Many years we have developed extensions and sites thinking of a simple way to control all plugins, modules and templates in one place. Now this solution is implemented into all our 3 extensions in free platform with add-ons.

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Just to make it clear we call a Platform a free extension (FW Gallery, FW Real Estate or FW Food Menu) which has Add-ons. Add-on can be Joomla! Plugin, Module or extension specific Template, designed with its own system which can be still overwritten in the main Joomla! template.

Benefit 1 - Free extension

Despite demo website we have it was harder to get an idea if our porduct is the right tool for you. Now being completely free we offer functional Joomla! extension with some free an paid add-ons which extend functionality in a way you need exactly for particular website. Every add-on can be downloaded and installed separately adding its own parts to a platform and extending platform possibilities or changing its look.

Benefit 2 - Quick start

All you need to have the latest Joomla! installed and a free component. As soon as you install a platform you must link it to your account on fastw3b.com and you can instantly download and install all available add-ons instead of individual download and installation.

The next tool you may use would be Batch operations available in all our free extensions. Batch operations allow to input data in a very simple way to get a skeleton or your extension categories and items ready in few clicks. Just copy paste key elements following suggested format and you can add as many items as you need to fill in your website with data within minutes.

Benefit 3 - Centralized management

Add-ons section is now available in every extension. It helps to see all available and owned add-ons when you are signed into Fastw3b account by using Access Code. It is a fast and convenient way to track available functionality and design and update your add-ons in one place. Whatever is available or comes out would be listed in Add-ons section of your extension. No need to visit website every week to see what is new. All the information you need will be listed right there in your Add-ons section.

Benefit 4 - Ease of configuration

Add-ons has a huge benefit of selecting what exactly you need for a particular project. It does not only mean less add-ons it means less configuration in a platform. Add-ons architecture  helps to exclude parts of code that relates to a certain functionality and keep you platform clean. The only functions and settings you will see would be those that come from the platform itself and enabled add-ons. Pretty cool, right?

Benefit 5 - Designs

With a new concept we introduce a new design system which has its own set of layouts allowing to assemble design from different bits. This system is very important to provide another level of flexibility in data presentation. Now we can use totally different design approaches in different designs as they may redefine core layouts and have theis own CSS files which adds another level of flexibility and control. This year we plan to have a design release at least every other month.

Benefit 6 - Detailed demo and documentation

Since every Add-on is a separate unit with its own releases it will have its own page, example page on demo website and documentation section. Breaking down bigger product into smaller parts allow to take a closer look of every bit and its functional purpose. Through the years we had numerous situations when people asked in support about features we had for years just because they were poorly described or hard to find. Now when every add-on is a single item customers will have a chance to read all about it and browse documentation before they use it.

Benefit 7 - Quick releases

At this point we have platform and add-ons as totally independent parts which do not affect each other. Of course, platform is a ground for all add-ons, but changes in a platform will not affect add-ons and vice versa. So now it is extremely easy to release a fix or an update as we don't have to test the whole system from scratch as we use to do. We only test parts that relate to add-on or a platform and release a new version. Get ready for a regular monthly releases this year.

Benefit 8 - Customization independence

Customization has always been tricky in terms of future updates as there were simply no way to factor in all changes made in different files of different projects. With new concept all customizations can be wrapped as a customer add-on and keep all needed modifications there without affecting other parts. This innovation means no more worries about updates after customization. From now on update will never wipe out all changes made or break the main part. Forget to write the notes on which files to rewrite after updates and pray they don't break anything. It is all much simpler and safer now.

As you can see new concept came out as a result of our decade in Joomla! development with all out best practices and observations of hundreds of projects made through the years. We are happy to finally release it and share all the benefits of this innovation with our customers.

We are always glad to hear your comments and suggestion either in social networks or on our website.

This month we’ve fixed some bugs with images displaying and made a few releases:

• Modified the search module for IE11, the correct orientation of the pictures from the metadata of the image file.
• Auto-rotate pictures if the orientation information is in EXIF and the server has the extension exif_php

This month we’ve fixed some bugs and released a few upgrades:

• Modified the displaying of real estate on Google Maps in the component and the module
• Optimize and improved the Trendy mode of the search module
• The opportunity to limit a size of images without loss of quality

FW Real Estate Realtor is a unique plugin of websites creation for realtors, combining maximum opportunities for creating convenient online real estate catalogs. With the real estate rental website template, real estate specialists provide their clients with the most convenient search and objects comparison, which brings tangible benefits to their business.

