Thankful For Technology

When the Pilgrims first traveled to America, home building consisted of little more than a few family members or friends pitching in to build homes to find stability and freedom in the new world. Never would they have imagined that our great country would flourish, building cities and suburbs that would house millions of people. They had a dream that has fueled the possibility for many families to own a home and an industry that puts food on so many tables. The American Dream is a living, breathing entity that inspires American ideals.

In the wake of the worst pandemic in the modern age, technology has allowed that dream to not only survive, but flourish. We’d like to take a minute as we head into the remainder of the holiday season to be grateful for the technology that has enabled us to keep going while staying safe.

1. Matterport Tours have been the pinnacle of builder marketing this year and have allowed many Americans to tour homes from the safety of their living room. This impressive technology has been around for a while, but 4K cameras and VR capability make matterport tours a marketing power house. Learn more about Matterport Tours.

Bonus: Matterport tours can be virtually staged so make sure you get tours of your available inventory as well.

2. Virtual Walkthrough Tours solved a problem we didn’t think we would have in the year of a major pandemic—an inventory shortage of both new and used homes. This amazing technology adopted from the video game world has allowed buyers to “tour” virtual models. With new express options, you can have first proofs of your virtual model in as little as 10 days. Learn more about Virtual Walkthrough Tours.

Bonus: Built in visualizers take the virtual experience to the next level helping them visualize structural options, flooring, cabinets and more.

3. Envision Online Design Center has enabled builders to continue a traditionally in person design center experience online. With the ability to use built-in visualization and product skus matched with real options from the manufacturer—Envision is the most complete online design center on the market. Learn more about Envision.

Bonus: Builders are averaging $10,000 in additional revenue per home that uses Envision.

These are just a few of the impressive technologies that have been developed to help home shoppers visualize new homes—virtually! With the growth of many US cities and more cross market demand, technology was already making a difference as many families found the challenge of getting to model homes challenging. We are grateful that it’s allowed our industry to stay strong and keep the American Dream alive in these unprecedented times. Are you ready for Virtual Shoppers? Fill out the form below for a Free Virtual Shopper Readiness Assessment.

About the Author

Alaina Latiolais is currently the Marketing Manager and HBA Partnership Program Manager for Builder’s Digital Experience. She previously worked as a Digital Marketing Consultant for BDX working with builders of all sizes in the Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christi markets. Finding her love for B2B marketing, she now helps educate home builders about marketing and technology and understanding the digital consumer. Alaina has over a decade of experience working with small, medium and large businesses on their marketing strategies, always with a strong focus on the latest technology and results. She has a practical approach that saddles between warm and daring, always challenging businesses to take the next step to adopt new technology and ideas.

More Content by Alaina Latiolais