Optimize Your Listing Online!

Listing Optimization 101

Simple and effective tactics that all realtors can utilize to increase the number of potential buyers that view their client’s property online.

Over the past few years, our team at Twist Tours has worked with hundreds of real estate professionals, and if there’s one thing we noticed it’s that realtors are busy! Between juggling phone calls, paperwork, showings, and more, it’s possible for certain key elements for success to be put on the back burner, including marketing. 

Well, it’s time to move that pot upfront and set it to power boil because it’s time to turn up your advertising efforts! Doing this will help your listings sell faster, grow the number of prospective clients you have, and allow you to expand brand awareness. Putting more thought and effort into marketing can seem like a large undertaking, but we know exactly how to maximize your listing’s exposure while saving time and money. Here are some creative and impactful strategies that you can follow!

Time To Get Mobile

With each passing day, our world becomes increasingly mobile, which means that home buyers will be viewing listings on the go. This means that your website needs to be mobile optimized to give potential clients a high-caliber viewing experience that stands out from the competition. Allowing for valuable information to be readily available and showcasing eye-catching content will make people more likely to select your business. Also, websites that are tailored to be viewed on smartphones rank higher on Google, which means that even if your desktop version of your website is fantastic, it can still hinder your ranking. Considering SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is so important for both buyers and sellers to locate an agent they can trust. Designing a mobile-friendly website is an investment, but one that will pay off in the long run. Our single property websites are wildly efficient and can help showcase a listing beautifully on a desktop monitor or smartphone!

Establish Your Brand

Knowing your target demographic is essential for all digital marketing, building your brand, and validating your credibility. For instance, if you are a realtor in Austin or San Antonio, two trendy cities that attract creative and unique individuals, then you want to have branding that is sleek, simple, and memorable. This highlights elements that people in these areas care about. Naturally, having this high-end look means photos and video content that match its refined energy.

Elevate Your Photography

The times where low-quality, pixelated photos were acceptable when showcasing a real estate listing are long gone. 83% of property buyers believe that photos are crucial in helping them reach a buying decision. With such a high number, realtors can’t afford to just take their phones out and start snapping images, even though that sounds like an easy route to take. Big and gorgeous photos of a listing will keep prospective buyers coming back for more, and the greater number of people that view a specific website, the higher it will rank. Exposure is very important when it comes to a property selling as quickly as possible and investing in photography will have numerous benefits.

Grow With Video

When you add captivating video content to your online listing presentation, you will get more prospects interested in your property. Listings that include videos boast a 403% increase in inquiries than listings that don’t. Here are just a few of the many benefits of adding video to your listing digital marketing strategy:

  • A video allows potential buyers to get a true feel for the layout and size of a room that wouldn’t be possible in photos.
  • Videos give prospective buyers the opportunity to visualize themselves in a home.
  • Aerial videos can showcase an entire neighborhood.
  • A high-quality video can emphasize specific features of a property while having informative text overlays, which allow for a more enjoyable viewing experience.

In a world where more and more people are purchasing homes online, a video creates a true cinematographic perspective that can make a viewer feel as though they’re right at home. Not only do we specialize in aerial video services at Twist Tours, but we also offer:

Get Social

Did you know? Being active on social media channels, like Facebook and Instagram, can actually boost your SEO. Now, this increase isn’t direct, but having loyal followers who like and comment on your posts will build credibility, which will naturally lead to more people gaining interest in your listings. We recommend staying active on social media, posting more than just listing after listing (or if you are showcasing a ton of listings, break it up between photo and video content), sharing what makes you unique, and building a community that will be interested in all you have going on. The more people who want to talk to you means more relationships, leading to more prospective buyers!


Be Strategic With Listing Websites

Zillow and Trulia can be used in a positive way to bring prospective clients to your website. It’s possible that some buyers go to these websites before they even look for a realtor, so this is a valuable strategy to keep in mind. On websites, like Zillow, the goal is to find buyers who have expressed interest in a certain residence. If they venture to your website, the odds of them wanting to learn more are far greater. Having detailed information about the specific property, plenty of high-quality photos and video content will keep these valuable individuals locked in.

One of the services that we offer our Twist Tours clients is a single property website that features all of this important marketing collateral and also is a place for a realtor to be contacted to schedule a showing. The true value of a single property website is that once a viewer is there, their only focus is on that specific property. They can learn and see all they want without being distracted. These online tours are a true virtual experience that is captivating and will definitely give you an edge over your competition. We offer six different tour designs based on your brand and goal that we can offer as well!

As you may have heard: “If you’re not committing to giving your all in order to accomplish your goals, your competition is,” and right now, this couldn’t be more true. Simply snapping photos on your phone, posting them on MLS, and waiting for a call won’t help your listing gain attention. You need to fully create a marketing strategy that will enhance your entire digital presence. 

Since we specialize in real estate marketing, we offer a plethora of services that benefit realtors in both the Austin and San Antonio areas. If you’d like to learn more or schedule us to come to photograph one of your properties, contact us today here: https://www.twisttours.com/contact-us/

 

Spring Forward

Don’t let the harshness of this past winter get you down. We’re warming it up with some incredible outdoor inspiration!

There’s no way around it: this past winter was rough… like, really rough. Between the extreme cold, ice, and snow, it not only caused challenges for us and our neighbors, but also our landscaping – and, in some cases even outdoor furniture or structures. We’ve all been asking the same questions:  “Should we replant what died?” “How do we find new trees?” “Do we have time to remove the dead stuff?” “Should we totally redo the entire yard?” These are big questions and we’re here to provide you with some inspiration that might help you answer them! 