The main advantages of real estate for joomla solving business tasks

Advanced Search.The 14 most popular search fields with 3 layout alternates and flexible display settings make the site as convenient as possible for a potential client and exceed a number of decisions that are currently used by leading market participants.

Modular architecture. The platform allows you to use only those modules that are required by a particular resource. In consequence of this solution, you get a well-thought-out site, which is not overloaded with unnecessary elements and “customized” delicate to your tasks and your customers’ needs.

Configuration and management simplicity. The administrative panel is designed in such a way that you can fill the site with information, add or remove modules, change the interface without having to hire IT specialists.

Multilanguage and currencies capability. The algorithm constantly updates the data, displaying financial information, due to the current exchange rate. High-quality texts translation into various languages ​​allows you to interact efficiently with customers from all over the world.

Adaptability. This is one of the CMS real estate for joomla key benefits. With the adaptive versions coding, the site will be correctly displayed on all modern devices and in various browsers, so the problem of losing customers due to problems with operativity or appearance of the resource will be a thing of the past.

Developer support. On buying the annual subscription, you get unlimited access to help desk call. A team of specialists will promptly answer all questions and eliminate the arisen difficulties.

All the features of real estate for joomla

The plugin contains more than 35 functions, so we will take a look at some of them. You can find a full list of features on the FW Real Estate product page.

• Batch upload. Add all files to the site quickly, in one click.
• Secure captcha input form. The site will be visited only by people, but not robots.
• Virtual 3D tour. An up-to-date solution that will help the client to “see” his future real estate.
• Delegated evaluators and objects comparison. The search convenience allows you to make the on-to-fly purchasing decision.
• Extended description. Create the most effective ads that achieve the goals.
• Search options saving. The client can save the desired parameters and receive notifications about new objects relevant to his/her requests.
• Mortgage calculator. This module allows you to evaluate the payment conditions of the chosen real estate option.
• Integration with popular services. Google Maps, Google Captcha, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, Pinterest - use all the modern features.

Briefly why you should choose real estate for joomla

• Easy-to-use management. Simple website creation for the solution of your tasks.
• Adaptability. Clear interface mapping on all devices.
• Complex site protection. Work without vulnerabilities.
• High performance. Your customers will not have to wait long for page downloading.
• Popular platform. All necessary documentation, successful cases of sites creation by large organizations, high-quality support and regular updates release, and new modules.
• Save your time. The client can get answers to most of his/her questions by interacting with the site.

Conclusion

Real estate rental website template is a modern solution for the quick creation of the professional websites, customized to the purchase, sale and leasing of real estate. We offer a multi-purpose product that does not require third-party modifications. This is precisely why the business tasks of our clients are solved with FW Real Estate Realtor on an urgent basis.

In this review, we will consider Joomla extension services. In particular: an extension for the FW Real Estate plugin. Its task is in automation of the import and the real estate objects synchronization using external databases (MLS / IDX) or XML feeds. For this purpose, special settings and fields updates are used.

MLS / IDX / XML Integration service includes:

• Integration of standard FWRE fields with external MLS / IDX / XML source. Any extra fields can be added at additional cost approximately $50 per field. Adding special conditions for the processing of certain fields.
• Existing fields format adaptation to match MLS / IDX / XML source format.
• Cron setup for regular (daily/hourly) one-way MLS/IDX/XML synchronization and the site with FWRE.
• 30 days maintenance support to ensure that synchronization works as expected.

Data exchange with MLS is as follows:

Itegrating systems details

Real estate MLS integration helps real estate brokers share information and deliver a proposal to clients. This is the advantage of agents over private individuals. Multi-listing is an electronic base in which all the objects for sale are located. It is not available to anyone, only market experts can use it. As a rule, the base is collected at the city or regional level.

Real estate IDX integration is necessary to expand the MLS possibilities: properties search in the base, the common network control and more. For example, IDX allows you to configure the receiving data from MLS in XML form.

RETS is a set of standards to simplify software with MLS data. However, not all MLS / IDX providers adhere to RETS standards or do not fully adhere to them. For this, it is important to integrate individually and ensure that all configured fields are synchronized correctly.

Installation and Configuration

Joomla development services integration is a complex process requiring technical skills. Therefore, the module is not obtained out of the box, but is just a custom plugin for FW Real Estate.

During installation, various custom search and filter parameters are added. Everything that is necessary for the client is integrated. When the installation is complete, all functions will be tested to ensure that the components work as expected.

