This month my website has seen many updates. I've added the Talking House audio clips, so you can listen from home. I've also added the Talking House four minute video so you can get a better understanding of how it works. Finally I've started to add pages for each town here on the east end, starting with Riverhead and Southold town. The pages contain links to public services and local merchants. Look for more links and town pages to be added in the future. So come on over and take a peek at what is new at www.stephaniegalka.com.
<a title="StephanieGalka.com" href="http://www.stephaniegalka.com">Stephaniegalka.com</a>
www.stephaniegalka.com
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
From the Riverhead News Review
When a house speaks out
Publication The News-Review
Date June 07, 2006
Section(s) Business - Real Estate
Page
Byline
Brief Photo:25343,left,;Brokers now use airwaves to lure buyers
By Carolyn Thorenz
If these walls could talk ... they just might sell a house. New technology now allows homes on the market to do just that, providing instant information for house-hu
Brokers now use airwaves to lure buyers
By Carolyn Thorenz
If these walls could talk ... they just might sell a house. New technology now allows homes on the market to do just that, providing instant information for house-hunters.
Dubbed "Talking House," the latest innovation in real estate marketing is a small radio transmitter, about the size of an average VCR, that's programmed to broadcast information about a home's features to prospective buyers driving by. A sign posted in the front yard directs people to a specific AM frequency on their car radios for an instant audio virtual tour of the house and property. The FCC-approved system transmits from inside the house and doesn't interfere with TV or other radio reception.
People often shop for homes by driving around neighborhoods they'd like to live in, brokers say. The yard sign tells people how to "tune in" 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to providing instant information, Talking House helps prospective buyers remember which houses they are interested in.
When a homeowner decides to list with a realtor, certain services are offered as part of the commission package. Print ads, virtual Internet tours, mailings and open houses are customary approaches to putting a house "out there" for potential buyers to see. Some brokers have chosen to offer clients the additional service of Talking House, which gives potential buyers the opportunity to learn what's inside before they even contact an agent. Brokers purchase the transmitter themselves and include the service as part of the commission package.
With the pace of real estate slowing down, homes are staying on the market longer. Talking House is an additional option to help sellers generate interest in their property.
Adam Heller of Old Orchard Realty in Rocky Point has used the system in 30 homes over the past two years and says it's working well. He currently has clients using Talking House in Mattituck, Sound Beach and Rocky Point.
"The transmitter is non-intrusive and works within a one-block radius," Mr. Heller said.
Mr. Heller records three minutes' worth of information about each property, including the price, taxes, school district and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
"It's an audio virtual tour with highlights that add another dimension for prospective buyers," he said. "It's an added benefit to make a property memorable, but not a replacement for other ads."
Mr. Heller feels this type of service is a step in the right direction and helps generate phone calls from interested clients. "It's another tool to bring information to interested buyers," he said.
Stephanie Galka, a broker for Century 21 Agawam Albertson in Jamesport, agrees. She has been offering Talking House for the past three months and has never had anyone turn down the added service. "It piques the interest of buyers and sellers," she said.
Currently Ms. Galka is using the transmitter at 10 listings and has had an increase in inquiries about it. In fact, she has had clients list with her because the system was part of the package.
"People want instant gratification and the transmitter provides the service of giving information without wasting time," she said. "If someone is looking for a certain number of bedrooms or a home in a particular price range, the transmitter will offer that information allowing them to inquire further with a broker.
"It's a tool that gives instant information to potential buyers who would ordinarily drive by a 'for sale' sign without inquiring," she said.
Ms. Galka has set up a download feature on her website, www.stephaniegalka.com, that also enables Internet shoppers to hear a message about homes with the Talking House feature.
Janice Hillman of Reeves Park in Baiting Hollow recently listed her home for sale with Ms. Galka and Talking House.
Ms. Hillman and Ms. Galka reviewed what would be put on the message, which can be changed as needed, to give potential buyers the most information.
"With the transmitter giving the important house features to a possible buyer, they find out what they need to know right away." Ms. Hillman said.
