Hi guys,

I am looking for an extension to be able to list properties that are up for rent. (i am not sure if I should use sobipro, k2, or a real-estate extension)

I will need basic information about the listing to be added to each entry, this information should be searchable. We don't want the users top have to register in order to post a listing (following craigslist style), so that should be taken into account.

A user should be able to modify their listings once submitted. We also plan on having a featured section, where users can pay to have their listing featured (to the best of my knowledge that removes K2 from the equation).

Something else that we are taking into consideration, is the ability to fine-tune the template, and template overrides.

We will collect information with the following field types:
text box
text area (no html)
check-box
date
drop-down
Location - maps
Images
email
phone

Thanks in advance, and happy holidays
Chaim :)

Hi Chaim,

Your best bet will be a real-estate extension or SobiPro (I'd go with a Realty extension though). Thankfully there are a lot of great, featured packed real-estate extensions available on the JED which meet your requirements (except the two below). Here's the direct link to the JED Real-Estate category:
extensions.joomla.org/extensions/vertical-markets/real-estate

As to the following two requirements:
unfortunately, that's not possible. How can a user modify their listing if they don't have an account? They would need an account if they want to be able to modify their listing.

Kind regards,
Nick

Thanks Nick.

Please ignore any misspellings s I am typing this on my tablet.

I spoke with the rest of my team to get some clarity on how they want to approach the project. It turns out that I had some wrong info (I apologize for that), which I will correct below.

For the sake of simplicity, they don't want any users to register (other than those who will manage the site - who will be registered by the site admin); neither do they want ahead to post an address in a separate field (or security and privacy - obviously there is nothing stopping a user from listing their address in the text area).

We also won't be using the site to confirm any bookings for various reasons.

With that in mind, do you still think that we should use a real estate extension, or should we stick with a cck solution?

One last question, can e setup a field with a popup/hover text (the idea being to have a field with a help icon for more info)?

Have a great weekend,
Chaim :)

Hi Chiam,

I've used real estate extensions and Sobi pro, and I can give you the benefit of my experience, but the choice of what's best will still be up to you.

I found that real estate extensions have most of the fields you need already installed. Sometimes they have extras like real estate calculators or specialized contact forms. They can save you some time if you can find one that already has fields very close to the ones you want.

Depends on which one, but usually they don't allow you to charge for ads. THere are some that specialize in rental properties.

Sobi Pro would be better for commerce. They have a real estate template that is really good. You will also find it to be very flexible in terms of adding extra fields and user control.

Also I might suggest that you search the JED for classified ad programs instead of real estate. The classified programs will usually have developed something for autodeletion of ads and auto renew, and more sophisticated commerce functions.

So the choice, in my opinion would be between a Sobi, a rental property plugin, and a classified ad plugin. Check the JED and see if you can find something that fits.

Cheers,
Ed

Thanks ed. I think I will go with SobiPro.

One last question, how can i get pop-up windows explaining what the fields are. For example, we plan on having a location field as a drop-down with 3-5 options, user may be confused as to why they cannot list their address; what we have come up with is to have a help icon that links to a pop-up/hover-over display explaining what the fileds is about and how to use it. and why we went that way.

Thanks in advance,
Chaim :)

I think there is a feature in SOBI that puts an info icon next to the entry on the entry form. But I haven't looked at it in a while. If not, you should be able to find a solution with one of these JED searchs

extensions.joomla.org/search?q=popup

extensions.joomla.org/search?q=popup&q=modal

Cheers,
Ed

Ed,

I have been testing SobiPro, and keep on coming up with the same issue, that I need to select a category to place the ad/listing in.

Is there anyway to bypass that function (selecting a category), as we are only using one category?

Thanks,
Chaim :)

Hi Chaim,

What Joomla version are you using? What SobiPro version are you using?

Can we get a link to your entry form to take a quick look?

Is your menu item type set to SobiPro >> Add Entry Form?

Also, would you open open a new forum topic with the answers to these questions since this is a follow-up question? Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,
Nick

Thanks Chaim!

For anyone interested, the follow-up post is at:
www.ostraining.com/support-forum/joomla-...onfiguration/#p52539

Kind regards,
Nick

Nick,

from my other posts and responses, I am not sure if SobiPro is the correct way to go, are there any ad listings or real estate extensions that you can recommend (I would need to to limit the user to one category, and have the option to monetize the listing)?

Thanks,
Chaim :)

Hi Chaim,

Off the top of my head trying to remember your previous topics, I'd say that there isn't a Real Estate component that does exactly what you want it to do either. You're wanting to do some unique things and therefore would require a unique solution (usually involving a bit of custom code)

As to one category, most like SobiPro, are going to allow you to select it from the menu item parameters as to which category is allowed.

As to monetizing, check out Ed's answer above:Ed wrote:As to your specific monetization requirement (i.e. www.ostraining.com/support-forum/joomla-...zing-sobipro/#p52858), unfortunately it's likely going to have to involve custom code again because I'm not aware of any that would have that unique of a feature.

Hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Nick

Nick,

Thanks for your time, and for being a PITA.

I gave some thought to the matter, and realized that instead of looking for one "jumbo" extension that can handle all of my needs, i should split my needs into 2 parts. part 1 being the listing (CCK) and part 2 being able to monetize the listing.

As far as the CCK goes, I can choose between K2 (which I love and is free) and SobiPro (which I haven't used before, templating can be a PITA, and would cost for the calendar option); are these the only ones that I should consider, or should I expand to include other CCKS, I am open to suggestions (if it is free, all the better as this is a startup project and there is a very small budget)?

As to the advertisements, what option would integrate with any the CCK?

Another option that I have been thinking about is to use rsforms and use the view submission menu, what do you think of that?

Chaim

Chiam,

I suggest you look at Sobi Pro. You can download it for free and work with it. You don't get all the premium extensions but you should be able to almost everything you want with the free version.

You can upgrade once you've got it all figured out. Sobi Pro will let you do the real estate and monetize the listings.

As I mentioned before, the other type of extension that will let you do what you want easily is a classified ad extension. You may have to try out a couple to get one that's perfect.

Either way Sobi or classified, you will get enough experience from trying a couple that you will be able to narrow down your wants and needs and be able to determine if you need to hire someone to help you with this.

Cheers,
Ed