Almost every day of the week, there is a Twist Tours photographer out capturing real estate photos, videos, and more in the Austin and San Antonio areas; and you better believe we’ve been taking notes. We think you’ll enjoy some of these outdoor enhancements that keep us coming back for more and inspire our own home improvements! 

Gather Around The Fire

When temperatures dropped a few months ago, you may have lost a bed filled with flowers or plants, which is a shame. Growing a successful garden is something that takes a ton of time, effort, and creativity so seeing it fade due to the weather is never a plus. The good thing is, we like to look at the positives at Twist Tours and believe this is an amazing opportunity to create a new space that can bring a ton of happiness and entertainment to your backyard; put in a fire pit! The average cost to build a fire pit is $700, depending on the materials that you choose to build it with. A fire pit comes with many advantages, including:

  • It provides a great area for family time.
  • A fire pit can be used as a tool for preparing food (Roasted hot dogs or s’mores, anyone?)
  • Having a fire pit creates a new, cozy outdoor area
  • Sitting around a fire can be very relaxing

The national cost for a landscape installation is $3,428 so it is possible to save money by installing a fire pit while adding a new fun space to your property!

Light it Up

Since this past winter’s storms brought heavy ice, snow and wind, it is possible that you lost a tree in your backyard and now it is feeling empty. Even though this may seem like a problem, it definitely isn’t because we found the perfect way to make it feel full and vibrant; add in string lights! Whether you choose to hang them vertically or horizontally, string lights add a refreshing ambiance to any space. Most string lights run in the $20-$30 dollar range. Since we first began snapping photos, many years ago, we’ve seen this trend explode and we don’t see any signs of it slowing down! 

Outdoor Movie Theater? Yes, Please!

Typically, when we see a patio boasting a large wall, we see tall trees or bushes covering the bottom half to add some life to the yard. Even though that is the “usual,” this homeowner embraced the wall on its own and we thought this creative use was so cool! Since we can enjoy more comfortable temperatures at night in Texas, an outdoor movie theater is an awesome idea.  All you’ll have to do is invest in a projector and some portable speakers, neither of which need to be over-the-top expensive. Just set them up in an area that is comfortable for viewing, grab some blankets or lawn chairs and you enjoy some of your favorite films under the stars with family and friends!

Rock Yards Rock

Yard replacement can be tricky and costly – especially if you’re trying to keep a yard of new grass alive.  If you lost your grass in this winter’s freeze and want to start totally fresh in an innovative way, consider a rock yard. Rock yards are easy to maintain and will help the environment! Create a tranquil, relaxing space that looks gorgeous 365 days of the year and pairs flawlessly with peaceful water features such as small ponds or waterfalls. Depending on the material you select to construct your space, expect to pay $20 to $100 per cubic yard of landscape stone. From an environmental perspective, having a rock yard will allow you to conserve more water and eliminate the need for chemicals that are typically used on lawns! If a full rock yard feels a little too out-there, consider Zeroscaping! It uses less gravel material, but still helps with resource conservation. 


Embrace Native Foliage

Even though native plants are often overlooked, we have a special place in our hearts for them. They are aesthetically pleasing, easier to keep alive (in most cases), and are fantastic for local wildlife & the environment. If you lost some more exotic plants over the past few months and are debating if you want to replant them, consider going with this cost-effective and environmentally beneficial option: 

  • Lower maintenance
  • Capable of saving water
  • Wonderful for creating an animal habitat
  • Perfect for adding a unique natural character to a property

Hang it Up

Not in the mood to do any replanting? Consider hanging plants! They can easily be added to the outside of any structure and add a unique flair. For people with a smaller yard, add in some colorful hanging plants to liven up the area and make it feel larger! If you don’t have the space to hang anything from an awning or patio, shepherd’s hooks or even lower tree branches make charming alternative options. Mixed in with twinkle lights, it gives a really whimsical, Austin vibe.

Growing a successful garden is something that takes a ton of time, effort, research and creativity and losing it all to the elements is not only disheartening, but stressful. But at Twist Tours we like to look at the positives and several of us are using the opportunity to create new spaces we’ve been putting off. 

To stay up-to-date on the latest exterior and interior trends, real estate marketing tips, and more, follow us on social media and check out our blog!

 

Small Updates=Big Value

Who knew that updating a house could be so easy? There are tons of imaginative ways to upgrade your home for less while sticking with the latest trends!

When you own a property, you always want it to be the place you enjoy returning back to after a long day of work or space where friends and family can gather to enjoy each other’s company. The thing is, having an out-of-date home can make all of those moments less enjoyable. Some elements that tend to drive homeowners and guests a bit crazy in 2021 are outdated window treatments, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, faux stone fireplaces, and more (emphasis on more.) The great thing for homeowners with these elements in their residence? It can all be replaced in a cost-effective manner!

Over the past few years, members of our Twist Tours team have been making small improvements to their homes and doing tons of research in order to create spaces they can be proud of. Some of these projects have been epic wins and some have been a bit challenging, but we’re here to share the positives with you to add some value to your property and save you time! 

No need to bring in a contractor and deal with an intense buildout; you’re about to have the tools you need to increase your property’s practicality right here! Inspiration, courtesy of Twist Tours!

Add New Lighting

If you feel as though a space needs to be “brought to life,” one of the best ways to do so is through adding proper lighting. When a space has bad lighting, it can feel cramped, dark, and uncomfortable. But, when a room is brightly lit, the energy can feel light, airy, and welcoming. One very simple way to do this is by purchasing table lamps or floor lamps. Speaking of floor lamps, if you place a few strategically throughout your home, it can make the interior as a whole feel cozier and inviting. 

