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April 15, 2020

How Homebuilders and Real Estate Agents Can Provide Virtual Tours During COVID-19

The “Shelter in place” order means real estate agents and homebuilders must find resourceful ways to display their properties and connect with home shoppers. This may feel like a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity. Just think about it…as an agent or new-home sales consultant, you can now talk to people from anywhere in the world. You never know who might be seeking a home in your neighborhood.

If you’re a homebuilder, agent or agency owner, you probably have a beautiful website with listings. Each listing probably has glamour shots, a floor plan, and possibly a virtual tour or dollhouse experience. Those are all great, but now it’s time to fill in the gaps. What do buyers really want to see? How can you make their virtual home tour special and worthwhile? Here are a few ideas:

What features do I point out?

  • Do they plan to work from home in the future? Show them a space that is private and well-lighted. Are there several outlets in this room?
  • What’s the storage like?
  • Are they comparing your home to a similar tract home? Show them the details – like the baseboards or wall bullnose – that set you apart.
  • What are the sightlines throughout the home?
  • Is it an older home? Turn on the faucets and show them the water pressure and condition of the appliances.
  • Is there a creaky floorboard that gives the home character? Tell them the story.
  • Are there remodeling opportunities? What are they?
  • Does the home include smart features, like Wi-Fi-powered lighting? Demonstrate the technology.
  • And the list goes on…

As you can see, it’s all in the details. To have a successful tour, ask the client what they want to see. Be transparent, open and accommodating.

Now that you have content in mind, you’ll need to select the platform that works best for your home shopper.

Make sure you know which app they prefer, and if you don’t know, ask! For instance, there’s no use in creating an Instagram profile if your customer is on Zoom every day.  Once you’ve identified what works best for them, spend time getting to know the app’s video capabilities. Let’s dive in.

What platforms do I use to host virtual tours?

There are many ways to connect virtually, but we’re going to focus on Facebook, Instagram, FaceTime and Zoom. If your clients have access to technology, there’s a good chance they are using one of these platforms. Here are best practices for each.

1. Facebook Video Calling or Facebook Live

There’s a good chance your customers are on Facebook, especially if they are between the ages of 25 and 64.

Not everyone is familiar with its features, though. Again, ask your customers if they are comfortable on Facebook, and if so, if they know how to watch a Facebook Live video and/or can use Facebook Messenger for video calling.

Facebook Video Calling:

  • To make a video call using Facebook, you must download the Messenger app.
  • Launch the app and log in.
  • Open the Messenger app on your phone, then search for the person you would like to chat with using the search bar.
  • Click on the person’s name, then tap the video camera icon in the top right corner to initiate a video call.
  • You can reverse the direction of your phone’s camera by tapping the flip/arrow button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Facebook Live: 

Facebook Live can be used to broadcast information to groups (easy!) – or to individuals (a little more complicated).

  • To use Facebook Live, download the Facebook app on your phone.
  • Launch the app and log in.
  • Once the app is open, make sure you’re on the home page (tap the home icon to return to the home page).
  • From there, you’ll see a small red camera toward the top of the page that says “Live.” Tap that icon.
  • To broadcast to the public or all your friends, make that selection. OR
  • To broadcast to specific people only, tap “friends,” followed by “see all,” then “specific friends.” From there, you can select who will see the live video. Once you’ve made your selection(s), go back to the Live screen. It’ll show you the viewers(s) at the top of the page.

In my opinion, Facebook Live is best for addressing groups of people. The one-on-one option is more easily executed in Facebook Messenger.

2. Zoom

There’s a good chance your clients are using Zoom, too. In fact, on March 23, more than 2 million people downloaded the user-friendly tool that can be used on a desktop, tablet or smartphone (and Zoom’s continued to boom since then). The free version allows you to host a meeting with up to two users. If you have three or more users, you must end your meeting after 40 minutes OR upgrade to a paid version of Zoom. Zoom allows you to record calls (with everyone’s consent, of course), which is a nice perk for buyers who want to “walk” through the home again.

