That is truly a great comment. Yes, it is about the WOW– which leads to WOM.

I did visit the Obeo site and I think it is great and giant step forward. WOW

I truly believe that it is the ‘consumer choice’, with my years of real estate experience and interaction with both realtors and consumers…the preference is mixed. A wise man (National Real Estate Speaker - Verl Workman) once said and still does, “what do consumers want?” some want just photos, some vt’s, some video, some like to read details! So what do you do Mr. Realtor? Heck the answer is EASY….you give them all of it, in some way shape or form. Tours & pics on your listings, video presentations about you with testimonials posted to your own website…heck yeah, it is all attenable and affordable. Be sure you have them all, and cross market them effectively!

But now let’s think ‘outside’ the box, the now and next generation of buyers/consumers are extremely tech saavy and lets face it they are even getting bored with video (the new thing!). What the Real Estate Market needs is to WOW, the consumers and give them actual interaction with the presentation. Go to the BMW site, and create your own vehicle to your specs….well same applies to a home. Allowing the consumer entertainment while looking for their next home, having the consumer begin taking emotional ownership while interacting with the listings presentation. “Make that home their own!” This is the NEW and most exciting way to visually showcase real estate, and those features are being launched by Obeo at this year’s NAR event in Vegas. Check it out… most specifically the ‘SpaceDesigner & StyleDesigner”. http://files.obeo.com/obeo/2007/

But If I was that Realtor, I would get that vgerbiage posted up on website where the world could see and link it to anything on my site that would stand still.

No doubt this discussion will continue, long past the point we are all alive.

I mean, I hope it does…

Steve

I also believe it is an effective marketing tool for your brand. A broker who was interviewed on TV used that video footage on his site to enhance his brand’s credibility.

Maggie Knowles in CA used it in her client testimonials. I think it is more engaging that just reading a testimonial.

http://sunnyspot.stardigs.com/?page_id=170

Thanks for weighing in - I have almost forgot to ask the most importatn question any client or consumer would (or should )ask:

What is your stated marketing program and how do you measure your achievement?

It is really early in Utah…who elese is awake?

steven.stearns@obeo.com

http://obeoman.blogspot.com

Really what it comes down to is what is cost effective for your client. With few exceptions, people do not choose photos (spinning or keyframed) over video in any medium whether television, movies, or on the web. People prefer an experience that is as close to real life as possible. Is there a place for virtual tours now and in the near future? Definitely. As video becomes more and more economical however, the majority of people will make the transition to the content that provides the most visual information, and that happens to be video.

Our business caters to the high end luxury market. However, there are many different levels of video productions available at different price ranges and this will continue to allow video to saturate the market…real estate and otherwise.

…and no Starbucks, well, not in my terminal anyway. Maxwell House is two bucks a cup - and a little dab will do ya there….

I am blogging from the road for the next ten days.

Why?

Because people have already stood in line to summit Everest…

steven.stearns@obeo.com
262-325-8687

What, no Starbucks?

-If you want some real specifics about what might RE video tolerable:

-First, a sense of place is usually derived from those who inhabit it.

Ask them why they like it there, grasshopper…

-any property on waterfront,

-any property with an elevated, reasonably unobstructed vista or view.

-and as you suggest any popular neighborhood destination near the property for sale.

You might end up with a RE video of the nearby park as people enjoy it, with a rendered, walk-through floor plan of the condo and a VTour to show off its hidden potential.

The coffee at this airport is horrible.

Obeoman

steven.stearns@obeo.com

Still don’t think we’re any closer to specific applications.

Trying to get a handle on Sense of place: pick one- let’s say NYC upper west side near the park and museums– worth a video for any condo or co-op in the area or just the high end ones?

Whew 2