Video Openhouse

We began 2009 with an anticipation of change. Does it feel like we are back to the same old things? After the enjoyment of the holidays, we are seeing sparks of hope and optimism that the rough patches of 2008 are behind us. Many of us have ambitious plans to making real changes. Following through on resolutions is helping us achieve success in the New Year.

Is the New Year keeping up with your expectations? Changes are happening. The Bank of Canada’s deep interest rate cuts will stimulate credit flow, having a positive impact on the economic outlook for 2009. The federal government’s tax-free savings account will help save money. We have yet to see what impact the upcoming stimulus package will have. The hope US President Barack Obama has been calling for seems to be materializing all around us, for Canadians at least.

We have found this to be a good time to align with our goals. We are working hard to help encourage positive growth by making sure we set attainable goals. We are remaining disciplined while visualizing accomplishing them and making sure we have a plan for setbacks. We are entering the Chinese Year of the Ox, which embodies the spirit of steady persevering patience, while inspiring confidence in others. This is a great time to set plans to plough through for long term growth. We can all accomplish whatever we like, whenever we choose.

Progress is steadily happening. A theme of realizing new resolutions seems to be echoing across the world. What positive steps are you taking? How are you modifying your behaviours to be more in line with what’s happening in the world? Will developing habits that are more mindful of our surroundings and present in the moment help us move forward with our objectives?

Nighttime photography gives stunning photos and videos, the added engaging visual effect  from the sharp, vivid colours of a properly exposed night shot can add real value to a listing.
During the summer months these shots must be taken outside of business hours, thus an $80 charge applies.

The sun is now setting during business hours.

Until the sun moves and the days get longer, you can book a night shoot during business hours for the same price as a regular shoot.

Make your listings stand out by setting the mood and tone with the added ambience of a night shoot.

Happy New Year everyone!

We’re gearing up for a solid 2009, over the next few weeks we’ll be showing you some of the new things we’ve been working on to help us all have a prosperous new year!

Best Wishes from the team at Video Openhouse!

Curb Appeal: It can attract or deter buyers at first sight; a polished look goes a long way.  Here are some tips to prepare you, or your clients home for video and photography.

1. Exterior: Sweep the sidewalks and decks. Remove trash cans, recycling bins, toys, garden tools and hoses. Ensure seasonal decorations and lawn ornaments are put away. Grass, hedges and flowerbeds should be manicured. Remove vehicles from driveways. Take pool covers off.
2. Interior: Maximize light, by replacing burnt out or missing light bulbs. Make your windows and mirrors sparkle. Open all the blinds and curtains. Turn all lights and lamps on, even in the day light. Turn ceiling fans and televisions off.
3. Kitchen: Clear counters of dishes, dish racks, cleaning products and small appliances. Remove all magnets, messages, pictures, etc. from fridges. Shine stainless steel appliances, sinks and faucets. Conceal dish towels and all throw rugs. Relocate trash cans out of sight.
4. Bathrooms: Clear personal hygiene items, medications, and cosmetic products from countertops, bath tubs and shower stalls. Close toilet lids. Shine mirrors, faucets and countertops. Tuck trash cans, toilet brushes and plungers out of view. Open shower curtains. Remove bathmats, rugs and toilet seat covers. Display clean towels.
5. Bedrooms: Make all beds and tidy bedside tables. Hang or fold clothes and put away. Relocate laundry baskets and hampers to closets.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

JACKSON WEST from
Reveal Estate
Reveal Maximum Appeal
www.revealestate.ca
604-839-1478

To download this as a pdf please click [here].

We have a team of talented editors here in the office, many of whom have independent productions that they are working on. So in an effort to support local talent we are happy to support & sponsor the Impromptu Film Festival. Here is some information from the organizers of the event:

The Impromptu Film Festival (IFF) is a one-off Impromptu international film festival featuring films from around the
world, in this one day celebration of getting films seen and off the ground. This festival aims to promote filmmakers with future projects in development, showcasing what they’ve created in the past.

With submissions from around the world, this one day event will be held at the Vancouver International Film Centre, in their state of the art 175 seat facility. Year round the Vancity Theatre presents Vancouver audiences with some of the best cinema from around the world.

The proceeds from the festival help fund pre-production costs of independent films (up to $2500.00) and other costs of independant film makers.

The festival will be July 6, 2008. Come on out and support local talent, pass this on to any budding film stars, see you there.

A few quick things…
First, we’ve just finished producing our first company video, check it out on our newly revamped website: http://www.vopenhouse.ca/

Second, come visit us at the Real Estate Board Trade Show today at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (999 Canada Place)! Shane and Troy will be on duty, stop by and say hi!

Our colleagues from HipVP (Hip Visual Properties) recently informed us that they were leaving the Vancouver market and heading for a warmer climate … Portugal!  We first contacted Carmen Mattoli and Natalie Olszowy about a year ago to welcome their company to the real estate market in Vancouver.  Home video tours are still in their infancy and we appreciate anyone that is dedicated to encouraging the use real estate video.  We especially liked their multimedia window and their neighbourhood videos. 

Before they left, we acquired their stock video footage from the many landmarks around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.  We will be launching our new neighbourhood video service soon that will allow our clients the option of having an additional video tour of the neighbourhood to complement their Video Openhouse Tour.  It’s great way to give additional context to any virtual home tour.