implementation support: developer toolkits, data user guides, best practices, implementation guides and examples, site review, dedicated account management, and the type of strategic assistance normally associated with consulting contracts all come with your contract license.

Q. “Do you sell mapping programs? How do I apply your data to a map?”

A. No, OnBoard doesn’t sell GIS software. However, we do work with it every day and can help you find the best solution for your needs. We’ve worked with all the major vendors and services and would be happy to make recommendations. Our content and services are platform agnostic – meaning they integrate easily with any solution on the market. Applying our content to a map is easy since every record we provide is geographically relevant and contains the pointers you need to pass through to any mapping solution.

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Product Q&A

Home Value Estimator

Q. What's the difference between your HVE and others?

A. The biggest difference is that our HVE products are designed to enhance your site and keep your customers eyes and minds on your brand. Don’t be fooled by solutions that steal your customers or sell ads to your audience. We provide complete flexibility in integration from hosted solutions to web service feeds with no hidden strings attached.

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Neighborhood Navigator

Q. “When I tried out your demo for the Navigator, in the amenities section I was not able to find a particular store. Why?”

A. OnBoard’s standard amenities package contains millions of business and recreation locations. Over the years, we’ve listened to our clients and selected those business categories that make the most difference to real estate consumers. Rather than clutter our clients’ displays with information that doesn’t impact purchasing decisions, we focus on maximum value. But don’t worry! If there’s a category you need, we can provide it. With access to information about every business in the U.S. and Canada, you can be sure OnBoard will provide what you need.

Q. “How does your Navigator lead generation product work? Do I get these reports emailed to me? What information is collected?”

A. Your Navigator can be configured with several different lead options, custom lead questions, and lead delivery requirements. Our standard packages send lead information to your team via URL or email delivery. We collect the basics, keeping the barrier to submitting a lead very low…unless you want more of course!

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BuildIt! / Navigator

Q. “How far does your Recent Home Sales information go back? Can I get information going back five years?”

A. OnBoard has been collecting and providing home sales information since 2002 and has over 30 million home sales transactions on its systems as well as more than 100 million property records. What this means for you is that we have the history to provide the best, most relevant solutions possible. Our standard home sales XML service provides transactions for the most recent 24 months – more than enough for consumers to get a glimpse of where the market came from and where it is today.

Q. What is the difference between Amenities Full and Amenities Basic?

A. The format and the quality is the same. The Amenities Full version contains a number of additional categories that can round out your end user experience. Contact us for our most current category list.

Q. From web developers: “I have multiple clients who would love to purchase your products. Can I resell them at a higher price?”

A. We have many relationships with web developers and service resellers. Sell us on your vision and we’ll craft a solution that makes sense for everyone.

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SpotIt

Q. Is SpotIt available in my city?

A. While the main  SpotIt destination site is only available in select markets the SpotIt API can be leveraged in any city.  Your agents can show their local expertise by being the first to add spots to a city.

Q. Is  SpotIt available in every city in my state?

A. Yes. The SpotIt API can be used for every city in your state.

Q. Can I license SpotIt by itself?

A. SpotIt is licensed in conjunction with our Nearby Spots. You can license Nearby Spots with or without SpotIt but SpotIt cannot be licensed by itself.

Q. If I buy  SpotIt  for a particular state how many cities will it have spots for?

A. This depends on the cities and the state. Bigger cities will have more votes. SpotIt is not just about adding votes.  It’s about participating and creating votes.  SpotIt is a way for your agents to show that they truly are experts in the neighborhoods they serve.

Q. If  there is a Spot not listed in SpotIt can the user add the spot?

A. Yes. That is the great benefit of SpoitIt. It begin with our massive database of Spots but allows the user to grow beyond what we know and add their own insight and intelligence to it.

Q. What precautions  are taken to insure users don’t add or Spot potentially offensive places.

A. All new  spots are screened by our admin team.  Community members can also flag spots to report them.

Q. How are negative votes handled?

A. Just like your mom you say “if you don’t have anything nice  to say don’t say it at all.” Therefore SpotIt is all about positive votes. If you like a Spot, you vote fort it. If you don’t like it you don’t vote at all. You can tell how good a place is by how many votes it has relative to the places around it. It’s like looking in the window of a restaurant and deciding it must be good if that many people are eating there.

Q. Can I edit votes placed on my co-branded SpotIt platform?

A. Users can change their votes, but you can not edit a vote  created by another user.

Q .How can I integrate SpotIt  on my site?

A. SpotIt can be quickly integrated into your site through our API or widgets.

Q. What is a  Widget?

A. Widgets are encapsulated modules that users  can interact with SpotIt through on your site.  Adding a widget to your site is just a matter of cutting and pasting a single line of code.

Q. If I have a Blog, can I use the SpotIt content as  subject matter for articles?

A. Yes, absolutely. If you do that, you are leveraging the power of SpotIt in the right way

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Technical Q&A

Q. “Can we get our content delivery in a standardized format so we can automate on our side?”

A. Absolutely.

Q. How often are sales aggregates updated?

A. We deliver this market analysis and trending content on several different cycles. Most common are monthly and quarterly updates.

Q. “What is the difference between median sales price and average sales price and what do I want to display under what circumstances?”

A. One of the most frequent questions from end users, the difference between median and average prices can be extreme in certain areas. While the concept of an average is well understood by the majority of consumers, averages don’t always provide an accurate picture of what the average home in an area would sell for. This is particularly pronounced in areas with low sales volume and wide variability in sale price, particularly at the high end. That mansion on the corner can really raise the average! Medians tend to more accurately indicate the norm for the market, but site requirements need to be taken into account. Let us walk you through it.

Q. Do you have test scores for private schools?

A. No, not yet.

Q. Do you cover charter schools?

A. Yes.

Q. “Can I get content at the city level?”

A. Absolutely. OnBoard provides city profiles on tens of thousands of cities and towns across the U.S. and Canada. And don’t forget about our sub-city level – OnBoard’s ZoneOn neighborhood content!

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