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Opportunity Knocks: Tips for Marketing Properties with Huge Potential

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Education & Training with The Lones Group, Inc.

The Lones Group, Inc.

Opportunity Knocks: Tips for Marketing Properties with Huge Potential

I have seen a lot of marketing during my years in real estate. I have seen bad. I have seen good. I have seen exceptional. Recently I came across one of those exceptionally-marketed properties in Whistler, British Columbia. I had the pleasure of talking with the real estate agent and learning exactly what he did to show the incredible potential of this property to potential buyers and he agreed to share this with you.

Every once in a while a property comes along that has extraordinary potential - that diamond in the rough - which can be difficult for the average buyer to see. New state-of-the-art 3D design programs allow the listing agent to create a visual of that potential to get buyers excited about the possibility of owning something so remarkable. Potential buyers need visual help.

When marketing an exceptional property with potential you have to first think outside the box to determine that potential and then invest in a creative visual marketing plan to get the word out. That plan may include virtual 3D renderings, panoramic photography, video, virtual tours, and even extensive print marketing. An aggressive social media campaign targeting high income individuals is also an essential part of an aggressive marketing campaign which should be targeted to both potential buyers and real estate agents who sell that type of property.

Below are some of the most important elements of a potential property's marketing campaign:

The Vision

The listing agent could have chosen to market this piece of property simply as a land investment which was buildable. He could have indicated that it could sustain a 4,500 square foot home on 1.16 acres with a 10 minute walk to Whistler. With an architect and builder involved, this 1.16 acres of woods and rocks became a destination for that luxury buyer who wants to be close to the wintery action. Creating 3D renderings of the potential space, including a waterfall and glass elevator make this acreage obtainable for most buyers because now everyone can understand the potential. Whether that is the final design of the home or not, a buyer can now understand the view, the elevation, and the possibilities.

Virtual Photos

The star of this marketing campaign is the 3 dimensional photo collection. Imagine trying to market this property without these photos. How would you ever be able to express the uniqueness of this exquisite piece of land? The setting is majestic, the view is panoramic, it truly is in close proximity to Whistler Village, and it has luxury dream home potential. You simply could not express this without high-impact images and 3D renderings.

While these images are an investment, remember that great investments can yield a high return. I have no doubt whatsoever that the buyer for this property will come from seeing these images and realizing that they cannot live another day without this incredible home. They want to wake up to the beautiful view and serene setting. They want to soak in the views and relax in their spa like retreat. The buyer could never have gotten this emotional response from simply looking at a piece of land for sale. These images are exceptional and the marketing on this property is highly desirable.

In addition, this agent knows that the buyer for this property may not be currently living in Whistler Village. This potential buyer may be browsing online right now in Los Angeles or Miami or even Dubai. When the buyer isn't close enough to view the property easily, the power of great online photography cannot be overestimated!

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You can see from the photos that these virtual 3 dimensional renderings bring out the very best in the potential for this exquisite property. When marketing unique and once in a lifetime properties never cut corners on your marketing.

Video

A great video takes you right into the home, it makes you feel like you are there, as if you are actually walking through the property and interacting with it. This particular video evokes emotion as it takes you through the home. It feels as though you are right there. If you are going to marketing exceptional properties you must be prepared to invest in exceptional marketing. Video is a fantastic investment!

Video Screenshot

The Description

Another critical element when marketing a property like this is to tell the story of the potential. In this case, the listing agent paints a picture of the relationship between the land and the builder who will be crafting the masterpiece home. The more detail the better. Also give options for customization, buyers may really like what they see but they may need some changes to fit their exact lifestyle requirements. Here is an example:

This amazing property located at 3431 Panorama Ridge in beautiful Whistler B.C. is a rare estate size lot of over one acre perched on the side of Whistler Mountain. The location is central to Whistler Village and is in the sought after Brio neighborhood. The views are spectacular, the setting is majestic and the privacy is unsurpassed. This property has it all. The home has been designed to take advantage of the breathtaking views and the floor to ceiling windows bring the outdoors in. The home has many upgraded features including a private elevator, infinity pool and hot tub, this 8,000 square feet home is one of a kind. The home's builder Carmelo Mattiazzo is a well-respected Whistler builder, he has been building in Whistler since 1979. His vision for the property was limitless and his experience in both residential, multi-family and commercial guarantees a very special custom home. Carmelo also encourages a further customization of the home for the new buyer by allowing them to choose their finishings and to collaborate on design preferences.

The Website

When marketing a property of this caliber creating a custom website that is solely dedicated to showcase the home, the area and the special features that come with this home is a must. There simply isn't enough room in the MLS for the elongated description, photos, and video. Here is the website dedicated to this listing:

website screenshot

When you look at this website it is clear to see that the 3 dimensional images are of the highest quality and they give the buyer a realistic vision of the incredible potential of this extraordinary property. A custom website is not only essential but it allows for complete focus on the property and it guarantees the property will not get lost in a sea of other listings. In addition, a custom website gives potential buyers an easy spot to come back to and dream.

Don't be afraid of exceptional potential properties, but you do need to be prepared to invest time and resources into painting a picture for a buyer. I want to thank listing agents Pietro Nardone and Steve Shuster of Sutton WestCoast Realty with sharing this exceptional property and how it was marketed with us!