If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can even replace out-of-date ceiling fixtures with one of the stunning modern offerings that are currently on the market! Enhancing a home’s lighting is never an improvement that any homeowner will regret. Newfound, lovely light is sure to keep everyone smiling!

Update Window Treatments

More times than not, windows are overlooked when it comes to considering a home’s ambiance. It is understandable since when you are in your home, you typically aren’t looking toward the exterior, but they can make a big difference. Many homeowners struggle when it comes to finding what specific window treatment styles fit their room, but most end up leaving windows bare or simply install blinds for privacy. The funny thing about windows is that they’re just begging to be dressed up! Not only this, but windows are a fantastic area for homeowners to showcase their unique style and taste. You can go bold with a geometric style of curtain or be a minimalist with bamboo shades. There are so many incredible options that will not break the bank. In some cases, the easiest option is to just match the curtain panels with the color of the walls. This combination is timeless and will always be a refreshing look.

Enhance the Wallpaper

Exciting news: we are not talking about “your grandmother’s wallpaper” here. We’re focusing on the marvelous removable (yes, removable!) wallpapers that are currently available -Oh how the times have changed! Many of these wallpapers come with eye-catching patterns and graphics that will make you look like an interior designer. Updating the wallpaper doesn’t take too long and can actually be an enjoyable weekend project. Once you want a change, you can strip it off and the wall underneath will not be damaged. If this is your first go using a product similar to this, we recommend pushing the limits of your comfort zone and having fun with it.

Don’t Forget About the Yard

Sometimes, the best update you can make to your home is actually an exterior one — landscaping! Even if you are someone without a green thumb, planting a few trees or flowering shrubs can be an easy task. If you are unsure exactly what to plant for your unique area, we recommend going to a local garden center to see what the experts think. Many garden centers even have landscape architects on hand who can create a plan that would work for your property. Simply planting some flowers along a walkway or adding a few raised garden beds could be all you need to add a little pop of color and some excitement. Aside from adding, you may be considering removing. If you have tall bushes or trees that prevent light, consider making alterations to them so that more light can enter your home! As we mentioned up above, the more light, the better!

Create an Open Space

According to the team at Bankrate, open floor plans are on the top of the “want list” when it comes to purchasing and owning a home. People simply adore an open floor plan where the kitchen, family room, and dining room are all in one area. With each passing year, formal dining rooms are going out of style, this is where you have the opportunity to establish a fabulous space for entertainment, an at-home office, or hobbies! Now, in order to accomplish this, you are surely thinking, “I will need to knock down walls to do this!” Actually, you won’t. To make your home feel more open and airy, get rid of bigger furnishings or move objects around the room to see what type of placement allows for the most space. Perhaps your home has a huge armoire taking up space, but you love it. Consider painting it an off-white color to “disappear” into the room. This will not only make the room appear bigger, but white shades in a home are very trendy!

Modernize the Bathroom

One of the most common and expensive home renovations that many homeowners endure at least once is the bathroom renovation. Since bathrooms can get dirty and dingy in a short period of time, many people just toss money down the drain (pun intended) to elevate this area’s look. Not only this but losing a bathroom for a long time period while a renovation is being completed is a total pain. For starters, we recommend performing a thorough cleaning. Obviously, this isn’t a ton of fun, but it pays off every single time. Following this, find some of the more outdated elements and get rid of them. These elements could be knobs, light fixtures, faucets, or more. Simply changing out one or two of these areas can go so far. Adding a fresh coat of paint can also do wonders! Without tearing out a single cabinet or sink, it is possible to make an older bathroom feel and look like new.

Bye-Bye, Formal Dining Room

As we mentioned above, formal dining rooms are becoming obsolete. Let’s dive into it a little bit more.  At-home meals are becoming more casual and this is resulting in more people eating in the kitchen or perhaps on a coffee table in front of a television. Now, this question arises, “What am I going to do with this empty room? Should I tear down the walls to make more space?” No need!

When it comes to the value of your property and the happiness that it brings you, we only believe in the best at Twist Tours. We LOVE it when people are happy with their home and can fully enjoy it. Right now, since everyone is at home more than they would like, there’s no better time to make some exciting enhancements that are cost-effective and valuable! Put an end to walking into a space wishing you hadn’t entered or stressing out by hiring a contractor that takes too long. Many of the projects that we listed don’t even require expert knowledge of power tools or too much time! All you need is a few spare hours and the desire to do the little things to make your home look its best.

As the old saying goes, “beauty is found in the details,” so consider them when you feel that a room in your house feels bleak. We know you have what it takes to turn drab into fab and hope that these ideas spark your next at-home project!

For any assistance regarding real estate marketing, we’re here to assist you every step of the way! Contact us today!

Camera Ready

What Does “Camera-Ready” Look Like?

Twist Tours tips on getting your listing photoshoot ready so it sells faster!

In the real estate industry, speed is everything. It’s all about the time between when a homeowner decides to sell to the moment a buyer has the keys to a house in their hand. In between these situations, there are tons of steps but one of the most important ones is capturing purposeful images and videos of the property for marketing purposes. 

When we say “purposeful,” we aren’t just referring to photos that look passively pretty. We are talking about photos that will get someone to take meaningful action. This could be clicking to learn more, viewing additional marketing content (drone videos/floor plans), or contacting the listing agent. At Twist Tours, we specialize in adding value to the marketing efforts of realtors, architects, interior designers, and more by creating a tipping point that will turn a “real estate browser” into a “potential buyer.” Our expertise speeds up the buying process and makes the lives of all involved much easier.

