SMARTePLANs Blog

EEEPS! How did they get this info???

A new website is now operational that discloses to the public … direct from our MLS .... the days on market… SOLD price and other historical price data… and their home page says the data is updated every 10 minutes.  The website is open to EVERYONE … agents, brokers and the public .. all anyone has to do is register.

Another Houston Business Journal article published in February, when they launched, provides additional information about the realtor behind this business model.

Soooo consumers can now run their own comps, they can research any agent's sales performance, by neighborhood, basis days on market for the agents listings ... or see for themselves the days on market between each price drop. How long was it on the market before they dropped the pricce and how much was each price drop?

I can only imagine the impact this will/can have on other internet websites like .... Zillow's zestimates.... and other products as well. Verrrry interesting.

Thanks for Stopping By,

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

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SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room). All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions. This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not

[NOTE: SMARTePLANS® are PDF files so they magnify to over 6400%. When the file launches, you can zoom by using the tool bar. Every time you tap the plus key inside the circle the view screen enlarges (the minus key shrinks the magnification) Using the scroll bars on the bottom and the side, its easy to move around inside the file, and then magnifying the features you want to see.]

© SMARTePLANS® 2012

 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

Realtor A hired me to create interactive floor plans for one of his listings, a $3M golf-course property. The work includes a detailed property pictorial with 14 embedded photos inside of it that is integrated with an extensive room-by-room detailed description of the features and finishes of the property .... the whole package is contained in one PDF file and uploaded onto our MLS, becoming part of the agent's online MLS property listing. The fee to create these materials extends to the agent a right-to-use for as long as he is the listing agent. Once that term is resolved all usage rights revert solely to me and I retain (and register) the copyright.

Unfortunately Realtor A was dismissed without realizing a sale, and Realtor B was hired. In response to an inquiry about the property, Realtor B emailed to the inquiring party -- my floor plan drawings and 9 pages of my detailed amenities text describing the property. There is no question the materials are mine as my (registered and) trademarked logo is visible on the email as well as the copyright notice (in three places). There is no question it was sent as the email documents the transmission with time, date-stamp and the agents signature block .... including her (locally) franchised broker name and contact information.

So, is this an ethics violation and if so which part of the code of ethics is being violated (ie when filing a complaint you must identify the portion of the code that is being violated).

If you were Realtor A, would you file an ethics complaint? Why or why not?

If you were me ... the creator of the materials, would you file an ethics complaint? Why or why not?

I'll give you a chance to comment and then relay to you what the TAR told me.

=======> This what the ombudsman told me on the phone: =========>

UPDATE .. I called the TAR ombudsman to discuss filing a potential ethics violation; I needed to find out the proper procedure and obtain the necessary forms. In order to file a complaint, the procedure requires you to state (specifically) WHICH portion of the code of ethics has been violated. The lady listened carefully to my description of the events leading up to my call.

TAR: "Are the marketing materials involved a correct representation of the house/property?" she asked.

Me: "Yes they are."

TAR: "Then I don't think there is a violation... with respect to marketing materials, our code of ethics is only violated if the materials are fraudulent or misleading, and if you say the materials are correct in representing the property, then it does not sound like there is a basis for a violation.

Me: "Let me get this straight, one of your members can steal marketing materials, violate a federally registered copyright and federally registered trademark, and use these materials that they didn't pay for to market a property and become commissions payable on a transaction ... and this doesn't violate any part of your code of ethics?"

TAR: "Ok, I admit that when you put it like that ... it does sound pretty silly... BUT understand the Code of Ethics and its statutes are written to cover specific portions of the transaction ... and as far as marketing materials go... the statute requires they be a true representation of the property --- and you have said that they are true and correct. Your issue is one of property rights -- who "owns" the materials and has the right to use them -- and is best handled as a civil matter, or in federal court as you previously explained because of the copyright and trademark issues."

Me: [LIGHTBULB GOING OFF in an AHA moment!] Yes! ... what she said actually made sense ... even though it was quite contrary to my way of thinking when I got into this conversation.

