Going the Extra Mile with Real Estate Marketing Add-Ons

Here at Twist Tours, we’re experts in real estate marketing, and this month we’re highlighting some “add-ons” that can help your listing stand out from the crowd.  

First impressions can make or break a deal, and if a potential buyer isn’t wowed, they move on.  We can help your listing make a memorable first impression, and it starts with our standard services.  But our meticulously crafted add-ons can really boost your property marketing strategy, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Introducing add-ons

We are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction, and every detail matters. Let’s explore the important add-on options that will enhance your listings.

1. We offer twilight photography, both virtual and actual

Watch your listing transform into an enchanting masterpiece as it basks in the glow of twilight. Check out the virtual twilight upgrade with different sky options, you’ll be amazed. 

2. Rush or Priority Processing

Time is of the essence in the competitive real estate market. No problem. Opt for our rush or priority processing to fast-track your photoshoot. Go for the same day by 7 pm (rush) or by 9 am the following day (priority). 

3. Photoshop Edits

Every detail can be just right when you add professional Photoshop edits. Think of minor touch-ups and comprehensive enhancements. Think perfection. This add-on ensures your property looks flawless and ready to captivate.

4. Floor Plan Upload/Cleanup

Precision matters. Our floor plan upload and cleanup service ensures that potential buyers get an accurate and visually appealing layout of your property. We can create a 2-D printable floor plan and an enhanced 3D floor plan model for a virtual tour, enhancing the buyer’s understanding and interest.

5. Custom Domain

Leave a lasting impression with a custom domain for your property. It’s not just an address; it’s a unique identifier that sets your listing apart in the vast digital landscape.

6. Amenity Shoot

Our amenity shoots capture the essence of your cool neighborhood or property, showcasing the lifestyle and amenities that come with your listing.

7. Custom Video

If you really want your home to stand out, go for a unique HD video. We make custom-branded or unbranded videos using a mix of photos, floor plans, artist’s renders, 3D plans, video effects, and music. Go beyond static images to showcase what your home has to offer.

8. Social Media Reels and Social Media Slideshows

Social media is a powerful tool, and with short, impactful Social Media Reels customised for your listing, you can make a lasting impression. These clips are shot in a vertical format specifically for popular social media platforms.  Social Media Slideshows are compiled from still shots.

9. Virtual Staging

Help a buyer see the potential in a property. Take an empty, bland space and add some magic with virtual staging. Suddenly, empty rooms are transformed into beautifully furnished living spaces, helping buyers envision the possibilities.

10. Colored /Regular Enhanced/ 3D Enhanced Floor Plan

Upgrade your floor plan, with color and enhancement options. Choose from a variety of floor plan options to suit your property’s style. Whether it’s colored, regular enhanced, or 3D enhanced, we tailor the presentation to match your property’s unique characteristics.

11. Portfolio Upgrade

If your listing has particular features you would like to highlight, please consider our portfolio upgrade. This ensures that you get additional time on-site, specialized shooting style, and custom editing.

Attract serious, discerning buyers

And remember, you can choose as many of these add-ons as you’d like. Twist Tours is committed to making your listing look its best. We are your real estate marketing partner, and our heart is in everything we do.

Let’s make your property shine for everyone to see.  Our add-ons will give your listing the very best opportunity to reach the widest audience possible. We will help you impress potential buyers by highlighting the unique features of your home. Let’s give your listing the best shot!

Partner with us and you’ll benefit from our passion, dedication, experienced photographers, and state-of-the-art digital equipment. Our friendly, enthusiastic team would love to talk to you today.

 

Homebuyers Assemble: Austin, Texas, Is Crowned One of the Best US Markets

It’s official, so you’re gonna want to sit down for this one, y’all.

A new report has named our beloved Austin, Texas, as one of the best markets for homebuyers in the US.

Well, the team here at Twist Tours is doing a happy dance because, as real estate marketers, we know how much this city, and Central Texas overall, has to offer. We’re proud to call it home. 

Let’s examine the report, see what changes have arisen in the market, and learn what this means for anyone buying a home in Central Texas in 2023.

The market

The Austin housing market has been on a rollercoaster, y’all. 