Over the years our team has researched, studied, and dissected real estate marketing collateral in order to truly understand what elements matter the most when selling. These elements are what makes a home “camera-ready,” — let’s learn about them!

Professional Staging

Staging a home is an incredibly important part of the home selling process. It directly impacts both in-person and online real estate tours and can contribute to speeding up the sale of a property. Staging allows potential buyers to visualize a space and not feel emotionally tied to any objects in the room (strange decorations, family photos, outdated furniture.) It provides a tasteful yet neutral combination of elements that encourages someone to want to see more while still being able to create a mental image of what a residence would look like if they occupied it. For photo purposes, homes that are staged allow professional photographers to move comfortably throughout the home, capturing images that are trendy, clear, and taken in a way where there are no “off-limits” spaces. The more someone can see the interior of a home, the better. Not to mention, staging a home results in an ROI of 586% so you almost can’t afford not to.

Over our many years in the field, we’ve photographed impeccably staged homes and some that could use a finishing touch and have developed a comprehensive list of tips that you need to know. Click here to do some learning! There’s nothing we want more than to see your latest listing fly off the market above asking price.

Exterior Preparedness

When one of our Twist Tours photographers comes to a property, we never get just a few interior photos and leave. We capture the entire property, inside and out. This includes the landscaping, so keeping plants, grass, and sidewalks well-manicured is crucial. Since nearly every real estate listing images start out with an exterior photograph of the property, creating a positive first impression is essential. 

Beyond landscaping, it’s also important that the windows of a home are clean, there are no cars in the driveway, and there are no toys lying around on the porch. Forgetting to prepare can turn off a potential buyer, which is the last thing anyone involved in the real estate transaction wants.

As we mentioned above, one of the most important factors that makes a real estate transaction a “success” is speed and the last thing we ever want to do is postpone a shoot. Some reasons for postponing are weather, contractors actively working, or the home not ready. Not only is postponing a challenge for our photographer but it extends the process of getting the listing on the MLS. To simplify this process for our awesome agents, we recommend checking in with contractors to make sure a home is actually ready for photos ahead of time (sinks are installed, all interior/exterior lighting is working, landscaping is manicured, ect.). 

Timing

When taking pictures for real estate marketing purposes, the sun is your best friend. Many photographers prefer to break out the camera and start snapping photos of homes in the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is shining the brightest. Having proper lighting from the sun results in more vibrant photos than ones that are taken on a cloudy day/at night. 

That being said, there’s an exception to most rules; this one being Twilight photo shoots! Twilight photography has become very popular, especially amongst real estate agents selling homes that have an illuminated pool, thoughtful exterior lighting, fabulous patio setups, or overlook stunning vistas. To accommodate, we offer special twilight photo tours (ask us about these!).

Now, if timing isn’t on your side, hope isn’t lost. As a professional real estate marketing organization, our Twist Tours team specializes in post-processing, meaning that we can enhance specific attributes of a home, resulting in attractive images, even if the weather isn’t optimal.

The Right Photographer

In our eyes, the most important factor that makes a home “camera-ready” is having a knowledgeable photographer standing right in front of it ready to capture valuable images. Not just anyone can snap photos of a clean, well-manicured, and staged home; it takes a professional to obtain the best pictures possible. There is a reason why our professional real estate photographers are “professionals,” and it really boils down to their expertise, knowledge, technology, artistic eye, and so much. Real estate photography is a game of angles and being just a few inches off can result in awkward images that poorly reflect the size, appearance, and feel of a space. The wrong photographer can make all of the above “camera-ready” factors obsolete, so it’s important for anyone interested in selling a property to do their due diligence and hire a team that knows exactly what they’re doing. 

Putting together an online tour that encourages potential buyers to take meaningful actions all begins with making sure a property is “camera-ready.” This is comparable to putting together the pieces of a puzzle. Orchestrating the perfect photoshoot can be tricky, however, when everything goes smoothly, and the pieces fall together.

Even though we aren’t stagers or designers, our photographers are career professionals! They have seen it all – the good, the bad, the fabulous, and the nightmarish! They are happy to give their professional opinion if you have any questions for them about what looks (or does not look) good — as is our office! We’re always here to help as much as we can, because we know being “camera-ready” is more than just helpful for us, it helps all parties involved in the listing to be successful. 

Keep this article handy and contact us today to speed up the time your property is on the market. We specialize in everything from photography to online tours to 3D models and more!

Seeing Red

Seeing Red: How This Bold Color Impacts Home Sales

If you’re planning on selling your home this year, chances are you’re considering painting it to make sure its presentation is on point. After all, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference, giving your home a competitive edge, right? Painting a home in order to sell can increase the market value and help it to sell faster. With a small budget, you can make a huge impact by glossing over imperfections such as scratched and tired walls plus marked or scuffed doors. 

But not so fast with that paintbrush! Not all colors were created equal, so choose carefully. As we explored in our color psychology blog, some colors have a positive effect that entices the buyer to make an offer, while other colors are a huge turn off, acting like a bucket of cold water. 

Less Is More

It’s fascinating how a color choice can affect buyers and impact their decision. Picture this, a property looks flawless from the outside, curb appeal is on point, it’s located in a great area, and the garden is stunning. Sounds like the perfect home, right? Well, let’s look at the effect of the color red can have on that house once a potential buyer walks through the front door. According to Forbes, if the dominant color in your home is brick or barn red, you’re in for a challenge when it comes to the selling price.

