Lori's Blog

Grand Central Station Freeze Video

2008-04-01T09:39:05Z

Okay, for all the photographers and any one with a unique sense of humor....who can watch this great video and tell me what is so funny about the images being captured by all the bystanders?

Video from YouTube:

GREEN Marketing?

2008-03-10T19:15:52Z

Ever wonder about the effectiveness of the BROCHURES...I sure did...

After taking Eco-Broker certification and beginning to really think about the brochure boxes outside of the home (that my sellers wanted, not me) and then even further into the brochures INSIDE the home, I decided to make a shift. A shift that was very successful. I'd love to share the idea and hear what folks have to say.

First, as an agent, I only wanted to work for top commission. Therefore I gave top technology and marketing on ALL listings, 90K to the TOPS! Along with the best virtual tour around, I used a URL sign rider outside to direct traffic to the "outside brochure" (see picture). For all of those wondering about the people that don't have web access, I am willing to bet that even if they don't have access at their home or their friend/family members home--they do have access at a library or elsewhere. So instead of a piece of paper ending up soaking wet in the brochure box, in a pocket, in the garden, (or worse, the dreaded empty box) etc...give them a URL where they can see the home--either the tour or a full on website.

(URL is no longer active, but you can still see the virtual tour)

Next, why are we spending tons of money printing full color brochures for INSIDE the home--they are already INSIDE it!!! Any agent that has shown houses knows that buyers pick up brochures and put them in a pile. They don't magically look at the brochure later and say "That is in my top three". Instead of these high color, high dollar brochures, how about the agent business card on one side and on the other, an image of the home, a few details and again THE URL!! Now if they do have your listing as a top favorite, they can send the URL link to all of their friends and family--wouldn't it be great to have your listing blasted to all the potential next buyers/sellers out there cause you are doing it differently and in-sync with the age of technology? These cards are great for OPEN HOUSES too--something different for all the neighbors to see how you market in an environmentally friendly way.

Front of Card

Back of Card

The best part of the business card was that the sellers gave them out to all their friends, co-workers, etc to help to sell their home (that folks already had been in and loved). All with the agents name and number on the front to contact! To me, that reads as more leads and maybe even a double ended deal!!

Love to know your thoughts and those who are getting ready to try it--please share your success with me!

Thanks,

Reece/360 Spin

Let your photographer wear one of your hats!!

2008-03-05T12:07:58Z

Budgets, Advertising, Listing, Selling, Client Events, MLS Input, Coordination, Emails, Sales Meetings, Office Tours, Open House Signage, Time Blocking, Mass Choas!!!

I met with an extremely well respected agent in the Denver area yesterday to discuss how RTV and 360 Spin Virtual Tours and photography differ from the rest. We ended up having a lively and animated discussion about the future of RE marketing, the one comment that I was left with was her saying she had learned more about real estate technology in a 45 minute discussion with me than she had in her entire RE career (been in the biz for >10years). Now, it is possible that my graduate program paid off in that moment, but I think it is a bigger issue.

Up until about 4 months ago, I had balanced a wonderful real estate career with RE/MAX of Cherry Creek with my heart-calling photography business. Now as a full-time photographer, I consider myself a consultant to RE agents.

Most of the agents that I know recreate the wheel and wouldn't it be great to take off a couple of those hats?

Agents--your photographers are savvy and gifted individuals! Take advantage of the resources they offer and ASK them the direction that they see RE marketing going in your area.