First, there were unprecedented house price hikes. This was combined with a low stock of houses for sale. Then there was a flurry of sales through the pandemic.

And now? Finally, things are starting to steady.

The report 

‘Knock‘ is the home finance technology team and they released a report just a couple of months ago that has us pumped. In their report, they ranked Austin as the #4 homebuyer market in America!

These guys know what they’re talking about. They used “data on more than 150 million properties in the nation’s largest, most attractive metropolitan areas since 2016.” Their buyer-seller market index analyses key housing metrics to ensure the degree to which the nation’s 100 biggest markets favor buyers or sellers.

So, how do they come up with the rankings? They measure a lot of factors:

• The ratio of average sale to asking price
• The number of houses sold
• The number of active listings
• The median days on the market
• The average sale price
• The rolling supply of homes in one month

Skyrockets in flight

One of the reasons that Austin is celebrating this new title is a mega boost to its home inventory. September 2022 in particular saw the Austin – Round Rock housing market experience a giant spike in active listings by 162% – that’s 9,671 listings. This was the highest number of active listings since July 2011, according to the Austin Board of Realtors (ABOR)! WOW! 

More good news: house price growth has returned to normal, and the average price is now similar to the start of 2022.

OK, great, but what does this mean for homebuyers?

Right, enough stats. What does this actually mean for homebuyers?

Well, this shift in the real estate market favors buyers now. It means that the average sale-to-list price ratio is coming down. Great news, especially when you remember that house prices have been steadily rising since 2016. 

Sellers in Austin will be making a little attitude adjustment. Gone, it seems, are the days of multiple offers, the offers way above asking prices, and those bidding wars. 

ABOR president Cord Shiftlet said “homebuyers have not had this much leverage and this many options in over a decade. We’re still in a seller’s market, but as homes take longer to sell and are being bought for less than the original list price on average, and with inventory steadily increasing, right now is a great time to be a homebuyer in Central Texas.”

We’ll give a “Yee-haw!” to that!

Austin Texas for the win

Now, we’re not saying “I told you so” but… well, we told you so. The fact that Austin has been recognized as one of the hottest places to buy right now? Well, let’s just say we didn’t need a crystal ball to call that one.

We’re big fans of Austin. Always have been, and always will be. That’s why we set up an office here. For starters, it’s the live music capital of the world. And we can’t forget about the incredible  food scene, boot-scootin’ nightlife, and world-class museums!

Our second-to-none photographers love it, too! There’s so much beauty and interest here that you better believe there’s no way they’re leaving the house without a camera!

All in all, it’s a great place to own a home and live life to the fullest

So, you know, get ‘em while they’re hot.

Finger on the pulse

We’ve got a finger on the real estate pulse. As a local real estate marketing company, we serve Central Texas: San Antonio, Austin, and the surrounding areas. We work with builders, realtors, sellers, buyers, interior designers, and architects. Everyone we work with knows that we’re professional, experienced, and dedicated. We make it our business to know what’s happening out there. 

Hit us up for all things related to Central Texas real estate marketing, because we love to chat. We could talk for hours about virtual staging, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D spaces, videography, and aerial shots. It’s our thing. 

Call us for more information on any of these services and we’ll be happy to help. 

And remember, shoot today – in your hands tomorrow. 

Q&A With Twist Tours Issue #3: Awesome in Austin

Look who’s back!

This  Spring our first Q&A issue #1 peeked behind the curtain to meet Travis, Michele, and Cat. During the long summer days, we caught up with our San Antonio rockstars, Amanda and Trent, in issue #2.

Now it’s fall, y’all, so let’s go for issue #3!

You’ve heard of Sleepless in Seattle; meet Awesome in Austin. 

Introducing the super-talented Meredith, Linas, and Andrew…

 

Q: What did you do before Real Estate Photography? 

Meredith: I got my start in the DC/Baltimore area assisting editorial photographers during high school.  Eventually, I had regular magazine, portrait, wedding, and commercial work, and received my BFA in photography from MICA. 

