SMARTePLANS, the interactive pictorial floor plans for luxury properties, has just been awarded a United States Patent (US 7,733,351,B1).  

Whew! Can you join me in a Whew?!   For any of you who have navigated the lengthy process to successfully obtain a patent ... you say "Whew!" .. quickly followed by WOO-HOO!! This is a moment of great joy!

Back in Dec 2004 Tom Peters delivered a presentation at the annual meeting of HAR regarding new ideas, new processes and CHANGE. It was his message that inspired me to continue developing, expanding,  and applying the SMARTePLAN concept.
 
The SMARTePLAN technology has been successfully serving the high end luxury home market in Houston for six years, resulting in an average of less days on market and higher property sale prices than other marketing methods (for 6 years in a row). 

Currently, as of 2010 mid-year stats,  33% of SMARTePLANS have sold at list price or above this year.

What makes a SMARTePLAN different from a floor plan? The easiest way to answer is for you to see one. Go to www.smarteplans.com  to see samples of "types" of SMARTePLANS, as well as homes actively being marketed on MLS now.

The short answer is SMARTePLANS are very detailed and complex property drawings that are interactive, with integrated photography and text links, showcasing the features and finishes of high end luxury properties for lease, sale or auction.  The most complex SMARTePLAN created to date was a 21,500 sq ft home listed for $17 Million; the largest was a 14+ acre Horse Farm.

Extreme attention is paid to depicting the detail and craftsmanship in each luxury property, none of which is lost to the viewer as the PDF format magnifies to show every detail. Photographs are embedded into the floor plan that show where the photographer was standing and the direction of each shot --- now the photography MAKES SENSE as viewers see it in relationship to the rooms --- vs. a slide-show of random rooms sliding by.   A very detailed room-by-room amenities text is compiled for the property and linked to the floor plan.  The result? A viewer can seamlessly click from the floor plan, to the photos,  to the amenities text and enjoy a detailed tour of the whole property.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not

Ranches and acreage also have SMARTePLANS - showing the WHOLE property and drilling down to see specific details. See a SMARTePLAN of a 14+ Acre Horse Farm w/ 7 Pastures, Stocked Lake, 8-Stall Barn, Covered Training Pen, Lighted Riding Arena and 3-Bedroom Home on the website.

Can we have a SMARTePLAN for a yacht?  Yes. The same technology is used to showcase the unique features of sailing and motor vessels. Take a look at a SMARTePLAN of a 42' sailing yacht on the website.

SMARTePLANS are uniquely designed to showcase and market luxury properties for sale, lease, resale or auction - whether it be homes, condos,  ranches, acreage, vessels, yachts, motor homes or aircraft - and now that technology is patented. Whew!

Thanks for stopping by!

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

www.smarteplans.com

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 [NOTE: SMARTePLANS are PDF files so they magnify to over 100%. When the file launches, click "View" on the top toolbar and make sure there is a checkmark next to the toolbar named "Select and Zoom". Every time you tap the plus key inside the circle the view screen enlarges (the minus key shrinks the magnification); and the magnifying glass with the plus sign in it marquee selects a specific area of the drawings to be enlarged. Using the hand key and the scroll bars, its easy to move around inside the file, and then magnifying the features you want to see.]

© SMARTePLANS 2010

The compilation above is the original creative work and copyrighted property of SMARTePLANS. You may link to it; but it may not be copied, nor reproduced in any form or format in whole or in part without the express written permission of Judith Sinnard.