Author: Claire Wright

The ‘New Normal’ in the Real Estate Industry

When the coronavirus pandemic first happened, people had no idea about its massive effect on the economy and daily lives.

Yet now, it is obvious. This pandemic has affected thousands of people and changed the face of many industries, including real estate marketing.

Several months have passed, and the fight against this virus is still going on. We are all required to follow the ‘new normal‘ protocols – the new kind of everyday life.

The real estate’s dynamic industry, which is characterized before with numerous open house tours, personal client interactions, and intensive onsite marketing campaigns, has become idle.

Still, the industry needs to do something about it to make real estate photography and videography, virtual tours, and other marketing techniques not obsolete. Moreover, they need to look for ways to stay functional despite the limitations continually.

Here are some of the notable changes in the real estate industry under the ‘new normal.’

Limited personal interaction

Given the limited mobility, realtors and interested buyers are encouraged to do online consultations. It is still possible to have a face-to-face discussion, but it should be one by one and not by group.

A surge in online listings

Although having online listings is not new anymore, many realtors who have been practicing offline marketing are now learning how to do it. This makes real estate photography and videography still useful. Realtors need companies that provide these services to have the materials for their listings, especially good quality photos and videos (including aerial images and clips). It takes a good company to get these materials, and while the agents themselves can do this, there are still more advantages in getting a photography company to do it for you.

Demand for 3D virtual tours

Even before, some realtors already use virtual tours in dealing with some clients who cannot visit the property personally. The demand for this becomes higher, as influenced by the restrictions caused by the outbreak. Possible clients are now requesting this option when they want to see the property and its details. It is good to know that many companies now offer 3D virtual tours. It maintains the industry’s dynamic nature.

More online open house tours

Like a virtual tour, open house tours are now done online, with realtors showing the property to clients in a live video. This approach is another alternative used by agents to accommodate interested buyers who are not ready to go out and visit the property.

The popularity of single property websites

Since everything is almost done online, there is a high demand with agents requesting for single property websites to aid their online listings. For one, unique property websites highlight the property’s essential aspects and amenities, which regular listings usually lack. This kind of site is efficient in showcasing a property since it only has one home or building to show.

Continuous use of digital marketing solutions

With everything done online, the industry is practically utilizing every possible digital marketing solution available in the market. This is to increase online presence and visibility not just on the web, but also on social media platforms. Some companies are also using online ads (Google, Facebook, etc.) to boost their campaigns and increase sales. Digital marketing has also provided ways for realtors to get leads online.

These are only some of the changes in the real estate industry under the ‘new normal.’ It is still hard to predict the other changes that are bound to happen, but these adjustments should be enough to keep the industry going. At least, one thing is for sure: the industry keeps going despite the outbreak.

August 13, 2020
2020 Real Estate Photography Trends

It is undeniably true that the power of photography is dominating the real estate industry. Almost every listing we see online includes well-taken photographs of the properties for sale. This makes it a part of the mainstream.

Despite all the unfortunate events this early 2020, there are still recognizable real estate photography trends. Let us discuss them one by one.

Real Estate Buyers Prefer Online Listings

A lot of prospective buyers are going online to search for available listings. This shift from people looking into newspapers and magazines for listings is not only attributed to them being busy. It is also connected to the current global situation wherein the coronavirus pandemic’s impact is so massive that the ‘new normal’ demands stricter social distancing measures. With this, the safest way for the buyers to transact with realtors is through online listings boosted with quality property images.

Photography Companies Focus on Online Presence and Social Media

Another spotted trend in the real estate market is the stringent campaigns to increase various photography companies’ online visibility. This includes improving the websites’ searchability using search engine optimization (SEO) and social media networks.

Mobile Ready Images

2020 also marks how everything that can be done on a computer is also possible in mobile devices. Everyone uses mobile devices every day. Realtors always have phones or tablets to quickly update listings while buyers use smartphones to browse, make inquiries, or even complete transactions. On the other hand, real estate photographers can also use high-end mobile devices to take impressive shots and edit them using computer software.

Photographers Collaborate with Photo Editors

While other real estate photographers know how to edit their shots, some are not that well-skilled and still need a professional photo editor. To provide quality images to realtors, photographers often partner with a photo editing company to ensure high-quality pictures.

