Brian 's Blog

Brand New Realtor Text Connect

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:32:03 -0600

Hey Everyone,

Here is a preview of a brand new product about to hit the scene...

Virtual Vista will be bringing this to you, EXCLUSIVELY.

REALTOR TEXT CONNECT is a lead generating text message service that all of you realtors can leverage with your listings. The video below will give you the run down. For this week this service will be available upon request only...We will be going live with Realtor Text Connect officially next week.

Basically, by using a sign rider with a text code corresponding to your listing, buyers driving by can see, not only information about the property, but pictures as well. This is what makes this product so awesome...you can not see the pictures with those telephone services. The lead generating comes automatically, straight to you when someone texts the property code...BOOM!!!

Anyway, checkout this short video, let me know if you have any questions, and do not forget about Virtual Vista's SPECIAL OF THE WEEK

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610.429.0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Staging A Single-Family Home...From HGTV

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:55:15 -0600

In today's market, you really have to know what you are doing to sell a home. Competition is fierce and the same old, same old just won't cut it anymore. I happen to be a big fan of HGTV, especially HGTV.com...there is so much to learn about preparing homes for sale and increasing the effectiveness of your marketing campaign. Here is a link to...STAGING A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME

I hope you all like this link and will stay tuned for more of the same.

Also, I want to keep everyone informed about what is going on in the world of Virtual Vista. Right now, till Sunday, December 13, 2009, with the purchase of any Virtual Vista Virtual Tour Package you will receive a FREE Custom Flyer designed especially for your property...this will put a personal and eye-catching touch on your marketing...a $25 value, FREE!!!

Please check out our Virtual Tour Gallery and Still Photo Gallery...While you are there Sign-Up for Virtual Vista News and a chance to win a Free Virtual Tour .

Anyway, that's it for today...Have a great rest of your Thursday everyone!!!

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610.429.0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Get To Know Brian Castro and Virtual Vista

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:49:26 -0600

Hey Everyone,

This is Brian Castro with Virtual Vista Real Estate Marketing!!! Listen some of you may or may have not heard of Virtual Vista. We are located in Chester County, PA and serve Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties. This is to be ever so slightly informative, but more of an introduction. I want everyone to get to know me and my company, Virtual Vista!!! If you are a realtor, please, use me as a resource. You may use some tools such as virtual tours, and YOUTUBE, but we you can teach you to make these tools MORE EFFECTIVE. If you own a business we have products for you too, do not hesitate to give us a call.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am for winter...did you know we get some of the bluest, clearest skies you will see all year in the winter...misconception that homes do not photograph well when the leaves are off the trees, NO NO...you would be amazed, and if there is snow, WOW!!! Anyway, as you can see I like my job...Main thing I want everyone to take away from this is Virtual Vista provides quality, we are fast, local, and, most of all, we care!!! I hope to hear from you soon...also I would love it if you would join my Facebook Network.

THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL($25 VALUE): FREE CUSTOM FLYER W/ ANY VIRTUAL TOUR PURCHASE!!!

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610.429.0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Attn: WORLD

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:19:47 -0600

Attn: WORLD

Virtual Vista Virtual Tours Has Just Gotten Better!!!

Where we are today is all thanks to the outstanding patronage of our loyal clientele.

Effective November 3, 2008, Virtual Vista offers:

You Tube Tour Conversions

Outstanding Specials

Club Virtual Vista Memberships

Amazing Single Property Websites

Unbeatable Tour Bundles

We have expanded our horizons to the You Tube world. When you see our You Tube Tour, there will be no doubt that the competition has some catching up to do.

We have added Outstanding Specials that are far from the grasp of the competition. We want our local service area customers to know how much we care and how committed to excellence we are, in the quality of our service, as well as, the quality of the product we deliver.

We have created Club Virtual Vista. Our members will receive benefits that will quickly pay for themselves over and over and over again.

For those looking to take their real estate sign exposure to the next level, we offer our Amazing Single Property Websites (e.g., www.44springvalleyrd.com). We can take this concept from the very basic all the way to the moon; it is up to the client. What we love about offering these sites is that they put a spotlight on any property in question. No matter where you are located, we can provide this service to you.

Finally, for those that feel a virtual tour is a must for every listing, we have Unbeatable Tour Bundles. As always, going above and beyond, delivering more than the competition, our bundles give the client the opportunity to save significant dollar amounts. Whether you are looking to lessen your marketing costs or free-up and reallocate funds to further expose your property, our bundles are a win-win deal!!!