  • To use Zoom, sign up for a free profile on us. Once your account is up and running, you can begin scheduling meetings.
  • To schedule a meeting, click on “Meetings” on the left side of the screen, followed by “Schedule a New Meeting.”
  • Complete the information fields, then click “save.” Now, a new page will appear and you can click “copy this invitation” then “copy meeting invitation.”
  • Once the information is copied, paste it into an email and send it off to you client.
  • On the day of the meeting, return to zoom.us.
  • Once again, click on the “Meetings” tab to see all your upcoming meetings.
  • From there, click “start” and the browser will launch.
  • Once the meeting opens, you can select your audio settings: computer audio or phone call. Make your selection.
  • In the bottom left corner of the screen, you can click “mute” and/or “start video.” It’s good to keep yourself muted and unseen until the video starts, just so you don’t say or do something silly! Once your client(s) arrive, take yourself off mute and start your video.
  • If the meeting is password-protected, be sure to admit all parties into the meeting.

Zoom bonus tips:

  • Make sure your home shopper has Zoom downloaded on their desktop, tablet or smartphone.
  • Ask your client if they’d like you to record the meeting and provide them with a copy of it so they can tour the home again and again.
  • Click on zoom.us à preferences à video à Touch up my appearance (this helps soften your wrinkles ;))
  • Use the Share Screen feature to review documents, etc., together
  • If you plan to walk a client through a home site or home, download the Zoom app on your phone or iPad and use it as you would on your desktop. The mobile app is great!

3. FaceTime

If both parties have an iPhone or iPad, FaceTime is a simple and reliable option. Here’s how to use it:

  • Open the FaceTime app and sign in with your Apple ID. You can also do this from Settings à
  • If you’re using an iPhone, FaceTime automatically registers your phone number.
  • If you’re using an iPad or iPod touch, register your email address by tapping Settings à FaceTime à Use your Apple ID for FaceTime, and sign in with your Apple ID.

To Call:

  • Add the client’s phone number or email address associated with their Apple ID to Contacts on your phone.
  • In the FaceTime app, pull up the person’s phone number or email address. Tap the number or address, then tap the video icon.
  • You can also start a FaceTime video call from your iPhone during a phone call. Tap the FaceTime icon in the Phone app to switch to FaceTime.

4. Instagram video with a friend

If your customers live on Instagram, meet them there! Here’s how to use Instagram Live for a virtual home tour:

  • Make sure you and your client have downloaded the Instagram app and created an account.
  • Launch the app, then find the person you want to connect with within the app. “Follow” them and make sure they accept your follow request if they have a private profile.
  • Click on their profile, then tap “Message.” Now, you’ll open a message thread with that person.
  • Click the video icon in the top right corner to launch a video call.

There are many opportunities for you to think outside the box! Again, always start by asking your customers what would be helpful to them.

Good luck – and please comment below with additional tips for creating an inviting and memorable virtual home tour.

-April

 

Sources:

https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/#FB-demos

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380

https://help.instagram.com/126662934757177

 

 

By: April · Filed Under: Real Estate, Social Media, Uncategorized

July 17, 2019

Client News: 23 Female Founders Graduate from Stella Labs Business Accelerator

Female founders took the stage at Sony Electronics on July 11 to celebrate the completion of their 12-week business accelerator program led by Stella Labs. Courtesy of Bailey Made.

Twenty-three female founders celebrated the completion of their 12-week business accelerator program led by Stella Labs. During the July 11 Female Founder Demo Night event held at Sony Electronics in Rancho Bernardo, the startup leaders presented enriched business plans to 150 fellow entrepreneurs, prospective investors, startup mentors and friends. The event was co-hosted by Sony Electronics.

“With the guidance and support of 80 startup mentors over 12 weeks, these determined founders have strengthened their companies and are prepared for a new stage of growth,” said Briana Weisinger, interim director of Stella Labs, formerly Hera Labs.

