Company Stresses Ease & Affordability So Agents Can Capture Buyers

RISMEDIA, Oct. 4, 2007-According to the National Association of Realtors®, 88% of all Internet home buyers rate photos and virtual tours as extremely or very important in their search. Recognizing the need for agents to better attract buyers in current market conditions, Homes & Land announced the launch of Homes & Land EZ Tour, its new online tour product which offers key product differences and agent benefits.

According to the company, Homes & Land EZ Tour automatically converts a listing with six or more photos (uploaded to www.HomesAndLand.com) into a 30-to-60 second online tour and requires no further production. Additionally Homes & Land EZ Tour does not require agents to have or purchase any special cameras, equipment or software. It will be available to agents who advertise their listings through any of the company’s nationwide network of franchisees.

The Homes & Land EZ Tour resulting effect is similar to the one used by film maker Ken Burns in his popular documentary on The Civil War. The automatic application seamlessly produces zoom-in/out and panning applications that put the listing in motion. Realtors can easily add more information or change music options if they desire. While this photo/video effect has been utilized in the real estate industry, Homes & Land EZ Tour offers it production-free and simplified for agents. An example of just one of the thousands of Homes & Land EZ Tours already available on the site can be seen at: http://www.homesandland.com/ListingSlideshow.cfm?SlideShowId=602&ListingId=10650992.

Homes & Land says that Realtors® benefit further since the company allows their Homes & Land EZ Tour to be posted to personal Web sites and to other popular real estate Web sites. This strategic approach ensures that the listing is accessible and seen through a comprehensive and effective array of print and online mediums.

“Photos and virtual tours are necessary for creating impact and this is especially important in today’s buyer’s market,” said Pat Nadler, chief executive officer, Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC. “However, we know that agents shouldn’t have to be experts or spend a lot of money on technology when working with a comprehensive marketing company. We also know that agents have an overwhelming number of advertising options. They should invest their time and their dollars with a company that can provide an integrated marketing strategy.”

The company’s exclusive production system enables agents’ magazine ads to automatically populate HomesAndLand.com. In turn, HomesAndLand.com shares its listing content with 26 other major Web sites creating added value for advertisers. In addition to its magazines and online marketing programs, the company’s marketing mix offers agents relocation, client contact, and direct mail programs, as well as a variety of ancillary tools, such as AdEssential, a free, customizable personal Web site for Realtors®.

Homes & Land believes that their online products are necessary in today’s consumer-driven market and are also in line with the company’s focus on attracting the upscale market.

“Higher-end buyers expect robust Web content and online tours are just one way we meet our objective of attracting this consumer to our brand,” said Rob Wicker, Chief Marketing Officer, Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC.

The company’s median listing price is $472,000, well above the national median. According to Hitwise, fifty percent of consumers who visit HomesAndLand.com have household incomes in excess of $100,000. “This is twice the real estate industry average and therefore significant for agents who work the higher-end market,” said Wicker.

For more information, visit www.HomesAndLand.com.

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