The Future of Real Estate Marketing: Insights from Industry Leader Christina Pappas
Technology continues to reshape the real estate industry, empowering agents with innovative tools to enhance property marketing. In a recent discussion, Christina Pappas, a leader at the Keyes Company and former president of Florida Realtors, and Carlos Iraola, Senior Director of Residential Real Estate at Matterport, shared insights on how real estate professionals can leverage Matterport’s virtual tour technology to stay competitive.
Leveraging Experience to Empower Agents
Christina’s tenure as the youngest-ever president of Florida Realtors reinforced her passion for advocacy and technology adoption. She emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships that provide agents with cutting-edge tools to navigate an evolving market.
Her approach to leadership involved:
Advocacy for property rights: Ensuring that legislation supports both realtors and homeowners.
Technology integration: Identifying the best solutions to help agents showcase properties more effectively.
Industry networking: Connecting with top professionals to stay ahead of trends.
A Century of Real Estate Excellence
The Keyes Company, founded in 1926, is approaching its 100th anniversary—a testament to its adaptability in an ever-changing market. Christina highlighted the company’s agent-first philosophy, which focuses on integrating technology to improve service and client experiences.
The Adoption of Matterport: A Game-Changer
Matterport’s virtual tour technology has transformed real estate marketing, providing agents with a 24/7 open house experience for potential buyers. The Keyes Company adopted Matterport in 2017, recognizing its value in:
Marketing slow-moving properties in an increasingly competitive market.
Enhancing property listings with immersive, high-quality virtual tours.
Offering added value to clients by making remote home viewing seamless.
Christina recalled how early adoption of Matterport allowed them to train agents and equip offices with cameras, ensuring that every listing, from luxury estates to rentals, could benefit from virtual walkthroughs.
Adapting to Industry Changes with Technology
The real estate landscape is evolving, especially with recent changes from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, change brings opportunity, and successful companies see it as a chance to innovate.
Consumers today demand transparency and value. Agents must differentiate themselves by offering:
Expertise in marketing and negotiation
High-quality property presentations using immersive technology
Innovative tools like Matterport’s virtual experiences to enhance buyer engagement
Why Virtual Tours Matter More Than Ever
According to Christina and Carlos, virtual tours increase engagement, reduce time on the market, and even boost sale prices. The benefits include:
Increased buyer interest: Listings with virtual tours receive higher engagement rates.
Faster sales: Properties showcased through Matterport tend to sell quicker.
Greater accessibility: Buyers can view properties anytime, anywhere, making the process more efficient.
Conclusion
As the real estate industry continues to evolve, embracing technology like Matterport is no longer optional—it’s essential. Companies like the Keyes Company demonstrate that integrating virtual tours into marketing strategies empowers agents, improves client experiences, and drives success.
For real estate professionals looking to stay ahead, Matterport offers a competitive edge that transforms property marketing in 2024 and beyond.