Remodeling to Sell!

If a ‘For Sale’ sign is in your future, you’re thinking ahead to where you’ll live next and debating what’ll go into each moving box. But not so fast! The world of real estate is competitive: is your house ready for the challenge?

Selling a home is all about selling a dream. When you present your home to the world, you want it to dazzle. And a word to the wise: buyers are fickle. If your home doesn’t tick everything on their list, they move right along. 

Remodeling is a great way to get your home ready to sell. 

But wait…isn’t remodeling for people who, you know, want to stay in their homes? Why remodel a home if you’re going to sell it? 

Well, three reasons, actually:

  1. Return on investment

Naturally, you want to make a profit on the sale of your home, to invest in your future. But here’s the thing: you gotta speculate to accumulate, y’all. Investing in certain projects around the home will pay off *big time* when you sell. It’s called Return on Investment (ROI) and it’s so worth it.

  1. Competitive edge

Remodeling your home is the real estate equivalent of sticking it to the competition, AKA the dozens of other homes in your neighborhood and price bracket. 

Hey, you home whispers, I’ve got something y’all don’t. How do you like me now?

  1. Sale price

Now, what happens when there’s more interest in a house sale? Think back to your Economics 101. That’s right: it drives up the price. 

Making your home more functional, beautiful, and generally more desirable through renovation projects drives ‘em wild.

Cha-ching, baby.

Remodeling – Where to Focus

So, let’s be practical here. We cannot remodel the entire home. That’s because a) you want to do enough to improve your sales success without spending a fortune, b) you’d fall in love with your home and decide not to sell, and c) it would take forever.

So where to start?

Luckily for us, a recent report by Zonda shows the most lucrative remodeling projects to boost home sales. They whipped out their calculators and figured out the highest ROI rates in their cost vs value report using 2021 data.  

Let’s explore 6 remodeling projects that can make your home sale dreams come true. 

  1. Garage door replacement.

We’re stunned that this made the top of the list, but with 93% of the cost recouped, we can’t argue with the math. Replacing a worn or shabby garage door with a new one is a practical feature that buyers value.

  1. Window replacement

With the rising cost of home heating, potential buyers recognize the value in windows and doors that prevent draughts and keep us snug in the winter. New windows are an investment that pays off.

  1. Kitchen remodel 

Yup. We saw this one coming a mile away because the kitchen is the heart of the home, and a buyer will see the kitchen not just as a place to prepare dinner but also as a place to host family and friends.

  1. Deck replacement

Having a new deck in your yard is a buyer’s dream because instead of picturing themselves varnishing and patching an old, weathered deck, they picture themselves drinking a refreshing beverage and relaxing. 

  1. Fiber cement siding installation

Upgrading from painted wood siding to stone veneer means that a potential buyer won’t take on any maintenance headaches in the future. You don’t want the words ‘rot’ or ‘insect infestation’ to be uttered when talking about your lovely home. 

  1. Entry door replacement

First impressions count, and this extends to your front door. It’s called curb appeal, friends. A stunning new steel or composite door gives a fresh look and sets the tone before a buyer puts a foot inside the home. The message? This is a home that’s cared for. 

Not all home investments mean big bucks.

Remember, sometimes small updates mean big value. So, if your budget doesn’t stretch to windows, doors, and decks (oh, my!) don’t panic. You can make small changes to have your home looking fly, so roll up your sleeves. 

Cosmetic improvements such as fresh paint or new wallpaper are small on cost but big on impressions. Injecting some color can add depth and soul to a home that’s a bit… well, beige. Adding texture to soft furnishings can increase the feeling of luxury and relaxation around the house, and you can easily achieve this with throws, pillows, and rugs. Spend a little on good lighting, and your home will thank you.

No one likes clutter. Well, no one like your clutter. So, to maximize the space, think about space-saving solutions. Finally, spend some time and dollars on your garden because this is an area where people imagine themselves relaxing and entertaining, and your outdoor space can make or break a sale.

Dream a little

Come on, now, let’s indulge in a little home sale fantasy for a minute. Just for fun. Picture the scene: you’ve waved off your home contractor, hung up your power tools, and the fresh paint is dry. Then you call us. You know, ‘cos we’re the best. We roll in and showcase your home like the absolute dreamboat that it is. We present it in all its shiny glory. Then boom! The fish begin to nibble.

“Did you get a load of that incredible new kitchen?” says one buyer.

“Oh man, I could really get the BBQ going on a deck like that,” says another.

Next thing you know, there’s a bidding war. Just sayin’. It could happen. 

Y’all, we wish you luck with your remodeling plans. Your hard work and investment will pay off, and your beautiful home will be in demand.

As for us? Oh, no applause needed. Just the satisfaction of a job well done. We’re passionate, so we see the beauty in your home and its unique features. We love to capture and highlight what we know buyers will get excited about. 

Oh, and did you know? We also offer virtual staging, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D spaces, videography, and aerial services. We love what we do in real estate marketing, and it shows. Couple that with technology and dedication, and you know you’re on to a winner.