TAR: She continued, "From what you told me, it seems that you would be best served in obtaining remediation through the federal courts since the copyright and trademark are both federally registered. I can help you file a complaint here, but as I explained, the source statute is not strongly in your favor and after you go through this whole process it may likely result in a warning or a small fine." [ie. "Small fine was later described as $50-$150]

I thanked her for her time and THAT is how I came to be filing a lawsuit in The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division against a local Realtor... instead of filing an ethics complaint with TAR.

 Thanks for stopping by,

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

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SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room). All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions. This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not

[NOTE: SMARTePLANS® are PDF files so they magnify to over 6400%. When the file launches, you can zoom by using the tool bar. Every time you tap the plus key inside the circle the view screen enlarges (the minus key shrinks the magnification) Using the scroll bars on the bottom and the side, its easy to move around inside the file, and then magnifying the features you want to see.]

© SMARTePLANS® 2012

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

Here is what apparently happened: A realtor client hired me to create the plans for this extensive luxury property. Unfortunately, that agent's brief listing agreement was not renewed.   A new agent was hired and in response to an inquiry about the property, emailed to the inquiring party --- my floor plan drawings and 9 pages of my detailed amenities text describing the property.

I say “had to file” because I cannot turn a blind eye to theft and as the copyright owner I am the only one who can file. If I do not file … it pretty much puts the first agent – who paid for the materials --- in the position of subsidizing the 2^nd agent’s marketing materials – who used them for free --- which we can all agree is ridiculously unfair. No agent on the planet thinks subsidizing his competitors marketing expenses is a good thing.

If YOU Didn’t Create It, or Personally Hire and Pay Someone to Create it For YOU --- Don’t Use It!

There seems to be a disturbing trend in our society that people do not appear to make decisions based on what is “right” or what is “wrong” anymore --- but rather on their assessment of whether they will get caught. I urge you to re-think that position if you believe it is a viable one.

Consider the Following:

 -  It’s highly likely that those who own visual arts also have the means to both track and find misappropriation of their property

 -  It’s also highly likely those who create visual arts have a base of customers/ family/ friends/ clients who readily recognize their work and will not hesitate to report possible misappropriations – you will get caught… its not “if” … its WHEN

 -  It’s also highly likely that those who create visual arts are more than conversant with copyright law as this body of law protects their LIVLIHOOD; many have attorneys on retainer.

 -  As real estate agents your profession is one based on trust. Having to appear in court and explain your involvement in copyright infringement (i.e theft) hardly bolsters your reputation for trustworthiness, nor your brokers.

Copyright / trademark and patent infringement are usually not in civil court, but rather federal court and there is currently no “small claims court” for purloined IP (intellectual property). Litigating IP is a specialty, and attorney fees are in the $400-$600 per hour range, and rarely do they take cases on contingency. It will cost you generally about $25K just to walk through the door of the federal courthouse to begin your case; once discovery is underway you can maybe squeak by with another $50K.

If the copyright was registered (this one was; most of mine are) you can also expect to pay all of my attorney fees and court costs as well as yours. Do the math… $400 per hour attorney fees add up rapidly. In this case my logoed trademark (also federally registered) and copyright notices were still on the emailed drawing … although some identifying marks were whited-out on the 9 pages of amenities text. In court this would likely be evidence of “willful” infringement which can allow for additional penalty fees to be assessed by the court (on top of everything else).

But you’re not alone in this, your broker will also likely be named in the lawsuit … so their name and professional standing is also at risk … thanks to you

Don't do this ... Don't risk this... If you don't happen to believe it is "wrong".. than believe you will get caught.

Thanks for stopping by!

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room). All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions. This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not

[NOTE: SMARTePLANS® are PDF files so they magnify to over 6400%. When the file launches, you can zoom by using the tool bar. Every time you tap the plus key inside the circle the view screen enlarges (the minus key shrinks the magnification) Using the scroll bars on the bottom and the side, its easy to move around inside the file, and then magnifying the features you want to see.]

© SMARTePLANS® 2012

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

4614 Laurel in Bellaire Texas is a large home exquisitely appointed and loaded with all the “extras” buyers want to have in their new home. What kind of extras?

Formals, extensive use of millwork and moldings, specialized lighting, and abundant storage areas highlight this property; premium finishes throughout the property include granite, marble and two glittering Schonbeck® crystal chandeliers.