The 23 new graduates include:

  • Cynthia Morgan-Reed of Vanst Law: a virtual law firm that offers rates at up to 70 percent less than a traditional law firm. Attorneys make 70 percent of what they collect.
  • Judith Balian of AlphaVibe: A bracelet Balian calls “the Fitbit for your mind” that uses gentle vibration and light to help one be mindful throughout the day.
  • Naomi Wentworth of The Compost Company: A composting hub and more that uses small-scale digesters to compost food quickly.
  • Angie Kosasih of Spoke & Piston: Function-meets-fashion leather commuter bags and accessories created by a husband and wife team.
  • Suzanne Finder of Forgive.Love.Heal: An online membership community that provides support to women who struggle with autoimmune disease and chronic illness.
  • Teresa Gallagher of Sparrow Search: A technology company that efficiently connects patients with clinical trials.
  • Sarabeth Sulio of Mobile Pro Traveler: An all-in-one, carry-all mobile beauty and massage system for estheticians and therapists on the go.
  • Neeve Preston of A-List Lounge: A performance, molecular hydration and wellness lounge on a mission to reduce stress and its associated physical ailments.
  • Dondi Rowey of P.I. Enriched Livingspaces: A company with plans to build sustainable, affordable housing solutions for women.
  • Adriana Hernandez of Adher Financial: A 15-year-old money assessment and financial guidance company that’s relaunching to serve women over 50.
  • Erica Livingston of Regulytica: Purpose-built software with its sights set on digitally revolutionizing the medical device industry.
  • Sabine Gedeon of Empowered by Purpose: A transformational human resource coaching and consulting firm for individuals and organizations.
  • Catalina Andrade of Whole Bella: A holistic emotional healing company that helps people lead the lives they want to live.
  • Terri Lowry of Thallo Design: A design and branding studio that helps businesses reflect their best values through branding.
  • Rosa Munoz of South Bay Wealth Group: A tax and accounting firm that helps clients build profitable businesses.
  • Eyga Mojus of Miss Mojus Productions: Producers of the annual Miss Grand California Pageant and more.
  • Charlene Corn of CeeCee & Bee Apothecary: Handcrafted apothecary goods made from plant-based ingredients. A portion of each purchase supports domestic violence survivors.
  • Rachel Chie Costello of BonnaVita Ventures: Waste-to-Energy equipment that is manufactured for municipalities and utilities to recycle and turn waste into energy.
  • Jodi Valdes of Spiritual Wake Up Call: A consulting firm that provides professional women with tools for reducing stress and anxiety so they can achieve greater work-life balance.
  • Kristin Watkins of Stephanie Rose Events: An event planner focused on weddings and specializing in DYI.
  • Angela Robinson-Spencer of Affordable Housing Compliance Group: A housing compliance audit service, plus landlord-tenant mediation.
  • Jessica Bell of reVessel: An all-in-one hybrid of premium stainless steel food storage, bakeware and a travel-ready, patent-pending, leak-proof bento-style lunchbox.
  • Lacey Mayer of SD Campervans: A home on wheels which includes a bed, kitchen, plumbing, solar, electrical, a dining area and a homey feel.

Stella Labs is a not-for-profit organization that provides business accelerator programs to female-led startups that want to launch or scale. Courses are offered in partnership with the San Diego and Imperial Women’s Business Center in National City and at the Stella Labs headquarters in Solana Beach. To date, Stella Labs has helped launch 146 startups, scale 223 businesses and create 128 new jobs.

Upcoming Stella Labs events include Women’s Fast Pitch 2019, to take place at Sony Electronics later this summer, and Women’s Venture Summit, to take place on September 14 at University of San Diego. To learn more, visit stellalabs.org.