Q&A With Twist Tours – Issue 1

Q&A With Twist Tours – Issue 1: Photographers, a Peek Behind the Curtain

So, you know how our Twisters are the leaders in real estate photography, right?
If you’ve ever wanted to peek behind that industry curtain and ask us some burning questions, here’s your chance.
We’re kicking off Q&A issue 1 with some true professionals – our rockstar photographers.
But first, a little secret…

The thing is: there are two types of real estate photographers in this world.
Type #1
These are the real estate photographers whose only goal is to photograph the highest volume of properties possible in a day. Their photos are basic, lack inspiration, and fail to capture the vibe and beauty in the home. Buyers see them and feel kinda…. Well, meh.
Type #2
Ah, now, these are real estate photographers of a different breed. The artists. The passionate ones. They capture the essence of the home, create stunning photos, and make a listing or design project stand out from the crowd.

Our guys Michelle, Travis, and Cat are standing firmly in the type #2 category, each having been with Twist Tours for or just shy of 10 years! They live and breathe real estate photography, so let’s pick their brains!

Q: What did you do before real estate photography?
Michelle: “I worked in food and beverage management for several years, and I tried a corporate banking job that I kind of hated. I got into photography when my first child was born. I started a family photography business as a side hustle. It all fell into place, and I’ve never been happier!”
Cat: “I assisted in wedding photography, interned at Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine, and also photographed some properties around Austin.”
Travis: “I was a fire chaser for a fire restoration company for a short time, but it was not a good fit. I liked photography as a hobby and wanted to explore other subject matters, and the timing just so happened to coincide with the Austin real estate market exploding.”

Q: How would you describe your photographic style?
Michelle: “Fun! It’s hard to resist focusing on something fun and interesting when shooting a house. I’m a sucker for cute nurseries.”
Cat: “A blend of documentary and artistic styles. When I photograph a house the end product looks like I am telling a story.”
Travis: “I want to bring the viewer into the home, to make the audience feel like they’re there and get a true sense of the space.”

Q: What are some funny or cute pet surprises you have encountered?
Michelle: “I have 100% considered smuggling pets out of shoots under my coat before. I particularly love big dogs. I once carried a tiny kitten around during my whole shoot because I could not keep him out of my shots!”
Cat: “A surprise litter of puppies in the garage or backyard! Makes my heart melt.”
Travis: “Goats are usually really interested in what’s going on and will try to get as close as possible to the camera. I’ve had pigs chase me across the yard to say hi and try to lick the lens.”

Q: Any human surprises during a shoot?
Michelle: “I was shooting a rental once and the realtor went to tidy up the bedding in one room only to discover someone was sleeping under that mound of blankets!”
Cat: “When you photograph the entire house thinking no-one’s there and then a roommate wakes up from their nap at the very end!”
Travis: “I was almost done shooting a vacant house when I heard a door/window sensor chirp. I announced myself but no one answered. I checked the house and noticed the garage door was partially opened with no one in sight.”

Q: What is a common misconception people have about what you do?
Michelle: “People are shocked at the number of houses I can shoot in one day and don’t understand how much goes into it after I leave the property.”
Cat: “That you can use your phone for photos now or that my job ends after taking the photos. Editing is equally as important!”
Travis: “That the editing process is just applying a filter or that images come straight out of the camera looking like the finished product.

Q: What’s the most challenging aspect of real estate photography?
Michelle: “Getting the colors right and getting consistent results when your lighting situations are so vastly different.”
Cat: “Color correcting can sometimes be overwhelming, like when there’s a green cast on the walls from the trees outside.”
Travis: “Dealing with challenging situations indoors and out.”

Q: What was your most unusual photoshoot?
Michelle: “I shot a huge 80’s time capsule recently that looked like the entire family just vanished at some point.”
Cat: “There was once a house with more people than I could count.”
Travis: “I photographed a 5,500-acre ranch that had a huge collection of historically significant restored barns and prototype windmills from around the country.”

 

Q: What do you love the most about being a real estate photographer?
Michelle: “I love that I can work around my family. When I look at my shoots when they’re edited and think’ ‘those look great’ before I send them off to their new owners.”
Cat: “Every day feels like a new day, it never gets boring.”
Travis: “The comfort and flexibility of working from home some of the time.”

Q: What advice would you offer someone considering this career?
Michelle: “If you’re committed and flexible, it’s a great career!”
Cat: “Remain flexible. Being able to properly handle different situations, weather and personalities is key.”
Travis: “Time management. In most cases there are multiple contractors, prepping, and owners taking time off to all coordinate with photos being taken. You have to be on time and efficient.”

Q: What are some secrets to your success?
Michelle: “Trying something new. I would never have thought I could produce floorplans and 3D Tours, but I really enjoy that, too!”
Cat: “Never giving up. Learning to get out of my comfort zone.”
Travis: “Being detail-oriented and constantly trying to learn techniques and processes to improve my end product and efficiency.”

Q: What do you do in your free time?
Michelle: “I hang out with my kids, husband, dogs, and cats. We cuddle on couches and watch a lot of movies! We go to the Frio River as often as we can!”
Cat: “I take care of animals, hike, and garden. I also like to color and read when I have enough downtime.”
Travis: “I play disc golf, tie-dye, practice woodworking, gardening, hiking, and plan our next national park trip with my wife.”

Stay tuned…
Please note that for legal reasons, we must clarify that no pets were smuggled under coats or time capsules operated in the course of our work. At Twist Tours, our team of skilled and motivated photographers plays an important part in elevating your listing – and loves doing so!
Stay tuned for the next issues featuring even more photographers on our amazing team, and get in touch to learn more about what we can do for you.

