No, this isn't another "Virtual Tour" technology. This is the good old fashioned, "get out into the community and actually go inside the listings" technology. In our area, Longmont, Colorado, Broker Open Houses are plentiful. From the Margarita Parties to Chocolate Fountain get-togethers, we are inundated with invitations weekly to attend. As it happens, even with all the temptations by chocolate, booze and even cash give-aways, these Broker Open Houses do not have good attendance.
Our office still embraces the good old "tour" after every sales meeting. We get out in-force and look at about 12 listings a week in Longmont and surrounding areas. It gives us a chance to really experience the homes, neighborhoods, and the sights, smells and sounds that come along with. It's easy to see homes online and through pictures, but sometimes, actually being in the home will trigger an impulse or desire to show the home to a client.
Viewing the attendance at the weekly company tours as well attended and beneficial, a local title company has come up with a great service they call "Tours 4 You". We as agents can contact the title company and let them know what property we would like to feature on tour. The title company will coordinate with all the other real estate firms in town to set up a tour featuring homes in the same subdivision, but listed by the different companies. Once the date is set, a time-frame of about 1 hour is given and maps are sent out to all the agents.
This idea has been met with great enthusiasm and a high level of attendance. Not only do we get to physically experience our own company's listings, we get to see what's out there for the public. This cuts down on time previewing other properties. Best of all, it allows agents from all around town to network and interact on a positive level. When agents get to know one another, chances are good that future deals will go more smoothly.
I realize in some towns, the multi-firm weekly tour still existis. That hasn't been a staple in our community for several decades. I for one am happy to see this type of combined effort and networking opportunity being utilized once more.
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
I can't wait until I get a nanny so I can start participating in these tours, and not justfor the free booze and chocolate :)