The 2-story Foyer and Reception Hall is open to the Formal Living Room on one side, and the Formal Dining Room on the other and recessed between them is the semi-circular granite bar with service to three sides --- ideal for hosting guests. The adjacent Powder Room and Study provide perfect flow for entertaining.   Let’s open up the SMARTePLAN and take a closer look at this layout. (Use the zoom features to enlarge the plan so you can study every detail).

Notice also in the SMARTePLAN the recessed alcove next to the Dining Room with built-in marble buffet server and upper level lighted and glass-faced display cabinets – how very convenient. 

As you can see the Formal Dining Room is luxuriously appointed and has one of two Schonbeck® crystal chandeliers.

 Not only is this a home for entertaining guests, but it is a large home with perfectly proportioned space for “family” living. As you can see in the SMARTePLAN, the Family Room, Breakfast Room and Kitchen are each distinct areas with their own features, but are also open and accessible to each other. 

The Family Room has a double fireplace (shared with the Living Room) with a 55” Samsung® flat panel TV and speakers mounted over the mantel --- and a wall of built-ins that also includes an aquarium.  The semi-circular Breakfast Room has a wall of windows overlooking the pool and terrace area; and the Kitchen is spectacular with modern stainless appliances, slab granite counters and slab granite backsplash.

To really appreciate the attributes of each room, use the Amenities Text  with its detailed room-by-room description of features and finishes as a guidebook to tour the property. Clicking on any arrowhead in the floor plan launches the photo and the description for that room is below the photo .. but its all linked together so you can’t get lost.

As an example, you might not notice in the drawing there is a lift-up/lock-in-place work surface right next to the gas range, but it is clearly detailed in the Amenities Text. These two documents work together … one with pictographs, one with text … to fully showcase to buyers the features in each and every room.

The Master Suite is private and secluded and will especially appeal to those who seek a “master down”. The Master Bedroom has a private glass door to the rear terrace, as well as a bay window alcove overlooking the pool and pool terrace.  The Master Bath is expansive and features an air-jetted tub and steam shower as well as two large walk-in master closets configured with Programme Martin® custom organizational/storage components.  The Amenities Text details the size of the closets, as well as a description of the customization to wrest every square inch of usable storage space easily and conveniently…. Take a look.

“Customization for ease and efficiency” could be the tagline for this property.  Many, many extra features have been put into this property that you won’t find elsewhere.  Like what? 

·         Well… like… the garage with walls totally configured with the GarageTek® organizational system, as well as the skid-resistant, stain resistant rubberized flooring and an air compressor outlet.

·          Or how about the oversized and air-conditioned Hobby Room/ Work shop (20’x 7’) lined with tall cabinet storage and corner desk with two work stations, wall-mounted pegboard and air compressor outlet? 

·         Or the Office/Media Room (11’ 10” x 15’ 2’) lined with storage cabinets, file drawers and office work space for two?

·         Or the gift-wrapping station with a flat work surface and wall-mounted dowels to store and dispense rolls of ribbon and gift wrap paper?

·         Or the Game Room (14’ x 19’ 8”) with built-in cabinetry to house the TV, and outdoor covered balcony with Trex® deck overlooking the pool; and an adjacent Snack Room (18’ 10” x 13’ 3) with stainless sink set into granite counter and SubZero® beverage refrigerator?   

This is an amazing property, take the time to use the Amenities Text and SMARTePLAN to tour this property online.

 And the outdoor space is just as exciting as the inside. 

·         Extensive professional landscaping, tall privacy fencing, automatic sprinkler system, mosquito control system and landscape lighting is installed.   

·         A large covered porch with outdoor speakers, ceiling fans and Trex® deck has steps that descend to pool level with a variable depth heated saltwater pool, attached spa and also a bubbling fountain. 

·         The Summer Kitchen includes Bull®  stainless grill, stainless steel lockers and built-in ice chest with drain.

With Houston’s mild climate --- outdoor space is as important as indoor space and there is plenty to like with this house… you will not be disappointed.

This large home for sale in Bellaire is on a large lot and is loaded with premium finishes, desirable features, abundant storage, and thoughtful customization. Buyers just plain get “more” with this property than anything else in the area.