Color Us Peri Happy

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Get the Light Right!

Let There Be Light: Getting It Right With Interior Lighting 

Raise your hand if you, or anyone close to you, has ever been the victim of unflattering, harsh lighting? We’re talking about the kind of lighting that showed every crack and flaw. Fluorescent lighting, in particular, comes to mind. 

If you can relate, we know you know the importance of good lighting. From selfies to home design good lighting is essential. So, when we talk about capturing your home in the best light, we mean that quite literally! 

You see, lighting and mood go hand in hand. It’s all about ambiance, mon Cheri. Setting the scene, and all that. Good vibes only, right?

Now, if you’re keen to get the lighting just right in your home, listen up. You’re about to get a masterclass in interior lighting, and it’s going to blow your mind. But before you start to worry about the time and cost, or which kind to choose, let us reassure you. There are simple, cost-effective lighting changes that can make a massive impact.

So, let’s shine some light (see what we did there?) on how to light your home like a pro.

Light it up

Cool? Warm? Bright? Dim? It can be daunting when choosing the lighting for your home, and with so many LED products to choose from, you may be afraid to make a mistake. Hey, we’ve got your back – let’s look at the 3 golden rules when choosing interior lighting.

  1. Interior colors

The colors in your home play a part in what kind of lighting suits. Think about the color of your walls, floors, ceiling, and furniture – are they dark or bright? 

If you’ve got plenty of cool colors in the home such as grey, blue, or green then a cool LED is going to compliment them best.

On the other hand, if your home features a lot of warm tones, natural materials such as hardwood floors, ceiling beams, wooden cabinets, or furniture, a warmer white LED is going to look just right. 

Got it? Excellent. Next!

  1. Style of the home

What style best describes your home? Would you say your home is more modern with sleek, minimalist lines? If so, cool lighting is your best bet. This gives a brighter, cleaner feel.

Or would you say your home is more traditional – wooden or shaker style kitchen, or more classic furniture? If so, warmer lighting is the way to go to create a softer, cozier, or more romantic feel.

No rocket science so far, right?

  1. Room Function

Something else to consider when choosing lighting is what takes place in each room since the lighting needs are different for restful versus active rooms. 

For bedrooms, you need subtle, soothing lighting that promotes rest and relaxation. Go for low, warm lighting here and avoid bright, harsh lighting 

For bathrooms, you want cool, bright lighting. 

For living spaces such as dens or TV rooms, this is where we relax and entertain. We need lower lighting here that is good for watching TV and winding down in the evening. If additional lighting is desired, strategically placed lamps can be turned on or off as more – or less – lighting is needed. 

In dining spaces, this is where we have family chats, entertain, or dial up the romance. Again, we want more atmospheric, inviting, mood lighting. But watch it, Romeo, we don’t want it so dim that we can’t see what’s on our plates!

Our kitchen lighting should be bright and functional. This allows us to focus on tasks and see clearly to prep food or read recipes, but not necessarily the same white balance or brightness as your bathroom lighting. 

You want to be able to read those documents and write those reports without straining to see, so home offices also need bright, functional lighting. 

  1. Color temperatures

Take a minute to consider the color of the bulbs you choose. If science class seems like a long time ago, allow us to refresh your memory: brightness is measured in Kelvins. 

Here’s a cheat sheet for the next time you’re in the home improvement section:

  • soft white = cozy, warm, yellow. Use in: bedrooms and living spaces or lamps.
  • warm white = relaxation, yellow/white. Use in: bathrooms
  • bright white = energy, bright, blue/white. Use in: kitchens, offices, home gyms

Hey, we’re getting the hang of this.

Lighting the way towards a beautiful home

Because you’ve been such great company, here are some pro tips for our fav peeps:

#1 Adapt! Remember, our lighting needs to change as we cross from day to evening, so dimmers are a great choice since they give us control. 

#2 Keep it consistent! Use the same color temperature lighting throughout the room.

So, if you’re inspired to upgrade the lighting in your home to truly capture its beauty, then we say light it up, baby.

You’ll have to excuse our enthusiasm. Our team gets excited about all things interior because every day we see beautiful homes, and we love to showcase them at their best.

When your home is ready for its close-up, talk to us about premium real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D spaces, videography, or aerial services. Get in touch to learn how we can help you to elevate your listing, highlight unique features, make your home stand out from the crowd in a competitive market, impress potential buyers and sellers, and help you close deals faster and at a higher price. 

Wow, the future is looking bright. 

The Future is Virtual!

Virtual Staging: Welcome to the Future of Selling Homes 

OK, so we’ve all heard of traditional staging, right? A staging expert enters the home that’s for sale and does an assessment of what is needed to shift this house from ‘for sale’ to ‘sold’.   But not everyone has the budget to go that route.

Virtual staging is a cost effective alternative and although it doesn’t replace the in-person visual of actual furniture and design elements, it can be a real value in helping buyers understand layout and concept of how they can live in the home.

What’s virtual staging?

Virtual staging is a type of home staging where interior design is created using a graphic editor. The goal is to create highly realistic (and highly fabulous) images that flatter the property and boost that sale.  

