Promising Video Podcasts

Granted, professionally produced virtual tours and YouTube style video clips promoting for sale properties will be standard.  Add another video format to the mix – the video podcast.  In fact, this format could even take precedent over the others.

Here’s why – society as a whole is becoming increasingly mobile.  People have less time than ever, so why not cater to them when they’re available?  With portable videocasts, they can tour properties while they’re commuting to work or perhaps on a cross Atlantic flight.  They choose the convenient time; the real estate marketer gains their loyalty.

Another factor that could be huge is the introduction of the iPhone.  The hype and reception has been incredible, and that’s just for the pre-launch.  As it’s actually unrolled over the summer, we’ll see how the prospects pan out.  Either way, the video podcast is a native format that works perfectly with the device.

Go FSBO

Big changes are in store for the For Sale By Owner crowd.  As the market floods with available properties and becomes even more competitive, sellers are going to need all of the edge they can gain.  The novice FSBO seller will not fare well in a market dominated by expert professionals.

Expect to see some internet applications cater to the do it yourselfers.  Online listing services are likely to be more common, as are “produce it yourself” video and virtual tour sites.  These will assist the sellers, but probably won’t be quite enough to be completely effective.

Home staging will possibly be another little advantage worth the effort against the competition.  The staging business looks like a good market to be in.

Commercial Real Estate Changes

Finally, the changes in the marketplace and the changes in the workforce are going to force gigantic changes in commercial real estate.  In a society becoming dominated by creative workers, the office is on its way to being obsolete.

As freelancers and telecommuters gain in popularity, so does the need for home offices.  And we’re not talking about a cubby hole or a corner of the living room, but instead a real and stimulating environment.  Also, working from coffee shops or other social hotspots will continue on an up trend.

One more cool thing that’s happening is coworking.  In this concept, a group of otherwise unassociated freelancers share a lofty style office space on a drop in basis.  The real estate market will have to adjust and cater to these changes that are already starting to happen.

The Conclusion

Big things affecting the future of real estate are happening as we speak.  The progress probably won’t seem so drastic, but the end result will be.  Don’t let Real Estate 2.0 pass you by.  Adapt now and prosper!