Publication The News-Review
Date June 07, 2006
Section(s) Business - Real Estate
Page
Byline
Brief Photo:25343,left,;Brokers now use airwaves to lure buyers
By Carolyn Thorenz
If these walls could talk ... they just might sell a house. New technology now allows homes on the market to do just that, providing instant information for house-hu
Brokers now use airwaves to lure buyers
By Carolyn Thorenz
If these walls could talk ... they just might sell a house. New technology now allows homes on the market to do just that, providing instant information for house-hunters.
Dubbed "Talking House," the latest innovation in real estate marketing is a small radio transmitter, about the size of an average VCR, that's programmed to broadcast information about a home's features to prospective buyers driving by. A sign posted in the front yard directs people to a specific AM frequency on their car radios for an instant audio virtual tour of the house and property. The FCC-approved system transmits from inside the house and doesn't interfere with TV or other radio reception.
People often shop for homes by driving around neighborhoods they'd like to live in, brokers say. The yard sign tells people how to "tune in" 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to providing instant information, Talking House helps prospective buyers remember which houses they are interested in.
When a homeowner decides to list with a realtor, certain services are offered as part of the commission package. Print ads, virtual Internet tours, mailings and open houses are customary approaches to putting a house "out there" for potential buyers to see. Some brokers have chosen to offer clients the additional service of Talking House, which gives potential buyers the opportunity to learn what's inside before they even contact an agent. Brokers purchase the transmitter themselves and include the service as part of the commission package.
With the pace of real estate slowing down, homes are staying on the market longer. Talking House is an additional option to help sellers generate interest in their property.
Adam Heller of Old Orchard Realty in Rocky Point has used the system in 30 homes over the past two years and says it's working well. He currently has clients using Talking House in Mattituck, Sound Beach and Rocky Point.
"The transmitter is non-intrusive and works within a one-block radius," Mr. Heller said.
Mr. Heller records three minutes' worth of information about each property, including the price, taxes, school district and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
"It's an audio virtual tour with highlights that add another dimension for prospective buyers," he said. "It's an added benefit to make a property memorable, but not a replacement for other ads."
Mr. Heller feels this type of service is a step in the right direction and helps generate phone calls from interested clients. "It's another tool to bring information to interested buyers," he said.
Stephanie Galka, a broker for Century 21 Agawam Albertson in Jamesport, agrees. She has been offering Talking House for the past three months and has never had anyone turn down the added service. "It piques the interest of buyers and sellers," she said.
Currently Ms. Galka is using the transmitter at 10 listings and has had an increase in inquiries about it. In fact, she has had clients list with her because the system was part of the package.
"People want instant gratification and the transmitter provides the service of giving information without wasting time," she said. "If someone is looking for a certain number of bedrooms or a home in a particular price range, the transmitter will offer that information allowing them to inquire further with a broker.
"It's a tool that gives instant information to potential buyers who would ordinarily drive by a 'for sale' sign without inquiring," she said.
Ms. Galka has set up a download feature on her website, www.stephaniegalka.com, that also enables Internet shoppers to hear a message about homes with the Talking House feature.
Janice Hillman of Reeves Park in Baiting Hollow recently listed her home for sale with Ms. Galka and Talking House.
Ms. Hillman and Ms. Galka reviewed what would be put on the message, which can be changed as needed, to give potential buyers the most information.
"With the transmitter giving the important house features to a possible buyer, they find out what they need to know right away." Ms. Hillman said.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
New Content
It has been a few days since my last post. I have been busy though. This time of year the Real Estate market really picks up. Plus, I have been busy trying to add new content to my web site, and on top of all that I was interviewed this week by our local newspaper. The story centers on my use of the Talking House. Which brings me to the new content on my web site. First you will notice my husband has officially joined me. Second I have started to add audio clips (mp3 files) to enhance both the listings and other informational pages. For example you can now listen to the Talking House from your computer. Look for other informations clips to begin popping up all over my web site.
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