Buckle up because the benefits of virtual staging are going to blow you away. Let’s get started.

  1. It sparks imagination

Buyers can sometimes struggle to imagine the potential that a vacant home has, and that’s okay! Virtual staging is a helpful visual tool for those who may find it difficult to picture the layout of a room. It can also inject personality, scale, color, and help bring the home to life! Virtual Staging allows buyers to envision themselves in the home while providing standard layouts for each room. Then they will be able to appreciate the potential wrapped up in your beautiful home. We see it, and so will your buyer. 

  1. It makes things oh, so pretty

Buying a home is like falling in love: it’s emotionally driven. If a buyer isn’t excited, then hey, no deal. 

Things to Remember: 1: buyers are visual, but may need the help of marketing tools from the seller’s end: photography and home tours being first and foremost – staging in a house being the icing on the visual cake, 2: buyers like personality. They want a house with character. Showing a buyer a house that’s not tasteful, is empty, or clearly needs a makeover is like the dating equivalent of boring conversation: next!

Virtual staging has you covered. Stunning furniture. Interesting art. Tasteful décor. Eye-catching light fixtures. Memorable kitchens. Stylish master bedrooms. Your home is showcased at its full potential, and it’s going to stand out from the crowd.

Browse the sample gallery and you’ll see rooms that’ll make you go Woah! As for the before and after shots? You’ll think that a fairy Godmother came to visit. Psst! It was just us, sprinkling our magic. Because that’s just what we do.  

  1. It saves money

Virtual staging costs far less than traditional staging, in fact, let’s do a little cost analysis to prove that point. 

Costs of traditional staging stack up pretty fast. Imagine you’ve just been handed a bill. Brace yourself, now.

Painting and DIY $200-$700

Monthly storage fee for clutter to depersonalize $300

Stager initial design consultation $300-600

Monthly cost per staged room $500-600

___________________________________________________________________

TOTAL    $  YIKES!!

OK, you have to invest in a home to sell it.  Add more if you’re not using your current furniture, if the house is vacant and needs many items, or if extras such as accessories and flowers are needed.

Now, you’ll be glad to hear that virtual staging is much more cost-effective. It’s only $45 per image. 

Read that again if you need to. 

Our quality focuses on natural and realistic rendering with shadows and light sources, and we have a huge furniture library to choose from. There’s a premium design collection from the online catalog, and minor corrections are free of charge. 

Your home is going to look like a million dollars, but without breaking the bank. 

  1. It makes money

Using virtual staging will drive up the sale price of your house. Research proves that houses that are staged sell for around 20% more than those that are not.

Because virtual staging lures buyers into paying more for the home, you’ll get a return on your investment. 

  1. It’s convenient

Trying to get a house ready for a sale is inconvenient, whether you’re the one removing and replacing furniture and painting walls or whether you hired someone. 

The convenience of virtual staging means that you simply browse the gallery and chat with our skilled and creative team about what you’d like. Leave the rest to us.

  1. It saves time

Traditional staging is a time drain. Make an appointment with the stager whose calendar may be full, follow up on recommendations, buy the paint, wait in line for the furniture in use at another house, and send the clutter into storage.

Virtual staging is fast, effective, and offers a quick turnaround: we’re talking 48 hours (except for Sundays when we dream about photographing beautiful houses).

  1. It speeds up sales

Virtual staging leads to a faster house sale. Pack your bags because your house is not going to be on the market long.

Evidence shows that staging a home allows it to sell 88% faster than those that are not staged.

I mean, we can’t argue with that math.

Let’s get started

We can’t wait to discuss the virtual staging options for your home, and we’re excited to get started. Our enthusiastic and professional staff can guide and advise you. Get in touch to learn more.

The future is bright, baby. The future is virtual. 

Interior Design 2022 Trends

The Top Interior Trends for 2022
As 2021 moves through its final quarter and 2022 looms on the horizon, it’s a great time to check out what interior design trends are predicted and how we can incorporate them into our homes.
Now, as you know, our team at Twist Tours has quite an appreciation for interior design. It’s no surprise, really. We’re surrounded by stunning, on-trend houses day after day. We’ve learned what works well in a home and how to make it stand apart from the rest.
From compact condos to sprawling ranches, we believe in getting the most from your home and keeping your finger on the pulse of interior design. So, let’s take a peek into our crystal ball here and see what’s hot for homes in ‘22.

Maximalism
Now is not a time to be shy, folks. Reach for sensational style with maximum personality. It’s time to go big, be memorable, and stand apart. Maximalism is all about bold, interesting, expressive, free-spirited, creative, brave choices. This style will speak to those who are fans of Bloomsbury artists, and those who enjoy statement pieces, mixing patterns, and those who can inject large scale wall décor next to small scale decorative layers.
And hey, this louder, braver new interior world doesn’t end there. Watch for the combination of the two classic patterns: checks and stripes. This mix and match look will feature in wallpaper, cushions, and throws, in bedrooms and living spaces.
Pretty wild, right? Go for it!

