NJ developer makes use of "virtual realty."

Real Estate Weekly, March 30, 1994

Twenty-first century computer-animation technology is giving prospective homebuyers "photo realistic" views of the residences at The Ponds at Clearbrook before they are actually built, according to Clearbrook Partners, developers of the planned 600-home adult community in Monroe Township, N.J.

The Ponds' revolutionary sales presentation, designed by Plan-Tech, a N.J.-based computer technology company, combines true photography with computer-generated images to permit threedimensional "tours" of the homes - allowing lifelike inspection of exterior and interior details from a variety of perspectives, reports Kenneth Simons, a principal in the development team.

This is the first time the innovative video presentation is being used by a N.J. developer.

"Pre-construction sales at a new community are often hampered by the absence of full-scale models," says Simons. "Basing such an important decision as buying a home on onedimensional floorplans and brochures or miniature-scale models is both difficult and frustrating.

"But with this remarkable sales tool, we can guide prospects through a

room-by-room inspection of our homestyles, blending computer-animation with photography to fill in the blanks. Instead of showing the view from a mythical window in a yet-to-be-built home, for example, we can provide the window itself, as well as the room's walls, finishings and furnishings. Then the view becomes much more realistic and meaningful."

The presentation is extremely flexible, notes Simons, as simple keyboard instructions can alter the standard "tour" to zoom in on various features and details in answer to buyer queries or make specific sales points. And since the images are shown from a buyer's-eye perspective, viewers feel as if they are walking through the home itself.

"Nothing can replace full-size, fullyfurnished models," admits Simons. "But until they are available, this is certainly the next best thing - by far surpassing any of the traditional preconstruction sales tools."

For additional information and an appointment to view the innovative sales presentation, call 1-800-321-7693.