Real Estate Photography and Videography

The rise of real estate photography and videography is another trend this year that realtors should not be taken for granted. The combination of real estate photography and videography produces more compelling visuals for the listings, which, unlike before, are just limited to images. It gives realtors competitive advancement over those who are stuck into utilizing clear images only for their listings.

Aerial Shots Using Drones

Aerial photography is a great way to capture a home’s images and its surrounding area from above using a drone. It gives buyers the ‘big picture’ of the property. It can also get more precise and closer images of the amenities nearby, such as parks, hospitals, markets, and malls. It is still an emerging trend, so make use of it and incorporate the latest photography techniques.

3D Virtual Tours and Walkthrough

2D images are boring. If you want to do a virtual tour, it is best to do it using 3D models. 3D virtual tours transform still shots of the home into a realistic computer simulation. This gives the viewer the chance to navigate around the house as if the client is there physically. It is interactive, and potential buyers can save time since they can easily do this using a computer or mobile device. On the other hand, a video walkthrough is somehow similar to a virtual tour, except that it is less interactive. Here, a person (usually the realtor) is in the house while hosting the video tour to show buyers the property’s rooms and amenities.

To wrap it up, the trends in real estate photography this 2020 are still insightful. They can be of great help for realtors in selling properties despite the pandemic. Use these trends to gain leverage and authority in the real estate market.

August 3, 2020
Why You Need a Website for Your Real Estate Business

Considering how profitable the real estate industry is, many have ventured into its competitive and fast-paced world. In fact, there are estimated 2 million registered real estate agents in the US – a steady increase over the last decade. Last year, around 701,000 new homes were sold according to the US Census Bureau. 92% of these homes were sold through a broker or an agent.

To make yourself ahead of the competition, there are several ways that will help you attract potential buyers. Aside from posting on various social media platforms, one way of promoting your real estate business is by establishing your own website. Essentially, this is a cost-effective and easy to achieve task that leads you closer to building your edge in the industry.

Besides being achievable and good for your finances, here are more benefits to having your own real estate business website:

• For Visibility

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 73% of Realtors use Facebook to promote their business while 51% have their own websites. Having both increases your visibility for potential buyers. Think of it as putting up a sign along the road.

Moreover, creating a website gives you an advantage over specific regions. By using Local SEO (search engine optimization), you can incorporate keywords targeted to that specific area into your website and eventually establish your presence. This increases the chance of discovering your business whenever a potential client looks for a specific area of that town.

• To Acquire Leads Passively

Creating your own website is a great way of promoting your real estate business on the Internet. In fact, 93% of people visit websites when searching for new homes. There, you can put your contents, listings and offered services. You can also start a social media account which you can link to your website.

Utilizing as much net traffic greatly increases your chances of acquiring leads passively. With a website, you don’t need to do the hassle of making phone calls or sending out emails. Instead, interested buyers will just fill out the necessary forms and contact details which will then give you a good lead.

• To Build Credibility

Just like any other business, trust is very crucial in the world of real estate. Home sellers want to know that you can maximize the value of their property and sell it in a short time span while buyers want to be assured that you can help them get their ideal home at the lowest price possible. With a website, you can prove it!

Your website is a great platform to increase your credibility as a real estate agent. There, you can post about the recent properties you’ve sold and gain the trust of any potential client viewing your website.

• To Establish Authority

Through your website, you can establish and enhance your authority in your area. Make your website valuable and make it as the “go-to” site for potential clients in that specific location. Moreover, you can add tools like Mortgage Calculators, Information on Loan Programs, Home Buyer Tips and access to MLS listings to make your website valuable. With this, you are seen as a reliable realtor they can trust, may it be to sell or buy.

• To Establish Your Own Brand

photo via entrepreneur.com

Establishing your own website means establishing your own brand as well as setting yourself apart from the competition. Your website reflects your authority, goals and services. As mentioned earlier, having your own site gives you credibility. In addition to this, according to the NAR, 54% of buyers and 64% of sellers worked with their agent through a personal referral. And where’s the best place for a potential client to look you up? Your website!

• To Open Endless Marketing Opportunities

Outbound marketing is fading. With increased accessibility of Americans to the internet, inbound marketing has taken its place. Inbound marketing means the customer or client finds you whenever they need you. With your website, potential clients can find you. A previous customer you have worked with might refer it to a friend of theirs who’s looking for a new home.