Extreme minimalism
In sharp contrast to the extrovert, extreme maximalism is her sister: minimalism. She represents a much quieter, cleaner, calmer interior look.
Extreme minimalism takes the classic minimalism and goes a step further. It’s all about decluttering anything busy, unnecessary, or unwanted. To achieve this look, you’ll need to examine the purpose of the space and then purge, baby, purge! It’s all to do with cutting it back to what’s important and needed, then removing everything else.
We’ve got a theory on this one. The pandemic meant that we were home more, using our homes for not just resting and eating but also work and even education. Rooms became multifunctional, and during such a difficult time, many of us accumulated clutter. The extreme minimalist look has a soothing effect as it helps us to achieve balance, organization, and peace. And who doesn’t need that, these days?

Sustainability
We’re pleased to see that sustainability wasn’t just a fad in 2021. Instead, sustainability is growing in importance, and it looks like it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future. And that’s a good thing. After all, a focus on the environment and our planet is key.
Sustainability means a move away from perfection, uniformity, and a polished look. It’s all about styling individuality and uniqueness by creating a curated collection. Think rustic and imperfect, with a focus on natural and recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, glass, plastic, cork, and granite.
You can achieve this look by showing off the grain and texture of wood and important details such as exposed beams or original floorboards.

Bye-bye Gray
Don’t get us wrong, we love gray as a neutral color choice. We see it everywhere we go in kitchen cabinets, walls, furniture, bedding, and living spaces. However, what goes up must come down, and the reign of gray is coming to an end.
So, what color will take the top place? Well, as cool gray takes a bow, we can officially confirm that bolder décor is emerging and with it! Greens are creeping in like the flora they remind us of, and we will no doubt come across olive tones and warm greens, as well as jewel tones in 2022.
Now, top paint companies such as Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Sherwin-Williams are all in agreement when it comes to the color for ‘22: gray-green. This color is dedicated to balance and harmony and is a nod to colors found in nature. Keep your eyes peeled for shades like Benjamin Moore’s October Mist 1495, described as “a gently shaded sage that quietly anchors while encouraging creative expression through color.”
Doesn’t that sound sophisticated? Form an orderly line…

Curves to Swoon At
It’s predicted that in 2022, sculptural furniture and accessories will be a big hit as we move away from sharp edges and modern lines. Pieces that boast a shapely, curved figure displayed in a quiet, neutral space are sure to elevate the home.
A stylish, curved stylish piece of furniture can create a dramatic look. A curved ceramic piece placed at a window makes a statement that draws the eye to something beautiful. A curved sculpture in the garden grabs the attention with something elegant to admire.
So, show off those curves in 2022.

Escapism
Oh, how we longed to spread our wings this year and last year. How we pined for exotic, distant shores and the excitement of travel. This can be seen in our home trends, with wall murals, eye-catching, bold, bright, inviting colors, playful scenes, and global inspirations. Think safari scenes, lush floral vegetation, and the glistening sea.
Our interiors will reflect our love of freedom in 2022, and we say it’s something to uplift us and to be celebrated.

Tap into Style, then Shine the Spotlight
At Twist Tours, we see the potential in each and every home and love nothing more than showcasing it at its very best. We help others to see the beauty in your home and how it stands out from the rest.

We believe that keeping your finger on the pulse of what’s trending in the interior design realm will give you that edge when selling. So, once you are done putting the fabulous new touches on your home with a fresh coat of gray-green and purged your closets, let’s talk about presenting it to the world! We’ve got the dedication, the skills, and the best technology to shine the spotlight on your home. You’ll be amazed at how brightly it shines.

Portfolio Upgrade

Portfolio Upgrades: Your Home Deserves the Best Shot

Some homes are special. Some homes are unusual. Some homes are memorable for all the right reasons. Those are the homes that deserve a little something extra.

Now, we all know that homes listed with quality real estate photos sell quicker and for more money. That’s simply because buyers tend to be visual and spend more time browsing images of homes compared to descriptions of homes. We also know that in the current climate, fewer people visit homes in person and start their search online.

Zillow revealed that 79% of recent home buyers shopped online to find their home, and almost half of buyers said that viewing professional photos was extremely or very important to their home buying process.

Right, so what can we take from this? Your real estate photos have never been more important when it comes to selling your home. Stunning, quality real estate photographs are essential to the success of the sale.

 

What’s the difference?

OK, so you may be wondering what the difference is between real estate photography and portfolio/ design photography. Fair question. 

Our photo packages are built with the right amount of photos to capture standard real estate angles, and they include a specific amount of time on site. They capture your property as a whole.

But…

If you add on the portfolio upgrade for only $100, you’ll receive additional architectural, vignette, and lifestyle shots, plus added time-on-site and custom editing.  

It’s the difference that will help your listing to go beyond the standard and become a real estate success story.

Standing out from the crowd

We want to capture your home at its optimum beauty. When you go for a portfolio upgrade, you’ll get striking photos that are worthy of the cover of a glossy home magazine. 

Let’s think about your home for a moment. What is it about your home that makes it different? How does it stand apart from the many other homes for sale in today’s market? What makes your property memorable? Perhaps you have an oversized window, an unusual fireplace, an on-trend kitchen that has been recently updated, a bespoke bookshelf, a winding staircase, or a custom-built wine fridge.

Zillow research found that certain features highlighted in real estate photos earned sellers a 29% higher sale price. These include steam showers, professional appliances, pizza ovens, solar panels, shed/ loft/garage/studio, and sub-zero fridges. It was also found that highlighting any notable views such as water, mountains, or cityscape vistas made a huge difference in boosting the sale. The same goes for any architectural details such as wainscotting, exposed beams, or intricate tile work.

