If
awards were being handed out for the most innovative use of virtual
tours, Rick Lorenz, a tech savvy agent in Durango, Colorado would
surely be among the top contenders. Using VisualTour technology,
Rick has put together an extensive and ever-growing collection of
tours that boasts its own web address - www.DurangoVirtualTour.com.
In addition to showcasing properties, Rick offers his website visitors
a ride on the historic Silverton Narrow Gauge Train and a hike through
ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park. Clients relocating
to Durango can explore area schools and view recreational facilities
throughout the city – all with a click of the mouse. When
asked what guides his choices in creating a new tour, Rick says,
“I always try to stand in the customer’s shoes. If I’m
in Iowa and know nothing about this town in Colorado, what would
I be interested in?”
Providing a
wealth of information and value for your clients gives them reason
to stay on your site and explore what you have to offer. It also
gives you the chance to establish expertise in your field. Many
agents include showcase property tours on their listings pages,
but seldom venture outside this familiar territory to put VisualTour
capabilities to the test.
Here are few
suggestions for raising the virtual tour bar.
• Listings:
Add floorplans, a map with the property located; shots of neighborhood
amenities such as recreational facilities, schools, and services;
development or subdivision entrances; views from the property; the
tree-lined street they’ll drive down to arrive at the front
door.
• New
construction: Utilize floorplans, plats, subdivision lot locations
and architectural drawings to help clients visualize the possibilities
that are underway.
•
Agency: Introduce team members and special services. Many consumers
do their advance work on the Internet and providing a personal look
at your team and where they work is like inviting clients through
the front door. Include your complimentary moving van, a photo of
the roomy parking lot in the midst of crowded city streets, and
the smiling receptionist who will be taking their call.
•
Special Events: A photo or two of a charity you support, or the
little league team you buy uniforms for will be of interest to clients
who want to know you better. A major annual fundraising effort may
warrant a tour of its own with photos from past events.
•
Open Houses: Create a tour promoting upcoming open houses with a
photo of each home, details of dates and times, and a map showing
locations.
Providing
the unexpected using VisualTour is literally as easy as giving yourself
permission to think beyond the ordinary to bring extraordinary value
to your clients.
About
the Author:
Michael J. Russer is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer,
author, and strategic consultant to the real estate industry. He
is the “Father” of the Virtual Outsourcing movement
in the real estate industry and co-author of the first book, workbook,
and tape program on the subject. He is the CEO of two completely
“virtual” companies and runs them from wherever he happens
to be in the world. You can learn more about Michael and his ideas
at his main Website www.russer.com
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