Crack the Social Media Code

Old Rule: Curb Appeal >> New Rule: Web Appeal August 5, 2010

Virtual Staging

Your home’s first impression may not be one that is face to face with a prospective buyer. The “Curb appeal” of yesterday is now the “Web appeal” of today. In today’s world, 90% percent of home buyers start their search online, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. The internet is the number one source consumers first learned about the home they purchase, 36% of home buyers first say their new home online. And the California Association of Realtors reports that the number one requested feature of online listings is media. These are impressive figures, and one that means your home needs to make a strong virtual impression.

Part of this impression is made through online photos and extends into virtual home tours and video. Showing your property is about creating a story line. A home buyer is looking for certain amenities and specifications during their buying process, but in addition, they are looking for a home that will give them the lifestyle they seek. To answer this need, you must make sure your property  has an ambiance that is appealing. This requires a visual marketing strategy, and a properly staged home can tell this story. Today’s technology allows for even more dynamic visual presentation of vacant properties with virtual staging.

To create a virtual experience and ambiance, one must develop a plan. What is the demographic of your buyers? Is this a home that will interest empty-nesters, large families, or vacationers?
Once you have distinguished this, then consider what story each room should display. Today consumers expect rich media from online listings and the most effective way to engage consumers and tell the story is an online commercial, or eMercial   Industry-wide media professionals agree that a well-scripted narration provides the emotional “sell”, enhancing the details provided by the visual images.