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Not Just Another Real Estate Website
Posted By: twhite on June 8, 2009, 10:54 am
So, how is this site different from the thousands of other real estate websites? Well, I'm glad you asked.
First and foremost, we built this thing to be a dynamic knowledge delivery platform in the best tradition of the web 2.0 movement--not to be confused with the static and unchanging face and functionality of the vast majority of other real estate websites currently clogging the Internets. To use a simple analogy, it's a living, breathing, ever-changing organism--at least that's how we think about it.
When I say it's in keeping with the best traditions of the web 2.0 movement, I am speaking to the nature and the philosophy of the site containing the following elements:
Social
Dynamic
Collaborative
Interactive
Open
Consumer-centric
Share-able
Transparent (content)
Engaging (rich, multi-media)
Cluetrain adherent
"O.K., enough of the boring geek speak. Tell us what this site can do for me (site visitor) and why should I care?"
So, the first thing that anyone visiting the site will see is that we present content in many different media formats. We use video a lot, primarily because video creates a much richer user experience as it stimulates more of the senses than other forms of media. Many people, when given the choice between watching a video or reading text of the same material, often prefer video. It's much harder to create, but easier for the end-user to absorb. So, you'll be seeing a lot of videos on the new Isellboston.com.
However, video is not always the best media choice to present certain types of data. Sometimes the written word is a better choice, for example, when explaining market conditions that rely on complex data sets--or maybe a still picture would be better to use in some stories than video or text. A quality photograph can tell an entire story in and of itself. Soon, audio pod-casts will also be available for your listening pleasure.
Our goal here is to present information in the most compelling way, using the best choice of media to convey the story, and to offer different ways of delivering this content. Why? Well, some people like to watch, some like to read, some like to listen. We want to create a platform-agnostic system that allows the user the ability to define how they wish to receive information. It's not about us--it's about you.
Now, a few words about the content itself. A quick review of the home page will reveal a few things: First, is that we are obsessed with all things local. Whether that focus is on the local communities we serve (community spotlight), about local real estate trends, breaking local news or local blog stories--everything we cover revolves around the Boston area (ergo: isellboston.com).
Next, we've tried to make home search easy for our visitors. They even have the option of searching for open house (a great thing to do on a Saturday or Sunday so that you can plot your open house course for the day). Visitors also have the option to receive listing update and real estate trends reports via email (the trend reports in particular are worth reviewing. The reports are different from the trend charts you will see on the site, and provide an extremely detailed description on what's happening in the local market).
Our services section will provide people thinking about selling their home with unprecedented access to how we run our brokerage business. Good to know when considering your options on whom to hire to market and sell your home.
And finally, we have IsellBostonTV. This is our crown jewel so-to-speak. In this section you will see over 50 videos about everything from property listings, agent profiles, community profiles, market watch and home improvement videos and many others--all focused on the Boston area marketplace and lifestyle.
There's more to tell and share with you about the contents of this site, but I believe I've said enough for now. I just want to add that this launch represents a new era in the manner in which Carole White Associates, the agents and staff, approach the business and practice their craft. If nothing else, we hope this shows with the introduction of the new IsellBoston.com, and we hope you enjoy the experience!
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