Chris's Blog

Introduction to FloorPlanOnline: Real Estate Marketing, Video, Photos Measurement and Photography

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:58:20 -0600

Click to view this content in video format.

FloorPlanOnline creates top of the line interactive real estate property websites for homeowners, Real Estate agents, Brokers, and builders. We produce the website, edit the content and host the tour for you.

Anyone can order a Self Service FloorPlanOnline Tour. We currently create tours in the United States, Canada, and the UK. In the US we have Active Service Providers in 44 States where we offer Full Service Tours.

FloorPlan Online Tours are Easy to use and Order.When you click an icon in the Foyer, you see the Foyer. When you click in the kitchen you see the kitchen. Its easy to navigate up to the second level as well. All FloorPlanOnline Tours Have built in Video, Flyers, google maps and social media tools like twitter and facebook. Additionally, each tour is now available in an easy to use mobile version for no extra charge.

To Place an order at FloorPlanOnline.com, Enter your MLS number and Property Address. Select the Floor Plan product or the non- FloorPlan Photo Tour,

Secondly, select your desired Service Level (full service or self service).

If you selected Self Service you may begin uploading your content right away. Upload your scanned or photographed floorplan, sketch or blueprint and the production department will digitally reproduce it to floorplanonline standards.

Secondly, upload your photos and the FPO production dept will produce the video and place the photos in the correct rooms. We send you a completed tour link, and your done! Self Service Orders are typically between $29 to $59 dollars and Save you money.

When Full Service is Selected, a Service Provider will call you to confirm the appointment details within 24 hours of placing the order. During your scheduled appointment The Service Provider will measure and record the floorplans of the property. The Service Provider will then photograph all major rooms and the exterior using a high quality camera.

Next, the SP Uploads the Photos and Floorplan to our production department who creates the tour and sends you the completed tour link. Its easy and hands free for you.

Theres a reason Builders and top marketers have used floorplans to sell thier listings. FloorPlanOnline draws buyers in and to show them the space beyond clutter or tasteless decoration - they show them the most critical element, combined with video and photos.

If you are New to FloorPlanOnline, enter the coupon code Rookie at registration for a special deal on your first tour.

Im Chris Drayer, Marketing Director for FloorPlanOnline - If you have suggestions or questions, give me a ring, tweet or email. Thanks! We hope to work for you soon.

Wordpress sites Rock - Like it or Loathe it? New FPO WP Site now live

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:58:22 -0600

We fought our old website long enough. Wordpress came to the rescue!

If you are looking to develop a new web presence / platform, I highly recommend Word press as an easy to learn option that has plenty of options advanced features.

The New FPO Site:

www.floorplanonline.com

Our new site was created in very little time and already is making our clients more pleased as the order process more streamlined, Info is more easily viewed and for us, the SEO is killer. We selected a template (read bought a template) and started plugging in content. The only development department work was switching the old to the new, and a few hick-ups with some links.

Here's a link to a short video on FPO that highlights the new WP FPO site.

What are your thoughts? Like it? Loathe it?

Tips for hangin' in San Diego CA for ReBarCamp and NAR 2009

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:26:44 -0500

San Diego REBARCAMP and NAR November 2009 Tips

I'm in! I just registered for #rebcsd (rebarcamp San Diego). Its the day before #NAR2009 - and I have to say, I look forward to rebcsd much more than NAR. However both will be great as the REBarCamp and NAR are in Sunny San Diego.

SD is a fantastic city, and I highly recommend hanging around and taking in the sights. I lived in SD for 14 months, and spent way to much time hiking the hills, sailing the harbor and soaking up the sun on my favorite beach (la jolla shore).

Airport -It is Downtown - I mean right downtown. 3 miles to convention center / Gaslamp District.

Hotel location Tips - NAR and REBCSD are both in the Gas lamp district of SD, essentially South side of Downtown. The area is very pedestrian friendly, safe and with cabs and the train station within a short walk.