Another form of marketing is content marketing. Content marketing is writing a blog-style content that you can optimize using SEO, which you can later on share on social media to draw more attention to your business.

• To Keep You Up With Your Competitors

People have created the mentality that if I can’t find it on the internet, I won’t trust it. Agents who are new to the business often fall victim to this. They lose referrals from potential clients simply because there is no other information of their business on the internet.

By creating your own website you won’t lose potential clients anymore and you’ll definitely have an edge over your competitors. If ever you’re a newbie real estate agent, don’t hesitate creating your own site.

Now that you are familiar with the benefits of having your own website for your real estate business, perhaps it’s time that you establish yours too! Or if you already have one, polish it to your heart’s desire and maybe—hopefully—soon you’ll find the list of your clients piling up and your listings being sold one after another.

May 27, 2020
Bracketing Exposures to Photograph Real Estate Interiors

Exposure bracketing is simply taking a series of identical shots at the same aperture but different shutter speeds. Having a constant aperture keeps the depth of field the same. However, changing the exposure allows you to capture well-exposed pictures for all different lighting levels present in the scene.

Capturing the correct exposures is the key for having the best results for your real estate photography. This approach calls for a lot of uses for both exterior and interior photography. When taking pictures outside, it can save you having to use a tripod since it automatically corrects the movements during shooting. On the interior end where there are wide differences in brightness, you can make the most out of it and shoot the best picture of the place for sale.

How to Photograph Real Estate Interiors Using Exposure Bracketing

Using these steps below, you will know that you’ve perfectly covered the lighting range at the scene—most importantly in interior real estate photography wherein there are wide differences in brightness.

There are 3 basic steps:

1. Set up the camera.

• Keep the ISO and Aperture unchanged between shots
• Avoid going higher than ISO 400
• Use f/8 for Aperture

When taking bracketed shots for HDR, both the Aperture and ISO must be the same. Only the shutter speed varies. The camera should be set to Manual mode before anything else. ISO setting determines how sensitive your camera is to light. For real estate interior photography, it’s recommended to use and ISO not exceeding ISO 400.
You also need to select a suitable aperture for the scene. This varies depending on the scene, but f/8 is a good balance between depth of field and shutter speed. Using a tripod is also recommended because you’ll be taking many shots, and some might have slow shutter speeds that may cause the camera to move a little making the images blurred.

2. Determine which photos to take.

<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>• Use Spot Metering or Histogram check to determine the shortest and longest shutter speeds
• Take note of the exposures shown in your camera

When you’re taking a bracketed set for HDR, it’s very important that the darkest photo has all the details in the highlights and the brightest photo has the details in the shadows and have mid-tone additional shots in between. To do this, you must find out the longest and shortest shutter speeds.

The easiest way to do it is to use the Spot Metering mode on your camera that looks at a small area to know what exposure to use, and switch to Aperture Priority mode to work the exposure out with the aperture you’ve chosen.
For you to know the longest shutter speed, point the camera at the darkest area inside the room then take note of the exposure shown in the camera. For the photo that requires the shortest shutter speed, point the camera at the brightest part of the room—but not directly at the sun or any reflections—and take note of it.

Another way to determine the longest and shortest shutter speeds is the brightness histogram on your camera. This is more precise but needs more work. For this method, keep the camera in manual mode and point it at the darkest area of the room and take a test shot. If you see a vertical line at the left side of the histogram, then there are dark areas you haven’t covered yet. Change the shutter speed to something longer and try it again. Do the opposite for the shortest exposure. Remember to take notes of the exposures.

3. Taking the photos.

• There are two methods: semi-automated method and full manual method

Now that you’ve made a note of the longest and shortest exposures, all that’s left to do is to take the photos from the fastest shutter speed to the slowest with the right photos in between. To do so, you can choose between the following methods.

The Semi-Automated Method

This uses the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) function of your camera and the HDR Exposure Calculator. Most DSLR cameras can take a certain number of shots automatically with exposures bracketed around a central shutter speed, and the calculator will tell you which shutter speeds to use and how many automatically bracketed sets will be required. You just need to input the readings you’ve taken note before into the boxes and it will tell you the exact number of photos to take.

Set the camera to Manual mode, activate the AEB function, set the shutter speed to the first value given on the calculator, then select your bracketed number of photos and press the shutter button or remote shutter release.

