HouseCanary expands national home listing program with Google

HouseCanary has entered into a national agreement with Google, significantly expanding its home listing program across the United States. This collaboration aims to enhance the visibility of property listings for participating brokers and agents, while simultaneously streamlining the home search experience for consumers using Google.

The expanded relationship builds upon an earlier program where HouseCanary began integrating property listings from multiple listing services (MLS) into Google's mobile search results. The new format will feature property details such as prices, photos, and key features directly within Google's Local Services Ads interface. HouseCanary has previously stated that eligible listings can appear in Google mobile search without any advertising cost to the listing broker or agent, with listing agents receiving attribution and direct contact options, contingent on MLS participation.

This strategic expansion occurs while HouseCanary is navigating significant legal and financial challenges. The company is actively pursuing a $175 million jury award granted in March against Amrock, now known as Rocket Close, stemming from a trade-secret lawsuit concerning alleged misappropriation of proprietary real estate valuation technology. Rocket Close has indicated its intention to appeal the verdict, and a final judgment has not yet been entered.

Furthermore, HouseCanary and five of its affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey last month. Court documents reveal the company defaulted on a $30 million loan that matured in January and is facing foreclosure efforts from an undisclosed lender. HouseCanary has stated that the bankruptcy proceedings are intended to provide the necessary time to continue operations and safeguard the value of its litigation assets.