Print out the Amenities Text and compare it to other Bellaire homes.  THIS is the one you will come back to again and again --- THIS is the one you want!

Thanks for stopping by!

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

For more information about this property, send an email to the listing agent, Kathy Jones of Heritage Texas Properties at kathyjones@pdq.net

To view this property on Houston’s MLS  - Click on MLS# 90130604

Photography by T-K Images; 713-545-9177; tkimages@tkimages.com

[NOTE: SMARTePLANS® are PDF files so they magnify to over 6400%. When the file launches, you can zoom by using the tool bar. Every time you tap the plus key inside the circle the view screen enlarges (the minus key shrinks the magnification) Using the scroll bars on the bottom and the side, its easy to move around inside the file, and then magnifying the features you want to see.]

© SMARTePLANS®  2012

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.

Compare the two drawings of the first floor side-by-side. First of all we SHOW THE WHOLE PROPERTY, not just the structure. Do you think buyers are interested in THE PROPERTY and what it looks like --- not just how the rooms are laid out in the house? It's the same house... it took me about 45 minutes to erase all the patented SMARTePLAN features that make SMARTePLANS unique and different from every other floor plan you've ever seen ... in order to get down to this very pedestrian and totally unremarkable floor plan graphic.  

Now think about this .... if it takes me almost 45 minutes to ERASE FEATURES from the SMARTePLAN and dumb-it-down to a drawing consisting of  very basic elements  --- is that REALLY the the quality of materials you want selling your River Oaks Home? Is there some reason you want to reduce your River Oaks property image to one that simulates a Texas tract home built by a production builder?  Where are the ornately carved moldings, or inlaid parquet floors or any number of elegant features and exquisite appointments that are part of this property?

See them here.. click open the (real) floor plan and the amenities text and explore every inch of this property. The PDF format enlarges to 6400% percent so no detail is overlooked. These files are no longer linked (as they would be if the property was actually on the market) but you can easily see the extraordinary attention to detail and craftsmanship taken to portray and convey the best attributes of this property.

SMARTePLANs are patented online floor plan pictorials that upload onto MLS and become part of the property information available to potential buyers on the MLS 24/7.  The detailed pictorial with 14 embedded photographs showcases your property's features and finishes to interested buyers ... and for 8 years in a row.. have helped sell homes faster (less Days on Market) and for a higher price (Over 20% sold above list price in 2011).

Professionals and executives routinely transfer in and out of Houston. Months before they transfer, buyers and buyer's agents are reviewing properties and studying those with SMARTePLANS online. Photos launch out of the drawing with a click of a mouse and detailed text descriptions are linked to each photo as it launches ---- NOW the photos make sense because they are viewed in relationship to the drawing  --- instead of looking at a string of disconnected and random photographs. Potential buyers a world away can very confidently tour the property online and digest every detail.   Properties marketed with SMARTePLANS ALWAYS make their short list ... before they ever get to Houston, they KNOW these are the properties they want to see. 

If you are getting ready to put your River Oaks home on the market ... give yourself every edge, every advantage. Discuss this with your potential listing agent. 

Or what's even easier? Give Walter Bering and Victoria Minton of Martha Turner Properties a call. They are the listing agents who marketed this River Oaks Home last year. Listed at $8M, it sold quite rapidly.  

You can see samples of homes for sale currently on our MLS in all price ranges at www.smarteplans.com  See how other home owners have elected to have this powerful marketing tool work for them.

SMARTePLANS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE WOODLANDS AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Thanks for Stopping By,

Judith, The FLoor PLan Lady

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SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[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 specfic 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®  2012

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.

So , do your homework. When you are ready to put your West U home on the market in Houston ... give yourself every edge, every advantage. Each listing agent decides what tools they use to market your property, and they pay for those tools --- this is not a cost to the home seller. So, when it comes time for you to choose a listing agent, Choose a Realtor® who uses SMARTePLANS to market their properties -- ensure your property gets every marketing advantage it needs.

You can see samples of floor plan pictorials on homes for sale currently on the MLS  in all price ranges at www.smarteplans.com.   See how other home owners have elected to have this powerful marketing tool work for them.

