Video Killed the Virtual Tour?

Or maybe I am just hoping that it will?! Is anyone else tired of seeing 20 or so pictures being zoomed in and out on with cheesy Muzak in the background to make a virtual tour? Me too!

Is video relevant? I think so. According to an article posted on Mashable on August 10, 2009 written by Ben Parr, You Tube is the 4th most visited site on the internet - beating even MSN!

Coldwell Banker launched On Location, it's branded YouTube channel on May 5th of this year and is already boosting nearly 5 thousand agent profile videos, listing videos, office videos and community videos from Coldwell Banker agents around the world.

You can do this - I know you can. Most of your digital cameras already have a video function. Sometimes we only find this out when we think we are taking a photo and actually manage to record a video instead. Go ahead and get your camera out ... I'll wait.

Now - do you see a little video icon somewhere in your settings? If you don't ... consider getting a Flip Video camera - they are cheap and super easy to use.

So, how do I get started? Get out there and practice! The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the process.

In a post I wrote a while back, entitled, Virtual Tours Are Dead, I gave you a little list of video tips that I am repeating below now ... why? Because they are still relevant.

1. Turn on all of the lights in the home. I mean all - every last one you can find.

2. Take your video in segments if possible, rather than all in one continuous shot.

3. Move the camera SLOWER than you think you should. If you think you are moving it slowly, move it slower - really.

4. Use a tripod and leave it on the ground so you are only moving the camera side to side (again,think segments), move the tripod when you are ready for your next shot (or segment).

5. Speak clearly and loudly or if possible, record your voice over the video when editing.

6. Definitely - definitely - definitely use your voice for an audio description (just say NO to cheesy music and/or silence).

7. Keep it short or you will lose your audience.

So get out there and start shooting! I know you can do this ... feel free to send me your videos for help and/or feedback.

Have a ROCKIN Friday!

ePropertySites Basics

Seems like I've been spending a lot of time teaching and assisting agents with ePropertySites.com lately so I wanted to cover a few of the basics here. There are a ton of super cool things that you can do with this program - so many, that I know a lot of agents feel a bit overwhelmed. Let's break it down ...

Go to: http://www.epropertysites.com/ -- (you can use FireFox, but the program seems to like Internet Explorer better - some of the menus overlap in FireFox)

Note: You can get your login & password from your Mortgage Mobility representative!

Once you login, the first place you should visit is the Setup tab - check that your information is entered and complete, that your photo and company logo are uploaded and SAVE!

Now, you can add a property ...

- Click on the Properties tab

- Click Add New to add a property

- Fill in each page with your property information - details, links, pick your website layout and domain, add any upcoming open houses and notes

- Browse and upload your photos & video

Once your property is loaded - use the menu below to tweak it further ...

Have rockin Tuesday!

Sign up for Triple Play 2009!

I HEART Triple Play. Truly. Such a great conference - loads of educational sessions, networking opportunities and FUN packed into 3 days in Atlantic City, NJ. But the real reason I love Triple Play? Well, there are two ...

1. So affordable!!! Only $65 if you sign up online before October 15th, 2009 - YOWZA!!!

2. Atlantic City, NJ - this conference is PRACTICALLY in our backyard!

You need to do this - take a day (if you can't take all three) and come down to AC. To sign up for Triple Play, see what's on tap or just get the lay of the land, go here:

http://www.realtorstripleplay.com/

Get more info from the Triple Play Facebook Group or follow TriplePlayExpo on Twitter :)

I hope to see you all there!

More Ways to Go Mobile

We have more ways than ever to go mobile now - through the new iPhone and Android Coldwell Banker applications, plus the mobile site for Coldwell Banker!

Coldwell Banker has released an app for both the iPhone and the Android phone that allows anyone to search for listings or use their CB home value estimator tool right from their mobile phone! The apps for these phones are specific to just the iPhone and Android platforms, but there are other options if you use another type of phone.

The official Coldwell Banker App for the iPhone is available for download in the iTunes app store. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=325309137&mt=8



If you can access the internet from your mobile phone - no matter what kind it may be ... you can check out: m.coldwellbanker.com. Here you can search for listings, search for an agent or find home values.

No more excuses - get out there and go mobile!!!