#1 Homes for Sale search:

Realtors, homebuyers, take notice! I really like this one. And, it is available right in your normal search results window.

Are you looking for a home to buy or rent, or land to buy? Try Google's special search term to get all the information you need.

Google: "homes for sale, city, state". Near the top of the results page you will see entry boxes with drop-down menus. For example, if I type in "homes for sale, Oakland, CA", I see the following result:

This is a full featured search tool for homes to buy or rent, or land to buy. It features Google maps of the area and customizable parameters (price, # of bedrooms, etc.). A great tool!

#2 Google Trends:
google.com/trends

This is a great tool for business owners who are selecting keywords and phrases.

Compare the popularity of search terms. Track a term's usage over the last few years. Google stops just short of telling you how many people searched for a particular term. They give only comparative volumes. But still, it is a wonderfully useful tool.

#3 Experimental Searches: Keep in mind that Google is still experimenting with these. They may change or go away at any time.
google.com/experimental/

#4 Google Labs:
labs.google.com/

Take a look here from time to time. Google premiers features here that you won't find yet in regular search (like Experimental Search described above). No telling what you will find from day to day. Always interesting.

#5 Google Numbers:

Now everyone knows that Google works as a calculator, right? Just type in a formula or question, 1+1+?, or 12in=?cm, for almost any combination you can think of, and Google gives you the answer.

But, did you know that Google recognizes common number formats such as UPS tracking numbers, vehicle VINs, FedEx tracking numbers, patent numbers, etc.!

Here is a list:

UPS tracking #s
format: "1Z9999W99999999999"

FedEx tracking #s
format: "111111111111"

USPS tracking numbers
format: "1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 11 "

Vehicle ID (VIN)
format: "AAAAA999A9AA99999"

UPC codes
format: "052222722094"

Telephone area codes
format: "925"

Patent numbers
format: "patent#5,588,947" Requires the word "patent" before the number.

FAA airplane registration numbers (tail number)
format: "n588ua".

FCC equipment IDs
example search: "fcc B8Z-76001-PIR". Requires "fcc" before the equipment ID.

#6 Word Definitions:

This feature has had an interesting evolution. Originally, to have Google define a word, you needed to type "definition:" before the word you wanted defined.

But, there are even easier ways.

Now, you do not need the colon. Just type "define yourword".

Or, s imply Google the word. The definition is likely to be the first results clip.

If not, at the top of the results page the word will appear in the blue horizonal bar. Next to the word is an underlined link "definition". Click the link for a complete definition and etymology of the word.

#7 Movies:

Want to choose a movie for tonight? Google "movie:yourword". This Google feature is really well developed. You don't need to know a full title. A keyword will do. Use a director's or an actor's name. Search for showings in theaters near you.