Feel free to contact us with any questions and comments. Feedback is always welcome.

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

brian@virtualvista.net

Computers and HD Televisions

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:31:07 -0500

9/3/2008

Hey Everyone,

I hope you all had a nice Labor Day.

I want to share a story with you. My grandmother, who is 86 years young, does not have the best eyesight. Fairly recently, my family purchased a 42'' high-definition television to accommodate my grandmother. In general, the picture is amazingly clear, and with her vision getting worse, the large screen helps her see what she is watching.

Being 86 she is not the most technologically inclined woman, however, she is a big email fanatic. Through email she keeps in-touch with family and friends, sending messages and sharing pictures. Every once in a while I catch her playing solitaire. The problem is a normal computer monitor does not suffice. We have tried a few magnification devices, but none of them seem to make a significant enough difference.

The solution:

We connected the computer to her 42" high-definition television. The connection is as easy as plugging the computer into a normal computer monitor; and all you have to do is change the input on the television to "PC." What my grandmother likes about it is the ability to go back and forth from cable to the computer.

Visualize The Potential

I guess if you are looking for the moral of the story, HD TV's are good for more than just Monday Night Football. That is not to take anything away from MNF, of which I am anxiously awaiting the return. I hope you all enjoyed my story, and, please, let me know if anyone has any similar or new and different, applications for their HD TV's.

Talk to you all soon!!!

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610-429-0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Sweet Job

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:41:44 -0500

Hey everyone, how is business?

Listen, I was just wondering, what is it that everyone likes about the virtual tour business?

Personally, I love the freedom of the job. Getting up in the morning, grabbing some breakfast, and hitting the road, it is the best way to start off the day, in my opinion. I love driving and listening to some groovy beats on the way to do a stress-free job.

What I like about actually doing the virtual tours, themselves, is the variety. Each home is different. Even if you are shooting to properties that are structurally identical, you are guaranteed two separate experiences. There are no two homes with the exact same décor. Let me tell you, I have seen some pretty awesome homes since I have been do this work. I have seen indoor pools, saunas, trophy rooms, and by this I mean dead animal heads hanging on the wall. I have seen home theaters, game rooms, and some really, really sweet bars. Even the weirdest architecture can look really awesome with the right touch.

Sometimes you get tours when no one is home. These tours are nice because you can get in and out, and get back to the tunes. Still, other times you get tours where the seller is there, at which times, I believe a good conversation is a must. All they know about you is what their agent has told them, so I feel it makes them a bit more comfortable when you are sociable. Sometimes the agent makes an appearance. Whenever the agent is present I look at it as a great opportunity to strengthen my business relation with that particular client.

I mean, honestly, is there a downside to this job?

Anyway, that is all I have to say about that...Let me know what some of your thoughts.

Keep shooting,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610-429-0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Earth-Sheltered Homes

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:28:58 -0500

Hey Everyone,

So I found this article about "earth-sheltered homes." Let me just say, it is not easy to find a good real estate article or at least one that holds my interest.

Anyway, this article talks about "green" housing, specifically focusing on a "living-roof." I liked this article because the idea very original, this specific design is very unique, and the functionality is awesome. The article is about 5 pages in length, but is an easy read...easily skimmed and absorbed.

The "living-roof" has many advantages:

• Longevity for one, this roof provides protection against conditions that damage exposed roofing over time.

• Insulation as well, soil with vegetation keeps the home warmer in the winter. The provided insulation lowers heating costs.

• Cooling is also a plus. The shade from the plants and the evaporation of moisture on the roof keeps the home cooler. This effect, like the insulation factor, lowers cooling costs in the summer.

• Protection from fire, radiation, and sound is a product of the roof. Adding the soil and vegetation to the sidewalls of the home can also provide protection against earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

You may want to see the photo gallery for this article.

• Aesthetics are a huge part of what make a "living-roof" such an attractive option. Aside from the basics, the roof can be given a personal touch when choosing the vegetation scheme. This would be a great addition to any home, but especially to someone with a love for gardening.

I really do not think there is a downside to one of these "living-roofs." Once the roof is built, you could probably do the landscaping work yourself and save a lot of money. Also, you could change the look of the roof every year if you wanted. Personally, I would like a palm tree on my roof.

I hope everyone will read the article and I would love to hear any similar "green" housing ideas. That is, after all, the direction things seem to be heading.