Full Manual Method

This method is used if you don’t have an AEB function in your camera or you don’t have access to the calculator. Just select ‘Single-Shot mode’ on your camera, and in Manual mode, input the fastest shutter speed and take the shot. Afterwards, decrease the shutter speed by one stop or 1 EV, and take the next photo. Repeat the process until you’ve taken the picture with the slowest shutter speed. Ensure that the tripod is locked in place, so you don’t get blurry pictures.

May 20, 2020
Things to Know about Real Estate Photography Pricing
Real estate photography pricing depends on your prospective market, location, type of properties, photographers, and the number of photos. These are the things you need to consider before hiring a real estate photographer to make high-quality images portraying the overall quality of the properties on sale.

In the midst of real estate competition, the best way to keep on top is to stand out among your competitors. You’ll find hundreds and thousands of agents, brokers, and realtors who use various tactics to make their market skyrocketing. One of their strategies is using catchy photography depicting the property regarding its appearance and characteristics.

<span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

What’s more, photography in real estate business is a must-have to gain potential clients in no time. It will give them better ideas on the properties you are selling without them visiting directly. Moreover, you can use the photos to post on your blogs and social media profiles to find the best client you’ll ever have.

Before we proceed to the real estate photography pricing, you have to learn about the factors that will help your potential clients see the whole picture.

The Real Estate Photography Pricing

1. Aerial Drone Photography – approximately $300 for 10 photos

2. 3D Matterport Tours – $300 – $500 depending on the quality. Some prefer an hourly rate, so it also depends on your negotiation. But the price mentioned is the typical worth of this type of service.

3. Additional tours – It might cause you an additional $250, based on what length you want to upgrade or add on your photos.

4. Aerial video tour – The minimum price could be $150 and higher.

Factors to Consider Before Starting on the Real Estate Photography Project

• Decide whether you are going for aerial drone or virtual tours.

Since we are now living in an advanced technology, aerial and virtual tours are becoming more prevalent and available. So, it’s fine to ask the photographers if they offer one of these. But keep in mind that each has different pricing.

• The number of photos

Some photographers offer packages, and the prices depend on the number of photos you want them to take. Therefore, you need to think about how you want the properties to appear on the viewers’ end. If you want to focus on the landscape, then you might want to go for aerial photography with several photos in it.

On the other hand, if your subject is an apartment, you can focus on the elegance of the property by taking 3D virtual tours. The number of photos may depend on the size and number of rooms inside the single-family homes or apartments.

• Usage license

The image license depends on the scope of the agreement. If you want to own the full copyright of the photos, the pricing could be higher. Nonetheless, the good news is that you can use it anywhere for advertising. You can talk about the usage license and its price to your photographers to have a clear understanding of the contract.

• Your budget

Here’s the most crucial factor you have to consider before anything else. You need at least $150 to $500 budget to come up with excellent images you can present to your clients. Still, prices vary from one place to another.
You can check with the posting near your place, or you can search within your area. If not, the better way to know about professional photographers is through word of mouth. There might be someone from your family or relative who knows someone for taking excellent photography.

Before You Go: Photographer Background Check

Looking for a professional photographer can be challenging, especially if you don’t know someone in your area. Don’t just go with anyone offering you the cheapest price. Remember, great real estate photography can create potential clients as a return. Think about the profit you might gain for having excellent visual presentations for your target market.

When your friend refers a photographer to you, the first thing you have to do is to do some background checking. Ask for a portfolio and sample work to see if it matches your expectation.
- Contact HD Estates
- Book Online
Moreover, look for a photographer who is committed – someone who knows how to cope up despite challenging situations. Also, it is essential to note that the photographer should know how to listen well with the instructions.
The last thing to know about your prospective photographer is the pricing. See if the portfolio or sample work is reasonable enough for the skills and knowledge about photography.

If you see that all of these real estate photography’s key points match to the photographer you have in mind, then you are probably in the right lane. Next thing you know, your visual presentation reaches your target market to bring more profits on your end.
May 16, 2020
The Importance of 3D Matterport Tours for Real Estate

The 3D Matterport Tours captures the whole property in a 3D video, enabling you to see the entire place even without visiting physically. It makes everything realistic by letting people immerse themselves on a virtual reality show. What’s more, it is more convenient for your potential buyers to see the full property’s features without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Learn More about 3D Matterport Tours

Gone were the days where physical tours were the only way to view properties and their overall features. We are now in the modern times, which make things almost everything possible. As time aged, the technology also skyrocketed their potentials.