So, folks, if you’ve got it, flaunt it!

Whatever it is about your home that makes it oh-so-special, let’s properly showcase it and excite the buyer. We want to make them think “none of the other houses we saw have that.” We want them to imagine what it would be like to entertain in that space or picture themselves reading a book when the light is streaming in as they saw in that photo. 

Does it make a difference to upgrade?

It sure does. From a buyer’s point of view, if a home is staged and its selling points are highlighted with quality images, it truly helps the listing to fly.

According to Realty Biz News, architectural or vignette photography helps sell homes by doing the following impressive things:

  1. It highlights the unique features of the home
  2. It makes a crucial first impression with the most visually pleasing images
  3. It helps the home get more social media shares and views, increasing its exposure. 

A Portfolio upgrade boosts the sale of a home even more than standard real estate photography. So, think flattering angles. Think expert lighting. Think professional editing. Think defining the elements of luxury. Think upgrade to architectural, lifestyle, and vignette shots.

Your home is ready for its close up

Bring the story of your home to life and get ready for its next chapter. From bright, specious interior shots to romantic twilight images, we can give your home the attention it deserves. 

Our team is proud to work with some incredibly cool clients – architects, interior designers, staging companies, vacation rental companies, and homeowners with incredible style. You’ll be amazed at how epic your home is going to look.

Your home has something extra, so let’s take that extra step to help it on its journey towards a buyer by investing in a portfolio upgrade. As industry leaders, your home is in the best possible hands. 

Get in touch to learn more about a portfolio upgrade, and how it will be the best investment you ever make. 

Are you ready to take it to the next level?

3D Walkthroughs: Why They are Better Than Interior Video

3D Walkthroughs vs. Interior Videos 

It’s incredible how many digital tools are at our fingertips these days when it comes to the real estate industry. In particular, the growth of interior video marketing in the real estate sector has been overshadowed by a newer, shinier marketing tool: the 3D Walkthrough.

Now seen as the ultimate marketing tool in the property market, 3D Walkthroughs are loved by buyers, sellers, and agents. That’s because it’s a bespoke digital product that creates a truly immersive experience.

We take a closer look at 8 reasons why many people are choosing 3D Walkthroughs over interior videos, and we explore why the 3D Walkthrough is a top digital property marketing tool.

  1. Emotional connection

We all know that home is where the heart is, so it’s no wonder that buying a home is an emotional journey. There’s an instant connection that buyers get from high-value content such as 3D walkthroughs. Instantly, they can picture which bedroom their child will sleep in, and debate where the dining table should go. When you visualize yourself in a home, you make an emotional connection.

  1. Visualize the Space

Compared with internal video, a 3D Walkthrough results in a far greater understanding of the layout, flow, and feel of the property for potential buyers. It’s fully immersive, so you feel like you’re really there, rather than having to watch a video just to go backwards and forwards to get to points of interest – or even worse, waiting for it to buffer. Matterport tours are immersive and interactive, allowing the viewer to control the experience with a few clicks and navigate their own way through the home at their own pace, whereas video is flat. With Matterport tours, they’re in control, so they can view at any angle and decide where to focus their attention and explore where they want, rather than just pressing play on a video. For example, if you want to linger on the kitchen tiles or zoom in on countertops, you can do just that. The end result is a better understanding of the home that’s under consideration, and a better-informed buyer. 

  1. Top presentation

When you present a home to the world, you want to give it the best opportunity possible to really shine. A high-quality 3D Walkthrough allows you to showcase a listing at its very best. Polished, professional presentations generate confidence in the potential buyer. They can see that top resources have been put into this house because it’s worth it. 

  1. Increased conversions

3D Walkthrough is a powerful tool in your marketing plan because it converts more prospects into leads, which turn into sales. By attracting more attention, 3D walkthroughs allow for more conversions than the interior video does. 

  1. Super accessible

We might sound like a broken record, but it’s true! For buyers, there’s nothing more efficient than being able to tour a house remotely. No need to book an in-person viewing and drive to the location just to decide it’s not The One. The 3D Walkthrough means no barriers to remotely viewing a home and no safety concerns, as the property is viewed from the comfort of home. The home can be viewed by anyone, anywhere, any time, and as many times as they like. That means that whether a potential buyer is across the street or across the globe, they can access it. The home is showcased 24/7, casting a wider net. 

  1. Increased engagement

Agents notice that 3D Walkthroughs have led to an increase in engagement among potential buyers. It’s a social media world we live in, and people are likely to share, like, and comment on 3D Walkthroughs, sending links to family and friends to get their valued opinions on what’s likely to be the most important purchase of their lives. Instantly, our nearest and dearest can see exactly what the master bedroom layout looks like, giving the buyer confidence in their decision. Compared with interior video, the target audience is more likely to engage with a 3D Walkthrough. 

  1. Competitive edge

The property selling industry is becoming more and more competitive. 3D Walkthroughs offer a more competitive edge than interior videos that have been around for longer and are less effective in giving the feel of a home. After all, having the latest tool at your disposal shows the client you’re professional and are a player to be taken seriously. Agents know that with the 3D Walkthrough at their disposal, they’re more attractive to buyers and sellers, raising their marketing efforts to new heights.