For the use of the color red in a home, the rule is simple: less is more. Experts in interior designs and realtors agree – it’s best to choose neutral tones when decorating a home and setting the stage to sell. Beige and white are excellent choices in creating a blank canvas that a buyer can visualize themselves purchasing. You want them to feel that they can move their boxes in right away and put their own stamp on the place. After all, your taste in home décor is your own, and others may not share it. You want to appeal to wide audiences. 

The downside to neutral colors is that you can create a sterile environment. What’s needed in this case is a pop of color, and red is an excellent choice for this effect. Bright colors, such as red, add interest. The important thing to remember is not to overdo it. Use the color red for an accent wall, to draw the eye, or on soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, or curtains. Overwhelming a room with the color red such as using it on all walls or window frames may overwhelm the space, creating a cramped feeling.

 

Opening the Door 

Your front door is the first thing that a potential buyer will see when stepping onto the property, and first impressions count. Adding a pop of color to your front door makes it stand out, is inviting, and adds interest.

A bold, true red looks amazing on a front door, especially when the exterior is painted a crisp white or stark neutral. We love Pantone Flame which creates a bright red classic look, and Benjamin Moore Umbria Red, which gives a darker, richer red that reminds us of the vineyards of Italy’s Umbria region.

Red front doors have been popular throughout the world, and have various meanings attached. For example, in Asian cultures, a red door symbolizes good luck. In China, it means fortune, and many families paint a fresh coat of red paint on their door to keep the energy fresh and bright. In Feng Shui, a red door means a bold color that attracts abundance and opportunity. In Scotland, a red front door represents paying off the mortgage. In early America, a red front door represented a welcome message for travelers who needed rest. 

Sounds like the universe is telling us that the use of the color red on your front door is a great choice for someone selling their home!

Weighing Your Options

Whether you’re going for neutral colors with a pop of red as an accent wall, or whether you’re sticking firmly to the on-trend Pantone colors for 2021 ‘Ultimate Grey’ and ‘Illuminating’, here are some useful tips when it comes to painting. If you have

DIY experience and are happy to paint the property yourself, you could save yourself thousands. However, if your painting skills are not up to par, think of the possible splashes, missed patches or  uneven edges that can  make the work  look amateur and put buyers off. Hiring a professional could pay off in the long run when it comes to selling your home faster and at a better market price. A professional contractor will also have the ladders and rollers that you may not, saving you the additional cost of pricey equipment

Let’s get started

Still not sure about where to start when presenting your home in preparation for a sale? Our blog has tons of staging and interior tips and tricks to get you started! 

Why not get in touch to discuss our premium real estate and portfolio marketing services too? We’re motivated and excited to showcase your home, and we know just how to highlight it at its best, using real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D models, and aerial + imagery services. We also offer virtual staging, which is perfect for taking an empty property and creating an inspiring space!

We look forward to getting to know you, and your beautiful home in 2021!

Texture Trends

2021 Interior Trends

Like no other year, 2020 turned our attention toward the home we live in. After all, for many of us, we spent more time than ever at home: working, relaxing, and enjoying time with family. Our home is our personal sanctuary, and we want to create a relaxing oasis, designed for functionality and style. 

With texture tipped to be the top trend for 2021, we want to share some of our favorite interior secrets with you. Texture is a key element of interior design because it’s all about the look and feel of the home. It’s about sensation and touch, luxury, and comfort. Each year, certain colors feature in interior design, and the palette for 2021 is sure to impress. We’ve got the inside scoop on all you need to know about getting the look and feel for your home that’s right on-trend.

Why texture?

You know that feeling when you place your bare feet on to a plush, luxurious carpet? Doesn’t it feel heavenly? And you know how when you walk into a kitchen and you imagine what it would feel like to touch the wooden countertops? And remember how you spotted that velvet cushion in the store and your tactile nature gave you that irresistible urge to find out how soft it is?

That’s texture, folks. It’s what transforms a cold, sterile house into a comfortable, interesting home.

The natural materials to feature in 2021

Wood reminds us of nature and gives a calm, harmonious look. Wood will be a key material used in 2021. Of course, not only is wood known for heat and sound insulation, but it’s an interesting surface – especially raw untreated woods. Reclaimed wood will be in style, particularly the kind that displays the grain, rather than perfectly finished pieces. Rattan, textural weave, and wicker will also be popular, plus natural sun-drenched woods. 

Other natural products will shine in 2021, such as marble and stone. Using these products gives a textural look that is easy to achieve, and highly effective in a visual way. 

Fabrics that give a textural feel will be key pieces for 2021 – faux furs, cushions, throws, and knitted items – since they give a comfortable look, and really do create an invitation to relax. Velvet is such an evocative tactile material, which explains why it will be prominent  in 2021; and you’ll see it used as  upholstery, curtains, cushions and even bedding. 

Spotlight on textured walls

Experts in the interior design field believe that textured walls will be a top focus in 2021 – and we are here to confirm! So, say goodbye to plain old painted or wallpapered walls that are smooth and uninteresting to the touch. Say hello to interesting textures  that will be a talking point in your home, perhaps made of wood or fabric upholstery. Panels are known for adding interest to a home and add to the complexity of the interior walls. 

The colors for 2021

Drumroll, please, because Pantone has announced their color for 2021. In fact, scratch that, news just in: they have chosen two colors! Introducing:  ‘Ultimate Grey’ and ‘Illuminating.’