Talk to you all soon,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610-429-0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Real Estate Videos

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Thu, 22 May 2008 17:18:57 -0500

What's really good everyone?

So, I read this press release talking about real estate video, and how it is replacing virtual tours in the industry. This press release, specifically spoke about What I Want Real Estate. Check out the site, you will see what I mean.

The two kinds of video tours they are talking about are slideshows and actual full-motion video. Do I think the virtual tour industry is in jeopardy, absolutely not. However, I do think converting virtual tours to video is a service Team RTV should offer. We here at Virtual Vista, are going to be offering video conversion within the next two weeks. This way, people will be able to post their tours on YOUTUBE.com and other video hosting sites.

Look at this quote from the press release:

"Virtual tours severely limit your visibility..."

Obviously they haven't seen RTV Virtual Tours. They must be referring to the lower quality of the competition. As far as visibility goes, what they are offering is extremely limiting. Slideshows and full-motion video eliminate the interactivity we offer. Neither one of which gives the viewer the feel of actually taking the tour in-person, that a 360 degree virtual tour provides.

Also while I am on the subject of visibility, I have a few suggestions for some RTV dealers:

Try to stay away from the partial 360's.
Use enough hotspots as to not leave your viewer stranded anywhere in the tour, especially on incorporated stills within the tour. I believe, while the options are available, the user should never have to use the "next" or "back" button or the "drop-down box" to switch scenes.

Again these are just some suggestions, but I believe they increase the quality of Virtual Vista's virtual tours and could increase the quality of yours, as well.

Another point I would like to make is that their full-motion video is quite expensive.

Well, that is it from Virtual Vista, for now. I thought this press release was amusing, and a good heads up to the angles the competition may be trying.

Let's all get out there and keep showing people what Excellent Quality really is!!!

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610-429-0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Finally, Virtual Vista Has Come To Active Rain

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:11:40 -0500

Hey, Everyone,

How are you all doing? My name is Brian, and I run the show at Virtual Vista.

I'd like to start out by saying Team RTV Rocks!!!

To all real estate professionals and fellow RTV dealers, I have included a link to our tour portfolio.

Please, give it a look, I will be around to answer any questions, and would love any feedback anyone

is willing to offer. Feedback, after all, is the "Breakfast of Champions"!!!

OUR REAL ESTATE VIRTUAL TOUR GALLERY

Virtual Vista Virtual Tours

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:01:42 -0500

Hello Everyone,

This is Brian Castro Manager and Virtual Marketing Consultant for Virtual Vista Virtual Tours.

Click The Following Link To View Our Tour Gallery:

REAL ESTATE TOUR GALLERY

Be sure to take advantage of the blue, floating hotspots to intuitively navigate through the tour.

You can also, select the scenes from the drop down box at the top right of the tour.

The tours' quality will speak for themselves.

Have A Great Day!!!

Sincerely,

Brian Castro

Virtual Vista

610-429-0288

brian@virtualvista.net

Virtual Vista Is In The House

Brian Castro (Virtual Vista ) — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:27:52 -0500

Virtual Vista is now in its third year of operation. We have been steadily building our reputation on the platform of providing, HANDS DOWN, the best product, exceptional customer service, and building excellent relationships with our clients. Without the customer we do not have a job, so we like to keep them coming back.

Our tours are the best, because of our thorough quality control.

-We review every single panorama for stitching errors.

-We customize our tour windows with a unique banner and color scheme.

-We implement a consistent style of flow to each tour with our hotspot placement.

-We Give The Most Bang For The Buck, ANYWHERE!

Customer service, at its core, is the same no matter the industry. Servers and bartenders at restaurants have regulars, because they consistently provide exceptional, highly appreciated service to the customer.

As far as Virtual Vista's exceptional customer service goes, our work ethic is unrelenting. We always answer the phone, making ourselves readily available to our clientele. In addition to our customer support, we always go above and beyond their expectations. When the competition is sleeping we are getting the job done right.

Our customers come back to us because they know us, and they know what they are getting every time. A Virtual Vista virtual tour is always a pleasant, casual experience for the seller, real estate agent, or the business owner/manager. While we believe in being professional, we like to throw in a good conversation, and always top it off with a smile.

Hasta La Vista, Virtual Vista That Is!!!

All the best,

Brian Castro
Virtual Vista
610-429-0288
brian@virtualvista.net