Bernadette Costello, the former editor of overseas property magazine OPP, is our new blog writer at Probis. Here, she says it's crunch time for overseas property sales so time for agents to improve their online marketing.


While researching the Brazilian property market recently I came across a website which took my virtual property tour experience to another level. Using Google Earth technology, and the relaxed guitar strums of a Brazilian band, the developer flew me to the north east corner of Brazil and down the coast to the secluded fishing village of Taiba.

A zooming camera then circled me along miles of coastline to surf and stroll and then landed on the beach in front of its development at Taiba Village (http://www.taibabeach.com). The music added atmosphere to a high quality CGI tour that did a brilliant job to sell Brazil for its laid-back lifestyle, its stunning white beaches, water sports, friendly people, quality of build and investment potential. It actually got me thinking about making a little trip there.

I know several journalists who've been taken on a press trip abroad and snapped up property within hours of stepping off the plane. But to have the seeds planted in my head after a flying visit with Google, and a classic Brazilian tune, is an impressive achievement by IT experts and a marketing department. Here is a perfect example of how property professionals are reacting to innovation in technology and improving the user experience.

But I fear Taiba Village won't be alone in using innovation to the max. At MIPIM Asia recently, property specialist CB Richard Ellis unveiled its version of Google Earth to show agents and developers how easy it is to create their own professional virtual tours. The CBRE's online training video shows you exactly how to order these maps and use them effectively in your marketing. In an industry that's getting tougher it's worth taking a look (www.cbre.com).

Adding to the mapping frenzy is Microsoft's Virtual Earth which allows property sellers to zoom their clients up close to a project on the other side of the world and see it in 3D. Buyers can see where airports, hotels, roads and trains are in relation to their future purchase and can make decisions based on this breakthrough in technology. Now, companies such as Loreo are breaking the mould with their Stereo Viewers, which allow the buyer to put on some large glasses with extra large windows [where the lenses usually are] and view their property in extra large 3D. These unusual spectacles can be viewed at www.widescreen-centre.co.uk

Here at Probis, the CRM experts tell me that it takes time and dedication on your part to use mapping and virtual tours correctly for marketing, but you shouldn't half do the job. If you're using Probis CRM technology to keep your sales leads close to your fingertips then how about using some better technology to attract them in the first place.