Thanks for Stopping By,

Judith, The FLoor PLan Lady

Both Melinda Noel and Michele Scheffer are Realtors® with Greenwood King Properties and are located in their Kirby Office.
================
SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[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 specfic 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®  2012

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.

If you are a Woodlands home owner getting ready to put your home on the market, use a Realtor who uses SMARTePLANS to give yourself every market advantage. Below is a side-by-side comparision of the First Floor between a typical floor plan (like those used by builders) and a SMARTePLAN.  Which one do you think is going to showcase your property better to potential buyers?

Like many master planned communities, The Woodlands has floor plans on file from their builders. These are available to real estate agents for use when the home is subsequently re-sold. None of these will ever showcase your properties to potential buyers like a custom created SMARTePLAN.

Compare the two drawings of the first floor side-by-side. Do you think buyers are interested in THE PROPERTY and what it looks like --- not just how the rooms are laid out in the house? It's the same house... it took me about 45 minutes to erase all the SMARTePLAN features that make SMARTePLANS unique and different from every other floor plan you've ever seen... to get down to that typical and non-remarkable floor plan graphic.  

That should be a good clue --- if it takes me almost 45 minutes to ERASE FEATURES from the SMARTePLAN and dumb-it-down to make it look like an off-the-shelf floor plan builders used --- what sort of representation are you getting if that is what your agent uses? And if your real estate agent uses a copy of the floor plan from when the property was built, how will the features and finishes upgraded since that time be adequately represented to buyers?

The patented SMARTePLAN marketing system is designed to make your home STAND OUT ... it differentiates your property from other Woodlands homes on the market right away, because it shows the whole property! It ALSO highlights the features and finishes IN YOUR HOME with easy-to-understand pictographic images linked to detailed and descriptive annotations. Vaulted ceilings, doorway casings, window moldings, the pattern of inlaid floors, under-counter pull-out shelves, the INSIDE of closets ---  It shows the nitty-gritty detail that buyers WANT to see!!

SMARTePLANs are patented online floor plan pictorials that upload onto MLS and become part of the property information available to potential buyers on the MLS 24/7.  The detailed pictorial with 14 embedded photographs showcases your property's features and finishes to interested buyers ... and for 8 years in a row.. have helped sell homes faster (less Days on Market) and for a higher price (Over 20% sold above list price in 2011).

Executives routinely transfer in and out of The Woodlands. In-bound ones are on our MLS months before they transfer, reviewing properties and studying those with SMARTePLANS. Photos launch out of the drawing with a click of a mouse and detailed text descriptions are linked to each photo as it launches ---- NOW the photos make sense because they are viewed in relationship to the drawing  --- instead of looking at a string of disconnected and random photographs.  Properties marketed with SMARTePLANS ALWAYS make their short list ... before they ever get to The Woodlands, they KNOW these are the properties they want to see. 

Ask Michele Scheffer, an agent with Greenwood King who sold a home in West U for $1M+ to a man in London who bought the home before he ever saw it in person ... via the SMARTePLAN.  You can read about that here and also see the same floor plan that prompted this man to make his buying decision from London.

This is a jpg image in this blog post, so it may be a little fuzzy and hard to see, but SMARTePLANS are magnifiable PDF's. Click and COMPARE everything that is on the SMARTePLAN drawing that is NOT in the common floor plan.  Look at them side-by-side. The PDF file enlarges to 6400%, so no detail is too small. 

If you are getting ready to put your Woodlands home on the market ... give yourself every edge, every advantage. Discuss this with your potential listing agent. Each agent decides what tools they use to market your property, and they pay for those tools --- this is not a cost to the home seller. When it comes time for you to choose a listing agent, choose a listing agent who uses SMARTePLANS to market their properties -- and ensure your property gets every marketing advantage it needs. The cost to your agent? It is fifteen cents per sq ft. For a 3000 sq ft home, you take 3000 x .15 = $450 base rate; options may be added if desired. 

You can see samples of homes for sale currently on our MLS in all price ranges at www.smarteplans.com  See how other home owners have elected to have this powerful marketing tool work for them.

Thanks for Stopping By,

Judith, The FLoor PLan Lady

===============

SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[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 specfic 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®  2012

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.