Convention center - Located in downtown and gas lamp district. It is downhill at the end of the road (literally) and sits on San Diego Harbor with views of Coronado Island, home of the Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado - $$$$$ Very nice. Known as "The Del". The Marylin Monroe movie "Some like it Hot" was filmed there, and they say there is a ghost in the hotel as well. Visit the Hotel for a beverage or meal overlooking the Pacific and the huge beach. There are high end shops in the basement of this amazing wooden structure.

San Diego Harbor -During my time in SD, My job was to take tourists sailing on the harbor on 25-32 foot sailboats. You can still rent sailboats with or with out a skipper (captain) Or, take a harbor cruise on one of several large 3 story White "Hornblower" ships. Very touristy - but you get nice views from the water. There is also a harbor taxi (small powerboat) that will take you to Coronado island restaurants and shops ($7).

Mexico - Tijuana - known locally as "TJ" - The trolley/train is the best way to go to avoid parking and the traffic jam. Don't drive into Mexico unless you get insurance to do so, and have no fear... There is parking on the US side of the border, and yes, a bridge to walk over to get to the vendors and shopping in TJ. Bargain with the vendors - this is the fun part. That cool Mexican blanket you want to buy? Think 1/2 price as "beginner negotiating". Biggest tip is stay with the crowd. Be safe and smart.

Mission Beach Known as "MB" -Fun filled area with nice wide boardwalk for people watching. Wooden roller coaster, cold beer and cocktails, fried seafood good times. Try the small local places rather than the big chains for more local flavor.

Golf - I'm bad at golf. Best of luck getting in and playing Tory pines. Rancho Bernardo is Home to several nice courses with views of the hills but 20 miles north of downtown.

Hope This helps, Ill See you in Sunny San Diego California!

Tips for attending the Largest BBQ Contest in the Nation - American Royal BBQ Contest

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:02:29 -0500

Im VERY biased, but you need to go to the AR BBQ Contest the first weekend in Oct.

The American Royal BBQ in Kansas City is the Best BBQ contest or for that matter, outdoor Cooking Contest in the nation. On their website, they simply say its the largest... "Best" is subjective I guess.

Just across the Kansas state line in downtown KC MO sits the American Royal BBQ Contest - and each year for the last 10 or so, Ive gotten together with friends and family as a team and entered the worlds greatest BBQ contest. Our team name is "Where's the Smoke?" and we've had our share of success. Last year we won the Brisket Category, and we've placed as high as 4th in Pulled Pork. Typically there are 500 or so teams that enter, many of them own restaurants, sell rib rub or hire help to enter the contest - Our team is made up of bankers, Real Estate folk, FloorPlanOnline, Sprint people etc... so its no small feat to compete and win.

If you have never been, A trip to the American Royal BBQ is a must - simply standing in downtown KC the first weekend of October your senses will be engulfed in the sweet smell of apple wood, hickory and mesquite smoke that hints at the tender mouth watering Brisket, Chicken, Pulled pork and Pork Ribs slowly smoking in the cookers, smokers and grills next to Kemper Arena.

For the First timer, the big event for the public is the Friday night Party. There is a small fee at the gate to get on the grounds. Open Contest Teams set up a festival like atmosphere, with food, beer and bands that grove into the night, they seem to stop only for the fireworks show.

Saturday teams are hard at work - but its a blast for the family to watch, simply walking the grounds to view teams with $10,000 smokers, to teams like us with Weber WSM's and the extravagant tents, stages and space set ups is worth a few hours of your time. Several teams bring in Trees, plants and build whole gardens for people to enjoy. Our party is not huge, we have no trees - its pretty laid back, with couches, darts and beer. Infact we mooch off our neighbors who have a good live band.

So Heres the bad news - Parking is sort of a pain in the rear for guests. The tip: there is a bus that goes from Union Station (and other places) that will save you a few bucks and the aforementioned PITA. Also, most of the party's Friday are invitation only - so ask around to find people who are hosting big events. But be sure to check out the Amerian Royal BBQ - Largest BBQ contest in the world.

(If you are an Active Rain agent, give me a ring ahead of time, come try some great award winning BBQ and a beer with me Friday night Oct 2nd!)