According to NAR, 50% of their respondent who used the internet to search for real estate properties mentioned that they found pictures beneficial to meet their needs. But 89% agreed that virtual reality tours caught their attention better.

When you start to use 3D Matterport videos, it leads to more potential buyers. Also, some of the clients come from different countries, which makes it impossible for them to visit the property physically. Most of them look for vacation houses they can look forward to on their vacation leave. So, the only way to see the whole picture is through 3D presentations.

Many real estate agents, brokers, and realtors are using this method. Once you scroll through their Youtube videos and Facebook pages, you’ll see how it is beneficial for them to use virtual reality video tours for their customers or potential clients.

Of course, it’s not only about the convenience of using this type of real estate visiting. Matterport’s system proved to be accurate for its measurement. Therefore, miscalculation rarely happens. On the real estate agent’s end, studies showed that they get more leads through dynamic visual content. This includes 3D pictures and 3D videos.

On the other hand, more people depend on the internet, including when searching for homes. What’s more surprising is that many younger individuals are the most likely potential buyers.

The Real Cost Behind Matterport Tours

One thing you might love about this type of tour is that it’s not too costly. Besides, touring your clients could cost you time, effort, and even money. So, using the Matterport Tour isn’t too much of a big deal. In terms of prices, it truly depends on the subscription you want to purchase. On their website, you’ll see the complete details.
You can try it for free if you want to try a trial. In this subscription, you will have one active model. However, take note that you can upload the model you created with Leica BLK360, Matterport Pro2 3D Camera, and Matterport Pro 3D Camera. It is also the same as the Starter Plans. Another limit is that you can’t transfer the 3D models of real estate property to other accounts.

That’s why, if you are planning to use the Matterport Tours for your business, you can choose from Professional, Professional Plus, Business, and Business Plus Subscription.

With the professional account, the monthly payment is $69, and annually is $708 for 25 active models. Another one is Professional Plus, which is $129 monthly, while $1320 yearly. You’ll get double than the first one.
So, let’s go to business plans. If you run a real estate business and you want to create more 3D Matterport Models, you need to pay $309 for monthly and $3228 annually for 100 active models. The last one – and the most expensive one – the Business Plan, the monthly payment would be $689, while the yearly plan is $7188. You’ll get 250 active models for your real estate property virtual reality videos.

If you are wondering whether paying for Matterport Tour is worth it or not, the answer is – yes, it’s totally worth it. Besides, it would be an excellent investment for 403% potential leads.

Now, you might be wondering about the price of Matterport 3D 360 Camera. Well, that’s what we’re going to talk about in the next one.

How Much are The Matterport 3D 360 Cameras?

Now, you might be genuinely interested in using Matterport 3D on your visual presentations. If you are saving for it, then it’s a good time to read about the prices of the services and products you need.

When you’re just starting, you can go with the Iphone camera. But remember that it has limited access. That’s why it is only suitable for starters. The other one is the 360 Cameras that you can purchase from third-parties. Starting with its price of $400, you can scan the property’s small spaces. Moreover, it has excellent accuracy and resolution.
The Matterport company presents Pro2 3D. Amazingly, it comes with excellent features for better video captures. Remember that this camera only works with the Professional and Business Plans. So, if you currently have a free account, you might want to upgrade to use this one. Its price starts with $3,395 with promising functionalities and high-quality videos.

Furthermore, the Pro2 3D can capture 4k photography without limit. What’s more, you can capture photos and videos in a long period with its long battery life.
The most expensive camera is the Leica BLK360 that you can find from third parties. Incredibly, its price starts from $18,000. If you want to scan and capture outdoor spaces and large vicinities, this one could be the perfect one for you.

Marketing Solution for Your Matterport 3D Tours Project

If you couldn’t afford all the material you need for your Matterport 3D Tour videos, you don’t have to worry. HD Estates company is one of the most sought-for marketing solutions to present innovative and high-quality presentations. In return, you could earn more and reach your highest potential profit.

When it comes to real estate, you need to keep pace with the newest technology available. As you get more immersed with the latest marketing techniques, the results would amaze you – the way you’ve never imagined before.

May 12, 2020