By Denise Lones CSP, M.I.R.M., CDEI - The founding partner of The Lones Group, Denise Lones, brings over two decades of experience in the real estate industry. With expertise in strategic marketing, business analysis, branding, new home project planning, product development, and agent/broker training, Denise is nationally recognized as the source for all things real estate. With a passion for improvement, Denise has helped thousands of real estate agents, brokers, and managers build their business to unprecedented levels of success, while helping them maintain balance and quality of life.

The Lones Group, Inc.

Comments(30)

Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Very nicely presented and the pictures are pure eye candy...Well done & thank U Denise Lones 

Jul 22, 2015 12:14 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

Now that's a creative and unique marketing strategy for a property! Well done!

Jul 22, 2015 01:02 AM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

Thank to you everyone who has offered their appreciation and to whomever suggested us to be featured on ActiveRain!

To Katina, who asked if there is a program or website for the tools to do it oneself: I don't believe such a place exists - not for the examples above - nor would I recommend it. As an broker/agent you should delegate to experts the things you need an expert to do, so that you are free to fulfill your role as the expert in real estate hired by your client. Knowing a professional photographer, videographer, website company and architect are must have connections for your personal business contact list.

Jul 22, 2015 01:07 AM
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Denise Lones,

Thank you for your response, have a wonderful day

Jul 22, 2015 01:28 AM
TENNESSEE HOME TEAM
Adaro Realty, Inc. - Murfreesboro, TN
LUXURY HOMES & SUPERIOR SERVICE

Denise:

These are all GREAT ideas.  My team recently spent over $300 on professional interrior photos and aerial photos because the home is located on a lake and the views are amazing!!  Videos and a special website are also ideas we are going to do thanks to your post!!!!

Jul 22, 2015 06:24 AM
Sandra Paulow
Aspen Properties, Inc. - Pinetop Lakeside, AZ
REALTOR, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR

Hi Denise, Long time no see.  Miss reading your fabulous blogs.  Thanks for sharing this one on Activerain.  Good information. 

Jul 22, 2015 11:11 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Wow.  The only thing I would be concerned about is at first glance the potential buyer does not think that the home is in place.  

Jul 22, 2015 12:38 PM
Ron Aguilar
Gateway Mortgage Group - Saint George, UT
Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor since 1995

Denise, thanks for the post, Bookmarked. I did not see the Doll House view of the interior. This is done with infrared technology. 

Jul 22, 2015 11:58 PM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

My continued thanks to everyone who continues to share their great and generous comments here!

Sandra - So nice to see you here on ActiveRain too since CrackerjackAgent has gone.

Ron - I'll keep an eye out for something like that in the future. Have an example to share?

Jul 23, 2015 02:26 AM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Fantastic job of selling possibilities .....

Jul 23, 2015 02:50 AM
Theresa Akin
CORPUS CHRISTI REALTY GROUP - Corpus Christi, TX

Beautiful photos of beautiful property.  Now I know where i've seen ou before. Just saw your comment to Sandra about Crackerjack Agent. Followedit often.

Jul 23, 2015 04:33 AM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

 Theresa - That's great that we can reconnect here! Thanks for saying something - Denise

Jul 23, 2015 04:43 AM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

Very impressive Denise.     I'm bookmarking this for inspiration when I get that next listing....

Jul 23, 2015 11:12 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Wow!  What views and 6 bedrooms & 7 bathrooms?!  Breathtaking!

Jul 23, 2015 02:17 PM
Ron Aguilar
Gateway Mortgage Group - Saint George, UT
Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor since 1995

Denise, here is a Doll House View

 

Jul 24, 2015 06:41 AM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

Ron - Thank you for sharing that with everyone! I've also seen these done by architects using a program that is called Chief Architect.

Jul 24, 2015 07:14 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Denise,

Very creative.

Jul 26, 2015 01:52 PM
Ron Aguilar
Gateway Mortgage Group - Saint George, UT
Mortgage & Real Estate Advisor since 1995

Denise, thanks for your reply back. As a Mortgage lender I usually explain to people about the value of looking at available Real Estate to see if moving up/down or simply moving away is a good thing in today's market. The Doll House view also gives value add to an Agents IDX site.

Jul 27, 2015 07:54 AM
John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Hi Denise, Could you please give me some tips on how to sell this beautiful home in China Cove? This is some of Corona del Mar's most famous and expensive RE. I can't be involved with it because it's part of the family estate and has to be dealt with at arms length. So far the RE professionals that have been involved with listing it can't seem to move it.

 

 

Aug 09, 2015 10:24 AM
Denise Lones
The Lones Group, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
CSP, MIRM, CDEI - Real Estate Coaching & Branding

John - I'd be happy to give you some tips, but I'll need to know a few things from you so that I can help you best.

  • How long as the property been listed?
  • Can you send me the CMA and what other sales have there been in the area?
  • I'd like to see all the photos and any video on the property.

 

The more information the better and I'm happy to share my thoughts with you. You can send everything to me at denise@thelonesgroup.com.

Aug 11, 2015 02:43 AM