Carolina Cool (golf) Home Tour with FloorPlan and Social Media Tools

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:24:04 -0500

When I golf, I scare woodland creatures as the ball wizzes off the green into the woods. Even so, I still enjoy the "idea" of a good game of golf.

Its been a while since I posted a "cool home tour" that weve produced - There have been plenty to share, Ive just been swamped with other stuff (not like working on my golf game).

Check out this brick bute in Carolina. Great golf views from the deck. click the red icons to view the photos on the tour.

As always you can Click the Facebook and Twitter buttons at the bottom to share. Enjoy!

www.floorplanonline.com/53897

New Hi-Res Photo Download Page for FloorPlanOnline Virtual Tour Clients

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:05:27 -0500

Lots of cool projects coming out of development right now. (but...some projects are boring and I wont bother talking about 'em)

One of the cool things we released this week was the new photo download page and Hi-Res Photo page. Now, any of our FloorPlanOnline clients may select to download all the photos from thier tour in different sizes or download photos individually. The Hi-Res should be in around 2500x1800 in size, which is good for printing.

This will be especialy helpfull when you want to place a Hi-Res photo of the listing in a high end printed publication, digital billboard or if you wanted to have a screen print of the home on a t-shirt. ;)

Dear Santa, Heres what I want for all Agents, and a Duel Screen Laptop for me

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:05:13 -0500

Its Early, but I Found what I want for Xmas this year, and it got me to thinking about what I want for all Real Estate Agents this year as well.

I really want agents to embrace social media - not that it would make the world a better place like peace on earth - but it might open the public up to thinking that agents were not stuck in the newspaper era.

Even many agents on AR seem to be sluggish. I think its odd that there are so many posts regarding "Social media, is it a Fad?" The only fad, is the format we view social media in. The format will continue to change. Social Media has been around the USA since the first east coat taverns opened, People socialized - Ben Franklin started printing Social media - then Radio, then TV, Internet ....where will it go next? Simply put Social Media will continue to evolve in different formats, and those agents who want to keep on top of their game have to evolve as well - Ride the wave, paddle back out and catch the next one.

Now on to what I am putting as #1 on my wish list. The Duel Screen Laptop!!

How Cool is this? (very) At 12 lbs and 3k - going to have to be very, very good this year, and hire a sherpa to haul it around. The Duel Screen Laptop.

This Is An Awesome Video About Social Media

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:54:51 -0500

Ive seen several of these videos, This one is the best yet. Its still crazy to see how important Social Media is today, and where it will be in the future. Fad? Hardly.

Social media - and the feedback we receive for our work online tells others about the quality of our work. If you don't represent / take part in the conversation - you loose.

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

Still trying to decision if you want to join a social network, get a smart phone, or start tweeting? Check out this amazing video.

Hat tip to @doverby where I found this link on his Facebook status.

Facebook and Twitter now work with Virtual Tours

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:43:12 -0500

FloorPlanOnline has empowered and enabled its top of the line interactive tours with Twitter and Facebook. Each tour has built in buttons that allow buyers, sellers and Agents to post, tweet and share listings with friends.

Try it out your self - Here's how in 3 steps and 22 seconds:

#1 Click this tour link

(you may want to check out the great room and deck views of the lake by clicking the red icons)

#2 Then look to the bottom left of the tour for the Facebook "F" logo - and click it!

#3 If already in facebook, it will let you type a comment, or it will ask you to log in then comment - then click"Share"

#4 You are done!

Search other FloorPlan listings at www.Seetheproperty.com All Floorplanonline tours have the built in Social networking tools!

Cheers!

Original Post From July announcing new tool.

Response to Social Media tools overwelming for Virtual Tour Company

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:42:47 -0500

Yeah - we almost capsized the ship due to the flood of orders and response from agents. I had no idea social media tools tied to virtual tours could have such a profound effect! FloorPlanOnline Tours are going viral - homeowners are happy, homes are selling and agents are calling in the praise. Thanks to those of you that have said the nice words.