Let’s get to know these colors better. Illuminating is a vibrant bright yellow, which is an uplifting, optimistic choice to reflect hope for the new year in light of a difficult 2020. Ultimate Grey is an understated hue, and it’s the first neutral or achromatic color to have been selected. The Pantone Color Institute chose these two very different colors because they compliment each other, and we’re sure to be seeing plenty of these colors in stylish homes and also on catwalks. 

The color that you paint your home, and the colors that you choose for cabinets, upholstery, and soft furnishings all affect the overall look of the house. Instead of repainting your entire home, we recommend choosing accent pieces (cushions, throws, curtains, artwork, etc.) that complement the dominant colors of the interior walls.

Sustainability in 2021

The importance of the use of sustainable materials for the sake of the environment will be of importance in 2021, so we’ll see a mixture of old and new pieces working in harmony. Expect to see exposed beams and original floorboards.

Earth’s delicate surfaces and fragile nature make up the theme for Spring Summer 2021 in the fashion world, so this will influence patterns and fabrics for soft furnishings in the home. We’ll see the use of neutral tones, and distressed textures, along with the use of a fragile wildlife theme.

Capturing the wow factor

With a challenging year coming to a close, and a fresh, new year  stretching out before us, it’s a great time to refresh your home. As well as staying on-trend, you’ll want to add your own personal touches to make the home truly yours. 

If selling your home is on the cards for 2021 for you, get in touch. Our Twist Team specializes in premium real estate and portfolio marketing services, and we know just what it takes to highlight your property to an engaged audience. Our services capture your home at its best, and that includes premium real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D spaces, videography, and aerial services. So, pour some love into your home in 2021, and let it shine. Doesn’t your home deserve it?

 

Being There.

Put yourself in a buyer’s shoes for a minute. Deciding on a home is a big decision. Will the kids be happy in a new neighborhood? Does the bathroom need new tiles? Does the kitchen need new countertops? What size is the backyard? Is this truly the home of their dreams? 

Now, walk around in those same shoes in a world where COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of our lives, including how we buy homes. Not so easy.

Enter the virtual tour. This incredible tool combines 3D Immersive Models, Professional Photography, and Floor Plans into a virtual experience. It’s a bespoke digital product that buyers love. Suddenly those shoes are pinching less.   Don’t believe us?  Check out Zillow’s latest Data on Virtual Tours

Let’s take a walk through the top things that buyers and sellers love about virtual tours:

  • Convenience

The person who buys your home might be just around the corner, looking for something bigger. Or they might be halfway around the world, looking to relocate for work. With just a few clicks, they can be instantly transported to a real estate listing and fully immersed. Now, they’re enjoying the home remotely, picturing themselves throwing a dinner party in that stunning kitchen. They’re walking through that gorgeous garden and imagining where the BBQ might go. All without having to leave the couch.

A buyer can view a home in another time zone, 24 hours a day on a mobile device. They do not need to make an appointment and drive over, they can take a tour when it suits them, allowing them to view the home at a convenient time when they’re not juggling family and business commitments. 

A seller enjoys the convenience of having the home captured with a 3D tour when it is at its very best – no need to clean and tidy every time someone wants to view it.

  • Safety

In these challenging times, both buyers and sellers are aware of the limitations that the pandemic brings. Virtual tours allow the prospective buyer to get a feel for the house – its top features, and space – all from the comfort of their home. From a safe distance, viewers can walk through the home as if they were actually standing in that amazing hallway, admiring how the light comes in through those windows. This incredible technology allows a potential buyer to explore the interior of a house as if they were on the premises, and they get a real perception and understanding of the layout of the property. 

And the best part? Everyone stays safe. 

  • Timeliness

Virtual tours shorten search time for buyers, who want to see a home virtually before they see it in person. Because hey, time is money, and the buyers might have a tight schedule. Virtual tours allow a potential buyer to narrow down their favorites and eliminate those that are unsuitable. The shortlisted properties are then often viewed in person, saving both a buyer and seller valuable time. Only those who are seriously considering the property will take the time to view it in person.

And you know what else? Virtual tours allow a buyer to reach a decision sooner since they’re armed with all the information about the home that they need. It’s right there on the virtual tour, which they can explore as many times as they like. This makes a buyer more likely to make an offer.

  • Simplicity

A virtual tour is user friendly; there’s no need to be a technology whiz. If you have a mobile device, then you can be instantly transported into the interior of the home of your dreams. Simple. 

It’s super easy to share the link, too. This allows the buyer to show their family and friends without everyone driving over to the house. Getting the feel of the interior of the home is easy, and a virtual tour is something everyone can enjoy. 

  • Build Confidence

Virtual tours make a listing stand out from the rest and showcases the property for anyone to enjoy. This gives a buyer confidence. To maximize this great feeling, we offer many different single property website styles, ranging from modern to traditional to exquisite!

Virtual tours allow a buyer to show the home to their friends and family, without scheduling an appointment. They can commit to a home knowing that the opinions of those who matter have been taken into account.

  • Save Big

Sellers know that virtual tours increase the price of the home, because of the increased interest and increased visitor retention. This translates to a more satisfied seller, happy in the knowledge that their beautiful home got to shine on the property stage and got the standing ovation it deserved. Thanks to virtual tours, anyone can bid on your home, whether on the other side of the world or across the street, and even the pandemic can’t get in the way. Bravo, virtual tours!

Step inside

When it comes to virtual tours, we’re kicking butt and taking names. Here’s what we know: listings with virtual tours get clicked on more than those that don’t. Fact! They’re more accurate and realistic than static photos. They save time and energy and can help your listing to sell faster and better. Taking your property to the next level is just a click away. 

