And if you are a consumer, I'd LOVE for you to post up with your desires here...
Generally, there are three classes of technology I am going to talk about:
- Stuff I am currently working into the mix.
- Stuff I will be looking closely at working into future listings.
- Things that are either not making the cut, or aren't ready.
Stuff I am currently working into the mix... Video. Interactive floor plans. Blogs for properties. I feel that video is starting to become a force in real estate on the web. The public is becoming increasingly comfortable with video and I think they will soon expect it to be available for properties... all of them. I am getting ready to roll out my first interactive floor plan... from Obeo (Hi Steve... I'm sure you'll find this post). While I don't think that it will be as standard as video for listings, I think that consumers that utilize it will want it for any listing they look at. Even if they aren't putting their furniture in, they may still like to be able to see the flow of rooms. With all of the info that consumers want about properties, a simple website isn't making it anymore. A blog platform is a GREAT alternative to provide a tremendous amount of info for those consumers that are demanding it.
Stuff I will be looking closely at working into future listings... Mobile targeted websites. Text message flyers. Custom signage. I have a smartphone. And I am not alone. iPhones and other appliances are everywhere. And, while many will display regular web pages, navigation is clunky sometimes, and some phones need a page targeted to them. Using a ".mobi" site may be a great option for the near future. And, since there are still a lot of buyers that find properties by looking where they want to live, having a sign that sets the listing apart and provides the details is a great idea. And if the prospective buyer can get a flyer on their phone... all the better.
Other... Are people really wanting to tune their radio to hear a commercial about the listing? Newspaper? traditional "virtual tours" (or Powerpoints with funeral music as I like to call them...)? Are these still cutting it?
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I'd love to hear from you...
