When it comes to real estate sales, Fresno homeowners and agents now have an abundance of almost-magical technology that can help them market a home. We're not talking about gimmicks either – this is tech that actually helps buyers and sellers achieve the best possible outcome, as sellers can now show what their home is really like, and buyers can completely understand what’s being offered and can therefore make more-informed purchase decisions.
Drone Photography:
The advent of drones in the real estate space has dramatically changed it over just the last few years. According to an article in The Orange County Register called “Here’s how drones are changing the real estate business“:
“… statistics show that homes with aerial images sell 68 percent faster than houses that are marketed using standard photos.”
What an incredible benefit! That being said, it’s worth noting that not every home benefits from an aerial image. In fact, sometimes a home can look rather poor from that height--even if it looks great at ground level.The key is that agents must understand when they should, and should not, include aerial photography and video from a drone.
Video Marketing:
The Orange County Register also wrote how video can be a major game changer in real estate. The article in question goes on to note:
“Industry research firm RIS Media additionally notes that 73 percent of homeowners say that they’re more likely to list with a real estate agent who uses video to market their home.”
The point here is that even though the use of video marketing in real estate sales is still relatively low overall (while it is much more prominent in some major markets it is still finding its footing in the Fresno area), homeowners want to work with real estate agents that do include video within their marketing campaign. This presents a tremendous opportunity for early adopters in the field.
In addition, real estate agents who regularly use video are presenting a strong message about their professionalism:
“It’s really a reflection of your work and when future clients look you up they’ll find out how you marketed properties …”
As a modern real estate agent there can be no better way to show future home sellers what you can do with their home than having professional videos of your listings, with your name associated with them.
Check out this beautiful example of a real estate video, combining drone footage and interior video, created by Jonathan Davis of PhotoKona in Hawaii:
3d Tours:
Another big technology gain in recent years are Matterport and other similar 3d tours of homes:
“Matterport gives you a doll house-like rendering of the home online,” he said. “You can break it apart and walk through the various rooms. It’s extremely impressive.”
–Justin Potier, VICE PRESIDENT AND BROKER ASSOCIATE AT BOARDWALK PROPERTIES IN LONG BEACH
These 3d tours are another exceptional tool because they allow a home buyer to wander through a property as if they are actually there, but they can do it from the comfort of their home--down the street, in another state or even overseas. The advantages for sellers--who can now showcase their home to buyers anywhere--are huge.
Here’s one example of a Matterport tour by Santa Barbara photographer Liz McDermott.
Buyer Expectations:
Once reserved for million-dollar-plus homes only, the use of video, drones and 3d tours is now in the process of becoming an expectation from buyers who are used to being able to shop, communicate and experience the world remotely. Even in markets that are considered to be “more traditional,” these technologies are now considered commonplace and the level of quality that they deliver is expected by buyers of all stripes:
Jordan Levine, a senior economist with the California Association of Realtors, said consumers have come to expect the kinds of visually stunning and interactive experiences today’s technology can provide when they’re shopping for a home.”
In today's online shopping culture even a simple pair of shoes can have 360 degree imagery and perhaps a video associated with it--and those shoes cost a tiny fraction of the price of a new home! Given this level of marketing on sites like Amazon, which home buyers are all too familiar with, it is simple common sense that agents and homeowners should try and incorporate similar levels of marketing excellence when trying to sell a home of any value, in any market. The benefits for both buyer and seller are tremendous and should not be overlooked.