Brief Summary to review: We simply added the ability for anyone to comment, post, tweet, blog (you get the idea) to any FloorPlanOnline Virtual Tour. there are buttons on each tour - you click "twitter" and the listing pops into your twitter feed - then you can comment on it - Same with Facebook! (No extra charge here either)

However, There is demand for more - Several agents have requested assistance getting started with Facebook, Twitter, (even Active Rain) etc...We may have a solution for those of you with questions on the horizon. Give me a shout if interested or you have questions about tying together your Social Media and virtual tours.

Poke, Friend, Tweet and Post your Listing - FPO Free Summer Viral Tools

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:57:57 -0500

For years the Real Estate Community, including FloorPlanOnline has been on Twitter, (twitter.com/fpo) Facebook (facebook.com/floorplanonline) and Here on Active Rain (ActiveRain.com/FPO) to network, learn and educate. FloorPlanOnline has long been the main player in the Floor Plan Virtual Tour Business - so it really only made sense to combine the power of social media and the effectiveness of Floor Plan Tours.

As of right now you can see more than a dozen of your favorite social media tools built into your FloorPlanOnline Tour. Also included are MySpace, Linked in and Blogger as well as many up-and-commers that are all embedded for you, the savy agent as well as the seller or serious home buyer to utilize. The feature works for all FPO Tours, instantly transforming the wildly popular and easy to use FloorPlanOnline Tours into an easy to use viral marketing tool.

FloorPlanOnline now boasts the most easy to use, robust, interactive viral virtual tour available. Its easy for even very basic users - they open a tour, click the icon and the tour is linked on their social media page. Each listing takes less than 20 seconds to add to Facebook, allowing you to easily show your listing to your network. The most savy of agents will have their seller to do the same. Best of all, it is free with your Photo Tour or FloorPlan Tour.

House of glass, Pane in the sash

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:38:15 -0500

At FloorPlanOnline we run into agents sometimes that take good photos, but more frequently than not, we run into agents that THINK they take great photos. (that's why we offer to take photos for agents, and offer to measure the listing). Sometimes the issues are easy repaired....the lessons easily learned.

But every now and then a listing comes along that simply is not photogenic. This is not the fault of the photographer. Sometimes its paint, and other times...well its more of an architectural issue. I believe the guy that built this place must have traded a jet ski for a random assortment of windows on Craig's list. It looks like he got quite a deal.

This place could be yours for just under 3M - that's about 250k per type/size/style of window.

(window washing not included).

70% of Buyers Want to See FloorPlans

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:03:48 -0500

Yet another Study came across my desk that backs up the NAR and CAR (California) studies.

In this most recent survey, 90% of buyers wanted clear Photos. this makes sense - however why do some not want photos? The Second most desired online content was FloorPlans at 70%, third was Photo Slideshow at 50%.

Because we are in the floorplan and photo business, we've been tracking this for the last 5 years. The percent of buyers that desire floorplans online continues to climb, and photo slide-shows has dipped a bit recently. Photos have and willl remain the most important untill high definition video surpasses it in 4 years. I believe at that point, FloorPlans will be more highly in demand, than they are today, as many agents dont know that they have the option to provide their buyers a floorplan.

If 70% of buyers want to view a FloorPlan Online does it surprise you that many agents have never considered including a blueprint in their marketing material? Usually it costs less than a home inspection or a professional photographer - and FloorPlanOnline Photographs the property as well!

Ive asked for permission to post the official study findings here - and will as soon as I get the ok.

FloorPlanOnline Testing Active Rain as "Sponsor"

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:18:14 -0500

Almost 4 years Ive been bloging and reading great info on Active Rain. Today a new chapter. We will be launching our small "FloorPlanOnline Delivers" Campaign shortly. Im exited to see Active Rain growing up, but sad that we have to write them a check - but I suppose its about time. Let me know if you like / dislike the ads and be sure to try our free registration and demo tour offer to play around with our product!

www.FloorPlanOnline.com/ActiveRain

Poll: Virtual Tour Providers Close, What makes you stick with yours now?

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:37:11 -0500

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).

A) Price - Product is free or has a low monthly fee - a big bang for the buck - (like RealEstateShows)

B) Outstanding Quality -If you are marketing high end listings they should look great online.