Linas: I enlisted in the Navy with duty stations in Norfolk on the George Washington Carrier and Fort Worth, then a stint in Salerno and Jalalabad, Afghanistan. I dabbled in photography for a little bit and came across the opportunity to change professions to do the photography I do today. And I’ve been working with Twist Tours since July 2015. 

Andrew: I worked in textbook publishing, page layout, graphic design, and illustration for about 15 years, then spent two years in Los Angeles, working on films as a production designer and art director. I grew up with a father and a brother who are both photographers. I was looking to get into real estate photography, so of course, I set up an interview with the best around.

 

Q: How would you describe your photographic style? 

Meredith: Hopefully people find my eye interesting. I believe I have a unique perspective that allows me to find angles and highlight interesting compositional aspects that might otherwise be overlooked – and do it in a way that feels as lofty as the Austin real estate market is.

Linas: I enjoy taking stills of homes, as much as photographing corporate events, birthdays, concerts, doing some astrophotography, and even portraits from time to time. I try to be well-rounded and do a mixture of photography that keeps me learning how to be better and better behind the lens. 

Andrew: I always try to capture the scope of space, and feature something unique, in a creative way. 

 

Q: Have you had any surprises while shooting real estate?  

Meredith: I think we have all had the surprise of a passed-out human being under a pile of clothes on the bed when shooting a UT condo. I fixed an elderly lady’s dryer and then had tea with her for 3 hours just chatting. I often have a dog at my feet or a cat under my arm while I’m shooting – both for cuddles and to keep them out of frame. Also, a homeowner who was selling to travel managed to convince me to take Selena, a street cat that she fed.

Linas: All creepy encounters happen when it’s a twilight shoot, all by myself in a large home, with neighbors nowhere in sight, shutting lights off and my subconscious decides to mess with me. 

Andrew: I was chased by a goat, met a longhorn, and befriended a squirrel that stretched out against the sliding glass door, to be fed. I also photographed a vacant property before it was remodeled, and in one of the bedrooms, the wall was covered with a 4-foot-long beehive.

 

Q: What has real estate photography taught you?

Meredith: How quickly a messy house can become picture perfect after you arrive and how much stuff one can cram into a closet. 

Linas: The extreme of how much one prepares for the shoot compared to how little one could care less about the representation of their home. 

Andrew: That realtors work their asses off. They should be paid a psychiatrist fee as well. 

 

Q: What’s a common misconception people have about what you do? 

Meredith: That iPhones work just as well and it’s all photoshop.

Linas: Often people ask me if I’m the photographer when I have my camera in my hand. 

Andrew: I can’t craft the Toilet Paper Rose better than you can.

 

Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of RE Photography?

Meredith: Learning how to do that perfect effortlessly draped look for throw blankets. 

Linas: Having my artistic eye matching someone else’s expectations about the representation of the home. 

Andrew: Austin Traffic 🙂 

 

Q: What do you love the most about being a RE Photographer? 

Meredith: I love that every day is different and that you never know what each day will bring! Being able to be part of Twist Tours, and fully use my creative brain every day is something that a lot of people don’t get to do and I don’t take it for granted. 

Linas: When I hear the client say “my house looks like that?” Most people get caught up in their own perspective that when seen from another, they can appreciate their home, even more, the beauty that they found was lost along the way and when it’s presented from a different angle, they regain that feeling they got from the first time they saw the home. 

Andrew: I love the variety of homes we get to photograph. As well as working some creative magic in photoshop when needed. 

 

Q: What advice would you offer someone considering this career? 

Meredith: As with any creative career, you’ve got to know your stuff! Having a good attitude will take you a long way too. 

Linas: Have a car with good gas mileage, know your settings, and know how to ease people’s stress.

Andrew: If you’re doing your own processing, and editing, learn photoshop really well and automate your workflow as much as possible. 

 

Q: What other photography do you do outside of Real Estate? 

Meredith: I focus more on my personal projects now: some portraits, environmental, all on film.

Linas: I try to do just about anything photography related. It’s all fun and challenging. I particularly like shooting concerts in low light. 

Andrew: I love vintage lenses, and I do cinematography for my music videos and animated short films. 

 

 

Until next time…

So, there you have it, folks: Austin’s finest real estate photographers in action. 