  1. Happy Sellers

Those who sell their home thanks to the help of 3D Walkthroughs are of course happier with the increased traffic that this tool has created since it has strengthened their sale. This kind of attention and traffic just isn’t achieved to the same degree with interior videos. 

Sellers are also feeling pretty happy about the fact that they cleaned and prepped the property and then presented it at its very best before the 3D Walkthrough was shot, instead of the frustration and exhaustion of staging ahead of every single visit. 

Walkthrough to the future of property marketing

When it comes to property marketing, 3D walkthroughs beat interior video every time. No wonder it’s growing in popularity. 

The statistics say it all. According to property site Zillow, houses that have 3D tours get more attention from prospective buyers in the critical early listing phase. The listings with a 3D Walkthrough simply get more clicks.  In fact, recently it was shown that listing views on Zillow were up 200% when a 3D tour was included! 

These figures make absolute sense to our team at Twist Tours. That’s because the more potential buyers who view the property means the higher the number of possible offers, which in turn means a higher chance of a sale exceeding the listing price. And that, friends, is what we call a good result. 

Elevating your property to the next level and giving clients a whole new way to explore your property has never been so easy. The Twist Tours team knows that 3D Walkthroughs please everyone. Get in touch with our team and visit our website to learn more about 3D walkthroughs, Matterport 3D models, and floorplans. Together, we’ve got the tools to make your listing fly and your home shine. 

 

Digital Tools or Open Houses?

How the pandemic shifted the way potential buyers view homes.

It’s becoming increasingly clear what industries have changed and how as a result of the pandemic. From restaurants making takeout ordering a bigger part of their consumer experience to businesses switching to Zoom meetings rather than in-person meetings, life as we know it is going to look a bit different moving forward. The positive note to keep in mind is that change is the “spice” of life. It certainly keeps things interesting, and more often than not, the outcome of a transition is better than the way that tasks were completed in the past.

The real estate industry is going through some modifications as well. The share of listings on Zillow advertising an open house in April was down 42% from pre-pandemic levels, while those featuring a 3D tour were up about 200%. There is a good reason for the spike in 3D and virtual tours too, they benefit buyers, sellers, and agents. Now, we know what you may be thinking, “It’s impossible for digital tools to positively impact all parties involved in a real estate transaction.” Well, we’re here to tell you that it’s not only possible, but it’s currently happening. Here’s a breakdown of what’s taking place in the world of real estate right now from our Twist Tours Team:

The Buyer Advantage

For potential buyers, it doesn’t get more efficient than touring a house virtually. By visualizing it this way, travel time and open house appointment lines are eliminated, distractions are minimized and properties can be “toured” an unlimited amount of times, allowing for a much more buyer-centric process. To make things even better for potential buyers, virtual tours are now a fully immersive experience where they can see high-quality photos of a property, aerial videos, and also Matterport 3D videos that actually allow them to “walk” throughout a space. This has been shown to speed up the selling process. The convenience of being able to walk over to a computer screen, fully tour a property in a timeframe that works for the buyer, and then move on to the next home (hopefully your listing “wowed” them enough to prevent further searching), makes digital tools an asset that will be sticking around for a long time to come.

Floor Plans: A vast majority (79%) of those interviewed by Zillow in February 2021 said they wanted the availability to view a virtual tour when searching for a home. The same percentage also said they would like to be able to view a digital floor plan too. This great amount of popularity showcases that this trend is not going away anytime soon. In reality, future innovations are going to make Floor Plans, 3D Models and virtual tours an even larger part of the home purchasing experience, even as the pandemic continues to subside! As a professional real estate marketing company, this is music to our ears.

Don’t get us wrong, open houses do have their advantages, like actually seeing a house in-person, having the opportunity to actually experience the feeling of being within a residence, and speaking with a realtor on site, but the demand for them in today’s world has understandably shifted to adapt with the times.

The Seller Advantage

For those of you who thought virtual tours only benefited buyers, think again. According to Zillow, home listings with 3D tours and other digital optimization tools get more attention from prospective buyers in the crucial early listing period. In real estate, speed is the name of the game so maximizing this specific period is so important. The more potential buyers view a property during a certain time period, the greater the number of offers, and the better the chances of a home selling over the listing price. This is a win-win because now a potential buyer can reside in their dream home and the seller gets to transition into the next chapter of their life knowing that they just experienced a successful transaction. Also, for our sellers, decreasing the number of times that an open house is held in your home means that you no longer have to stage it for certain periods of time, leave for hours for tours to be held, and can easily begin the process of packing for a new residence.

Now, we didn’t forget about our real estate agents!

The Agent Advantage

Realtors, having 3D and virtual tours in your marketing arsenal only gives sellers or buyers more of a reason to partner with you. It means that you can showcase your latest listing online while also rocking an open house for those in-person buyers as well. There’s no downside to taking advantage of the digital tools we have at our fingertips. Also, for agents utilizing virtual tours, you can add your very own branding, contact information, and more to make it more of a personalized experience. This will not only validate your credibility and help your listing shine, but will also maximize the potential for a transaction, and allow you to take on more clients since you don’t need to go from open house to open house.

