out of 5 stars by
AppAppeal Editor
Vast is a detailed search engine for users who are browsing autos, vacation rentals, real estate and other rental properties. The user can choose their category and enter what they are searching for as well as where they hope to find it. Vast combs through millions of advertisements to present the user with the best matches, including those found through smaller businesses. The search results present the user with an overview of each listing, including a small image, make and model details, location, and specific details relevant to the type of search being performed. For example, vehicle searches reveal mileage, type of transmission, drive type, exterior color, engine type, body style and what type of fuel the vehicle requires. Vacation rentals, on the other hand, present the user with the number of bedrooms, location, amenities, nearby activities and property type.
Development on Vast began in 2001. The application was intended to provide a vertical search platform that was geared towards auto, real estate and rental property listings. The site currently boasts a large number of listings, including over four million vehicles, two million vacation rental properties and four million available homes for sale. In January of 2008, Vast acquired a real estate agent and broker hosting service called Adaptive Real Estate Services (ARES).
Vast covers a large quantity of listings in the categories it features. Users can browse best matches for real estate, vacation rentals, automobile and other rental properties. The search tool is simple and easy to use and provides the user with a great amount of detail through its search results pages. Even before the user clicks on a listing, they are given a significant amount of information about the item or location.
The Vast website allows users to get right to work searching from the homepage. The homepage features the search tool which includes four grey tabs at the top. Each tab allows the user to navigate from autos to vacation rentals, real estate or rentals. The selected tab is highlighted in blue, which matches the black and blue Vast logo. Just below the search bar, the site lists some of its sources, which include Yahoo Travel, AOL Autos, Kelley Blue Book, Overstock.com and Lodging.com.
Visitors are not required to log in when searching with Vast. As soon as the user arrives, they are given access to the search tool bar. The user can view all search results and filter them however they like. Regular internet users can return as often as they like to search for vehicles, homes or rental properties on Vast. At this time there is no account creation option available. Although it might be a nice touch to allow users to save previous searches or create a list of favorite items, it is not something that hinders the site’s ability to offer its service. The lack of registration requirement also makes Vast an easy option for consumers.
The search engine service offered by Vast is available to all visitors for free. There is no subscription fee or other charge for using the website. Of course if the user should decide to rent a vacation property, buy a home or purchase a vehicle through Vast, they will have to pay for that item or service. However Vast does not charge for the service it offers to visitors.
Vast.com is an interesting resource for anyone who is looking for a new car or truck or anyone who is interested in real estate or vacation rentals. The search tool allows users to filter by location and keyword so the user gets a list of items that match their criteria.
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