Before I even embed up to 14 photogrqphs into the drawing ... just compare the two drawings of the first floor. Do you think people would be interested in THE PROPERTY and what it looks like --- not just where all the walls are in the house? It's the same house... it took me about 45 minutes to erase all the SMARTePLAN features that make SMARTePLANS unique and different from every other floor plan you've ever seen.

That should be a good clue --- if it takes me almost 45 minutes to ERASE FEATURES from the SMARTePLAN and dumb-it-down to make it a typical floor plan --- what sort of representation are you getting? Seriously?

The patented SMARTePLAN marketing system is designed to make your home STAND OUT ... it differentiates your property --- showing the whole property---  from other West U homes on the market! It highlights the features and finishes IN YOUR HOME that buyers WANT to see ... compare the two versions and which one does a better job?

SMARTePLANs are patented online floor plan pictorials that upload onto MLS and become part of the property information available to potential buyers on the MLS 24/7. 

The detailed pictorial with embedded photographs showcases your properties' features and finishes to interested buyers ... and for 8 years in a row.. have helped sell homes faster (less Days on Market) and for a higher price (Over 20% sold above list price in 2011).

This is a jpg image here in this blog post, so it may be a little fuzzy and hard to see, but click on the PDF file and COMPARE everything that is in a SMARTePLAN drawing that is NOT in a common floor plan.  Look at them side-by-side. The PDF file enlarges to 6400%, so no detail is too small. The photos get embedded into the drawing and the whole package uploads onto MLS and sells homes much, much faster. 

Does this really work? Ask Michele Scheffer, an agent with Greenwood King who sold a home in West U for $1M+ to a man in London who bought the home before he ever saw it in person ... via the SMARTePLAN.  You can read about that here and also see the same floor plan that prompted this man to make his buying decision from London. Or ask her about the home she had with 4 offers BEFORE IT GOT ON THE MARKET -- BEFORE IT HAD AN MLS NUMBER! Yep.... It wasn't even on MLS yet, but she DID have the SMARTePLAN she could email to interested buyers!!!

If you are getting ready to put your West U home on the market in Houston ... give yourself every edge, every advantage. Realtors decide what tools they use to market your property, and they pay for those tools --- this is not a cost to the home seller. When it comes time for you to choose a Realtor, Choose a Realtor who uses SMARTePLANS to market their properties -- ensure your property gets every marketing advantage it needs.

You can see samples of homes for sale currently on our MLS  in all price ranges at www.smarteplans.com  See how other home owners have elected to have this powerful marketing tool work for them.

Thanks for Stopping By,

Judith, The FLoor PLan Lady

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SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[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 specfic 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®  2012

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.

Mitch Beasley with Heritage Texas Properties sold 2 Bellaire homes last year very quickly, in fact it was virtually overnight.

Mitch Beasley sold 4428 Vivian in Bellaire with 1 day on the market and also sold 4611 Pine in Bellaire with 2 days on the market.  

Bellaire is in Area 17 SOUTHWEST on our MLS and the average days on Market for Area 17 SOUTHWEST in 2011 was 81 days. Clearly, he is out-performing the market and selling properties faster in Bellaire.

Selling properties faster in Bellaire’s neighborhoods?  Yes!  We say “faster” because they had less days on market than Bellaire’s average and let’s not forget Mitch sold these in two separate Bellaire neighborhoods.  Below is the information for each property, and let’s take a closer look at these rapid sales in popular Bellaire neighborhoods, a well known Houston suburb near the Medical Center.

Area 17 – SOUTHWEST = Southdale Subdivision in Bellaire; MLS# 33269668

This home, located at 4428 Vivian, in  MLS Area 17 – SOUTHWEST and listed at $632,000, sold with 1 day on the market in Bellaire, Texas. The average days on market for Area 17 in 2011 was 81*- But Mitch sold this home in Bellaire in 1 day.

Area 17 – SOUTHWEST = Post Oak Terrace Subdivision in Bellaire; MLS# 20532441

This home, located at 4611 Pine, in MLS Area 17 – SOUTHWEST and listed at $495,000, sold with 2 days on the market in Bellaire.  Again, the average days on market for Area 17 in 2011 was 81*- But Mitch sold this home in Bellaire in 2 days.

