By Sharon Housley,

sharon [at] notepage . net

The use of technology can define the success or failure of a business. This is no more evident than in the real estate industry. Realtors who flocked to the latest technologies, adopted them, and applied them in order to enhance and sell property, are still prospering.

Using the latest technology, realtors can show a home's finest attributes via Video Podcasting. Video Podcasting is a compelling distribution channel that allows realtors to reach a large audience while showcasing a property's best features.

The best homes sell themselves, right? Regardless of how attractive a home is, it is important to promote it's best attributes. Whether you are using a real estate agent, or selling the home yourself, put your home's best foot forward.

As with an open house, you should show the best angles and features when marketing a home. Use the following tips to develop a video podcast that will sell the featured home:

Remove The Clutter

A room free of clutter will show much better, and especially in photos and videos. With clutter removed, rooms will look larger and more spacious. Take a few moments to de-clutter before video taping or snapping photos.

Clean The Home First!

It is amazing what will show up in photographs or videos that may otherwise be completely unnoticed in person. Prior to taking the video or photos, be sure to dust, wash windows, and vacuum.

Add Music or Commentary

If presenting a video tour of the home, add music to the presentation (you can find royalty-free music that can be used in a video podcast here: http://www.small-business-software.net/podsafe-music.htm). Another great option is to include an audio commentary, pointing out the home's finest qualities.

Better Furnished Than Unfurnished

Homes show much better when furnished than when they are not. Basic furniture, in a sensible arrangement, will make the home look warm, welcoming, and inviting.

Fresh Flowers

Add a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to the kitchen or dining room table. If showing the home in the spring, spend a day planting annuals to brighten up the landscape. It is amazing what a bit of color will do to the home's apparent value.

Landscaping

Landscaping is probably the least expensive thing you can do to increase a properties value. Make sure to photograph or video the landscape on a sunny day to show off its brilliance.

Table Settings

Set the table with some nice table settings so that the potential buyer can envision themselves in the home. These small personal touches can make all the difference.

Minimize Motion

When taking photographs or videos, minimize the motion. Let the software handle transitions between photographs or video clips. Keeping a slow and steady hand, or using a tripod, will result in a cleaner video clip.

Edit (Overshoot And Cutdown)

Take far more photos and videos than you need (Overshoot), and then review and eliminate all but the most attractive shots (Cutdown), so that what remains is the best material available. It is best to have too many shots to choose from, rather than not having enough.

Search for Virtual Home Tours to see examples:

Realty Feeds - http://www.realty-feeds.net
ML Podcast - http://www.mlpodcast.com

Let the home shine by using technology to help market the property. Present the home in the best possible light, and through a variety of channels, and watch sales soar.

About the Author:

Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Published - March 2008