C) Comfort / Consistency - "Don't fix what ain't broke" (anyone still use the egg?)

D) Service - "they get it done right"

E) Cool / New - Stands out from the crowd with cool gadgets or tools

F) SEO/syndication - Tours are optimized to be found when searched for

G) Specific feature - Tours have you tube, embeddable, floorplan, furnishings, pre built fliers, 3-D xray vision, and /or free pony rides

Vote via comments. You may pick more than one and suggest other ideas - No cheating or looking at others comments!

Thanks -you may now go to recess.

Europe bags print for SEO and SEM - Are we FAR behind?

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:53:14 -0500

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 most of this budget change. Google turned 10 years old recently, (well, in Sept...so a long time ago) and it still baffles my mind how they have grown up so quickly. (oh, btw- thanks for my cool google coffee mug, from the adwords launch - still in use years later)

Speaking of things that are old and DO still work - There are plenty of options for those eager to invest in SEO - Mary had a great free seo tool post waaaayyyy back in 2006 on SEO that still holds merit and still gets attention. You can still improve your Page Rank buy using many of her ideas - or, join the rest of the world in moving your marketing budget online.

(floorplanonline supports that idea! ;)

Builder Beta Floorplan Online Marketing Program

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:13:09 -0500

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 a neighborhood. I would like to send you a two part demo tour (development tour and a spec home tour) and spend 5-10 min talking about your user experience - and get some feedback about your impressions. This will help us help top builders nationwide.

In exchange, we will be able to offer you either a free Plat Map touror a significant discount on orders placed this spring (your choice). There will also be some cross marketing possibilities.

To Be a part of the Builder Beta FloorPlan Online Marketing program just Drop me a note or give me a ring.

Thrifty Marketing Value - Did I get what I paid for?

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:19:47 -0500

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 same price - perhaps the Chrysler would cost more and I would go with the Hyundai to save a few bucks - however:

Perhaps I should really go all out and get a Hyundai Sonata for $800 more? Holy Cow!!

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that I'm not going to get $800 more value by picking the Hyundai over the Chrysler. Think about how you invest your marketing money in the same light. Do you get what you pay for from your vendors? Have you checked for better options? If you are going to pay more, shouldn't you get more?

Note: I did not photoshop this image - real price!!!

Dear Builder: PIMP MY HOUSE -and Ill buy yours.

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:05:04 -0500

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 more homey helps it sell. They even went so far as to suggest that builders furnish furniture to stage the home.

Ron had a post "trade in your house for a new one" wayyyyy back in 2007 that essentially said the same thing. - so not such a new idea after all.

New idea or not - Seems to be something Joe home buyer would like. Rons post had 4 requests for additional info or a list of builders that would trade / help sell. FloorPlanOnline would like to know what builders are currently doing this...

Marketing triage for Builders and Agents - how to diagnose

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:59:02 -0500

"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 a new world that is confusing. I get that. Its not uncommon.

Its ok - lots of people have sat in the same seat, thinking "Ive never done this before" In fact - 142,297 people have explored the unknown and joined the active rain platform alone in the last 3 years. More than 50,000 have used FloorPlanOnline and 36 million used facebook last month alone in the US.

Talk to other Dr's and get second opinions. Ask us. Ask the people in the know that you know. Or simply start talking about it with others, and asking questions - you will learn by osmosis. You have goals to reach and listings to sell. This is a hard time for some people, not the time to hide in a cave. You must continue to adapt to survive.

The Cure: Working with the 4 companies above will get you well on your way to a ballanced marketing plan and will move you to "the head of the class" in no time at all. But don't stop there - and you wont - because there are many cool new products and services growing out there every day. New products and innovations that even the best and brightest in our industry have never used - because we all have to learn new technology every day. That is normal.

Don't let Fear of Technology get in your way.

Builders Spring Marketing: Tired, Poor, Shuttered Masses yearning to be sold

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:59:32 -0500

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 some insurance money and a fresh start. If it were a sports stadium, the owners would threatening to be moving to.... I dunno, Omaha. (Sorry Omaha, love your brewery).

