October Challenge Post 2 - To Think Is To Create
How To Turn Scary Into Spooktacular
Using American Ingenuity
Most of us have had to redefine our business process including our marketing plans, goals, and most of all, how we had to show properties. It has been a scary year for many people. Realtor Associations and Health Departments had to figure out how to conduct business in a safe and healthy way. As brokers and agents, we had to adjust our services for clients. We had to prove we could do this in a safe way to gain our clients' trust. It was challenging but American ingenuity and that competitive spirit helped us figure it out.
Local Experiments
Using the CDC protocols we were able to create local "experiments" that worked well for our particular needs. In my MLS, each agent on both sides of the deal had to fill out a form and have all parties sign it. The form included topics such as being COVID free as well as wearing gloves, masks, and in some cases booties while viewing a home. Some sellers might have other stipulations as well. There were and continue to be no more than two people viewing the home at a time. Only one person should open doors or cabinets.
Previewing Homes
In the past, I have had to preview homes for clients and give a thumbs up or thumbs down on whether the property fits their needs. It was never a big deal but now our spooky new world is placing twists and turns in our way. Showing Sedona area real estate is different, to say the least!
Different and Better
I started this new preview process, using an iPhone to video the property inside and out. I learned quickly that the mic on an iPhone did not give off a very professional sound from 3 to 4 feet away. Also, the video was not as stable as I liked. Fortunately, this is my husband's strong point. He did the research and found that a DJI OM 4 for iPhone stability and Sabinetek SmartMike+ was the way to go for us.
Here is a link to show our best effort without using the new equipment going forward. ---> https://vimeo.com/441093199 - Notice the slight choppy video and echo from the iPhone mic. This is an iPhone 11 Pro Max. -
The choppy video will be eliminated with a 3-axis gimbal system. Any 3-point gimbal system will work. Rick does recommend the DJI OM 4 - It is simple to use.
DJI OM 4 - $149
Features
- Single - Button - easy set-up
- 3-axis gimbal - reduces shakey video
- Slow-Mo, Timelapse, Hyperlapse, Sport, and Story Modes
- ActiveTrack Control
- Produces creative panoramas - see DJI Osmo (OM-4) link
- Plus much more!
Sabinetek - SmartMike+ - $279 (for 2) or $139 each
Features
- See Manufacturer website here
- 6-hour battery life
- Real-time auto-syncs mic
- Record & mix multi-channel audio
- Works with IOS and Android smartphones
- Noise reduction
- Also included - 2 types of mic-wind-shields plus 2 directional mics, and 2 earpieces
Rick took a sample video while I was on the phone with a client. He was 25 feet away while the main mike was about 3 feet behind me. The second mike - receiver was connected to the iPhone. The sound quality was excellent. The combination of the two allows a more professional approach to video in today's market. Here is a link that can really demonstrate the product well. ---> SmartMike Review
In Hindsight...
ONE MORE THING - My company which is part of Realogy Holding Corp. just changed names this year from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage to Coldwell Banker Realty. This affected Nina Hollander's office as well. Each office was under a different timetable to make all necessary changes. The biggest one for agents is changing all the logos. I am sure this will be an ongoing challenge. But during this time, my husband has been making changes left and right to incorporate the "North Star" logo and new Coldwell Banker Realty logo into all our marketing and website material.
In my first blog of this challenge, Counting My Blessings, I gave a quick reference to some of the changes I made. I cut out over $1000/month of non-productive advertising that was not getting me any referrals. During that blog, I did not specify the amount, this has allowed me to invest in other areas that I felt were more advantageous to my clients.
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This is the essence of what it means to be “YOUR Solutions Realtor. Whether you are a buyer or seller, together we will design the right solutions to fit your needs. For example, sellers… Every inquiry I receive on your listing is expertly handled with professional courtesy by me, Sheri Sperry, a licensed and highly trained Sedona Real Estate Expert. It’s the best way for me to assure that YOUR critical needs are being met to exceed expectations. Absentee owners who list with me can count on “White Glove” hands-on special care of their properties.
Contact me for more information to see how I can tailor solutions and services to your needs. it is all part of the Concierge ~ White Glove ~ Services.
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