VAIL, Colo., Nov. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate recently remodeled its Arrowhead office and included new technology designed to help buyers become familiar with properties and their location without leaving the chic Arrowhead office. The technology, which incorporates the global mapping capabilities of Google Earth and a 40-inch Microsoft Surface Tabletop that acts as a large tablet, is believed to be the only system of its kind being used for real estate purposes in Colorado.
"The capabilities available in this office after the remodel are pretty astounding," says Matt Iverson, a longtime Slifer Smith & Frampton broker who works out of the Arrowhead office. "Now I can educate potential buyers about various neighborhoods, areas and landmarks throughout the entire Vail Valley and their proximity to one another, without the tedious and time consuming process of driving from one property to the next."
Iverson says that many potential buyers, especially those who may be looking to purchase a second home, aren't always familiar with the overall layout of the Vail Valley. In addition, he says that often clients have qualifications that help them decide where they want to buy. Some may include wanting to live on a golf course; proximity to skiing or trailheads; or even wanting to be in a somewhat secluded area.
"For example, we are very fortunate that now if a client wants to buy on a golf course I can give them an aerial view of all of the courses in the Valley and what listings are available on those courses," adds Iverson.
Slifer Smith & Frampton clients can also utilize the Map Search on the firm's website, www.VailRealEstate.com and view the available homes as they are "pinned" on Google Earth. Buyers can touch the location and link to the interior photos, virtual tours, videos and MLS listing information about the property and area.
"Imagine the same scenario with the clients that want to purchase on a golf course--not only can I show them where the property is, but I can also show them a virtual tour of the home, the views they will see from its windows, along with all of the other information about the home. We can quickly rule out properties that they aren't interested in and focus on physically visiting the ones they are interested in," explains Iverson. "Obviously the search becomes far more focused and productive while also being much less time-consuming for the client."
In addition to acting as a tool for familiarizing clients with the area and showing them the properties, the 40-inch touch screen, which is the size of a small conference table, can be used to update and sign documents using a regular wireless keyboard and a writing stylus.
"Overall, the efficient technology in the Arrowhead office means more time is spent looking at properties that fit the vision of our clients and a better understanding of everything the property has to offer," says Iverson. "It makes the entire process easier and is likely a glimpse of what shopping for real estate will be like most places in the future. It's like shopping from an Ipad the size of a table."
Founded in 1962, Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2012. The company is the premier real estate brokerage in the Vail Valley accounting for nearly 50% of the total sales volume annually (per the Vail MLS). With more than 100 brokers and 17 offices spanning the I-70 corridor from Vail to Eagle, Slifer Smith & Frampton is the authority on Vail Valley Real Estate.
A photo accompanying this release is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=15547