Moving forward, open houses will absolutely still be a part of the homebuying journey, but 3D and virtual tours will also be a very big part of it as well. Buyers simply adore the convenience aspect of this digital tool, sellers enjoy creating demand, and realtors love elevating their marketing efforts to generate higher sale prices for their clients. Even though technological innovations can end up hurting certain careers, 3D and virtual tours definitely aren’t one of them. For our team at Twist Tours, nothing is better than seeing all parties involved in a real estate transaction feel pleased with the outcome and this is exactly what we work tirelessly for every day.

To learn more about 3D and virtual tours, check out our website and contact our team today! We’d love to help you give your latest listing an edge.

Real Estate 2021

The 2021 Real Estate Market

Long hours, bidding wars, long lines for open houses, and more. It’s been a record-breaking year for Austin and San Antonio and there are still six more months to go.

If you’ve been following the real estate news recently, then you have definitely seen a plethora of articles describing the unusual situation we’re all in. What is typically a busy time of year has escalated due to the pandemic and we’re now in a climate that has been referred to by some experts as “The Real Estate Wild West.” We’ve heard stories from realtors stating that they have had 20+ offers on a house in an hour and if they don’t respond to the best ones as quickly as possible, the entire conversation can change. Buyers are flirting with many properties at once, making it challenging for agents to operate as they normally do. From our point of view, we can confidently say that the market is HOT. 

According to CultureMap Austin, home sales in the city of Austin skyrocketed 51.4 percent in April 2021 compared to April 2020. As you may remember the city was under shelter-in-place orders, which caused the 2020 numbers to be fairly low, however, April’s home sales figure (1,167 sales) was an all-time high for any April on record. Also, the median home price in Austin soared 31.7 percent in April to $550,562 – the highest price ever recorded. By comparison, in February 2021, just two months prior to April, the city’s median price made waves as it neared the $500,000 mark for the very first time.

In April 2021, San Antonio’s average home price shot up 22 percent year-over-year to $333,671, and the median home price jumped 15 percent to $277,000. Those increases also represent significant month-over-month growth: In March 2021, the average home price sat at $316,971, while the median price was $268,500. Also, homes are spending much less time on the market, too, an average of only 36 days compared to 61 days a year ago.

Even though our world of real estate is intense now, especially in these two areas, it’s constantly evolving, which is why it’s important for both sellers and agents to be set up for success in the future.

Foreseeing the Coming Months

Through our research, our Twist Tours Team can say that a big reason for homes selling above the normal asking price is due to low inventory. In the next few months, as the world returns to a more “normal” state of being, we expect inventory to increase again, which would cause home prices to decrease. According to Susan Horton, 2021 ABoR president, back in May, “Housing inventory was slightly higher in April than in March, and the pace of home price appreciation month to month is slowing, indicating that the rush on the housing market at the beginning of the year could be easing.” This change mirrors COVID-19 restrictions being decreased and people feeling more comfortable about transitioning to a new residence. 

Now, if you’re hearing this and you’re a seller, it’s understandable to question if you should have listed your home earlier. The great thing is – it’s possible to still create a high demand for your home right now, even as median prices change.

The Twist Tours Advantage

For those of you who don’t know, we are a real estate marketing company composed of photographers, videographers, drone pilots, and a wonderful office team that specializes in showcasing properties in Austin, San Antonio, & surrounding areas. Our services include 

The main purpose of our services is to help real estate agents get their sellers top dollar. Through capturing high-quality marketing collateral, we’re able to:

  • Create demand for properties
  • Decrease the time homes are on the market
  • Provide agents with wonderful single property websites & photos/videos to showcase on multiple listing websites or direct to potential buyers
  • Give realtors an edge. When an agent works with us, their seller can have the utmost confidence their home will be captured in its best light

Our 2021 Experience So Far

Over the past few months, we have streamlined our processes to be simple, easy to follow, and most importantly, quick. Our virtual tour & 3D scan services have become increasingly popular since potential buyers can learn about a house and fully visualize it without being present in the actual home (great for social distancing.) These products have yielded high click-through rates and greater interest in homes from remote buyers. Cutting-edge, unique product offerings have allowed us to help agents and sellers accomplish their goals, even as the state of our industry varied.

Outside of the world of real estate, we know times have been challenging. Virtually every industry has changed in one way or another (some for the good, some for the unfortunate), families faced hardships, and stress has been a common feeling among individuals since at some times, it seemed like the pandemic would never end. We feel the pain that many of our family members, friends, and neighbors experienced and know that better days are on the horizon. We can get through this together.

To assist our clients, we’ve done our very best to be flexible. Whether that be rescheduling a shoot due to someone having COVID in a household to planning on taking photos at a time when no one else would be in a home, we’ve focused on establishing a safe environment for all. We know that we’re not “fully” back yet and will continue to listen to agents, research, and use our best judgment.

As the real estate market continues to transform, we will be researching, listening, and understanding so that we can offer the absolute best service possible to our incredible clients. We can’t thank those who have stuck with us over the past year enough. Your support genuinely means the world to us and inspires us to work hard every single day. 

If you have any questions regarding the real estate industries in Austin/San Antonio or would be interested in utilizing our Twist Team to take your listings to the next level, we encourage you to contact us here: https://www.twisttours.com/contact-us/