Recently I have been getting more and more attention for the Video Tours that I have been putting together for my listings. When national real estate marketing blogs feature your work, it is a confirmation to keep doing what you are doing. I did not want to post this with the intent to “toot my own horn”, but rather remind those of you who have not had the chance to view them, the opportunity as well the explanation behind my reason for doing so.

I started doing actual video tours, because I felt that as a salesperson who sees the photos, listings, and visual tours for many properties on a daily basis - a real disconnection between the actual home and the marketing behind it. As a seller, you want your home to look the best and at the same time provide a true and real feeling for your home. As a buyer, you want to feel the flow before you step in the unit to see if it is in fact what you are looking for. On top of another feel of the property itself, the video is another avenue to attract buyers to the property being featured on more websites.

I still employ a professional real estate photographer to take the pictures of the listings, because they are experts at what they do and I could not emulate their work. Now I not only have professional photos and visual tours but also video tours which provide me a larger arsenal of marketing tools under my belt.

Check out two below and let me know what you think (make sure to watch in HQ!). Do you get a better or different feel for the property? Let me know in the comments!

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

I came across this recent interview with Micheal Polzler on CTV News about first time buyers and the current impact that they play on our market. Micheal Polzler is the RE/MAX Eastern Ontario Atlantic Canada regional director and executive vice president. Great little clip which you can watch HERE.

It touches on a couple interesting points:
- It can be cheaper to own rather than to rent
- All of you first time single women are not alone (you are the largest demographic of first time buyers)
- There are many great/amazing deals and this is the time to be buying
- The largest barrier to entry is going to be your down payment and closing costs

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

Mike Ferry speaking to the 5000 RE/MAX agents from all over North America

Wow. What a great week it has been, and hats off to RE/MAX for putting together such a great event. The RE/MAX Kickstart Sales Rally was a two day event that attracted over 5000 realtors from all over North America. It offered courses on a variety of subjects and allowed many networking opportunities. As well it had a large trade-show exhibition area that provided us with many new tools and opened our eyes to some of the future trends for the upcoming year.

Trade-show area, featuring over 75 exhibitors.

The second day featured some of real estate’s highest rated speakers including Mike Ferry, Ken Goodfellow, Steve Rillo, and a panel discussion on what we can do, as agents, to better serve our clients within the future economic outlook.

Panel discussion with some Top Producing agents.

Overall It was an interesting event that provided us with a very positive outlook for 2009. It reminded me why I am a RE/MAX agent and a proud one at that.

Http://www.MattRichling.com - Matt Richling - Ottawa Real Estate Agent - Ottawa Condos - Ottawa First Time Buyers

Do you know somebody who is thinking of buying or selling but is not 100% certain whether now is a good time or not? tell them the secret words - MATT RICHLING DOT COM 

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated

***The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.***

This week I will be in Toronto for the annual Re/Max “kick start” sales rally. It is an opportunity to listen to some of the top names in real estate coaching speak about the effects that the U.S. economy will have on our business, how I can serve my clients better, and more efficient ways to handle my business. Not only will the speakers be a valuable source of knowledge but along with every event that I attend comes the networking opportunities of meeting other agents from outside of Ottawa. Being able to receive referrals from the other agents and as well being able to refer a client to another agent, gives my clients better care when moving. Think about it, you are moving to Toronto and have no idea who to call, you end up just calling local agents and in the end spend hours on the computer without any knowledge of the areas. Instead, I am able to refer you to someone that I feel you will work well with (I wont just refer you to any agent, I will try and match you both together personality wise), saving you countless hours, and possibly many trips back and forth.
There are going to be people from all over North America at the conference this week, and I will be making more connections to cover the continent. While you might think I will be “on vacation” this week, in-fact I will be working. Networking, learning, building, and creating relationships.

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage