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Business, Responsive, Technology

5 WAYS YOU CAN HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN YOUR COMMUNITY IN A TRYING TIME

by Sotheby’s International Realty

During this time of uncertainty, it’s crucial to remember that, while following the CDC’s recommended safety steps, there are many ways we can support those in our communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sotheby’s International Realty agents are proudly invested in their local communities and, together, we wanted to share this resource for those able to make a positive impact during this trying time.

Support Small Businesses

Small businesses like local restaurants and retailers are some of the hardest hit as many states and provinces implement curfews and shutdowns. Think of the impact these establishments have on your community – and of what it would be like to not have them. Ordering take-out or delivery from local restaurants, purchasing gift cards for use at a later date (many restaurateurs have pledged gift card proceeds to support their impacted employees), or ordering a delivered meal for a loved one or neighbor are great ways to help your favorite local spots.

Give Blood

The Red Cross is reporting a severe blood shortage and is urging those healthy enough to donate to do so. Donating blood is a way to, quite literally, save lives. Some companies like Rejuvio or Vitalant will make house calls to collect your donation from your own home.

Check in on Friends, Neighbors, and Family

While social distancing or sheltering in place is in effect, those who struggle with anxiety and depression may feel worsened symptoms. Take the time to connect with loved ones and neighbors on the phone or through video chat. Social distancing can make some feel alone or overwhelmed, check to see if they need any assistance or necessities like food or toiletries.

Donate to a Food Bank

As schools and businesses are forced to close, food banks are under pressure. “One of the most significant impacts has been school closures. Without access to school meals, children lose a consistent source of healthy food,” says Feeding America, a nation-wide network of food banks. Monetary donations to your local food bank or items of need will help feed those struggling in your community.

Feeling Lost? Help the CDP

Not sure where else to turn and help? The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is a nonprofit organization that helps when disasters strike. With a fund dedicated to this current crisis, your donations will support healthcare workers, social service organizations, and those whose health puts them in a more vulnerable state.

Most importantly, continue to practice safe social distancing. We are all in this together, from our individual communities to the larger global society, and we hope you stay healthy and safe during this trying time.

Business, Real Estate, Technology

russ lyon sir welcomes aaron detzer

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury real estate agent, Aaron Detzer, to the Pinnacle Peak office.

Aaron has 20+ years of success leading sales and delivery teams in technology organizations. Notably, Aaron served as a partner in the national management consulting firm Systems Evolution, Inc. and was responsible for building their Dallas & Phoenix practices. After selling his stake in the firm in 2017, Aaron ran sales and delivery for I-ology, the Scottsdale-based Application Development firm that his wife built and owns. Aaron most recently served the ACA and Governor Doug Ducey as the SVP of Business Attraction for the State of Arizona.

Aaron is a native Arizonan and greatly involved in our community, coaches youth baseball and serves as a den leader with the Cub Scouts. Aaron is a devoted husband of 15 years to his wife, Trish Bear-Detzer, and a proud father to their 3 amazing children. 

Aaron’s strong professional background and desire for quality and a high standard of care make his partnership with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty an obvious choice. Welcoming him into our network was an easy decision and we are all excited about watching this next phase of his career unfold

sherri monteith, branch manager
Architecture, Augmented Reality, Real Estate, Technology

Sotheby’s International Realty Launches Virtual Staging Augmented Reality App: One of the First Experiences Built with Google’s ARCore

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty, powered by roOomy, Revolutionizes the Homebuying and Selling Experience for Sales Associates and Consumers

MADISON, N.J.  – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the launch of Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty(sm), a mobile augmented reality (AR) app that will bring a home’s virtual staging images from 2-D perception into augmented reality; the app was built with ARCore, Google’s AR Software platform, and is powered by roOomy, the leading virtual staging technology platform specializing in 3D/AR/VR content creation and application development. Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty allows consumers to visualize a house as their own before purchase, thereby curating the homebuying experience. Working closely with Google in the run up to ARCore’s release, the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand is the first real estate brand to launch and implement a virtual staging AR app, transforming the homebuying and selling experience for sales associates and consumers.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty is taking virtually staged images from a flat, 2-D screen into the house itself through the power of AR. The app also features a curated selection of AR interior designs, ranging from modern living rooms to traditional dining rooms that provides the consumer with the opportunity to immediately swap among these styles, something physical staging could never accomplish.

For video and images of the app in use, as well as quotes, click here. If you have one of Google’s ARCoreenabled mobile devices, download the app here.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty app features:

  • Visualization – Any property can be transformed through a curated selection of AR furnishings and décor sets. Listing-specific staging options will be available in the near future.
  • Recollection – The app has screenshot capabilities, allowing viewers to capture and store the images of AR furniture sets placed within the visit.
  • Shop – Virtual home furnishings can be clicked for more information about the product, including a link to exit the app and be directed to a retailer’s website. All furniture is shown to-scale and provides accurate room dimensions; ensuring furniture viewed in the app will be a fit, making purchasing and moving into a new home easier on new home buyers.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty app benefits: Research has shown that an AR experience allows consumers to form more accurate expectations, therefore increasing confidence in purchasing decisions and shortening the sales cycle.1

  • For prospective homebuyers – Viewing a potential house in AR breaks down visualization barriers that often accompany the homebuying process, allowing prospective homebuyers the unique ability to envision the house in their personal taste and style. Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty offers 1 Harvard Business Review, A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality, November-December 2017 issue the opportunity for buyers to ultimately see a house as their own home, increasing confidence in any purchasing decisions.
  • For home sellers / Sotheby’s International Realty clients – Selling a home with a Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate means tapping into the power of AR to sell the home by helping prospective buyers overcome the visualization barriers of touring an empty home or one decorated in style that differs from their taste.
  • For the Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate – The benefits for the sales associate are similar to those of the homebuyer and seller; Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty empowers the sales associate to present a home in an objective and neutral manner. The app also alleviates the need for sales associates to physically stage homes, allowing them to save money on the costs of either renting or buying and storing furniture.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty is available now for download in the Google Play Store. The app was built with Google’s ARCore, which can run on 100 million Android devices worldwide. The Sotheby’s International Realty brand will launch Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty for iOS this spring through a continued partnership with roOomy.

1 Harvard Business Review, A Manager’s Guide to Augmented Reality, November-December 2017 issue