Singapore - Rednano.sg, Singapore's local search and directory engine, and real estate giant ERA Singapore announced that they will work together to give people more relevant information to help them choose the right agent for their needs and the right property for their future.

SPH newspaper reports will play a major role in the multi-faceted partnership.

Rednano.sg's engine uses a system called "Federated Search" where a person looking for something in a news report will also be shown results in other sections, for instance, the exact location through a map, or a photograph of it in the images database.

So if a potential homebuyer is looking for a property in Bedok, Rednano can provide him with Singapore Press Holdings news reports and archived stories about the property itself or the area, show him where it is on a map and all the things around it, give him the names of the ERA agents who specialise in that area, and even show him a photograph of the home if it is in the database.

Under the arrangement, ERA will supply information about its agents to Rednano who will then invite the agents to enhance this through its self-update platform. They can add personal information such as their education level, contact details, areas of expertise, zone allotment, latest awards and achievements and even upload their most recent photographs.

At the same time, they can also turn to Rednano's comprehensive Maps service to indicate to their clients key details of the area surrounding homes or offices being offered for sale or rent. Rednano's Maps carry a wide range of features including ERP gantries and prices, nearby ATMs and even 4D outlets in addition to the nearest schools, clinics, and shopping centres.

Mr Paul Jansen, Chief Executive of SPH Search, the company behind Rednano.sg, said: "Our goal is to be the premier local search and directory engine for Singapore. To achieve this ambition requires selection of the right partners offering the products and services desired by the public."

"We are constantly on the lookout for organisations which care about quality and their reputation. ERA fits the bill."

ERA's Senior Vice President, Marcus Chu, said: "We are delighted that ERA's current stature and expertise in Singapore's realty industry is recognised by SPH Search."

"Through our partnership with rednano.sg, anyone who is keen to know more about news or information on properties in Singapore can easily search online at rednano.sg to learn more about ERA, our wide range of housing services and even make contact with any of our friendly and highly experienced Associates to address their housing needs."

David Goh, ERA's Senior Group Division Director, said: "With rednano.sg, our Associates are able to put faces to their names, update their own profiles and credentials online in a central and easily accessible public Directory."

"These many personalised features made available to our Associates, will boost the confidence of prospective buyers or sellers in our Associates to help them with their housing requirements."

Mr Johnson Goh, Vice President (Marketing) of SPH Search said: "This can pave the way for potential buyers to make a quicker decision and reach the right agent with little effort. So there's a win-win for everyone and more efficient use of everyone's time."

"In this time of uncertainty, where there's also the opportunity look for value picks, ERA and Rednano are striving to help people choose wisely whether it's to buy or rent."

The roadmap of this strategic partnership includes additional plans to provide homebuyers and sellers the convenience of being able to view property listings, images of homes, agents' information and maps of properties for better navigation, all on their mobile phones.

Rednano.sg launched its online and mobile services in March and July respectively. Users can access its web portal at www.rednano.sg, WAP portal at mobile.rednano.sg and through SMS short code "33333".