Episode 376 - Brad Filliponi, Co-Founder, BoxBrownie

The Real Estate Sessions

Brad Filliponi, co-founder of Boxbrownie.com, is a passionate and service-oriented professional who has made a significant impact in the real estate photography industry in Queensland, Australia. Brad believes in making real estate photography more accessible and convenient for agents, emphasizing the use of phone cameras as "the best camera is the one you've always got on you." His perspective is shaped by his personal experience in the real estate industry and his desire to create a tool that would allow him to step away from being behind the camera. He views Boxbrownie.com as a technological solution for agents who may struggle to find professional photographers or are constrained by time. Join Bill Risser and Brad Filliponi on this episode of The Real Estate Sessions podcast to learn more about how Boxbrownie.com is revolutionizing real estate photography.

Quick Quotes

(00:06:23) "I think life's a bit more fun when you're sideways." - Brad Filliponi

(00:09:15) "I really feel that I know personally I've done the whole loop so for me to come and be called a disruptor I feel no one probably has earned that respect more than myself or people like me if you know what I mean. Like a one trick pony. I've been doing this forever and this was like a dream for me to almost get off the tools bill." - Brad Filliponi

(00:17:27) "But right here, right now, it is not up to scratch. There's numerous reasons I won't get into it, but it's not as good as the real thing yet. It will get better. And when it's better, we'll be offering it. You watch." - Brad Filliponi

(00:28:40) "It honestly turns your smartphone into a secret weapon. It's DSLR, professional quality." - Brad Filliponi

(00:34:00) "I think your listings are your online presence. They're like your window card to the world. So much like having a beautiful suit and a clean car. I think having beautiful looking marketing is another step towards selling a home and then getting other listing as well. So I think it's all those little 1% mate that all add up, doesn't it? Education and doing what you say and just delivering on what you do I think is a big thing too." - Brad Filliponi

(00:36:43) "The real estate industry has been very kind to, you know, it's great to be able to give back and I think the universe always gives back in marvelous ways. So whatever I can do, I'm just here to help." - Brad Filliponi

DETAILED OUTLINE

00:02:21 - Queensland, Australia

Queensland, Australia is a stunning destination known for its beautiful beaches and sunny climate. Brad, a resident of Queensland, compares it to the Californian coast and describes it as God's country. With temperatures reaching around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), Queensland offers perfect weather for outdoor activities year-round. The Sunshine Coast, where Brad resides, enjoys sunshine for at least 300 days a year. While there are occasional box and blue jellyfish in the waters, Queensland's dry heat makes it a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors. Overall, Queensland is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

00:06:12 - Outdoor Adventures

Brad Filliponi, co-founder of Boxbrownie.com, is a lover of outdoor adventures. He enjoys camping and has introduced his family to the joys of outdoor living. Brad embraces a wild side, enjoying activities that get his heart pumping, such as wakeboarding and wake surfing. He also appreciates the tranquility of nature, often taking leisurely strolls through the forest or exploring the nearby mountains in Queensland, Australia. Brad's love for outdoor adventures is a testament to his belief that life is more fun when experiencing the excitement that nature has to offer.

00:07:36 - Real Estate Photography

Brad, a real estate photography enthusiast, has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. He started his career shooting properties on film cameras before the digital era and honed his skills by studying photography during the transition to digital cameras. Today, Brad co-founded Boxbrownie.com, an innovative tool that simplifies the process of capturing and enhancing real estate photos. This tool allows agents to conveniently upload photos taken with their smartphones, eliminating the need for additional equipment and ensuring high-quality images for showcasing properties.

00:08:59 - BoxBrownie.com

BoxBrownie.com is an incredible tool for real estate professionals, co-founded by Brad. He had a vision to create a platform that would allow him to step away from the camera and start a family. With BoxBrownie.com, real estate agents can easily upload photos taken on their phones, eliminating the need for an extra camera and battery. One of the most impressive features of BoxBrownie.com is their virtual staging service, which is the most popular in the world. Unlike other companies that use AI, BoxBrownie.com employs real-life human editors to ensure the highest quality virtual staging. With their commitment to fair pricing and no subscriptions, BoxBrownie.com continues to revolutionize the real estate industry.

00:16:02 - Box Brownie as a global business

Box Brownie is a global business that has revolutionized the real estate industry by offering affordable solutions for selling properties. Brad Filliponi, the founder of Box Brownie, shared an interesting perspective on their approach to virtual staging. They use real-life human editors instead of AI, making them the leaders in this field. Virtual staging is a powerful tool that allows potential buyers to visualize a property's potential. Box Brownie entered the market with virtual staging at a significantly lower price compared to their competitors, and they have since dropped their prices even further. In addition to virtual staging, Box Brownie also offers renderings, which are computer-generated images that provide an artist's impression of a building or interior that is not yet built. They have even created the world's first automated rendering service, making the process quick and efficient. Overall, Box Brownie's innovative services have made selling real estate more accessible and cost-effective for both residential and commercial properties.

00:23:50 - Snap, Snap, Snap App

Box Brownie, a real estate photography company, has created an innovative app called Snap, Snap, Snap that revolutionizes the way agents capture property photos. Co-founder Brad describes the app as easy to use - just "get your camera out and go snap, snap, snap, upload." With the app, agents can take professional-quality photos using their smartphones, eliminating the need for additional equipment or batteries. The app is currently available on iPhone, with plans to expand to Android in the near future. Snap, Snap, Snap utilizes advanced camera algorithms to automatically adjust settings and capture seven HDR bracketed shots, ensuring optimal lighting and clarity in every photo. Additionally, the app offers editing services where real-life humans enhance the images by layering, balancing light, and even replacing the sky, all at a minimal cost. In summary, Snap, Snap, Snap is a game-changing tool that empowers real estate agents to effortlessly capture stunning property photos using their smartphones.

00:32:21 - Education and Innovation

Education and innovation are crucial in the real estate industry, as highlighted by Brad Filliponi, co-founder of Boxbrownie.com. Brad advises new agents to prioritize their education and stay informed about the latest property technology trends. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and warns against becoming outdated, using the example of Nokia. Attending conferences and listening to podcasts are suggested ways to stay educated and connected. Brad also emphasizes the significance of good marketing, stating that attractive listings and online presence are essential for success in a competitive market. In summary, education and innovation are key factors for agents to thrive in the real estate industry.