By: April · Filed Under: Client News, Women in Business

April 17, 2019

Ad Astra Begins Third Accelerator with New Cohort of Promising Startups

On April 3, three new startups — Outside Financial, Navega Therapeutics and Domaine Sante — began Ad Astra Ventures’ third business accelerator cohort, an 8-week program in Solana Beach, California. Each admitted participant will receive in-depth business training, formal mentoring and a $20,000 seed investment.

Ad Astra Founders: Vidya Dinamani, Allison Long Pettine, Silvia Mah

Founded in 2018 by San Diego investors and startup advocates Vidya Dinamani, Allison Long Pettine, and Silvia Mah, Ad Astra Ventures equips female founders to build, run and scale investable businesses. Graduates from their accelerator have successfully raised over $2 million to date.

“We’re thrilled with the caliber of applications coming in from San Diego and outside of the city — this was a hard decision,” says Dinamani. “Three impressive women make up our current cohort; they represent diverse industries, and all address a critical customer need. We’re excited about sharing with them our unique framework, which will accelerate their impact.”

The three women participating in Ad Astra’s third cohort are:

Sonia Steinway, president and founder of Outside Financial — Outside Financial helps car buyers and owners understand their financing options and connect to the right lender. Cars are one of the biggest purchases most Americans make, but according to Steinway, the process to buy and pay for them is confusing and frustrating, especially for those with less-than-perfect credit. Steinway created Outside Financial to reinvent car financing the way it should be: consumer first. https://www.outsidefinancial.com/

Ana Moreno, CEO and founder of Navega Therapeutics — A preclinical stage company, Navega Therapeutics is pursuing a radically different approach to treat chronic pain and tackle the opioid epidemic. The company’s gene therapy platform has the advantage of being highly specific and long-lasting, features that have yet to be achieved by small molecules. Navega’s pipeline includes different types of pain to improve the quality of life for millions of patients. https://www.navegatx.com/

Emily Josenhans, CEO and founder of Domaine Santé — With the first sweetener on the market made from California wine grapes, Domaine Santé offers the ultimate alternative to sugar. Grape Nectar has an exceptionally flavorful and unique taste that elevates anything from morning coffee and yogurt to the most intricate chef or mixologist creation, Josenhans notes. Domaine Sante aims to effortlessly impart more than just a sweet flavor, and ultimately promote a healthier and more sustainable sugar consumption. http://www.domaine-sante.com

Ad Astra has received more than 130 applications since its inception in 2018.

According to Mah, “Supporting diverse female founders is one of our core values at Ad Astra Ventures, so having Cohort 3 being diverse in all aspects is extremely rewarding. These female founders will be transformed by the rigorous leadership development and business essentials training we deliver during the 8-week business accelerator.”

About Ad Astra Ventures:

Founded in 2018 by San Diegans Vidya Dinamani, Allison Long Pettine, and Dr. Silvia Mah, Ad Astra Ventures is dedicated to growing and building female leaders through thoughtful programming and investment opportunities. The organization hosts 8-week business accelerator programs for high-growth startups led by one or more females. With the support of organizations like Athena, Ad Astra is building a global community of founders, investors, executives and philanthropists passionate about putting more women in leadership positions. For more information, please visit adastra.ventures/.

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By: April · Filed Under: Client News, Women in Business

February 8, 2019

Romantic Terms of Endearment for the Word Nerd in Your Life

For the first time in 153 years, classic Sweethearts candy hearts won’t be available in stores, but before you say “Miss You” to the sugary snacks for your soulmate, consider the alternatives.  Yep, you can show “All the Feels” with Krispy Kreme’s conversation heart donuts (hello, PR gold!), or skip the calories by showering your sweetie with terms of endearment.

Here’s a brief list of romantic endearments sure to please the word nerd in your life. We defined a few for fun, too!