Our advice? Incorporate virtual tours into your marketing plan, attract clients, and stand out. Get in touch with our Twist Team to find out more. We’re passionate about real estate photography, aerial photography and videography, Matterport 3D models and floorplans, and we’re always happy to help.

 

Meet Twist Tours

Nice to Meet You, We’re Twist Tours

Hi, we’re Twist Tours! We can’t wait to get to know you better. We’re all about premium real estate photography, online tours, floor plans, 3D models, and aerial video + imagery. You could say that real estate marketing is what really blows our hair back.

So, step inside and wipe your shoes on our welcome mat, because we’re excited to show you who we are, what we do, and how we do it.

Who are we?

Our Twisters are simply the best. We’re a team of pros who specialize in helping you showcase your property in Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas in Texas. We’re fun, hardworking, and we genuinely care about how your home looks just as much as you do. We get excited at the idea of capturing a home in the most flattering light and then showcasing it to an eager audience.

The truth is, we fall in love with the houses. We get all swept up with how amazing they are. We daydream about all of the unique features and we tell our friends about the stunning interiors. We lust after those impressive gardens. We think endlessly about the way the light comes in through those windows, scribbling love hearts on our notebooks. And you know what? Our love of showcasing properties reflects in our work.

So pull up a chair, meet the team, and let’s get to know each other. You’ll soon understand why we’re known for our unmatched customer service. Stay tuned to our social media channels over the next few weeks, because we’ll be highlighting our amazing team, and sharing some fun facts about them. Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

What do we do?

We specialize in premium real estate and portfolio marketing services. That includes real estate photography, virtual tours, floor plans, 3D models, videography, and aerial videography + imagery.

Capturing the interest of a buyer means highlighting your home’s unique selling points. We showcase your extraordinary home’s best features, from the best angles. Followers are captivated when they see our tours and they reach out to find out more about the property.

How do we do it?

Ah, we thought you’d never ask. We elevate your listing in some pretty cool ways, and here’s how we do it.

Premium Real Estate Photography

Professional HDR makes your property stand out from the crowd. When it comes to showing off your home, we can’t help brag about how fabulous it is. I mean, seriously, did you spot that stunning ceiling? And what better way to entice someone to view the inside of your home than with insanely stunning photography. We’ve got the latest and greatest gear strapped to our shoulders, ready to rock it.

We fall in love with our eyes, so why not feast yours on the featured homes we capture with our stellar photography skills? You’ll be forgiven for drooling.

Aerial Videography + Imagery

Want the WOW factor? You’ve come to the right place. We don’t want to drone on about how cool our drones are… get it?… but hey, we can’t help it. Our aerial videography + imagery services launch your listing to new heights when we capture photographs and videos of your property from a whole new angle. Pretty epic, right?

3D Floor Plans and Matterport Models

3D Models

Matterport 3D models give the buyer an excellent opportunity to view your property, whether they’re local or on the other side of the world. The next best thing to standing right there in your home is a 3D model. Buyers instantly get a feel for the layout and space of the listing.

floor plans for san antonio real estate listings

Floor Plans

Did you know that you can increase click-throughs from potential buyers on your listing by 52% with a floor plan? Impressive, yes? All of our floor plans include room dimensions and are the perfect way to show buyers the layout of your home. We create floor plans from different sources. You can upload your own or have us scan to create a floor plan.

Why do we do what we do?

It’s simple: we do what we do so that your home is shown at its most elegant.

We pull out all the stops so that we can:

  • Elevate your listing
  • Highlight unique features, making the home stand out from the crowd in a competitive market
  • Impress potential buyers and sellers
  • Help you close deals faster and at a higher price

What’s new?

Now, as if all that isn’t cool enough, there are now even more reasons to work together to get your home on the property stage. Here’s what’s new with Twist Tours:

We’re excited to tell you that if you order a 360 walkthrough tour or floor plan, we will create a 2D floor plan for your print marketing, a digital point and click floor plan, 3D virtualized model, and our unique 2D/3D Room Planner for your tour. Order the Floor Plan only or clean up and receive a 2D floor plan for your print marketing.

Psst! Did you hear? We’re offering a free social media clip when you order a custom slideshow video. Impress buyers and sellers with this clip, perfectly formatted for your social media channels.

And now for the finale, we’ve saved the best for last. Did you know that we do virtual staging? How cool is this? Your potential buyer will be able to see how the property will look complete with furniture layout and soft furnishings, instead of an empty room. Let them imagine hosting a dinner party at that show-stopping dining room table!

What’s our secret?

Okay, it’s time to spill the ingredients to our secret sauce. It’s not just the latest, greatest equipment and technology that makes us amazing at what we do. Although, now that you mention it, HDR photography and drones are really cool. The thing is, our crew is the secret to our success. We’re all passionate about what we do, and it shows.

Get in touch to find out more. We’re looking forward to chatting!

Aerial: The WOW Factor

Aerial Photo + Video: The “Wow” Factor

Out of all the photography and marketing services available to real estate agents, one of the most sought-after options sits right above us: aerial photography! Whether you are selling a property on a large plot of land, a conveniently-located commercial property, or a home with unbeatable views, drones have the ability to capture every special asset and angle of your listing. This impressive technology produces high-quality videos, overhead images, and even cool 360-degree pans. The result is captivating content that makes potential buyers and sellers alike say “WOW!” Read on to learn some of the many perks of aerial photos and videos.