Of course, if you’d like to learn more about our team of real estate photography professionals or about our 3D models, aerial images, virtual staging, and floorplans, we’d love to hear from you.

And hey, if you’ve got some burning questions for our photographers, let us hear them!

Upgrade Time! 10 Ways to Give Your House Sale the VIP Treatment

Don’t you just love an upgrade? Getting bumped up to first class on a flight. Arriving at the hotel expecting a classic room but getting a suite. Upgrades are what make an experience extra special. Just when you think you’re having a fun time – boom!– it goes up a gear. And if there’s an upgrade up for grabs, we’re first in line.

When it comes to maximizing the real estate marketing experience, we say yes, Queen. Like a lot of things in life, more is more. Selling your home is all about showcasing it at its peak, so why not give it the very best chance of success? After all, the better your home is received in the market, the faster and stronger the offers roll in, and well… cha-ching!

When it comes to real estate marketing, choosing some important add-ons is a win-win. You’re already getting experienced, passionate photographers and state-of-the-art digital equipment, but now you’re getting a sprinkle of glitter on top.

So, if you’re ready to go for it and give your home sale the VIP treatment, let’s look at the upgrade options available to you.

Twilight photography
There’s a little bit of magic in this one: we take photographs at twilight to create crazy gorgeous imagery of your stunning home. We also offer a virtual twilight upgrade with different sky options. Wait ‘til you see the dramatic sky effect. The before and after shots will blow your mind.

Rush or Priority Processing
Celebrities don’t wait in line, so why should your listing? We can get your beautiful photos to you the same day by 7 pm (rush) or by 9 am the following day (priority). No problemo.

Floor Plan Upload/ Clean-up
We can take a floor plan from an appraisal, sketch, or architect/ builder plan and create a 2-D printable floorplan and an enhanced 3D floor plan model for a virtual tour. Impressive stuff.

Neighborhood Amenity ShootYou live in a great area, so why not highlight all of the cool hot spots that your community has to offer? If location is everything in real estate, then this upgrade is essential.

Custom Video
Just like a rockstar needs a music video, your home needs a unique HD video. We make custom branded or unbranded videos using a mix of photos, floor plans, artist’s renders, 3D plans, video effects, and music. Leather pants and rockstar hairdos are optional.

Matterport Video
We take the Matterport walkthrough from your 3D Walkthrough Tour order and then enhance it with floorplan overlays, giving buyers a complete virtual tour experience. These downloaded videos or links can be added to emails and social media. Now that’s what we call an upgrade! This is a fabulous alternative to an interior video shoot!

Social Media Clips
Like all the best listings, your home should be visible on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. That’s all possible with our 30 to 60-second videos, formatted for social media. 2D and 3D floorplans can also be included.

Floor Plan Upgrades
Does your floor plan need a little extra love? Maybe some color to designate major living areas. Or what about some extra kitchen and bath details to really make your listing pop? Not enough? How about a 3D version complete with flooring and furniture? You can never go wrong with this fabulous add-on.

Virtual Staging
MTV Cribs eat your heart out, because virtual staging turns a home into a super cool, desirable space, allowing buyers to see it tastefully furnished. It’ll be natural and realistic, with a huge selection of furniture. A premium design collection is also available. Reach out after you receive your fab photos to learn more about this popular add-on!

Portfolio Upgrade

Talk about giving your home the best shot! The portfolio upgrade allows you additional time on site, specialized shooting style, and custom editing. It’s ideal for showing off special features and helping your beautiful home to stand out. We highly recommend this add-on for short-term rentals, designer and builder portfolio shoots, as well as luxury listings. 

Bonus Package

Choosing add-ons means that your home sale is not just going to go well, it’s going to break the sound barrier. When you upgrade, you can expect:

• Your listing will be elevated, standing out from the crowd in today’s crowded market. Buyers will be impressed.
• Unique features of your home will be highlighted. 
• Your home will close faster and achieve a higher price

So, are you feeling just a little bit bougie? Admit it, upgrading is tempting.

