Poll: Virtual Tour Providers Close, What makes you stick with yours now? - 04/30/09 10:37 AM
For the first time in years, there is a decline in the number of virtual tour providers available to agents.  News of failed (ch 11 etc) tour providers has been steady in the last 6 months - some are casualties of tight marketing budgets or were of poor quality and destined to die is debatable. 
This begs the question - Today, in 2009 why do you invest in the Tour Provider you work with? 
Here are the answers I would expect to see, but everyone has a diffrent take/reason.  To vote, add your comments with a #2 pencil (or mouse).
… (1 comments)

Europe bags print for SEO and SEM - Are we FAR behind? - 04/29/09 10:53 AM
I guess I should say "Its about gosh-darn time". 
Today on Econsultancy I found that a study by EIAA (interactive Advertising Association) says 70% of Advertisers in Europe will be removing funds from Traditional media budgets in favor of Online Advertising this year. 55% will be increasing SEO budgets while 45% will increase their SEM budget.
Two things: First - I would guess that the US is dragging behind this stat, and even with newspapers failing people are still investing in direct mail, radio and other poor ROI has beens.
Second: Another nice win for google, who stands to gain the … (1 comments)

Builder Beta Floorplan Online Marketing Program - 04/14/09 10:13 AM
FloorPlanOnline has been helping top brokers and agents nationwide for almost five years.  We create top of the line interactive floorplan websites and tours for properties at a very reasonable price.  Yet FPO has almost ignored builders by not creating programs to assist builders sell properties online.  Our growth and success has allowed us to expand our product line and extend our service.
Here's the Scoop - As we refine our builder tools and roll out our new program,  I need to collect some feedback from residential builders - predominantly those builders who are builder developers - or represent the majority of the listings in … (0 comments)

Thrifty Marketing Value - Did I get what I paid for? - 04/13/09 05:19 PM
I used to believe in the adage "you get what you pay for".    I even have used this thought process in talking with agents and builders about marketing (WARNING: obligatory product plug coming!) as in FloorPlanOnlineinteractive tours cost more than a Freepicasa slide show, however, you get what you pay for.... you get the idea. 
This all changed today as I tried to book a rental car for an extended trip on Thrifty.com.  Trying to keep cost down I have a tough decision to make here.  Should I get a Hyundai or a Chrysler?  I would guess they would be about the … (0 comments)

Dear Builder: PIMP MY HOUSE -and Ill buy yours. - 04/10/09 11:05 AM
The Chicago Tribune had an article that was quoted in Seths advertising blog that outlined a great idea.  - With home builders sitting on completed homes ready to be sold, and buyers sitting on homes that are not selling - what to do to get the ball rolling?  
Builders should visit the buyers home and offer to help "pimp" it.  With builders connections to construction and decorating tallent, tools and supplies, the investment could be as large as the builder desired.  From building new screened porches to outdoor entertainment areas or simply painting the shutters - We have known for some time that making a home … (2 comments)

Marketing triage for Builders and Agents - how to diagnose - 04/07/09 03:59 PM
"No, Im not on facebook or linkedin"    
-What about FloorPlanOnline and Active Rain? "No, but I know I should..." 
Frequently I have this conversation with Builders and Agents where they open up to me.  Frequently they are embarrassed that they have not taken basic steps forward and after years of trying to push back or work around the Internet Investment Issue they are now on life support - they need a cure, but first they need a speedy diagnosis.
Most of the time that diagnosis is very simple. They simply fear the unknown.  It feels better to not deal with it, then open yourself up to … (0 comments)

Builders Spring Marketing: Tired, Poor, Shuttered Masses yearning to be sold - 04/02/09 03:59 PM
Just drove past 3 local neighborhoods (read sales offices) with homes under construction in the 200-500k price range. You are all to familiar with the box that sits on the post in the front yard: INFO TAKE ONE -  yet the marketing material box was empty, "OPEN" flags faded and torn and grass not yet mowed, in fact the yard at one was growing out of control.  It looks like they have skipped town or thrown in the towel.
A builders tattered Flags at half mast today.
If these places were restaurants, you would expect to see a "accidental fire" that started in the kitchen- allowing the owner … (2 comments)

 

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