OK - so this is not formal research - only 3 places here in town. Im sure it does not reflect the country as a whole - i dont think that they have elected to stop spending on marketing entirely have they? Have builders adopted a "we will wait this one out" attitude? Are builders marketing 100% online this year? Advertising budgets directed to the allmighty google and Realtor.com?

I hope Agents and Builders are still pushing forward and promoting homes online and in person. (Some flag salesman should be going door to door here) Abandoned sales offices and delapitated signs we can do with out.

Make your own Interactive FloorPlan Tour - DIY and Save

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:46:54 -0600

The Virtual Tour Company FloorPlanOnline, used by top agents nationwide to market mid to high end listings now offers an entry level priced "DIY" version at a fraction of the price. Typicaly costing around $200, the "Basic" or Self Serve $59.00 Interactive FloorPlan Tour boasts all of the features agents have grown to love (video, flyers, google maps, high resolution floorplans and industry best customer care).

You dont need to know complex software or spend hours online. There are Three easy steps.

1)Photograph your listing, 2) Photograph your existing blueprint or floorplan sketch, then 3)Upload your content to FloorPlanOnline.

Our Production Department will digitaly reproduce your floorplan, edit and crop your photos and produce the interactive FloorPlanTour for you - all while saving you advertising and marketing money!

Top Realty Executives Broker Nancy Rogers Produces her own Content and has had much succes with FloorPlanOnline. A recent Lake Home Tour is Featured Above.

Call the FloorPlanOnline Care team to learn How to get started 866-810-3816

Ask for the Active Rain First Time order Special to Save $10 (exp. april 1 2009)

FloorPlanOnline Embeddable Tour

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:44:16 -0600

FloorPlanOnline has released the Beta version of the Embeddable FloorPlan Tour for tours placed this spring. The tour version below may be dropped in your favorite blog. Try it out and let me know what you think - click the red photo icons in the rooms to test! We continue to innovate and produce leading tour products for agents and builders that work with us. Currently there is no charge for this Beta feature.

Where will the Virtual Tour Go? Does VCU tour hint at the future?

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:35:11 -0600

VCU Medical Center wanted to familiarize its staff as to the progress and status on their new facility as it was under construction. Creating a normal virtual tour would not be enough for this state of the art facility. FloorPlanOnline was there to help. The Prescription would call for integrated video, still photos and floorplans for all 11 floors.

The final product allows staff to view individual work station construction progress photos, specific layout information and overall building easy to navigate floorplan. Much of the building was photographed, while main passageways and large rooms were digitallyvideo recorded. Thus the Staff is able to view the building online. They click on the red photos icons or the video camera icon in the cafeteria for example and walk around the room, while the floorplan shows a "you are here" indicator.

VCU leadership also requested a new easy to navigate diagram -essentially an interactive cross section of the new building. This would allow their staff to visualize and interact with the progress and feel the layout of their future home.

Perhaps in the future, we will see this still growing technology more frequently in the real estate market. More today than ever before, increased online marketing demand is pushing for development, rather than tour vendors pulling for business. I believe that individual real estate companies will be more responsible for driving specific technology in the direction they want in their own markets. Additionally, it seems the future will not demand "video" standing alone, nor only "mobile" - but rather the conglomeration of many types of information, as different buyers desire different information, delivered in multiple evolving platforms.

You can See the VCU Medical Center Tour by FloorPlanOnline www.vcumedicaltour.com

Number one in NJ - Thanks Sue!

Chris Drayer (FloorPlanOnline) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:51:54 -0500

"I'd heard about floorplanonline through agents in my office who had success with the program. The first time I used it, we received several offers on the property the first week, and the winning bid was from relocation buyers who had never even seen the house, but because they were able to visualize the house via the floorplanonline, they were comfortable purchasing it sight unseen.
For buyers floorplanonline provides exactly the visual information they need, and for sellers, its an unbeatable marketing tool."
Sue Adler
Keller Williams Realty of Essex, Union & Morris Counties
#1 Keller Williams Agent in New Jersey 2005,2006.2007

Very Kind Words Sue, Thanks So much for taking the time to write FloorPlanOnline with your thoughts!