VIP Access Only

Ever wondered what’s beyond the beefy security guys and behind the velvet rope? Our upgrades are like the ‘access all areas backstage passes’ of the real estate marketing world. Let’s get your home into the VIP section, spray it with champagne, and declare it a total success. Well, skip the champagne, we don’t want your floors sticky when the hordes of buyers stampede through it.

Your home is a celebrity, and it’s gonna leave the other homes in the dust. With add-ons, you enhance your order. We can add certain services as a custom charge, so talk to our friendly and helpful team when we confirm your order.

At Twist Tours, we’re all about premium real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D spaces, videography, and aerial services. Real estate marketing is what we live for.

Get in touch to see how we can give you the VIP treatment.

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Up, Up, and Away: 8 Things That Excite Us About Aerial Photos & Videos

Now, the team here at Twist Tours is a hardworking, practical bunch. But you’ll have to excuse us every once in a while for getting a little bit carried away. OK, a lot carried away. It’s just that some of the homes, ranches, land sites, and commercial properties we capture for real estate marketing are out of this world. 

And the funny thing is, what has us so excited about these properties is that we have seen them from a whole new angle. That’s because admiring a property at ground level is one thing but admiring a property from above is another. Welcome to the cool and exciting world of aerial photography. And hey, the weather is great up here.

So, if you’re a bit up in the air about whether to go for aerial photos and videos, here are some of the things we absolutely love about them. We promise to keep our heads out of the clouds. 

• Your property stands out

Houses and condos look ordinary from the ground but incredible when shot from a higher viewpoint. Buyers are flooded with images of houses for sale, clicking relentlessly from one to the next. Make them stop and pay attention to yours. Your property, shot by an aerial photography expert, will look nothing like the others. It stands out from the crowd. It’s memorable, and it inspires confidence.

• Your property sale is professional

Let’s send a message to the buyers out there: your property is special. As the seller, you’re going that extra mile because it’s worth it. Nothing showcases your property like aerial photos and videos shot by our skilled drone photography professionals. You’re in the hands of the experts now. But hey, hold your applause ‘til the end.

• Size and scale

Aerial videos and photos give the viewer a better understanding of the size and scale of the property. Imagine photographing at ground level, but the trees get in the way. From above, we can soak in the extent of the land and ranch, the scale of a property, and show off the surrounding area.

• Commercial spaces

We can’t think of a better way to get the feel of a commercial space than by drone photography. Take the shops at Legends Village, for example. We get to see the surrounding area, look at the neighborhood, the scale of the property and the features inside, the local amenities, and the distance to the hot spots.

• Spectacular views

What strikes us when we look at the aerial video of Ascensions on Lake Travis is the scenery. It’s heavenly. That blue sky, lush greenery, and the movement of the water. It makes you want to book a private showing, kick your shoes off, and dive in. 

The video of Cat Mountain Peninsula lets you see the private drive, walking trail, distance to the Country Club, and the panoramic views from the top.

When the drone sweeps over the residential homes, you get to soak in the yard, play equipment, seating area, and pool. 

• Sites and development land

Aerial photography allows us to see the potential. It’s cool how we can see potential views from higher floors and mark out hectares of land. This makes it all clear to the buyer with no confusion. They can appreciate the prime development opportunity in all of its glory.

• Affordable

The bird’s eye view of aerial photography is no longer limited to high-end properties. Sure, it used to be expensive when done by aircraft, but now it’s very affordable when done by drone.

No, seriously. It may look like a million bucks, but aerial photos start at only $135. I know, right? Our team is happy to tell you more about pricing.

• Social media boost

Nothing engages an audience like aerial footage because it’s so watchable, clickable, and shareable. It creates excitement and interest online. We’ve seen it so many times with our aerial photos and videos when it comes to likes, shares, and comments. 

Let your property fly

All of these benefits of aerial photography and videography lead to stronger, faster, and more competitive sales. 

You can see samples of aerial photos and videos of commercial properties, land, ranches, and homes on our YouTube channel. 

Give your property the extra boost it deserves. After all, aerial services are affordable and effective, and it allows your home, commercial space, or land to look its best. 

Welcome to the future of real estate marketing. We’re leading the way. Won’t you join us?