Consumer centric real estate media company raises the bar in Kelowna, BC

Aug. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- With all of the industry trends pointing to real estate consumers wanting high quality video to support their search for the largest investment they typically make, Okanagan entrepreneur, Mark Jennings-Bates created a company to streamline video production for Realtors, and provide consumers with what they are looking for - a digital destination for video news and property presentations.

Jennings-Bates who has been a real estate columnist for many years and is a REALTOR® with Realty Executives of the Okanagan, decided it was time to give consumers the news they were looking for. A digital destination where they can access timely information on the real estate market and view high quality videos of properties for sale in the region.

The most recent reports and surveys on the application of video to the real estate industry are telling. Most REALTORS® have yet to actually register a YouTube account, let alone produce videos. Many REALTORS® who do have any form of digital marketing are simply producing slide show with background music. According to Jennings-Bates, that isn’t what the consumer is looking for.

“It is clear from the data that we have now, that the consumer wants to engage with the video. Not a simple walk through. In this era of “Reality TV” we are entertained by flambouyant presenters who give us tips on how to renovate or buy a home, that is what we are now being compared to. A slide show doesn’t do it and a shaky walk through doesn’t work either. Professionally produced video with high quality sound, narration and with an engaging story are what works” said Jennings-Bates

Jennings-Bates is well aware of the trends in the industry. Last year alone, there were one Trillion views on YouTube alone, almost equivalent to 140 views per person on the planet. It is forecast that by the end of 2012, 50% of consumer internet traffic in the US will be for video viewing.

“Many REALTORS® need to understand that their marketing is getting ignored. The impatient consumer will look for the next video if theirs is not engaging, even if the property was desirable to the client. The consumer will literally take a few seconds to decide if the video is going to keep their attention” added Jennings-Bates.

KelownaHomes.TV has already seen success in their business model. With a blend of narrated video’s as well as walk through’s with REALTORS® and home owners, the site provides a subtle mix of styles that people find engaging and hold the consumers attention.

For Jennings-Bates however, the site also provides a destination for the real estate consumer looking for “real” news in local markets. No flambouyant headlines, just real news in real time. The site aims to update consumers on the trends in the region and the pro’s and con’s of buying in the Okanagan market. Topics covered will also include spotlights on the region as well as educational segments and interviews with local industry experts.

As the site gains popularity, Jennings-Bates expects to add services and staff and expand services into niche segments of the industry.