The most important parameters will be configured in the FW Real Estate control panel. The list of important parameters is discussed with each client individually, so as a result, each client receives the product that is necessary for his/her business.

You need to have access to actual MLS / IDX / XML channel or file server so the MLS / IDX database works. An XML news feed or a CSV file of a specified format can be used for this. Your account should be allowed access to current properties of the real estate.

For the work we need:

• Website with the latest version of FW Real Estate, access to the Joomla administrator panel, as well as access to FTP server.
• Integration service payment. You will be sent a link to the transaction upon request. The integration price will be 799 USD.
• MLS / IDX / XML working access to the properties database. This is needed only for testing purposes to configure the integration and make sure that the product work. This can be a test account or a developer account.

Conclusion

FW Real Estate MLS / IDX / XML integration will allow the real estate site to reach a new orbit. The interoperability with a common real estate agents base will favorably highlight the site in front of similar resources, where relevant ads from individuals and organizations are collected. Big win in the plus column would be the constant maintenance of the site in the current status, and to provide visitors with information about off-the-shelf real estate properties.

The help of experts during installation and configuration excludes possible errors, and the 30 days of the support period allow you to make sure that there are no any bugs.

FW Real Estate Realtor Joomla is one of the best decisions to create real estate websites. Developers can use specialized lists, extended search form, CTA (Call-to-action) and easy configuration. The plugin review will help to understand the advantages that a realtor will receive from this extension.

Main advantages

Adaptive items – the module architecture is designed so as graphic objects look equally well on devices of any size. Computer, smartphone, tablet – all customers will highly appreciate the site usability.

Advanced Search – Joomla real estate module offers the 14 most popular search fields with 3 layout options. The display is also configured. Category, price, area – the plugin allows setting up this and more.

Front-end manager – the agents will be able to manage their real estate at anytime and anywhere. The manager is configured to be displayed on mobile devices.

All the features of a real estate rental website template

There are more than 30 functions in the plugin – there's no point in trying to fully discuss each of them within the brief review. Therefore, we draw attention to the most important:

• Automated currency conversion. The algorithm based on actual rates, so it always shows the relevant data.
• Multilingual support. The support for full content translation into any language is built in the plugin.
• Advanced layout settings. Layouts are designed on a grid that allows  applying different display options.
• Advanced captcha. Google captcha is supported, as well as its setting.
• Extended description. More than 50 parameters will help to create an ad that customers are really looking for.
• Search templates. The client can save the search pattern to use it later.

Working with plugin

The documentation is available at FW Real Estate Documentation link. The plugin is compatible with Joomla 3.8 and later versions. To purchase FW Real Estate, follow these steps:

1. go to FW Real Estate pricing page;
2. the free real estate version of Joomla is not available, so choose a one-time purchase or annual subscription;
3. select a payment method, fill in the information and pay for the purchase.

To install FW Real Estate, follow these steps:

1. login to admin panel;
2. select the “Extensions” item in the top menu and click on it;
3. select the “Manage” item, then the “Install” button;
   
   
4. upload zip file in a preferred way.

If the installation was successful, you will see an appropriate message on a green background.

Possibilities

Advanced search with a large number of fields permits to create a truly customer-friendly website, which allows setting important search criteria immediately and spend time on a detailed view of only those objects that are corresponded to the requirements. Consider, for instance, this option:

 
Most often, potential agency customers are interested in the following data, which should be displayed in search filters:

• real estate transaction type (purchase, sale, rent);
• object’s purpose (residential, commercial real estate);
• location (country, city, district, proximity to infrastructure, etc.);
• floor space;
• number of rooms and bathrooms;
• cost in the selected currency (the entire object, per square meter, range from... to);
• floor;
• photo, video, 3D-visualization;
• etc.

All these fields are implemented with the FW Real Estate plugin. The client will only have to enter the required data for him/her and select the suitable apartment (house) from the drop-down list. With that, the user selectable criteria while completing search form are displayed with icons on the ad preview.

In general, the ability to set in the search form the above-listed components is an application-specific tool for real estate sale that allows making the fast way to the visual presentation of the sold object (just a few clicks), and the presentation as effective as possible. The potential client, considering such content in detail, can imagine himself/herself in the premises. This leads to a notable increase in the number of successful deals.

Conclusion

FW Real Estate is a powerful plugin that allows creating a full-fledged website for a real estate agency. It contains all the necessary elements to be convenient to manage such a site, and clients get exactly what they are looking for.