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See the Video Tour Yet?

By Doug Francis

“Our video tour numbers were up 933% in April, 2020”

– Sotheby’s International Realty

Yup. This caught my attention too

Over the past two decades, giving online real estate shoppers more information has been a high priority for companies eager to find the next big thing. But the problem facing videos was poor image quality or platforms that weren’t up to par. A sub-optimal user experience.

The first time I used a 360 virtual tour on a listing was 2001. A foggy memory now, but I remember the company used a fish-eye camera that would spin to capture each shot. It really was cool, but not very practical since most people still had 28.8k baud dial-up service over AOL!

Again, a sub-optimal user experience.

The real shift is online home tours

BOOM! March 2020 – the big lifestyle shift happened and everyone is spending much more time at home, Zoom has become the new Kleenex, and Netflix has been making a killing. We are online, online, and online.

Realistically, I think we can agree that this behavior will last far beyond the day when we are all vaccinated… consumer video usage literally jumped ahead five years in just five weeks.

We are now addicted to watching video. And for anyone remotely interested in real estate, luxury home videos are high octane content.

In a Zoom meeting this week, the director of digital marketing from Sotheby’s International Realty mentioned staggering numbers from the global YouTube channel. Browse through because it is interesting.

Sotheby’s International YouTune Channel

Is the Vienna real estate market ready?

Quick answer for buyers: Yes!

Quick answer for sellers: No.

Since I have been tinkering with video technology for years, when a client said he had to sell his home in Vienna, I knew adding video would be a key piece or social media hook since everyone had been told not to make unessential trips from home.

As always, I hired my professional real estate photographer. Let’s be honest, with literally every wedding and event canceled around Washington, D.C. metro area, there are plenty of experienced videographers who can shoot and professionally edit these short tours (stories).

Now, this Vienna home was sold (May 2020) but it does give you a good feel in a realistic, non-fish-eye way.

https://vimeo.com/402976239

Another way of giving online home shoppers a tour is using a 3-D virtual tour using a technology that scans the entire interior. If you haven’t seen it, then take a look at this tour of a listing I have in Annandale.

Although it is a different experience, it does give anyone searching from their current home in [insert city here] for a new home here, an opportunity to linger, explore, matching it their lifestyle.

Going to a bunch of open houses on a Sunday is so January 2020… an open house simply isn’t in the cards right now.

Take a look at this Matterport Tour now. FYI: It will open a new window.

inside tour 3-D
Press image to start

Home Search from My Home

Home sellers need to be ready to meet today’s home buyers virtually, through a smart, well planned virtual strategy like the plan I just hustled through.

Unfortunately, human attention spans aren’t what they used to be… and that is one of the key takeaways here.

These innovations will be changing rapidly and I plan to stay engaged. Check out that Sotheby’s YouTube Channel and let me know – cheers!

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Home Seller Tips

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

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“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
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– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
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