  • 1250 – Sweetheart
  • 1535: Turtle-dove: Applied especially to lovers or married folk, in allusion to the turtle-dove’s affection for its mate. (Oxford Dictionaries)
  • 1612 Flitter-Mouse
  • 1695 – Sweetie
  • 1840 – Cabbage: An affectionate form of address, found especially in the phrase ‘my (little) cabbage’.  (Oxford Dictionaries)
  • 1900 – Pumpkin
  • 1930 – Sugar
  • 1985 – Boo
  • 2000 – BAE (Before Anyone Else): Typically used as a term of endearment for one’s romantic partner, this term rose to popularity through use on social media and in lyrics in hip-hop and R&B music. (Oxford Dictionaries)

Do you have any terms to add? The true beauty of the language of love is that you can express yourself however you see fit! So go tell your cabbage they’re your BAE.

More: https://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2015/02/12/timeline-terms-of-endearment-poppet-sweetheart/

By: April · Filed Under: Public Relations, Social Media

February 4, 2019

I Got You Babe: 16 Valentine’s Day Gifts Made By SoCal Women

Fancy a Valentine’s Day gift that says “I got you babe” and supports a local entrepreneur? This is your guide! All items below were created by San Diego-based, female-led startups.

-For the swolemates and do-gooders, Vizer is a social impact fitness app. One workout = one meal distributed by the San Diego Food Bank.

-For the spiritual goddess, The Goddess Box offers facial rollers in jade and rose quartz. These stones are believed to have mystical powers and are considered a symbol of beauty, grace, and longevity. Priced at $29.99

-For the couple seeking a new level of intimacy, DeAnna Nunez offers a self-hypnosis series that focuses on intimacy and romance. Audio priced at $199.

-For the yogi, Face Yoga With Koko offers facial yoga sessions to keep you looking youthful naturally. Sessions priced at $200/50 mins.

-Crave wine for breakfast? Domaine Sante offers a natural sweetener, perfect for coffee or tea, that’s derived from California wine country grapes. Priced from $13.

-For the fashionista, Chic to Wear offers gently worn designer goods as well as personal styling services.

-For the redheads, Redhead Revolution offers paraben-, phthalate- and cruelty-free cosmetic products tailored to the needs of the red-headed community. The beloved mascara is priced at $19.

-For everyone, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland offers a classic velvet heart box filled with your choice of decadent chocolates; including their famous Dom-Perignon truffles. Visit the La Jolla location at 7863 Girard Ave Suite 204. Boxes priced from $35.95

-For the creative woman who seeks comfortable and colorful modest attire, LeVoile Collection offers an innovative collection or hijabs, tunics and more, made in the U.S. Priced from $17.

-For the dreamer, PilLovetalk offers home decor including pillowcases with quotes like “come to my side” and “love you more.” Pillowcases priced from $22.99

-For the glam gal, the Stick With It palette is the perfect on-the-go, compact organizer for storing makeup, false eyelashes and more. Priced from $19.99.

-Carlsbad company A Wholesome Home offers a holistic body care line free of toxic preservatives. The line’s Magic Carpet Unisex Aftershave Tonic priced at $33.00 is a great gift for him or her.

-For the lingerie lover, Hanging Secrets beautifully showcases and protects bras and panties in a convenient and practical way. The lingerie organizer hangs inside the closet on a standard rod or can be hung from a closet door. Priced at $49.99.

-For the girl-on-the-go, the Sash Bag is a ten-pocket, hands-free bag worn across the body. The reimagined fanny pack comes in many styles with fun accents like fringe or studs. Priced from $79.00, with junior bags priced from $49.99.

-For the boss who wants her outfit to reflect her vision, Le Red Balloon offers personal styling sessions that result in transformative experiences. Priced from $149/hour, 2-hour minimum.

-Okay, okay. We had to sneak in one LA friend because we love her! Ditch candy hearts and opt for crafts with Make Mosaics. The bendable, self-sticking mosaic tiles can adhere to just about any surface. Priced from $5.50 for tiles, $25 for DIY kits.

By: April · Filed Under: Public Relations, Women in Business

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