Show, Not Tell, a Story

Drones have the ability to reach great heights, allowing photographers to capture much wider angles and more complete views than that of a traditional camera, providing a totally different perspective. Just one aerial photograph can capture the entire home, front yard, back yard, and surrounding area. Does your property offer a scenic riverside view on a river that makes for the most beautiful sunsets? An aerial video sweeping the property with dramatic zooms and impressive heights will have the audience hooked! Aerial angles can also be used to help show buyers otherwise inaccessible features of a property, such as solar panels, new gutters, or a renovated roof. 

Utilizing aerial photos and videos gives you the ability to communicate the size and features of properties in an exciting and concise way, resulting in more inquiries and a quicker sales process. To be exact, MLS reported that properties featuring aerial images sell 68% faster than properties with non-aerial images only. Pretty crazy, right?

Location, Location, Location

We are all guilty of doing a Google Maps search to see what’s nearby a given property, and realtors know the importance location holds. This is where aerial photography and videography really shine. Imagine a shot that begins at ground level and travels up above the roofline, then above the treeline, then suddenly the Austin skyline appears! 

Drones give our photographers the opportunity to cruise above the neighborhood to show proximity to highways, local schools, community amenities, restaurants – all of the above! In addition, the imagery and videos captured by drones is much more detailed than that of the Google satellite view everyone can access, creating a more professional visual representation. To make it even better, high definition close-ups, 360 degree panoramas, and birds-eye shots can all be taken in one quick shoot.

Release the Potential

Oftentimes, vacant land or undeveloped properties don’t capture attention in the way that more luxurious and finished properties do. As a result, the marketing of the property becomes that much more important to show off the overlooked potential of vacant land. 

Listing descriptions for acreage properties can be quite a challenge to visualize. The property likely lists off unique features, such as ponds, creek beds, barns, and tree coverage, but where on the land is all of this? Not many buyers can envision the scope of 3 acres, let alone imagine a vast 60 to 100 acre property! A smooth video soaring along the creek bed, or up hills to a pretty patch of trees, brings land to life that would have otherwise fallen flat in the description.

 

A Unique Competitive Advantage

Aerial photos and videos don’t just sell your listings, they also sell you as an agent! In fact, even though 83% of sellers prefer to work with a realtor who uses aerial photography to market their listing, surprisingly few agents take advantage of the technology. Cutting-edge drone content will help you stand out as an innovative agent and provides a competitive advantage. Simply put, aerial photos and videos show how serious you are about selling a home, in turn helping you win more listings. 

In this increasingly competitive real-estate market, listings need to be more attractive and engaging than ever. Aerial photos and videos allow our photographers to capture your property from every perspective and bring each home’s unique visual narrative to life. This is an excellent complement to our traditional real estate photography options, and is a must-have for anyone looking to really deliver the essence of their property in an online format.

If you’re ready to truly take your listings and your marketing game to new heights, aerial photography and videography is the way to go! Learn more about our aerial services here or reach out to get started.

Harness the Power of Video in Social Media

Social media has rapidly grown from a way to share photos of pets, parties, and vacations, to a platform where businesses can grow and communicate directly with their audience. With over 2.07B monthly active users on Facebook and 800 million monthly active users on Instagram, businesses need to have a presence to stay relevant.  

Realtors have kept up with the trends by adopting social media as a key tool to interact with their target audience, network with others, build their brand, and generate leads. In fact, 47% of real estate businesses say that social media results in the highest quality leads! On top of that, everyone and their mother starts their home search online: 99% of millennials and 90% of baby boomers to be exact.  How can you pass up the ability to reach thousands of people in your market with just a tap of a finger? And, how can you make your content stand out in today’s saturated news feeds?  

Video Content is King

One thing is absolutely necessary for successful social media marketing: video content. About 83% of video marketers state that video content has helped them generate more leads. Even more important for real estate agents, 73% of homeowners say that they are more likely to list with a real estate agent who uses video. Video is much more engaging and interesting than photos and text alone and allows you to capture more of the listing in one post. For example, an exciting Custom Slideshow Video can include many more photos than a typical carousel post, and an impressive Aerial Video can showcase the property from angles and heights photos cannot. 

Today’s social media audience eagerly consumes video. Consumers don’t want to read or scroll so they are much more likely to watch a video that tells them everything they need to know! This is why video content consistently outperforms image and text-only content across major social media platforms. We think these these facts speak for themselves:

-Tweets see 10x more engagement when they have video content, and promoted tweets with video see 50% less cost per engagement.

-Video content gets the most engagement on Instagram.

-LinkedIn posts are 20x more likely shared if a video is included.

–75% of people are more likely to follow a brand if their page has video content.

Create & Choose the Right Video Content

Video content is the clear king; however, not just any video content will do! We know we aren’t all trendy influencers or savvy hashtag-masters, but a shaky phone-recorded listing video just isn’t going to cut it in this day and age. Here’s where we come in to help!

Twist Tours offers professional photography and videography services to capture your listing in all its glory. From there, we create captivating content for you to market with. You don’t need to prep for a big production, or even be on camera, to have scroll-stopping video content.

One of our most popular options is a Social Media Clip Add On, which you can add on to your order or request after you’ve already received your photos. We piece together photos and contact information and finish it off with captivating transitions and upbeat music that keeps users’ eyes glued to your listing. These are conveniently formatted to fit all platforms, so all you need to do is hit post!  

Strong video content is not an option but a must for successful social media marketing. 

If you really want to set yourself apart, invest in stellar video content! If you’re ready to up your social media game, we’re here to help! Reach out to us here and learn more about real estate marketing on our blog. Let us capture your listings and get them on social media for the world to see!