Internet is inarguably the #1 source for home buyers and sellers looking for real estate information and listings.  A few years ago it was fringe, then it became a revolution.  Those who did not jump on the internet bandwagon missed an opportunity to be "cutting edge".

Fast forward into the past few years.  This is the age of the BLOGGER.  This is the newest "revolution" so to speak, and more and more Realtors are realizing the incredible SEO benefits of blogging and the unbelievable platform they have...if they are just willing to take the time necessary to create quality information-rich articles.

So what is the next revolution?  Once blogging is widespread enough, it won't be so impressive to present your blog and the hundreds of articles of your condensed extensive knowledge of the real estate market, because everyone else will be using that card in their back pocket too!

I am searching for the next trend, the one that will put me ahead of the curve and  set me a part.  After all, sellers are looking for the Realtor that is going to give them the most exposure, but they will also most likely be impressed most by the agent that presents a fresh idea: a new way of thinking and approaching the market, if you will.  We all provide a "Free market evaluation", so why is a seller going to call YOU specifically?

I have decided to provide my sellers with a video listing platform.  I have 2 completed so far and they are showcased below.  Obviously a video listing is only an asset to properties in good condition, and to sellers who are willing to price their property accordingly to sell.  A video listing might be useful in the case of a handyman special, if you are appropriately marketing the listing as such and have it priced properly.  It would be a hindrance and confusing to the customer, however, if you were trying to market a disheveled property with classical music playing in the background and pricing it at the level of a move-in condition property (lol).

I think the video listing is going to be a useful tool and one I intend to employ as my secret weapon on listing presentations.  If the house seems like something that will showcase well on video, after my visual inspection of the home, then I will whip that wildcard out.  I think buyers would love to tour listings in video format and avoid the nauseating 360 degree rollercoaster ride that is the virtual tour.

Here are the video listings that we just completed.  Unfortunately for the first one, all of the original footage was destroyed by the tape rewinder, so this is what could be salvaged.  I have heard the 2nd video is a bit long, but the house is enormous and it was the first one we ever did.  Quality is usually compromised when uploading to sites like youtube, etc. and this video appears broadcast quality on the TV.  I found that YAHOO VIDEO offers a way higher quality picture (less grainy/blurry/messy looking) and even the audio file is a lot better.

Thoughts are appreciated, but more importantly, I want to know your strategy to be cutting edge and set yourself apart in this current market, while setting yourself up for the future. 

Angela Elliott is a licensed Florida REALTOR® with Century 21 Classic Properties in Gainesville, FL. Please visit my profile for more about me and browse my Gainesville, FL real estate website for additional Alachua County information and listings. Your phone calls are always welcome at (352) 256-7038 as are your e-mails to angela.elliott1@century21.com.  A portion of all my closed sales will be donated to the Alachua Co. Humane Society (View my mission statement).  Follow all my services on MyBlogLog.