Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A • M Y M O N T A N A H O M E 56 WHAT TECHNOLOGIES ARE YOU CURRENTLY USING TO IMPACT THE BUYER AND SELLER EXPERIENCE WHEN SELLING A HOME? SUZY BARNETT: Even we non-Millennials know the importance of technology in Real Estate, especially in these days of Coronavirus. I am in love with the 3D virtual walk-throughs, which get twice as many as those without video! A viewer can go inside the home and have an excellent feel of the layout without ever going in. Any sort of videos or photographs, including aerial drone videos and photos, short walk-throughs with a smartphone, professional photos, zoom video meetings, and even Facetime with my iPhone, all are ways to connect with my buyers and sellers virtually. And, the best part is, most of those can be viewed at their convenience. JULIE GARDNER: In addition to information from Listing Agents, I rely on information available from online sources such as the Montana Cadastral system, Google Earth, and OnyX Maps. When possible, I provide buyers with a virtual tour of a home before a live showing. Virtual tours are usually hosted on my Zoom account so that multiple people can join, and I use a gimbal stabilizer to minimize that queasy feeling associated with handheld video! Of course, for in-person showings, I provide masks, clean booties, and sanitizing wipes so that property owners will feel safe and confident re-entering their homes once we leave. MARTHA JOHNSON: Zoom and Facetime primarily. They are the most user-friendly technology for clients. VOSS SARTAIN: We have been using many of the old standbys, in- cluding Facebook, Instagram, MLS, and virtual tours. We're leverag- ing these tools even more now as we know how important it is to let the buyers and sellers know that real estate sales are still happening. We have also instituted the option to have the agent show a home via FaceTime. This way, the buyer can still see all the nooks and cran- nies that they don't necessarily get with a virtual tour, and the agent can answer their questions in real-time. We are also doing our listing presentations via Zoom. AMY BAIN-WILSON: Buying and selling real estate has moved from an in-person (see, touch, smell) experience to a virtual (online) ex- perience. We need to bring our "A" game and relay the seller's home and property story through creative video content and virtual tours. This is done with professional video, Matterport (3D virtual tour), aerial videos utilizing the most advanced drone technology and still photography. I've conducted multiple facetime property previews and completed in-person showings using proper precautions as needed to protect the buyer and seller. If both parties have further interest, we will meet online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or in person depending on comfort level. HOW WOULD YOU RANK THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SALES PROCESS? JULIE GARDNER: It is difficult to imagine how the real estate industry could safely navigate these times without the swift tran- sition to new technologies. Hosting virtual showings is essential, and platforms such as Zoom that allow for numerous people to participate from different locations are indispensable. My invest- ment in high-quality drones and video photography is likewise more important than ever, and having access to an easy-to-use electronic signature program allows me to move transactions forward efficient- ly while minimizing my clients' exposure to others. MARTHA JOHNSON: Facetime has been effective for performing walkthroughs of homes and showing the property's viewsheds and landscapes. Zoom has been an excellent tool for building more of a bond with clients than a cell phone alone. VOSS SARTAIN: We have found that although the buyers and sellers are very interested in virtual tours in the early stages of their deci- sion making, they still want to meet in person with their agent when the time comes to make a final decision. Thankfully, we have been able to institute a policy of providing each of our buyers or sellers with a personal safety kit, which includes hand sanitizer, a re-useable mask, rubber gloves, and booties. Although not a tech strategy, I feel it's also paramount to a safe and successful real estate transaction in today's post-COVID-19 world. AMY BAIN-WILSON: Professional video and Matterport virtual video has been highly effective in assisting in the sale of properties. " Technology is great, but nothing CAN REPLACE THE EXPERIENCE OF SNOWSHOEING TO A PROPERTY ON SPARKLING, FRESHLY FALLEN SNOW AND ROUNDING A BEND THAT OPENS TO BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. " - MARTHA JOHNSON EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES. RANCH & SPORTING | SKI-IN / SKI-OUT | WATERFRONT | GOLF All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed reliable; however, the content contained herein is not guaranteed by Lone Mountain Land Company LLC or its affiliated or parent companies, subsidiaries, officers, managers, employees, agents, brokers or salespersons and none of the foregoing make any representations regarding the accuracy of such information. Any floor plans, square footage, photos, illustrations/renderings, maps and features and amenities described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Offerings are subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price changes or withdrawal without notice. Prospective purchasers are urged to independently investigate the property. No governmental agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This material shall not constitute an offer to sell in any state or other jurisdiction where prior registration is required and shall not constitute a solicitation if you are working with another real estate agent. © 2016 The Big Sky Real Estate Co.. All rights in and to the content are owned or controlled by The Big Sky Real Estate Co.. Any unauthorized reproduction is expressly prohibited. MARTHA JOHNSON FOUNDING BROKER | VP OF SALES MARTHA@BIGSKY.COM |406.580.5891 406.580.5891 BIG SKY

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