When selling your home in Bellaire, Texas whether it is in the Southdale or Post Oak Terrace subdivision as these were, or another Houston neighborhood, you want to call the local Bellaire expert, Mitch Beasley.

On both of these listings  Mitch Beasley utilized the SMARTePLANS®  marketing system and the results were a rapid sale for both these Bellaire neighborhood properties.

If you have a home in Bellaire, Texas that is ready to go onto the market, I’d give Mitch Beasley a call first.  Mitch’s 2011 success in rapidly selling Bellaire listings is something you want working for you.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

* Days On Market Data from Houston Association Realtors End of Year Report

Mitch Beasley is a Realtor® with Heritage Texas Properties

Tel: 713-705-4408     mitch@heritagetexas.com

Professional Photography From Mitch Beasley’s Property Listings on MLS

SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[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 specfic 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®  2012

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.

Melinda Noel, with Greenwood King Properties, sold 4 homes last year over list price in four separate areas of the city, demonstrating her ability to sell properties faster and for a higher price in multiple neighborhoods. 

Selling properties faster in Houston? Yes!  We say “faster” because they had less days on market than Houston’s average and let’s not forget Melinda sold these OVER list price.  Below is the information for each property, and let’s take a closer look at these popular neighborhoods in Houston.

Area 17 – SOUTHWEST = West U, Bellaire, Rice, Southside; MLS# 56397319

This home, located in Area 17 – SOUTHWEST and listed at $849,000, sold OVER list price with 10 days on market.  The average days on market for Area 17 in 2011 was 81*- But Melinda sold this home in Area 17 – SOUTHWEST in 10 days.

 

Area 13 – NORTHWEST =

Cypresswood, Champions, FM1960, Klein; MLS# 23516174

This home, located in Area 13 – NORTHWEST and listed at $110,000, sold OVER list price with 4 days on market.  The average days on market for Area 13 in 2011 was 90*- But Melinda sold this home in Area 13 – NORTHWEST  in 4 days.

Area 22 – CENTRAL WEST = Woodway, San Felipe, Westheimer, Fountainview; MLS# 77145548

This home, located in Area 22 – CENTRAL WEST and listed at $189,000, sold OVER list price with 9 days on market.  The average days on market for Area 22 in 2011 was 99*- But Melinda sold this home in Area 22 – CENTRAL WEST  in 9 days.

Area 16 – CENTRAL = River Oaks, Kirby Dr, Memorial Drive; MLS# 4308454

This home, located in Area 16 – CENTRAL and listed at $559,000, sold OVER list price with 11 days on market.  The average days on market for Area 16 in 2011 was 97*- But Melinda sold this town home in Area 16 – CENTRAL in 11 days.

Melinda Noel utilizes the SMARTePLANS® marketing system for all her listings and you can see this assists her successful marketing efforts across multiple sales areas in Houston and multiple price points.

If you have a home to sell in Houston, I’d give Melinda Noel a call and let her outline her successful selling strategy to you.

With her 2011 documented MLS sales record, I can say without hesitation:  “Melinda Noel Sold 4 Homes Over List Price in 4 Separate Houston Neighborhoods”

Thanks for stopping by!

Judith, The Floor Plan Lady

* Days On Market Data from Houston Association Realtors End of Year Report

Melinda Noel is a Realtor® with Greenwood King,  in the Kirby Office

Tel: 713-201-7400  melinda@mnoel.com

Photography by T-K Images; 713-545-9177; tkimages@tkimages.com

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SMARTePLANS® have photos embedded inside the floor plan that launch with a mouse click .... each photo arrow is positioned in the plan where the photographer was standing --- so you can see where he was and what he was aiming at when he took the shot ... in relationship to the drawing. Beneath the photo is a description of that room. Once the photo launches you have a choice to link back to the floor plan and choose another photo, or read the amenities text for the WHOLE property (not just that particular room).  All the files are inter-linked so you can seamlessly click around this property, viewing the photos and reading the descriptions.  This is not a video ... you choose what you want to view ... or not. You can see samples at www.smarteplans.com

[NOTE: SMARTePLANS® are PDF files so they magnify to over 6400%. 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 specfic 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®  2012

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.